VRBO question

[TinkandAriel]

Well, I guess I just need reassurance. I found a townhouse on VRBO, in the resort we stayed at last year. (Weirdly, it's not that far from the one we stayed in, and the place is large) It's a great location, walk out the back door to one of the smaller pools.
My issue is this, (and it's really just an over-obsession on my part) What if I pay this non-refundable deposit and it turns out this guy really doesn't own a townhome there? What if...what if....what if....!!?? Someone tell me that it's perfectly fine.
Another issue is, I don't wanna wait 7 months to go!! I'm nervous that if I go ahead and pay the non refundable deposit dh'll say "heck, let's just go in April after all!" and I'll have to kill him.
I guess I'm just an over-worrier....

 

[ALnRYSmom]

What if I pay this non-refundable deposit and it turns out this guy really doesn't own a townhome there? What if...what if....what if....!!?? Someone tell me that it's perfectly fine.

If you really want this townhouse and have some info on the owner, you can always check the property tax records to make sure he does indeed own it.

Just click on property search for the following counties.

For Kissimmee in Osceola County go here and put in the subdivision and owner's name last name first. If you only have the address you can put that in and it should show the name of the owner. I know more about this search since this is the county of the city where the condo I am renting is in.

For Orlando or Lake Buena Vista in Orange County go here.

For Davenport in Polk County go here.

I've been able to find the owner's full names by doing a google search on their phone number.

Another issue is, I don't wanna wait 7 months to go!! I'm nervous that if I go ahead and pay the non refundable deposit dh'll say "heck, let's just go in April after all!" and I'll have to kill him.
I guess I'm just an over-worrier....

As for this.... Not sure what to say. It was easy for us to decide our dates since we are working around other vacation plans.

Good luck and I hope you have a magical vacation. Please let me know if you have any questions about doing the property search.

 

[kldalrymple]

We've rented from owners on VRBO twice before with excellent results. Once was a condo in Destin, another was a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN. Both times we got fantastic deals in great places. VRBO has a comments section on each listing that shows comments and ratings from previous guests. I'm sure it could be manipulated by the owners, but I think you are generally OK if you look for one with a longer history and good comments. Like I said, we've had good luck so far. We always check VRBO and eBay before booking a condo or the like.

 

[jeffreyml]

We also have used VRBO numerous times. These are homeowners who more than likely use a management company but want to increase their rental income by letting more people see the property.

We are leaving for Disney Thursday and staying at a home we found last minute. You can't beat the prices and ease of rental.

 

[deejay-55]

There is always an element of trust involved - you are trusting the owners to rent you their vacation home, and they are trusting you to treat it with respect. Mostly everything works out fine.

 

[browntrout]

I used Paypal and the user was verified with a significant history. I hoped that I would be able to dispute it with their resolution center should it be a scam. Also the owner I rented from set it up so I could call the resort and confirm our reservation prior to my payment being sent.

 

[Chrisinroch]

Or you could call the clubhouse at the community and ask if s/he is the owner. The reason we ask for a deposit at our house is simply because the week is lost if somebody backs out at the last minute. My other advice is to find an owner you trust and stick with them.

 

[KayR]

I understand your apprehension. Chances are everything will be fine.

VRBO is part of the Homeaway group and they have a rent with confidence guarantee. Take a look at this link here for more information on it.

Additionally take a look at how long they have been listed - right at the very bottom of the VRBO ad in very small writing, it will say

This listing was first published here on .......

The older the date, the longer the person has been advertising there. If it is a long time, that should give you added confidence - if there was a problem with the owners not owning the property - they would have been thrown off the site very quickly. (However just because an owner is a recent advertiser on the site is not always a negative thing - it may be that they have just recently purchased.)

Also, ask the owner if you can speak to their management company.

Regards

--Kay