When we are planning and dreaming of our vacation, then we first have to decide on the type of vacation rental we want. Should we choose a condo, home, or resort? We always want the vacation property to be next to the beach and all the fun attractions. The most important thing we want after we have booked our vacation property is to arrive and have it be the actual property that we believed we booked, and the money that we have paid is worth it.
We normally don’t worry about these things, because we take our booking for granted. Too many times things often go wrong when booking your vacation rentals. We want to make sure that you save yourself from any vacation rental nightmares, so we have added mistakes to avoid below.
Save yourself from Vacation Rental nightmares
1. Choose from Curated Properties
Try to book through a professional agent if you can’t do it yourself. The agent can supply you with a list of curated properties, that have been checked out by the agent. The agent usually only has a small list of curated properties displayed, but if you ask, then they can offer you better properties that may cost you more money. These properties are generally worth the extra costs.
2. Check Out The Vacation Property First
Depending on where you are located this may not be an option for you, but if you happen to be in near the location, then stop in and check it out, or have someone check it out for you. Many people book their vacation rentals a year ahead of time, because they check out the property first. You can walk around the property, and see exactly where it is located at. If you have to depend upon an agent, then ask the agent to send you recent photos of the property.
Checking out the vacation property first is always best, because you won’t run into any false advertising. If you are looking on a website, then they could say the property is beachfront, but the beach maybe miles away, or an extra bedroom maybe just a closet. Avoid a vacation rental nightmare by asking the agent to take a quick video or connect by Skype or Facetime to give you a tour of the property.
4. Avoid Handing Over Cash
You should never pay for your vacation rental with cash, preferably pay with a credit card. A credit card will provide you with receipts and documentation, so if anything happens to go wrong, or there has been a cancellation, then you will have the evidence that is needed to be refunded with your credit card company.
4. Go Over Previous Damages
Once you arrive at your property, then have your agent take notes and go over previous damages. There may not be any, but if there are, then you want these damages noted. Have everyone sign the list, so the agency knows of the condition of the vacation rental, then when it is time for you to get your deposit back they won’t charge you for these damages.
