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Here are 10 tips to help you get the biggest bang for your buck.
Condo Vacation Rental in Scottsdale, Ariz.; photo by Karen Schaler
1. Choose a popular Vacation Home Rentals destination.
If you're looking for sensational savings your best bet is to choose a
destination where there are a lot of vacation rentals on the market,
keeping prices competitive. Some top locations in the United States for
vacation rentals include: Arizona, California, Nevada, Florida, North
Carolina and Hawaii.
For example, during the popular fall and winter months in Arizona, a
hotel room can cost you more than $400 a night, but for the same price
you can rent a two-bedroom vacation home for an entire week. When you
get a vacation rental you also have your own kitchen, so you can cook
some of your own meals, saving substantially.
2. Comparison shop.
Now it's easier than ever to comparison shop when you're looking to save
on a vacation home rental. You can find some of the best rental home
listings on the following four Internet sites. Always compare notes
before signing any paperwork. best site for Vacation Rentals Homes is www.vacation-home.rentals
Vacation Home Rental on Atlantic Beach, Crystal Coast, N.C.; Photo courtesy of Crystal Coast Tourism Authority
3. Don't send money until you sign paperwork.
When renting a vacation home, never send anyone money until you've
signed your rental paperwork. It's also a good idea to check out the
person you are doing business with. Ask for references, and check out
their Web site and their track record.
Many homes are run by professional real estate agents, so the rental
paperwork should include all the legal details you need. If you're
renting from the homeowner there should still be a lease for you to
sign.
Read the fine print. Is there a cancellation policy if you have to leave
early? Does it stipulate when you will get your deposit back? Spend the
time up front checking things out so you won't have any hassles later.
4. Know exactly what's included.
Most rental homes will say "everything's included," but you want to
double-check to be sure that there are no hidden surcharges. If
utilities, Internet and cable are included, does this mean the property
has WiFi and high-speed Internet? Is it basic cable or premium? If
electricity is paid is there a cap? Many properties will say they
include utilities, electricity and gas and then the fine print says it's
included, up to the first $200.
Arizona realtor David Van Omen says you can't ask too many questions.
"If you're renting a home with a pool, make sure the pool is actually
heated and find out beforehand who pays to heat the pool, because that
can get expensive in the winter months," he says.
5. Have an emergency contact person.
Your rental contract should include who to call if your dishwasher
breaks or there's some other problem with the property. It should also
state a time frame for fixing any major problems. You don't want to rent
a home and have the hot water heater conk out and end up with cold
showers for two week. The information should also be posted in a contact
book inside the property. Make sure you have a phone number and email
address of the contact and if possible get a second person as a backup.
6. Is the home family friendly?
If you're traveling with kids, make sure the property you rental is
family friendly. Check the bed configurations. If you have three kids
and the guest room only has a king-sized bed you could be in trouble.
Also make sure you see pictures of the home. Do you really want to rent a
place with a white couch and fancy décor if your 3-year-old still
thinks it is fun to color on everything in sight? Make sure the home
you're renting fits your family's needs so you're all comfortable.
Brenda Collons, from Seattle, says with two young daughters it just
makes sense to rent a home where the family can spread out and relax and
save money at the same time.
"We save a lot by eating meals at the rental home instead of eating
spendy hotel food," Collons says. "This allows us to spend money on
other things that are more important to us as a family."
7. Can you bring a pet?
Many vacation rentals accept pets, but they may have a size limit. If
the limit is 20 pounds, don't even think about trying to sneak in your
Great Dane because chances are the neighbors will rat you out. They
usually know the homeowner and the real estate agent and keep a close
eye on what's happening.
John Kelly, the general manger of Bluewater GMAC Real Estate in North
Carolina, says it doesn't hurt to ask if your pet can stay.
"There are many options for pet owners and while it's typical only dogs
are allowed you may be able to get permission for a cat, bird or other
pet," he says.
8. Is a refund available if you leave early?
If you think you may want or need to leave early, check your contract to
see if you're eligible for a partial refund. Most vacation rentals are
for a specific time period and don't offer refunds because that leaves
the homeowner in a lurch with no time to rent to someone else. Know
going in what the rules are so there are no unpleasant surprises.
9. Love the house you pick.
Keep in mind when you're renting a vacation home you're renting a
property that's individually owned. This isn't a hotel where if you
don't like what you have you can get something else. Once you sign a
lease for a specific property, that's the property you're getting, so
make sure it's exactly what you want. Ask if reviews from other renters
are available. Also remember you get what you pay for. While scoring a
good deal is the goal, if it's too cheap there's probably a reason.
10. Reserve early.
Popular destinations like Arizona, California and Hawaii fill up fast,
so reserve early to get the best deals. For favorite rental months like
November, December and January, it's typical to rent as early as six
months out.
For more ways to save money on vacation check out Karen Schaler's TRAVEL THERAPY Web site Vacation Rental homes
