Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Simple Rules for Renting a Vacation House

Unlike hotel accommodation, renting vacation houses is more family-friendly. You will enjoy more freedom, more amenities and a tranquil environment. In the long term, renting a house will be more affordable than hotel accommodation. All in all, there are a few rules you should remember before renting a vacation home, anywhere in the world.

1.     Use a trustworthy source: Even in a familiar destination, you must only rent from a source that is trustworthy. There are many rental websites and agencies to choose from. Before you contact a realtor, take some time to look at the locations of the rental properties, types of houses, service policy as well as what recent tenants are saying about it. 

2.     Plan early: It is never too late to book a house but it can be late to find the perfect house. When searching for a good rental vacation home, you should start planning in good time. More often than not, some vacation houses are booked months in advance. To get the best amenities and location, you should make the necessary reservations months beforehand. Check for special deals and do not ignore the reviews.

3.     Feel free to ask questions: Keeping your questions to yourself is the worst thing you can do when booking a vacation home. If you have a question, don’t be shy to ask. The more you know about the house the better. Ask about the layout of the bedrooms, ease of access, distance from the beach, size of the beds, policy about pets. The questions you don’t ask will haunt you later on. Do not forget to ask for more photos of the property too.

4.     Do your research: To find the best rental vacation house, you have to look at what other properties have to offer. Therefore, prior to committing to the first house that comes your way, look around. Every good rental company has a number of vacation houses available. Take time to review as many as you can. Always ask for the exact address before booking and use Google Maps to ping the exact location of the house.

5.     Understand all the terms: The terms and conditions are what outline the dos and don’ts. Some houses are rented by the week, others by the weekend or even daily rentals. Some are discounted when you rent for longer periods. The terms and conditions will let you know how much deposit will be required, amount of refundable security deposits and method of payment. Do the local sales tax and pet fees apply? When will you be required to pay the balance? If you agree to the terms, ask for a written rental agreement.


The secret to finding the best rental vacation house is to start planning early. When you have more time, you will be able to do your research, shop around and even change your choices. As a side note, before you start shopping around for a house, start by identifying your needs. How big a house do you need? Do you want riverfront or bay front vacation rentals?

Posted By: Alligator Point Beach Rentals http://alligatorpointbeachrentals.com 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Are You Making these 5 Biggest Mistakes when Choosing a Vacation Rental Home?

There are many vacation rental homes to consider when you are travelling to Florida on a holiday. Living in a vacation home is one of the best ways to enjoy your holiday. You’ll get to experience the sunsets and spend your mornings walking down the extensive white beaches. You can relax completely when you get a vacation home that has all the amenities you expected. But for you to enjoy the best of a vacation rental home, you must avoid the following 5 common mistakes.

 Failing to consider the location
The best vacation homes are usually located away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. This is the only way you’ll get to enjoy an amazing getaway with your friends or family. Do a little research on some good locations in Florida before booking your vacation rental home. Don’t just book a home because it looks nice without considering its location.

       Failing to consider how well it’s well maintained
Always find out if the vacation home has been well maintained before moving in. The last thing you want is to move into a home only to find the rooms look worn out and everything is falling out of place. You may not be able to see this from pictures of the vacation home but if you read a number of reviews and contact previous vacationers who have been to the same home, you’ll get some information on the state of things at the vacation home. 

 Not asking the right questions
Always know as much as possible about the vacation rental by asking the right questions. Find out if they offer meals or you’ll have to prepare your own meals every day. There are some vacation homes that have people to do laundry and even prepare meals but at an additional charge. Also find out if they will be doing any repairs that are needed fast and all the charges that are expected at the end of your stay.

 Not checking the space
There’s nothing worse than having a small home to share with your family or friends while on holiday. You need to find out how spacious the vacation rental is before booking. If you will be travelling with your family, find out if the home has enough rooms for everyone. Most vacation rental homes in Florida have very spacious rooms and outdoor areas for families. You can choose a home that is ideal for family vacations and weekend getaways.

Not booking early enough
The minute you find a vacation rental you love, it’s wise to make a booking immediately if you’ve decided that it’s the one. When you delay, especially if you will be travelling during the peak season, you’ll find that the same home is being charged more or even no longer available. Start looking for a vacation rental immediately you decide that you are going to travel. You need enough time to choose what you like and what you don’t like. 

