Newcomers are likely to be shocked at the number and variety of weekly rental properties available in the Southport area. Rental homes are gaining in popularity among vacationers, and visitors will find that the sheer number of vacation homes available allows them to find an perfect retreat to fit their Southport gang, from low-noise condominiums to larger event homes with several bedrooms.
Nearly all vacation homes in Southport are privately owned and many are represented by established local rental management companies. Rental owners frequently select management companies to assist with marketing, house cleaning services and regular maintenance.
We have put together a brief guide to help you get the most out of your rental property experience.
Do you think "*BRAND NEW Construction* 3rd row Cottage w/POOL" is the best rental home for your next vacation? Read through this check list to make sure it fits all of your preferences.
Like many trendy destinations, In Southport the best vacation rentals are booked early. Reserving your vacation property 6-12 months in advance is recommended, whenever possible. Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years are excellent times to find and reserve your vacation rental..
Oftentimes, the hardest part of preparing for your trip is deciding on where to go, and when. Once the big decisions are hammered out, everything else is simplier and easier.
Keep a list of attendees. How many beds and bedrooms will you be needing? Try to remember that most homes list maximum guest capacity, which usually includes sofa beds in the family room. You will need to determine what is most appropriate for the party. Generally rental home listings will describe each one of the unit's specific bedrooms and mattress sizes.
Check to make sure "*BRAND NEW Construction* 3rd row Cottage w/POOL" works with your price range *during your desired dates*. If multiple groups or families are sharing the cost, make certain each party understands their obligations and has approved a maximum they are willing to pay. Most of the time, one member of the group will be liable for making the whole reservation and getting each person's share.
What amenities is the family interested in? Is a screened-in porch a requirement? Are you more interested in wildlife or night life? Are sheet sets included with the rental, or will you need to provide your own? Gather a list of prioritized "needs and wants" from your party to help narrow your search to the most suitable rental.
In some cases the older generation has challenges with staircases. Make sure you remember and ask about wheel chair access, pool lifts and specialized equipment requirements..
Be sure to include your best friend! Animal guidelines are different at each property. Read descriptions carefully. Examine your contract carefully! Additional fees or costs may be applied to your agreement.
. Together with Homeaway, VRBO and Tripadvisor, we recommend searching Google for "Southport local rental properties" for local vacation rental management companies. Besides having distinctive rental properties, local agencies offer top-notch service..
Re-read the description to make sure the home has everything you need. If it is something is missing, the rental home management company might know of very similar properties that better suit your wishes and budget..
While not true for all rental properties, many property owners and property managers will negotiate rates. If the rate isn't negotiable, the number of nights might be. Negotiating rates is more effective through the off-peak season when many properties sit vacant.
You really should know which services are included:
In addition to the standard price, visitors must pay local taxes when renting "*BRAND NEW Construction* 3rd row Cottage w/POOL", in addition to any other additional fees which may be mandatory depending on their circumstances, including a dog fee, earlier check-in or later check-out fee, or a pool heat fee for private pool usage during the autumn or spring months.
Cancellation policies vary for each property. Vacation rental management companies and home owners commonly offer their clients the choice to buy trip insurance. Trip insurance, which typically costs anywhere between 1% - 5% of the standard rental home rate, provides guests with reimbursement of their vacation costs (and subsequent vacation property costs) for any nights missed as a result of personal medical emergencies or weather, as well as hurricane evacuation costs, such as a unforeseen motel stay or extra gas.
As soon as you think you've identified "the one", begin the booking process. Do not forget that most rental agreements will require a considerable rental down payment and/or security deposit to protect the vacation home owner.
Remember to get the property manager's contact number and entry/exit procedures for your rental home. We recommend saving the contact's information in your smartphone and wallet.
Congratulations! All that is left is enjoying your visit!
Hold a debrief with the people in your group. Does everybody want to re-book next year? Maybe everything turned out to be wonderful and you are excited to re-book the same rental home for your next vacation. Otherwise, you have gained valuable experience that will help with your next search.
