Unfortunately the internet is used by scam artists intent on parting you from your hard earned cash. As with any purchase online there are a number of steps you can take to minimise the risk of being taken in by one of these scams. As this website is a paid to list site we are confident that all our vacation rental homes are genuine, however as with any major purchase please be sure you are happy with the villa and the owner before you part with your money. Please also see our disclaimer.
Ask the home owners as many questions as you feel necessary, either by e-mail, post or give them a call - all homes advertised on this website have to display the owners home address and telephone number. You will find that villa owners are more than happy to talk to you about their villa and Florida in general. If you find an owner to be unforthcoming with answers to your questions find another villa.
Check if the villa you are interested in is registered with our villa verification scheme.
Try to get a few referrals from previous guests, have a look if the property has an online guest book as these will usually have previous guest contact details.
The property will almost certainly have a management company to look after the day to day running and cleaning of the home. Ask for the company details and check with them about the property and the owners.
Owners will usually ask for a deposit prior to reserving a property, and will expect full payment before you arrive. A deposit is taken as a guarantee that a certain date has been reserved, and owners will be expected to turn away other interested customers only when a deposit has been taken. Remember that the owner is giving you access to a property typically worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Make sure you are happy with the property before you send a deposit as this is usually non refundable.
Always be sure to have a signed rental agreement.
Please also remember that a vacation rental is a two way thing. The rental homes on this site are all privately owned, are each worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and are the pride and joy of the owners, so please don't be offended if the owners want to check you out as well.
As with any purchase it should always be - Buyer Beware - if in doubt walk away.
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