| Tips for Booking Directly with a Holiday Home Owner |
When you are looking for a holiday home, consider booking direct with the holiday home owner. There are a number of advantages when booking direct and some disadvantages that can be avoided by following our list of tips. The advantages include being able to speak directly with the owner, who knows the property intimately and therefore able to accurately answer all of your questions. Often owner direct homes rent for less money than the neighbor holiday homes that are professionally managed. And booking direct also give you an opportunity to negotiate some great deals. The disadvantage of booking direct is that there are no standards to guarantee the quality of the holiday home or the professionalism of the owner. Here is a list of tips to follow when booking a holiday home, especially when it is direct through an owner.
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Get it in writing |
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A renter’s agreement is best, but a confirmation that states all the details of the reservation is acceptable. Included on your confirmation should be the following.
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Your Name and Address |
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Dates of Travel- (Including Number of Nights) |
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Total Cost of the Rental |
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Security Deposit (if any) |
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Additional Fees (Pool Heat, Firewood, Cleaning Fee) |
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List of Policies including Cancellation, Terms of Payment and House Rules |
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Address to Property (Important: Look up on Internet Map service to make sure address is real) |
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Phone to Property |
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Owner Address and Phone Number |
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Contact for Maintenance Emergency- Names and Phone Numbers |
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Driving Directions to the Property |
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Clear Instruction on Obtaining Keys |
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Is the Home Professionally Cleaned? |
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If the home is not professionally cleaned, there is a chance that it won “t meet your standards. Especially, if it is up to the guests to clean the property before they vacate. If you have a choice of cleaning the home or paying for a professional service, consider if you really want the hassle of cleaning the home on your vacation.
Typically, holiday homes that use a professional cleaning service, will ask you to remove linens from the beds and start a load of wash before you leave. The kitchen should be clean and the dishwasher loaded and left running.
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Is the Kitchen Fully Equipped? |
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Be sure that the kitchen is fully equipped with all the appliances and pots and pans you will require for the vacation. Also be sure there are enough place settings for everyone in your party.
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Clarify the Bedding Configuration |
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Carefully, go over with the owner exactly where everyone will sleep. Ask about the age and comfort of sofa sleepers. Make sure there is bedding for every couple and that you aren’t expecting adults to sleep in child size beds.
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Stairs and Floor Plan |
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If anyone in your group has trouble with stairs, be sure to clarify how many stairs there are into the property. Understand where the bedrooms are in relation to bathrooms and the main floor.
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Clarify Location |
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If you are looking for a home that is walking distance to attractions, clarify with the owner that there are no highways or hills on the walk. If you want to be able to drive to a nearby attraction, be sure to ask about driving times to and from this attraction during peak traffic hours.
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Clarify Views |
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There may be a gorgeous view of the ocean or lake from this property. But how old is this photo? Have the trees grown enough to block this view? Where was the photo taken? Was it from the deck? Did the photographer zoom into the view before taking the photo?
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Clarify Parking Restrictions |
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Always find out how many cars can park at the property. And if there is a garage at the property that you expect to use, be sure that is available. For mountain trips, clarify snow removal restrictions and if you need 4 wheel drive. |
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Are Linens Included? |
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Most professionally run holiday homes will offer enough linens for your entire party. Some may charge an extra linen fee. Check to see if the property includes linens. Typically, you should only need to bring your favorite Beach Towels on vacation. |
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