Posted By: Alligator Point Beach Rentals http://alligatorpointbeachrentals.com

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Florida Beach Vacation

There is nothing quite like taking a beach vacation. This is true no matter which beach you are going to, but if you really want to enjoy some warm water and great scenery then taking a Florida beach vacation is probably one of your best opportunities. When you are on vacation you will no doubt look into a Florida beach rental in order to be close to the ocean where you are staying. There are several options for you to choose from that are sure to please almost anyone who is taking a vacation.
One of the most popular Florida Beach rental locations is the west coast of Florida. Because of the sugary white sand and the beautiful Gulf waters this has become a prime vacation spot for anyone wanting to get away to a tropical paradise. You can choose from staying in anything from a local condo to one of the beach side high-rise buildings that dot the landscape. It all depends on what you want to do on vacation and how much room you need to spread out.
Another idea for a Florida beach rental is to do a house swap with somebody else. There are often people that are looking to get away but do not want to spend a lot of money on their accommodations. If they live in the Florida area and they want to come to your area to visit, they may consider doing a house swap with you in order to save money. There are plenty of places on the Internet to find this kind of Florida Beach rental through a house swap system.
It doesn't matter what part of Florida you want to visit, finding a Florida beach rental will get you close to the ocean. This is a great way to go because the Florida beaches are just so beautiful. So find the vacation rental that suits your needs, relax and enjoy your Florida vacation.
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For more information visit Florida package holidays [http://floridaholidaypackages.info/] and check out our hotels in Florida [http://floridaholidaypackages.info/hotels-in-Florida.html]
Posted By: Alligator Point Beach Rentals http://alligatorpointbeachrentals.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

5 Reasons why a Beach Front Vacation Home is the Perfect Accommodation Option

If you are travelling to an area that is known for a magnificent beach life, there’s no better place to stay than at a beachfront vacation home. This form of accommodation was recently considered as being for the rich but nowadays, even those who are travelling on a budget can enjoy this special luxury. Beachfront homes come with numerous advantages and you won’t even think about booking a hotel. Whether you are travelling alone, with your spouse or the entire family, here are 5 good reasons to stay at a beachfront vacation home.

  • Save on costs: One of the main reasons why staying at a beachfront home is much better than a hotel especially if travelling during the peak season is that you are likely to save on the cost of accommodation. Hotels in areas like Florida can be very costly especially since they attract tourists throughout the year. But booking a vacation home where you can spend time with a larger group is a cheaper and more convenient option. Most homes come fully furnished with a kitchen that is well equipped.
  • Enjoy more privacy: Who wants to keep bumping into everyone while on their vacation? You won’t have to meet massive numbers of people when getting in and stepping out of your room when you stay at a beachfront home. Most hotels are crowded especially when you are travelling during the holiday months and you can’t enjoy the pool or other common facilities without interruptions. However, a beachfront home comes with a pool, spa and other facilities which are just for you. You’ll have all the privacy you need while on vacation.
  • Travel with your kids and pets: There are only few hotels that allow vacationers to bring their pets along. Some hotels don’t even allow kids; others have restrictions as to where they can visit while on their stay. If you don’t like some of these terms, you can choose to stay in a beachfront vacation home and bring along your kids and pets to enjoy without any restrictions. Some beachfront properties are even designed with special rooms to ensure that your kids and pets are going to be safe.
  • Comfortable living space: Staying at a beachfront vacation home is not only going to be fun but also very comfortable. You get to enjoy your secluded access to the beach as well as other facilities like a hot tub which will enhance your comfort. This is the kind of luxury that doesn’t come with most hotel accommodations. Those hotels that offer these luxuries are usually very expensive for most vacationers.
  • Easy access: Most importantly, staying at a beachfront vacation home allows you to enjoy every moment of your trip without any hassles. You don’t have to travel long distances in order to enjoy the beach. Since most beachfront vacation homes are constructed in secluded spaces, you will enjoy the peace and quiet of being on a vacation. You’ll have all the time to spend with the people you love most.

  • Posted By: Alligator Point Beach Rentals http://alligatorpointbeachrentals.com 

Monday, October 20, 2014

The Do's And Don'ts Of Booking A Vacation Rental Out-Of-Season

In this economy, it certainly makes sense if you choose to go on a vacation after summer. You'll spend less, avoid the crowd and take advantage of every discount opportunity offered during off the peak season. Renting a condo or a house is another cost saving measure you can take advantage of during your fall vacation. Whether you're travelling alone, with a spouse or a group of friends, vacation rentals are way cheaper than most hotels. But not so fast, consider the tips below when you opt for a vacation rental in order to protect yourself as a renter.

