Are You Thinking About Renting a Vacation Home?
Vacation rentals usually have many advantages and are often
great deals. You typically get more space for your money, most come with full
kitchens which save you money on meals and they’re great for accommodating large
groups or families that want to stay together. While most people only see the
good in them, there are some things you should know before you book and Keys to
the Lake is here to help. When you’re looking for a Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental, make
sure you keep these tips in mind:
1. Start your search early
If you can avoid some of the stress and extra costs that can
go with securing a vacation home last minute, why not? Vacation rentals during
peak season, especially the more popular ones, get booked up fast! It’s best to
start your search at least a few months before your vacation. While it may seem
extreme, searching 6 months to a year out would be ideal.
A common mistake that some renters make, is that they focus
more on how the home looks, rather than the functionality. While the home’s
aesthetics are important, if the layout doesn’t work for your family or the
group you’re travelling with, then you should check out other rentals.
3. Read the whole contract
The contract is something you should really take your time
with and thoroughly read over. The contract should outline your payment
schedule, as well as what you are liable for in case of damages.
Other things that should be included in your contract are:
- · The arrival and departure dates
- The costs of the deposit, pet fees and cleaning fees
- · The method and time frame for those fees to be paid
- · The cancellation policy
Make sure to read through the fine print and don’t hesitate
to ask any questions, especially if there’s something you don’t understand. It’s
also important to get a checklist of what is included in the vacation rental.
This will give you an idea of what you need to pack or purchase for your trip.
4. Ask questions so you know what you’re
getting
Here are some questions to keep in mind when searching for your vacation rental house:
Here are some questions to keep in mind when searching for your vacation rental house:
- Do I need a car? Is there convenient public transportation?
- Is the neighborhood noisy?
- How available are you if I have questions?
- Are there laundry facilities available?
- Is the property kid-friendly? Are pets allowed?
5. Ask about available services
Although you hope you won’t have any issues while staying at a
rental home, the truth of the matter is, anything can happen and it’s best to
be prepared. Some rentals may expect the renters to do their own leg work if
anything goes wrong. It’s best to rent a vacation home that is equipped with a
list of reliable service people or have contact with someone who can provide
you with one when necessary.
6. Don’t forget the deposit
Some seasonal rentals usually require an upfront security
deposit. You should always keep the deposit in mind and make sure it fits into
your budget. You should also know how the deposit will be returned and what
conditions need to be met.
"We don't aspire to be the largest company in the region. Rather, we are determined to be the best at what we do!" ~ Mark Krantz, Owner
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ReplyDeleteExcellent post, really! I traveled to NYC last year and instead of going for motels and hostels, I opted for vacation rentals as I was there for 2 weeks. Had I booked a hotel there, I would have been left with no money to explore the city, even if I had rented the cheapest one. But with a vacation rental close to Times Square, I could save a lot. Thanks to APT212.com that helped me find my vacation rental in NYC. Great website and recommend it to everyone.
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