What would you look for in a 6BR villa in Windsor Hills?

[kappyfamily]

We are renting a 6 bedroom in December and the thing that clinched it for us was the 2 "disney themed" kids rooms and the Teenage Surf themed room. We have 4 kids from 8-16 so a range in style was important.

Also lots of dining room space. This house has 3 round dining room tables with tons of seating.

Good luck!

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

So many great suggestions given already.
I agree with the about baby supplies available. Having rented when my DS was only 2.5 months old and having to a haul all that stuff from such a distance, I would have really appreciated.
I love the idea of themed rooms. That would be a draw to me. But, yes careful to consider all age ranges of children and both genders.
Nice big thick pool towels and some toys for the pool would be impressive.
I love the suggestion of the welcome basket--That would be an excellent idea and make your guests feel good.
Sounds silly possibly- But for arrival even putting out some nice candy dishes with treats in the living room would be a nice touch.
Bath and body works nice scented liquid soap ( These definitely not necessary- I was only try to think of a couple tiny little things that might stand out from others and make your guests feel special or talk)
Good luck.
Let us know if you get a website up and running.

 

[mysparky]

We're renting a 6bd home in WH in August and there were a lot of nice properties to choose from. In terms of amenities, here's what tipped this particular property over the edge:

A/C game room (we'll be there in August) with a variety of activities
plenty of seating by the pool
Nicely painted walls (not all off-white)
Furniture that didn't look too fussy (including the dining room)
A large LCD TV with DVD, surround sound
Grill (free of charge to use, but we get charged if we don't clean it b/c this isn't part of their deal w/ their cleaning crew - I think this is fair)
LOVED the fact that it is keyless entry (they provide you with a code)

There were plenty of the other usual items, but these are the things that really popped out.

HOWEVER, as good as all of this sounds, I would not have rented it if the home/owners didn't receive positive feedback and if it wasn't listed on a reputable, well known site. We've rented a number of homes from VRBO (and/or cyberrentals...same thing) and if there's no feedback, I won't do it. I think feedback is absolutely crucial so establish a good relationship with your renters up front, followup with them during the rental, and following the rental, ask them to share their positive feedback. If it's been a great experience, they'll likely really want to help you out! To me, that's one of the least expensive ways to make your home even more attractive.

 

[sympatico]

Another thing that you should state on your website it whether you have a pool blanket. It makes a big difference in the winter months. It will keep the heat in and be less in heating bills.

 

[123Disney]

We have rented many homes over the years and as others have said families have different needs. We have had different needs for different trips even in the same year depending on who was going with us. There are some things that are pretty standard though. When I look at a sight if I can't find the following I usually move on quickly.

*clean and up to date furnishing, paint and appliances
*TV's in every bedroom (prefer cable) This is very important to our teens.
*Pool with table for outdoor eating and some type of privacy...hedge
*internet access of some type
*themes are great; however the less gender specific the better. We have mostly boys in our family so rarely need alot of princess stuff. Boys and girls can deal with Mickey & Minnie, Nemo, Pooh, Toy story etc...
*Well stocked home (dishes, towels, games, items for small children if we have others with little ones traveling with us)

Send me a PM when you are up and running. I'm always looking at places to stay.

 

[Mcbruns]

Hello, as previous owner of 7BR/6BA in Emerald Island I have a few thoughts that may help may reinforce what others have said in earlier posts. The only thing I disagree with in the above posts is the need for a computer. We had one and it was a nightmare...always shutting down and someone screwing up the access. I think free WiFi is a must and most folks will bring a laptop these days.

Web sites have progressed so much since we did one in 2003. We sold in 2005 when all the competition for game rooms, Big screen TV, internet access, and very high end furnishings was beginning. In 2009, A really catchy professional website with lots of pictures is now a must on all "by owner" sites.
You must communicate with all potential rentors immediately and never put off answering any emails or calls from a person who has sent you a deposit. People are very fearful of renting from owners at first and any glitch in the communication will cause a panic.
When we first started, it was a "Field of Dreams" enviornment..."If you build it, they will come." By the time we sold the competition was getting to the point where you could almost get into a bidding war for lowest price.

If you want to rent it out as much as possible "by owner" then be ready to be flexible, especially on short notice rentals. I would use EBAY and look at what rock bottom price you are willing to accept to help meet costs monthly.

I once rented our home on 2 week's notice for $700/week or $1000 less than going price because $700 beat nothing and paid the utilities for a month. This was a savvy renter who knew how to get rock bottom price.

Also, I like an add that says "our price includes EVERTHING, NO ADD ONS" for tax, pool heat, cleaning. I also like an add that says "ONE PRICE YEAR ROUND INCLUDING HOLIDAYS." This simplifies things for rentors. For some, it is a turn off to be quoted $1100/week and then find out that that does not include 13% tax, pool heat at $25/day, cleaning fees and so on.

