What makes you choose a Vacation Home?

[JohnnySharp2]

Location - we prefer to be just off the 192 close to restaurants, supermarkets, Disney and the I4.

South facing pool - ensures you get the sun all day

age of home - prefer a fairly new villa

carpet in the lounge - tiles not suitable for our son

fenced pool - ensuring total privacy

price - only 3 of us so we do want value for money

ceiling fans - find these are a big help in keeping the villa at a nice temperature, especially at night

TV in the bedrooms and VCR/DVD player in the lounge - for our son's benefit

 

[Brian Noble]

One other thing I've noticed: I tend to gravitate towards houses where the owners actually stay in them from time to time. In other words, I prefer homes where the owners are using short-term rental to help finance their own vacation lifestyle, rather than homes that are pure investment plays. The "real homes" often have little touches that make them much more pleasant for a family on vacation than the "investment homes" do. For example, "real homes" often have some neat serving pieces in addition to cookware and table service---a couple of chip-n-dip plates, whatever. "Real homes" also have some unusual quirks, too. That's either part of the fun, or really annoying, depending on your own point of view. We like it, but we also rent private homes when we visit the outer banks, and so have come to enjoy these personal touches.

Even if you view your home as primarily an investment, you should consider staying in it (and possibly even hosting guests with you) from time to time just so you can see it from your renters' perspective.

 

[isla bonita]

Brian great minds think alike. Every time we go down I try to pick people's brains for we do not all vacation alike.

When we first started down I refused to cook. OK but when my friend Lori and her family came she made a big pasta lunch for every one. We had to eat in shifts the pans where to small.

Good way to find out you need bigger pans seeing our home has a 12 adult occupancy. Every time we are down we add to our home. I am allowed to bring 15 pcs. of luggage on our SW direct flight. I am always needing my family and friends to also take things down.

I ask all guests when they return how things were and if they think the house needed any thing. I call when they first arrive to see if they have found items. I am not down there but 27 days a year so once I leave really who know where things end up in the home.

To be honest every time I go down I have to go through items make sure everything is in good condition. My biggest replacement item is spatulas. I think they use them on the gas grill? Of course not sure but man are they in rough shape all the time. And yes grilling utensils are there. Just might not find them in time.

Our extra touches I hope like you have stated add to your vacation. My personal favorite is the blender. We have owned our home for 2 years and have had to replace it already so I am guessing it is every one elses also. I also like the juicer because we pick our own fruit and it comes in handy. The kids like to take turns. You need all the help you can get to make fresh lime juice for an awsome Margarita!

Just so you know the kids get there smoothies also from their labors. LOL

 

[HenDuck]

We usually go with my parents, and next time, with DS and DB too. Our list of "must-haves" is:

1) Two "real" king master suites with en-suite baths (not one real master suite and another regular room with a king bed smooshed into it).

2) Non-smoking; no pets allowed.

3) Pool and jacuzzi. Must have heat. My mom likes the jacuzzi HOT, even in the summer!

4) No game room in the garage! We like to park in an enclosed, secure garage.

5) A/C (no brainer)

6) full-sized washer and dryer

7) Full-sized fridge, range, oven, micro, and dishwasher

8) BBQ grill

9) No back neighbors

10) in the Splendid China area (Windsor Hill, Formosa Gardens, Indian Creek, Emerald Island, etc.)

11) Local management company

12) security system (for pool and whole house).

13) large tv in family room and at least tvs in the two master suites.

14) wireless access and playstation/game cube is a plus!

Having said all that, we usually split the bill with my parents. So we're looking at spending around $1,400 per week, so $100 per family per night (for up to 5 bedrooms and 4 baths). (Taxes and pool heat can be extra.) While I'm not opposed to paying more than that, I have found that this price range offers a lot of options for what we want.

I would love to own a vacation home in Kissimmee one day...I'm still working on DH on that one!

 

[sames1]

Wow...

I never expected such conflicting answers. My management company is screaming at me to add a game room for example, but some people don't care and some prefer not to have one.

Some people want new furniture and some say they don't want fancy furniture and items that the kids can destroy.

Some people must have a hot tub and big screen tv, other's don't care at all.

Price wasn't even consistant. Some wanted the best deal, others cared more about location and other factors.

What this has taught me is that I can't expect to please everyone, so I must find my niche with my home. What I plan to do is make it the way I want it for myself and find guests that like what I have to offer. It seems like the best way to go.

Recently I added wireless high speed internet . That is something I personally can't live without and something I wanted for me. People like my parents don't even care about that and would rather have more pots and pans or flowers on the table.

Thanks for all the comments. I would love to hear more opinons as well. Some of you mentioned things I had never considered.

 

[mbb]

...What this has taught me is that I can't expect to please everyone, so I must find my niche with my home. What I plan to do is make it the way I want it for myself and find guests that like what I have to offer. It seems like the best way to go.....

