Posted on Thu, Jul. 9, 2009
Months ago when you had your pick of beach homes to rent you were broke as a joke and thought a summer vacation was out of the question. But here you are half-way through the season and a week’s vacation and a few hundred bucks just fell into your lap. Although some places may be booked up, there are plenty of great vacation homes still available. Even though it’s last-minute, you can still look forward to sun, sand and margaritas with just a little bit of planning.
Look for vacation rentals in the newspaper and online. Keep an eye out for vacation swaps, but most likely you’ll rent from a private owner and realtor. As a rule, renting through a realtor may cost more but it adds assurance. Renting from a private owner may make the entire process more negotiable, but you are more susceptible to scams.
As you look at rentals, use an online search engine to investigate the surrounding area, including the community, the neighborhood and the development. Use a mapping site to find the exact location and if possible, drive to the location and check out the scene. Take note of your proximity to the beach, any boardwalks, swimming pools and hot tubs, restaurants and cafes, gas stations, grocery stores, bars and clubs, libraries, coffee shops and any other attractions important to your stay.
If you’re curious about a rental, contact the landlord or realtor and have an upfront discussion. If you plan to rent a large unit with a group of young singles, don’t try to pass yourself off as a family group. If you’re a family group, make sure the rental isn’t nestled into party central. Ask the landlord about any noise ordinances, parking permits or pet restrictions.
Once you have found the right rental, don’t skimp on the details. To protect yourself, review the vacation lease before paying any deposits or down payments. Call the landlord in advance of your stay to determine if you need to provide your own bedding, dishes, cooking supplies, patio chairs, grill or beach towels. Get the planning out of the way so you can look forward to your vacation.
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