Finally, On my catch line that people see first, I would consider going for those looking for a bargain vs. those looking for luxury. Take a look at www.vrbo.com and look at Disney area and Windsor Palms or Emerald Island adds. You will see many different one line hooks to get you interested.
I did not see one that said something like "Get 6 bedrooms for the price of 4,free WiFi, totally redecorated" Some might think is the "6 for the price of 4" is a bit much, but it is a competive world and you need to get the guests attention.

Again, these are random thoughts for your consideration. I wish the best...Ted

We recently rented in Windsor Hills and I 100% agree on what you stated. Being responsive to e-mail and the no 'add-ons' especially. I really like VRBO too.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Hello, as previous owner of 7BR/6BA in Emerald Island I have a few thoughts that may help may reinforce what others have said in earlier posts. The only thing I disagree with in the above posts is the need for a computer. We had one and it was a nightmare...always shutting down and someone screwing up the access. I think free WiFi is a must and most folks will bring a laptop these days.

Web sites have progressed so much since we did one in 2003. We sold in 2005 when all the competition for game rooms, Big screen TV, internet access, and very high end furnishings was beginning. In 2009, A really catchy professional website with lots of pictures is now a must on all "by owner" sites.
You must communicate with all potential rentors immediately and never put off answering any emails or calls from a person who has sent you a deposit. People are very fearful of renting from owners at first and any glitch in the communication will cause a panic.
When we first started, it was a "Field of Dreams" enviornment..."If you build it, they will come." By the time we sold the competition was getting to the point where you could almost get into a bidding war for lowest price.

If you want to rent it out as much as possible "by owner" then be ready to be flexible, especially on short notice rentals. I would use EBAY and look at what rock bottom price you are willing to accept to help meet costs monthly.

I once rented our home on 2 week's notice for $700/week or $1000 less than going price because $700 beat nothing and paid the utilities for a month. This was a savvy renter who knew how to get rock bottom price.

Also, I like an add that says "our price includes EVERTHING, NO ADD ONS" for tax, pool heat, cleaning. I also like an add that says "ONE PRICE YEAR ROUND INCLUDING HOLIDAYS." This simplifies things for rentors. For some, it is a turn off to be quoted $1100/week and then find out that that does not include 13% tax, pool heat at $25/day, cleaning fees and so on.

Finally, On my catch line that people see first, I would consider going for those looking for a bargain vs. those looking for luxury. Take a look at www.vrbo.com and look at Disney area and Windsor Palms or Emerald Island adds. You will see many different one line hooks to get you interested.
I did not see one that said something like "Get 6 bedrooms for the price of 4,free WiFi, totally redecorated" Some might think is the "6 for the price of 4" is a bit much, but it is a competive world and you need to get the guests attention.

Again, these are random thoughts for your consideration. I wish the best...Ted

While I agree with you about how the adds on really add up quickly, I have to admit, as an off peak traveler, I would be completely turned off knowing I'm paying the same as people renting at Christmas and Easter.
That is unless your price was right in line with others during non peak time.

 

[southernbelle5672]

Someone has already said this but I would just like to reiterate it. Include all the taxes/cleaning fees in your vacation price. While I expect most people to leave these out, it is such a great surprise when they haven't. I found some beautiful houses near Disney that I was considering renting but I emailed asking specifically about extra fees. The owner emailed me back and quoted me over $100 worth of fees!! That's really annoying.

 

[TrustedTraveler]

While I agree with you about how the adds on really add up quickly, I have to admit, as an off peak traveler, I would be completely turned off knowing I'm paying the same as people renting at Christmas and Easter.
That is unless your price was right in line with others during non peak time.

I have to agree, I look for an off-season deal and this would turn me off. Also, good, comfy beds are so important if you want to build your repeat clients.

 

[lindamac30]

I am about to be a first time renter, and I picked out the house which had the amenities I needed listed on the website. Baby items are a must since we are traveling with two little children. Infant tub, high chair, crib, bed rails, and a monitor are all included. I have seen other rentals with a stroller, high chair and pack -n- play, but love the fact this one has a tub, bed rails and monitor included. good luck!

 

[twinmom1998]

I like a safe available so I can lock up items we won't bring to the park. I will repeat that keyless entry is a must! For the kitchen a crock pot would be nice as your dinner could be cooking while you're at the parks. Be sure to have lots of tupperware containers for leftovers and fridg storage. Alarm clocks in the room are helpful. Clothes baskets in each closet for laundry. A line or drying rack for swimsuits. We've booked for next year and honestly had a hard time finding a pool with salt water. I can tell you that it was valuable to me because my girls' eyes suffer so when they are in the chlorine all day. There were only a few pools that qualified. It was a big selling point(however a much more expensive suggestion than my others). I always look on vrbo, and won't consider one that doesn't have it's own excellent website. I hope this is helpful and good luck!