Exactly

Even WDW with all their different resorts can't appeal to everyone

I'll echo everyone's comments about what they look for in a home away from home..and obviously, different for everyone.

I didn't see anyone mention how an owner contacts a potential renter - even before any deals are done.

It drives me crazy to send out enquiries to homeowners, and get back a "electronically generated" response. I don't mind the "cut and paste" home description, but give me a little more of who you are, and why I should rent your home...

I appreciate the "Got your email, but we don't have availability for your time frame...our neighbour's own this home, perhaps that would work for you" kind of stuff.

I like the owners who tell me that they have everythig on our needs/wish list, but oops, they don't have a gas barbeque...but they can make arrangements for us to have one (if the developpment permits it)

We ask for a total price for our time frame, including taxes, and pool/spa heat. Please don't ask me to figure out how much $96/night, plus tax, plus pool heat, plus taxes on that would be for Xamount of nights...and if you're willing to be flexible on price, tell me what that is up front. Directing me to the website and saying "we can deal" is a deal breaker, as far as we're concerned If we're getting an off season/long stay discount, tell me what it is so we'll know.

I spend too much time and eye strain looking at homes to have to do the math too!!

We're great renters, thrilled to be guests in your home and we take care of your home (better than ours at home, I think!! ) And sadly, I know not all renters are like us.

The best part for me is walking my little family in the door, and they're excited that "all this is ours??!! It's lovely, it's comfortable!" while we're at the one place we truly relax....because I know there's an owner wondering every day if my little family is having fun on vacation.

And if they're wondering, they'll zip us an email (because there is high-speed), or give us a quick call(and free international/Canada/US calls) to see "how everything is??"


It's all about the service....before, during and after..the sale

HTH!!

 

[JANNYANS]

posted by mbb
I appreciate the "Got your email, but we don't have availability for your time frame...our neighbour's own this home, perhaps that would work for you" kind of stuff.

Unfortunately there are many owner sites that do not allow you to do that-pass the inquiry onto anyone else .Those owners who do and are caught doing it generally lose their place on the sites.


give me a little more of who you are, and why I should rent your home.


Are you saying you like a little background info on the owner family and so on?
Do you /would you ever "talk " to an owner on say MSN if they give you their log in name to get to know them ?

 

[mbb]

posted by mbb
I appreciate the "Got your email, but we don't have availability for your time frame...our neighbour's own this home, perhaps that would work for you" kind of stuff.

Unfortunately there are many owner sites that do not allow you to do that-pass the inquiry onto anyone else .Those owners who do and are caught doing it generally lose their place on the sites.


give me a little more of who you are, and why I should rent your home.


Are you saying you like a little background info on the owner family and so on?
Do you /would you ever "talk " to an owner on say MSN if they give you their log in name to get to know them ?

I have sent inquiries to owners after discovering their homes on their own private websites, not through a "rent direct" site..a couple of them passed along villa alternatives for us

I think that's actually how I ended up looking at homes through OV.

Yes, I do appreciate that little bit extra background info on the owner family....for instance, we thought for a bit last year that we might have to take our dog along with us, and I explained why in the GE that I sent along.

A few owners - that may have previously said "no pets", responded that they knew of someone with a therapy dog, or their aunt had a little dog like that, or whatever, and could understand our situation and would okay the dog..along with the cut and paste home description, and their prices. Others replied along the same lines, but "sadly, we're unable to accept your reservation" kind of thing.

Or an owner, in the cut and paste, or on their site, tells us why they bought a home in Florida, how their kids enjoy the pool, that they have crayons and paper available in the house, how they vacation, etc, etc..

I guess if I owned a home, and rented it, that's what I would do.

And naturally, I'll "connect" with owners that operate along those kinds of lines.

I'd imagine that would drive some potential renters nuts though!!

We like seeing pictures of owners and their families in the homes we rent...we like signing the guestbook..we like feeling that the house is a loved, cared for home.

It's easy to vacation in a place like that.

Would I chat with an owner on MSN? Sure
Do I feel that's necessary? No.

How they respond to our email inquiries is enough for us to know whether we go further.

(I've already decided if we like the house )

I *think* though, that we may be atypical renters!!

Sorry that's so long, does that make sense? I hope it helps!

 

[sames1]

Exactly
We ask for a total price for our time frame, including taxes, and pool/spa heat. Please don't ask me to figure out how much $96/night, plus tax, plus pool heat, plus taxes on that would be for Xamount of nights...and if you're willing to be flexible on price, tell me what that is up front. Directing me to the website and saying "we can deal" is a deal breaker, as far as we're concerned If we're getting an off season/long stay discount, tell me what it is so we'll know.

