Comments on: VRBO = Very Risky Buying Option

By: Mary Milbert

Mary Milbert — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:44:16 +0000

We just had a nightmare with an owner managed VRBO. The place was misrepresented and some photos were even photo shopped. What a dump. When we declined to stay, she refused to refund our $725. However, we were then referred to another owner managed VRBO recommended by the visitor center and that experience was much better. Now our lawyer is involved. All I can say is Renter beware!

By: Maria Kirk

Maria Kirk — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:47:34 +0000

I TOTALLY agree with you Vicky. Most of my renters LOVE the personalized attention by renting directly through the property owners. You know exactly what you are getting and have their contact information directly if anything is needed at all during your stay. Plus no ridiculous EXTRA fees….

Maria Kirk Owner of http://www.ShoreSummerRentals.com and http://www.VacationRentals2U.com.

By: Vicky

Vicky — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:35:01 +0000

I think your article is very misleading. What you fail to mention is that most owners (like us) who have a VRBO site also have a property management company that actually handles the VRBO inquiries. Plus, I have found that my renters like the personalized service of dealing directly with the owner. It is highly beneficial to have a contact locally, and most owners do have that. Your generalization is incorrect.

By: Terry Gronenthal

Terry Gronenthal — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:14:49 +0000

Renting a home is indeed much different than renting a hotel room.
When it comes to services, I would be inclined to agree that it is better to stay in a rental that is professionally managed as opposed to owner-managed. However, with that being said, there are 1,000s of owner-managed properties where you would be hard pressed to have a management company even come close to comparing when it comes to service.

If your initial and only desire is to make sure you are dealing with a reputable company/property, there are many ways to go about making sure they are who they say they are.

One of them is to ask them for references of past renters. Specifically their last three renters. If they are “unable” to or, “un-willing” to that should be a red flag.

Hope that helps.

For more tips and secrets on how to communicate to the vacation rental owners and agents please get my guide:
The Vacationers Guide to Vacation Rentals.

You can get a complimentary copy of chapter 4 here:
http://www.vacation-rental-info.com/vrib

Make some trails!

Terry

Terry Gronenthal

By: Lisbon Vacation Rentals

Lisbon Vacation Rentals — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:20:50 +0000

Interesting!

Everyone loves going to a vacation. It is a good activity or bonding with family and friends. It is very to check on the things you need to bring. Start with the most useful like clothes, toiletries and stuff you need. Select a vacation bag that is comfortable for your belongings and also comfortable for you to bring.