Many people are shocked to learn the number of vacation homes are available in their area of interest. Vacation home accommodations have gained in popularity with the rise of worldwide search sites like Tripadvisor and VRBO.
Rentals are commonly owner operated or managed by property management companies. Property management companies are liked by property owners because they coordinate the advertising and operations..
We have assembled a short guide to help you get the most out of your rental experience.
Do you believe "Ocean Front condo, Indoor/Outdoor Pool, Spa, Wifi, Linens included" is the perfect rental home for your next trip? Read through this check list to ensure it fits all of your preferences.
Like many desirable vacation spots, In Southport the best vacation homes are booked early. Reserving your rental home 6-12 months before your travel dates is recommended, whenever possible. A lot of families plan to start their search during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve gatherings.
Oftentimes, the hardest portion of organizing your vacation is deciding where to go, and when. When the big decisions are resolved, everything else becomes simpler.
Take a head count. How many beds and bedrooms will you be needing? Keep in mind that many vacation rentals list maximum guest capacity, which oftentimes includes sofa beds in the living area. You will need to figure out what is acceptable for your group. Generally vacation home listings will describe each one of the unit's specific bedrooms and mattress sizes.
The majority of rental properties are presented with a price range. Determine the rate for your desired trip. It may be at the high end of the range. Be sure to get cost-sharing commitments from loved ones before reserving an expensive rental. Typically, one member of the group will be responsible for making the complete reservation and getting each party's contribution.
What home features is your group interested in? Do you just want a rental home with a pool, spa tub or volleyball court? Are you more enthusiastic about a natural landscape or night life? Will the property have bicycles and body boards for use during your stay? Gather a list of prioritized "needs and preferences" from your group to help filter your search to the most suitable property.
Grandma and Grandpa will appreciate you for not reserving a stairs-access-only property on the Third floor. Make certain to remember and inquire about wheelchair entry, pool lifts and specialized equipment requirements..
Make sure to include your pets. Animal policies are different at each rental property. Read descriptions carefully. Make sure to read agreements and contracts carefully. Extra fees or deposits may be applied to your agreement.
After the area, time and people are decided, search multiple sources to get the best rental home selection. In addition to Homeaway, VRBO and Tripadvisor, we recommend searching Google for "Southport local rental properties" for local property management companies. Apart from having exclusive rental properties, local agencies provide you with top-notch service..
When you've spotted your dream rental, check to confirm your trip dates are available.
While not true for all properties, many property owners and property managers will negotiate rates. If the price isn't negotiable, the number of nights may be. Your easiest opportunity for a lower rate is changing to an off-season week.
Find out which of the following is included in your quoted rate:
Get a total that includes taxes, animal and other additional fees.
Make sure you be aware of the cancellation policy before booking. You will probably be offered trip insurance. Trip insurance, which normally costs ranges from 1% - 5% of your standard vacation rental cost, provides guests with reimbursement of their vacation costs (and subsequent rental home costs) for any nights missed resulting from personal medical related emergencies or storms, and additionally hurricane evacuation expenses, such as a unforeseen motel stay or extra gas.
When you feel you've found "the one", start the booking process. Do not forget that most rental agreements will require a significant rental down payment and/or security deposit to protect the rental owner.
Put the property manager's contact information into your smart phone and wallet for easy access to answers throughout your visit.
Congrats! All that is left is enjoying your visit!
Did everyone have a good time? If everything was exceptional, next year's family vacation planning is going to be simple and easy. Otherwise, you have gained invaluable rental search experience that can help with your next search.
