Finding the perfect waterfront rental can be challenging for many vacationers, and spending weeks or months searching for that ideal location strains your nerves and patience. Luckily, there are ways to tip the scales in your favor and streamline the process of locating the ultimate coastal base camp for your next holiday. Keep reading for best practices in landing a great vacation spot on the water.
Table of Contents
Contact the Professionals
Locating a vacation rental on your own through listings can be tricky in popular markets like Hawaii. Contacting property managers can substantially improve the chances of renting a house in Kona or the surrounding area. These professionals are experts in local short-term and long-term rental properties in the area and can provide a wealth of information that’s unavailable online.
Allow Plenty of Time for the Search
Beginning the location hunt several months before the planned arrival date provides lots of time for a thorough investigation. Using this time to scope out the area and familiarize yourself with all possible options is wise and lets you focus on the necessary amenities for the trip. Are peace and tranquility a priority for this trip, or is a site in the middle of the action more your speed? If budgeting is an issue, the extra time assists in securing a fantastic deal.
Plan an Exploratory Visit
While paying any money down on a vacation rental in the U.S. can be risky, when considering an overseas rental, it’s always best to see the property in person before providing any funds. Most property managers and owners are honest people who do their best to fairly and accurately present a location, but pictures don’t always show the whole story.
Are Appliances Included?
Many Americans are surprised to learn that overseas rentals may or may not include essential appliances like stoves and refrigerators. In some areas, an unfurnished apartment won’t have a kitchen, cabinets, or lighting fixtures. The leasing agreement for the rental should clear up any questions but make sure to resolve any uncertainties before signing.
Beginning and end dates for the rental period are also pieces of vital information in the lease agreement. For some areas, a lease period begins the day the renter signs the agreement, but in other places, it starts at occupancy. The differences in these dates can be days to weeks for international renters.
Renting New Construction can be Risky
Being the first occupant of a new residence surrounded by clean, unused furnishings and appliances can be exciting, but there can be a downside to all that freshness. Your well-planned, highly anticipated overseas vacation is not the ideal time to learn about a defective air conditioner, non-working water heater, or a leaky roof. As the first inhabitants of a new place, you’ll be the first to know of any deficiencies with the property. Be sure to notify the landlord of any property issues when moving in. Otherwise, you may be responsible for unreported damage when moving out.
Research Surrounding Areas
Checking rental rates on comparable properties in the surrounding area provides a basis for expected costs for the rental you’re interested in. Knowing this information beforehand places you in a stronger bargaining position when negotiating fees. Although not common in the U.S., these negotiations are expected in many areas worldwide.
Add Comment