I understand. I was just complaining that people requesting info on the home expect me to be a calculator when the rates are right there on the website, but see your point. The frustration for an owner is writing up replies over and over, calculating rates, then never hearing from those people again. This is especially hard at the moment for be because I broke my hand and it takes me forever to type. I'll take that as something I need to work on doing better.

As for getting to know the owners, yes, I agree that can help. I have not gone into detail with guests about my situation, but perhaps I should.

Pets. I am torn about letting pets in the home. It would rent more often, but I worry about the smell and damage. Some people won't rent a home if a pet has been there. My brother in law can't breathe if the home has pet hair and it's actually dangerous for him.

 

[mbb]

I understand. I was just complaining that people requesting info on the home expect me to be a calculator when the rates are right there on the website, but see your point. The frustration for an owner is writing up replies over and over, calculating rates, then never hearing from those people again. This is especially hard at the moment for be because I broke my hand and it takes me forever to type. I'll take that as something I need to work on doing better.

As for getting to know the owners, yes, I agree that can help. I have not gone into detail with guests about my situation, but perhaps I should.

Pets. I am torn about letting pets in the home. It would rent more often, but I worry about the smell and damage. Some people won't rent a home if a pet has been there. My brother in law can't breathe if the home has pet hair and it's actually dangerous for him.

And that's why we as renters need to be better at our etiquette, and respond to homeowners we recieve replies from.

DH and I try to get back to the owners we receive "good emails" from, ie, not the "electronic" reply.

(And we'd always rather leave our dog at home - I enjoy the vacation from scooping!! LOL!!)

It's all about good business practices, from both ends

...and hope your hand gets better ASAP!!

 

[BonnieA]

I responded to an owner that I had chosen another house that was closer and I wouldn't be staying in his home. He wanted to argue with me that his home was not far away. I knew exactly where his house was and while it was not "that far" away, it wasn't what I wanted this time. - I told that owner that I was familiar with the area and I would keep his house in mind for my next vacation.

Another owner called me a cheapskate because I told him what kind of an offer I already had and was simply enquiring if he could meet or beat it. - I emailed him back that his reply was "beautiful" and I would be sure to recommend him on all the boards (yeah, right).

On the whole, most of the owners I have dealt with have been curteous. And those places where I have stayed have been wonderful.

 

[UKDEB]

I spend hours...ney, weeks, months trawling the internet for villas. "Click". "Floridian decor ". "Close webpage".

I will only email owners when I am absolutely certain I want to rent their home. I can't imagine how demoralising it must be to answer enquiry after enquiry and then not hear from the enquirer again. What follows, though, is that owners must give me all the info I need on their websites. It doesn't necessarily need to be the most sophisticated site, but it does need to have top quality photos of all rooms and a floorplan. The pool photos must include a view. I'm suspicious of those cleverly taken shots which show just the pool.

 

[sames1]

I responded to an owner that I had chosen another house that was closer and I wouldn't be staying in his home. He wanted to argue with me that his home was not far away. I knew exactly where his house was and while it was not "that far" away, it wasn't what I wanted this time. - I told that owner that I was familiar with the area and I would keep his house in mind for my next vacation.

Another owner called me a cheapskate because I told him what kind of an offer I already had and was simply enquiring if he could meet or beat it. - I emailed him back that his reply was "beautiful" and I would be sure to recommend him on all the boards (yeah, right).

On the whole, most of the owners I have dealt with have been curteous. And those places where I have stayed have been wonderful.

I can't imagine arguing with a guest or calling them cheap. They either want my place or they do not. I just move on. I do know that on some owners boards some talk of how they "get even" with guests. Doesn't seem healthy to me.

 

[florida_dreamin]

Regardless, a house for Disney is a steal in the grand scheme of things. A feww hundred difference really just equates to one dinner show out. Nags Head is about 90 minutes from my home and a home with a pool not even waterfront goes for 3500 a week. That is more than my entire vacation budget for two families most trips!

 

[dougsmom98]

I have been looking at vacation rentals for months hoping that I will have it narrowed down by the time I get some definate flights. The things that I have been looking for include in no particular order:
-the number of bedrooms that I need
-a king sized bed in at least one of the bedrooms - when we thought my in laws were coming with us I was trying desparately to find a house with two king beds.
-I prefer TVs in each of the bedrooms
-Location is not a huge factor for us
-if two homes are comparable in every other way, one with a hot tub would win out
-Because I would be going in the winter, pool heat has to be reasonable.
-I hate it when owners don't include the tax in their rates
-I skip over websites that list the different fees for low, mid and high seasons but then don't bother to indicate when those time are. I don't want to have to email someone about price when I am in the narrowing down proccess.

Hope this helps.

 

[lovesmurfs]

Didn't read through everything, but didn't see the online calendar mentioned.

For us, we looked at price/size/amenities first, then whether or not I could see availability online. Responsiveness from the owner was important, but not a deciding factor.