Do find a location with many vacation rentals

One of the best ways to spend less on a vacation rental is to choose an area where there are a lot of rentals because it's likely that the cost will be very competitive. If you are yet to decide on where you'll be heading to on your vacation, consider narrowing down your list of options based on destinations which are popular for vacation rentals.

Don't send money to a property owner before signing a contract

One big mistake made by many vacationers is sending money to book a vacation home without signing any paperwork. Most vacation rentals are provided by real estate agents so you need to take the necessary precautions before wiring any money. Verify their details, ask for references and assess the rental company's track record before making any payments.

Do check the contract to know what's included in the vacation rental

Don't think that you strike a good deal by getting a vacation rental at half price. It could be that there are hidden surcharges which you'll have to pay for later on. To avoid these kinds of surprises, ask whether everything is included in the package. Check if your contract indicates that utilities like internet, electricity and gas are included in your rental.

Don't choose a vacation rental without comparison shopping

Comparison shopping is always important when planning a trip because it helps you to find the best deals available. First, determine your accommodation budget so that you know the kind of rentals you'll be looking at. Secondly, find an agent who is well versed with vacation rentals in that area. You can get expert recommendation from an agent and be able to save more. Third, do your own online research on popular sites that list vacation rentals in your area to know their average cost. With this information, you'll be in a position to find a cheaper vacation rental during off peak season.

Do hire an experienced travel agent

Only few people can manage to plan a trip without enlisting the services of an experienced agent. Make sure you get an agent especially if you are new to area where you'll be visiting. An experienced agent will not only help you to narrow down your list of rentals but he/she can provide useful advice that will protect you and ensure you get the most from your trip.

Ochlockonee Bay Realty is pleased to offer a wide variety of Alligator Point vacation rentals. We also offer gulf-front beach home rentals, bayfront vacation rentals and riverfront vacation rentals. http://alligatorpointbeachrentals.com

Friday, August 22, 2014

Villas and Condos - Let's Get To Know Them Both

So you have heard of villas... and condos as well. And we take it for granted that you might have already stayed in one of them, during those vacations to famous vacation spots such as St. Martin/ St. Maarten, Hawaii islands etc. (These vacation islands are full of such amazing villas and condos). But do you know what makes a villa different from a condo? Well, don't be ashamed, if you don't. The fact is that many people (most of them are ardent vacationers) don't know either. And that is why we have come up with this article, explaining the key differences between villas and condos. 

Read on to find out what those differences are:

· Villas are usually single storied, whereas condos can either be single storied or double storied (with the living areas on the bottom floor, and the sleeping areas on the top floor).

· The buyer gets the entire building as well as the land attached to it, in the case of villas. But in the case of condos, the buyer gets only a particular unit.

· Condo owners have to pay association fees, since condos belong to groups of residences (which usually have designated condo associations). Villas being single standalone houses don't have any associations, and hence no association fees.

· Condo owners don't have to worry about the maintenance of the exteriors as well as the public amenities in the condos, since they will be taken care of by the associations. But for villas, the owners have to take care of all the maintenance works.

· Condos or condominiums as they are known come much cheaper, when compared to villas.

· But villas can offer more comfort and privacy, when compared to condos any day.

· Condos are similar to apartments. In short, you will have to sacrifice your privacy from every single angle. But villas are just the opposite of what condos are. They offer lots of privacy and freedom.

· Condos come with more amenities and facilities such as gyms, saunas, and swimming pools etc., when put in comparison with villas.

· Villas are standalone homes, and so they offer very less opportunities for socialization. But in the case of condos, opportunities for socialization are more due to the presence of many families living in the same community area.

And if you thought that the list ends there, well no! We mentioned only the most important ones among the differences between villas and condos. The list is endless and the choices as well.

To take a look at the best villas and condos ever created by man, visit http://century21-stmaarten.com/.

Posted By: Alligator Point Beach Rentals http://alligatorpointbeachrentals.com


Sunday, August 3, 2014

Need to Find a Place to Stay on Vacation?

Anyone can get tired of the daily hectic life. When things go over the head, a vacation is just what you need. But if you go to the wrong vacation rentals your vacation can go down the drain. If you want to make your vacation a remembering then follow points like comparing the vacation rentals and see who is offering better discount or better vocational packages.

