Many people are surprised to learn the number of properties are offered in their area of interest. Rental homes are gaining in popularity among vacationers, and visitors will find that the sheer number of properties available makes it possible to find an suitable retreat to fit their Southport crew, from restful condos to grand event homes with several bedrooms.
Nearly all rentals in Southport are privately owned and many are represented by experienced local property management agencies. For owners not directly involved with the management of their property, management companies are critical in helping guests with reserving, check-in, house cleaning, as well as routine maintenance problems that may arise.
Seasoned Southport vacationers have discovered a few tips and tricks over the years with regards to renting vacation rentals, however many novices will be happy to find that several "tricks" are in plain sight, if you recognize where to look.
Before you book "Oceanview condo with community beach access and seasonal pool", review our brief list of things to consider.
Southport rental homes book several months (and up to a year) in advance. Reserving your rental home 6-12 months before your travel dates is recommended, when possible. Holiday reunions can be a great time for groups to plan their Summer family vacations..
Agreement can be challenging among relatives, but as soon as this difficult part is finished everything will start to slide in place.
Keep a list of attendees. How many beds and bedrooms will you be needing? Bear in mind that a lot of homes list maximum guest capacity, which typically includes sofa beds in the family room. You will need to determine what is most appropriate for the family. Generally rental listings will describe each one of the unit's specific bedrooms and mattress sizes.
Does your chosen rental property suit your budget during that prime Summer week? Make sure that you get cost-sharing commitments from travel companions well before reserving an expensive vacation property. A single individual in your group must be responsible for getting contributions and acknowledging responsibility for the whole rental fee at time of reservation.
What amenities is your group interested in? Do you simply want a rental with a swimming pool, spa or volleyball court? Does the property need to be oceanfront, in the downtown area, or in close proximity to wildlife? Will the rental have bikes and body boards for use during your stay? Make a list of priority features to facilitate filter your search.
Frequently the elder generation has problems with staircases. If wheel chair accessibility, elevators, pool lifts or other special equipment is required, include that into your search. Nearly all property listings include a list of amenities.
Are you or other people in the crew traveling with a dog or cat? Animal policies are different at each rental property. Study descriptions carefully. Type of pet, size and dog breeds could be controlled. Study your agreement carefully! Fees may apply when pets are included. When in doubt, ask the property owner and get it in writing.
Many websites exist to match vacationers with rental owners.. Besides Homeaway, VRBO and Tripadvisor, we suggest searching Google for "Southport local rental properties" for local rental management companies. Local agencies generally have a unique collection of vacation rentals daily and weekly.
When you have found the rentalhome of your dreams, double check to make sure your travel dates are available.
While not true for all rental properties, many owners and property managers will negotiate rates. If they are unwilling to budge on a peak-season week, try asking for an additional night. The off-season offers your greatest chance to negotiate a reduced rate.
Read through the whole agreement and make sure you understand who is liable for:
Get a total that incorporates state taxes, animal and other extra fees.
Make sure you be aware of the cancellation policy before booking. You will probably be offered trip insurance. Trip insurance, which typically costs ranges from 1% - 5% of your standard vacation rental rate, can provide travellers with reimbursement of their vacation costs (and subsequent rental home costs) for any days missed as a consequence of personal medical emergencies or weather, as well as hurricane evacuation expenses, such as a unanticipated motel stay or additional gas.
Once you believe you've identified "the one", start the booking process. You will probably be asked to submit a security deposit at time of booking.
Make sure to get the manager's contact telephone number and entry/exit procedures for your vacation property. We recommend storing the contact's details in your smartphone and wallet.
Congratulations! All that is left is enjoying your visit!
Does everybody want to re-book next year? We hope this guide helped you find a terrific home away from home. If the rental property was not ideal, and you will better understand how to filter your search for the next time.
