TIPS
1. Don’t hesitate to ask if the owner will offer a discount.
2. Make an offer so the owner doesn’t have to guess how low you want him/her to go. Ask for a free night.
3. Be reasonable. Consider negotiating cleaning fees or a 10% discount off the daily, weekly, or monthly rates. Vacation owners love their homes and have considered their costs and competing properties to arrive at a fair rate.
4. Be tactful. Consider that vacation rental owners have all the costs that you have to keep the house operational including utilities, taxes, and insurances. In addition to these costs, advertising averages as much as $100 a month. Many owners are also carrying a mortgage.

When my family and I made the choice to stay at our first vacation rental home, we had some real concerns about what to expect. The price was incredibly reasonable. It seemed too good to be true. But, we decided to take the digital leap and send our deposit and payment to an internet someone. During the 11 hour ride to the cabin, we just kept our fingers crossed that the place would be habitable. Then, we pulled up to the front door. It was more than too good to be true. It was perfect. We were hooked. Vacation rental properties became the only way to travel for us. A great list of properties can be found at VRBO or Homeaway.

There are some real advantages to staying at a vacation home rented out by the owner.

1. You purchase access to an entire home usually at a nightly rate that is less than most hotels or motels.
2. Most owners do not charge extra for additional guests.
3. In some situations, pets are welcomed.
4. With multiple bedrooms plus a full living room everyone’s privacy and sleeping habits can be accommodated.
5. Unlike in a hotel, you have complete privacy from other vacationers.
6. With a full kitchen, you have the option of eating meals in for convenience, dietary needs, or cost efficiency.

I would encourage you to take the internet leap if you haven’t already. If you have, what do you like best about renting through the vacation owner system?