Make a short list of all the priorities by price, location and features like number of bedrooms available. Do not check this by the calendars available on their sites as they can be out-dated so double-check. Take a view of the area on Google maps and be sure to check the area thoroughly. Make sure there is no factory complex nearby. What they say for any distance should be accurate.

Beach Rentals
If you have plans of going to a vacation on a coastal destination, then it's suggested to stay in a rented property. Most of the Beach Rentals offer apartments, condos and other dwellings so you can have a home away from home.

Before you chose the beach rental, it is important for you to decide which beach you are going to. Look at the rentals packages available from both private and commercial rentals. Make sure your destination is child-safe and friendly. Apart from bedrooms for all, there is a pool and playground as well. If you are a sport lover see who offers sporting grounds. Before saying yes, do a thorough research on the location.

Beach House
Living by the ocean is a dream for many. But, finding that dream Beach House is not an easy task. But if you evaluate some points it can be. Like what types of activities are you or your family interested in, say boating, canoeing or fishing. How often do you intend to visit, not all localities are visited year around due to the weather. Does anyone in the family have any medical issue? Is the community lovable? 

And last, but not least have a check on these pointers as well:

Sandy Beach: Is fun for the entire family. Kids especially the toddlers love the sand. It is comfortable for the elders to stroll on as well.

View: The view should be mesmerizing. Even if you do not want to enter the water, you can still sit back and enjoy the beach view from your patio.

Level Lot: The level of the lot should be as flat as possible. A flat lot is easier for the elders to climb on as well.

Proximity to water: Though the recommended proximity from the water should be 100 feet, still a little nearby is okay as you can watch your kids play.

Privacy: Make sure your property has at least 100 feet’s of frontage; any less will kill your privacy from the neighbors.


Though getting the ideal beach house may not be possible, but to quite an extent one can get a dream vocational home away from home.

Posted By: Alligator Point Beach Rentals http://alligatorpointbeachrentals.com

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Tips for Getting the Perfect Holiday Home

Having a holiday home is an extravagance and something that you should appreciate for the rest of your life. Not many people are able to afford holiday homes in the current climate, so you are very lucky.

This is why you need to make sure that you get the house of your dreams, you should rush the process just because you want to have a bit of sun. Think about the long term when you are buying a property abroad.

Location

The first thing that you need to think about is where you want the villa to be. If you have never been to a country before and you decide to buy a villa without having been there, then you might find yourself with a villa in a place that you do not like.
You need to think about the local culture and traditions and see if you will be able to fit in with them. Some countries are a lot different to western countries, so you have to make sure that you buy a home in a place where you can settle.

Buying a house is a massive commitment and you might not be able to make your money back on a home that you do not like. So, it is recommended that if you see a house that you like, you should organize to spend a few days in the country before you sign on the dotted line.

Visit

You should never buy a house unless you have seen it in person. You might think that you love a property by the pictures, but pictures can be deceiving. Sometimes, the image will make rooms seem a lot better than they are, and when you visit, you get a different feel for the home.

So, find an estate agent in the area that you want the home to be, and arrange to travel to the country to visit some villas. You should email the company a list of the homes that you like on their website and arrange to visit every single one.

The best estate agent will ask you for the specifications that you are looking for in a villa and they might have a list of their own when you get there. They could show you homes that you never even thought to look at, and one of them might be the home of your dreams.

Market Requirements

Once you have found the home and you are ready to make an offer, you should ask the estate agent if there are any requirements that you need to meet, to make the sale. Different countries have different regulations and taxes for selling properties, so you need to make sure that you know exactly how much money you will need on top of the asking price for the home.

There are estate agents that deal with foreign buyers or expatriates, so they should have some order to how they can advise you. They might have told you about the charges before you even arrived, so you are well aware of the charges.

If you get all the way to the exchange of keys and the estate agent is only just mentioning taxes and other fees, then this could put the whole sale in jeopardy because you might not have any extra money.

They need to be upfront with you so that you know how much you will need to save to get the house of your dreams. This might mean waiting a bit longer to buy, but you should be willing to wait to get the perfect villa.


Elegant Villas is a website which advertises and sells homes built in the Bodrum area of Turkey. The company that they use to build their villas is Mesa Construction. They have years of experience in choosing land, designing architectural masterpieces and building villas. You can visit their website at http://www.elegant-villas.com

Posted By: Alligator Point Beach Rentals http://alligatorpointbeachrentals.com