First-timers are often surprised at the range and wide variety of weekly rental properties available in the Southport area. Vacation home accommodations have gained in popularity with the rise of essential search sites like Homeaway and VRBO.
Vacation rentals are commonly owner operated or managed by rental management companies. Property management companies are liked by owners because they manage the marketing and operations..
Below are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate the rental search and reservation process.
Before you book "Inviting Oceanfront Home w/Free High-Speed WiFi, Outdoor Shower, Covered Porch", read through our short collection of factors to consider.
Southport rental properties book months (and up to a year) in advance. For the best selection, start your planning and search Six-Twelve months prior to your vacation. Many visitors choose to start their search over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holiday gatherings.
Quite often, the toughest portion of scheduling your vacation is deciding on where to go, and when. Once the big decisions are hammered out, the rest is easier.
How many family members are planning to share your trip? Be mindful that most rentals advertise maximum guest capacity, which oftentimes includes sofa beds in the living area. You'll need to figure out what is acceptable for the company. Precise descriptions of bedrooms and beds are typically accessible online. If not, email or call the property manager before you reserve the home.
Will the preferred vacation property fit your budget during that choice Summer week? If multiple individuals or loved ones are sharing the cost, check that each group knows their responsibilities and has agreed to a maximum they are willing to contribute. One member of your party needs to be responsible for gathering contributions and acknowledging responsibility for the whole rental payment at time of booking.
What home features is your family trying to find? Do you simply want a property with a swimming pool, spa tub or volleyball court? Does the unit need to be beachfront, the downtown area, or in close proximity to wildlife? Are items like beach chairs, barbecue grills, beach umbrellas, buggies or coolers available and included with your rental charge? Make a list of "necessities and preferences" from your party to help filter your search to the most appropriate rental.
Elderly guests will thank you for not reserving a stairs-only property on the Third floor. If wheel chair access, elevators, pool lifts or other specialized equipment is necessary, factor that into your search. Nearly all rental postings include a list of amenities.
Are you or other members of the group visiting with a dog or cat? Pets are welcome at a number of rental properties, but policies can vary. Type of pet, size and dog breeds can be limited. Be sure to study agreements and contracts carefully. Additional charges may apply when pets are included. When in doubt, ask the property owner and get it in writing.
. In combination with Homeaway, VRBO and Tripadvisor, we advise searching Google for "Southport local vacation rentals" for local rental home management companies. Besides having distinctive rental properties, local agencies provide you with top-notch service..
Re-read the description to ensure the rental has everything you need. If it is lacking, the property management company might know of very similar properties that better fit your style and budget..
Although not true for all rental properties, many rental owners and property managers will negotiate rates. If the price isn't negotiable, the number of nights might be. Your best potential for a reduced rate will be switching to a less desirable week.
Read the whole agreement and be sure you fully understand who is liable for:
In addition to the regular fee, visitors will need to pay local taxes when booking "Inviting Oceanfront Home w/Free High-Speed WiFi, Outdoor Shower, Covered Porch", as well as any other fees that may be required depending on their situation, including an animal charge, earlier check-in or later check-out fee, or a pool heater fee for private swimming pool usage during the autumn or spring months.
Cancellation policies are different for each property. Rental management companies and individual home owners commonly offer their clients the option to buy trip insurance. Trip insurance, which commonly costs anywhere between 1% - 5% of the standard rental rate, provides travellers with reimbursement of their vacation costs (and subsequent rental property costs) for any days missed as a consequence of personal medical emergencies or weather, and additionally hurricane evacuation costs, such as a unanticipated hotel stay or additional gas.
When everything seems right, it's finally time for you to sign on the dotted line. Keep in mind that most rental contracts will require a substantial rental deposit and/or security deposit to cover the vacation home owner.
Be sure to get the manager's contact phone number and entry/exit procedures for your rental. We recommend keeping the contact's details in your cell phone and wallet.
Congrats on reserving your rental home! You're on the right path to a fantastic vacation!
Did everyone have a good time? With some luck everything ended up being outstanding and you are ready to re-book the same property for your next vacation. Maybe the rental home wasn't quite right, and you'll better recognize how to filter your search for the next vacation.
