Articles Tagged "Vacation Rentals"

The Internet has made planning vacations a breeze. But along with the ease of booking travel and accommodation on the web, we've also seen a rise in the incidence of vacation scams. 

It's all too easy to be fooled into thinking that a great bargain for a beautiful vacation property you're trying to rent is for real, when in fact, you've been had by scammers who have taken your money and run with it.

Here are 6 tips that can help you avoid vacation rental scams while you're booking your dream vacation.

Avoiding Vacation Rental Scams

1. Too Good to be True?
   You know the old truism: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers try to reel you in with deeply discounted vacation rentals. All too often, these properties do not exist, or if they do, they belong to someone else. Be sure to check pricing on similar rental properties in the same location to see if the price is realistic.
   
   
2. Does the Property Really Exist?
   As mentioned earlier, it's possible the property doesn't even exist. The scammer may have grabbed a picture from another website or is using an address from another property. You can try to verify that the property exists with a couple of Google searches.
   
   
3. Research the Owner
   Research the owner's name, address of the property, and images. Check out the owner of the rental website, as well as the individual who pays property taxes. Beware if you are asked to pay rent in full by wire transfer.
   
   
4. Pay Attention to the URL
   Scammers want you to move from the vacation rental website's communication system to a fake website. Check the URL. 
   
   
5. Use a Credit Card
   Scammers commonly ask for payment by Western Union, cash, check, or wire transfer before arrival. This is a great way to lose your money, without the possibility of recovery. A wire transfer allows the scammer to move funds to another bank account, close the first one, and take your money and run.
   
   
6. Rent a Property with a Traceable History
   Best bet: rent from someone you know, or go by recommendation from a trusted source. Renting from professional management companies that specialize in vacation apartments and/or cottages is another good bet. Looking for a short-term rental on Florida's Gulf Coast? That's our specialty! We believe planning a vacation should be a breeze, that's why our team is here to help you find a short-term or long-term rental perfect for your family! We've been a top choice for Gulf Coast house and condo rentals for years.

Our experienced team is here to help with your vacation planning! With 8 offices, our team has plenty of Florida properties to choose from for your vacation. Plus, our Anna Maria Island office has been open for over 80 years! 

• Anna Maria Island
• Lakewood Ranch
• SR 64 East
• Corporate
• Longboat Key
• Sarasota (First Street)
• El Conquistador Parkway
• Manatee Avenue West

Or if you're looking to move here permanently, our team can show you Bradenton and Sarasota homes for sale. Contact us today to book your trip in the Florida sunshine.

Are you searching for a place where you can relax with your family and friends? Our real estate agents invite you to leave your worries behind and spend hours enjoying a staycation at One Particular Harbour.

Only moments away from the beach, award-winning golf, shopping, dining, and entertainment, One Particular Harbour is a gated community that caters to adults and families of all ages.

Short term stays include access to amenities such as a deep-water marina, restaurant, pool, grilling area, and children's area. For those visiting for more than 30 days, enjoy the extended amenities of Harbour Isle. A waterfront beach club, private pool, sky bar, kayak launch, fitness center, and yoga lawn can be yours to enjoy throughout your staycation.

• One Particular Harbour 376 – 303 | 3/3 Sleeps 7
  Spend quality time with your family in this luxurious three-bedroom condo. The open floor plan includes a screened-in lanai that accommodates indoor/outdoor living. Designed to comfortably sleep seven, there are two bedrooms with queen beds, one of which as an in-suite bathroom. The master has a king bed, an amazing view, and a lavish bathroom.

• One Particular Harbour 387 – 402 | 3/3 Sleeps 7
  This penthouse with a lagoon view will make you feel on top of the world during your stay. Both the master suite and one guest room host a king bed. The third bedroom has a queen bed and bunk beds, perfect for children! Enjoy cooking meals conveniently in the island kitchen before relaxing in the spacious entertaining room. With laundry and cooking appliances in the unit, as well as equipment like bikes, fishing poles, snorkeling gear, and beach items for guest use, you'll feel like you're living in an exclusive resort.

• One Particular Harbour 380 – 103 | 3/3 Sleeps 7
  Lose track of time admiring gorgeous sunsets from the screened-in lanai of this unique unit. One king bed sits in each master and guest suites while the third bedroom features a queen bed and two twin beds. Stay in and entertain as you enjoy the convenience of a fully-stocked kitchen and spacious dining area. With everything you need to make you feel at home, this unit was designed for R&R.

• One Particular Harbour 387 – 201 | 2/2 Sleeps 5
  Cozy into this two-bedroom unit and take advantage of its proximity to the shore. A queen sleeper sofa and queen bed in the guest room offer comfortable accommodations for guests while the king in the master bedroom offers hours of privacy. With a spacious kitchen, entertaining area, and lanai with seating, you can spoil yourself in this charming unit.

• One Particular Harbour 388 – 301 | 2/2 Sleeps 5
  This new unit is ready to provide an exceptional staycation to two couples or a small family who want to get away. King beds are in both rooms while the living room sofa pulls out to a queen bed for additional guests. A dream kitchen and courtyard views from the lanai offers plenty of spaces to relax after a day spent on the beach.

Are you ready for a staycation on Anna Maria Island? Our team receives approximately 10 rental inquires for this property daily, so don't delay booking your getaway.

Better yet, would you like to call this slice of paradise home? Whether you want to visit for a week or live here for years to come, contact us to discover our best Bradenton homes for sale and for rent in the area.