I didn't even send an inquiry to any place that didn't offer online calendar lookup. I would have booked online if that had been available, too.

 

[JANNYANS]

Lovesmurfs -a lot of owners don't like having calendars -unless the site they list on insists -because it can help identify when your home is vacant to the less savoury and honest people that are around-its not difficult to track down where a home is if you know the area .

 

[lovesmurfs]

Lovesmurfs -a lot of owners don't like having calendars -unless the site they list on insists -because it can help identify when your home is vacant to the less savoury and honest people that are around-its not difficult to track down where a home is if you know the area .

Never thought of that. Great point.

 

[dawnball]

We picked a development (windsor hills) based on amenities (primarily the pool in this case, since we wanted a pool with popjets and a large zero-depth entry area for the toddlers) and location. Then I made a general request for availability and price information via windsorhillsrent - which I wouldn't do again - I got 60+ replies.

I winnowed down the replies via these criteria:
If they called when I had explicitly requested email only - roundfile
If they allowed smoking or pets - roundfile
No internet access - roundfile - I don't care if it's wireless, but we need highspeed access.
I only wanted to pay by American Express, and I wanted to deal with an owner in the US. I ended up picking an owner who didn't charge a credit card fee - but that was coincidence more than anything else.
Bed/bedroom count - I don't count a fold out couch as a bed, but some people do. We also didn't need "extra bedrooms"
Credit card imprint instead of deposit for damages (built-in damage waiver wouldn't have bothered me)
Some amalgamation of price and a feel for the owner. I didn't pick the absolute lowest price - I picked the lowest priced owner that had given me the impression of caring about the property and making sensible rules.

I calculated out total prices, and it didn't bother me to have it listed as "rental fee, cleaning fee, pool heat, credit card fee" it did bother me when people said "plus taxes/fees" without disclosing amounts or percentages. Having the price pre-calculated was easier, but I noticed a slight bias on my part toward owners who did the calculation.

Having stayed there - we really liked having carpeted bedrooms and a tile living area. It made cleanup after toddler meals easier. I prefer smaller furniture than seems to be typical because the living room was very crowded with 7 people in it. The unit slept 8, but only had dining room chairs for 6, etc.

 

[marciemi]

We're renting a home for the first time next July, so I'm not sure my choices are correct yet! But, I was looking for:

Location - more in terms of established areas that I'd read good things about with gated access, clubhouse than just distance - I narrowed it down to a few and ended up with Emerald Island

Price - like others, compared to staying onsite, most homes seem like a good deal, so it didn't have to be the cheapest overall, but if I found two in similar areas with similar amenities, I would obviously choose the less expensive one

King Bed - like a couple people above, this was a deal breaker. No king bed, no way

Games Room - with 3 teenage/almost teenage boys, somewhere for them to do something in the house, out of the sun, not involving video games was critical. It's nice that some homes offer video games as well, but I'd use those as a backup just in case someone got really sick or something.

Pool - maybe I am clueless, but I never considered size, what it backed up to, furnishings, etc. The pictures look big enough, especially since at home we only have one of those little "easy set" pools that comes up to their thighs. Has to be more fun than that! Again, being used to staying onsite, even if it backs up to another pool, so what? Unless someone is making HUGE amounts of noise (and this would bother me in any case and pretty much always happens at resorts anyways!), I probably wouldn't notice.

Furnishings - I also really don't care about these, but would shy away from anyone who stressed the cost/extravagance of theirs because I would also be afraid of breaking them. I will throw in one consideration though no one's mentioned. Some families have children of one gender. If you do an entire room or two completely in princesses, I will pass on it. Maybe it balances out and someone with 2 preschool girls would jump at it, but I know I wouldn't book it. If you have to do a theme room (I don't feel it's necessary, but my kids are older), you can't go wrong with Mickey.

I agree that I want to see the price upfront without having to email first for confirmation. I understand that there might be some minor variances, but I should be able to get more than just a general idea from the webpage. And I agree a good website makes a huge difference. The more pictures the better. And long descriptions make me more intrigued with your house. A simple "4 bedrooms" just doesn't tell me enough. Having just purchased a new house (a LONG way away from Florida, let alone Disney unfortunately), I just can't understand how a realtor can leave a listing at 1 picture of the front and a 2 line description. Now in that case I can have my realtor at least get me an info sheet if I'm really interested, but in a saturated market like Orlando for rentals, I'm just going to pass if I can't tell from the description if it has what I want or not.

Having a son with asthma, I didn't want homes that allowed pets or smoking, but can't actually recall finding any that did so it wasn't a problem. Wireless internet I think is becoming more and more critical, but wasn't something I really thought about. Same with TV size or location. I'm assuming any house has at least two; the kids can deal with it if they need to watch TV. I'll be sure to post and let you know how it goes after our trip next year!