Vacation rentals are the best way to spend your vacation. You get more room and more comfort than a hotel for fewer dollars.
But you cannot wait too long. Condos rentals are popular and they fill up early. You need to get in early and make your reservation. Most travelers to South Padre Island plan 6-8 weeks in advance. That means if you are travelling as soon as school gets out, it is time to book your condo now!
How do I do it?
Booking is easy. Check the calendar to make sure your dates are available, send an email to confirm pricing and then pay your deposit with Paypal.com. Most condo owners will ask for the balance of the rental about 30 days in advance – also through Paypal.com. You can offer to mail a check – Paypal charges about 3% – you may be able to get a few dollars discount if you offer to save the owner some credit card fees.
Why pay in advance?
Don’t think condo owners are trying to cheat you by asking for money up front. To the contrary – beware owners who never ask for payment and are willing to offer flexible payments and long credit terms. Good owners are looking for good renters who will not tear up the furniture, get drunk on the balcony, break windows, swim naked in the pool and generally disrupt everyone. Renters who are able and willing to put up a few hundred $ up front are usually not the type to bring mayhem to the beach. If the owner you are dealing with is not asking for a commitment from you, you have to ask what kind of renter he is really attracting – maybe you should keep looking to make sure you don’t wind up at a college keg party.
Deposits
Most owners will ask for deposit of $100-$200 at the time you make your reservation. The deposit is intended to pay for any damage to the condo or furniture. Truthfully damage is rare – especially if owners are screening clients and asking for rental money in advance. The deposit is really to show the owner you are serious. You need to put up a small amount in order for the owner to take the risk of taking the condo off the market for your week. The last thing an owner wants is to have a renter call up 2 days in advance and cancel their reservation. It is hard to rent a week with 1 day notice. Deposits are there to help the owner know they are getting quality renters and for renters to know they will have decent neighbors during their stay.
Make your reservation now!
Now is the time! The beach is calling. Schlitterbahn is ready. Burgers and cold beer at Louie’s Backyard are in your near future.
Email me now and let’s get you booked.
