Question on last-minute rentals

[Suma]

If it is last minute, the individual owner might be very happy to deal with you.

 

[TooFarTampa]

Definitely a possibility. I checked VRBO and their are dozens of one-bedrooms and studios at spots like Gulf Place and Village of So. Walton. I just worry about dealing with an individual owner on a last-minute basis.

Hibiscus may be the way to go (provided they have availability).

Just send emails out to all of them that look good and someone will respond positively. Mr. TFT and I had to cancel our beach vacay this week because of a last minute work conflict. I put a note in my headline that it was available and would have been thrilled to get 75 percent of the rate. I ended up renting it for less than that to a very nice lady.

I was in a good mood that day because at the very instant I was emailing her back, the mail came with our wind insurance renewal. It was way down (shhh) and once I made sure we were actually still covered, I happily accepted her offer. Win-win ... as long as we get through hurricane season unscathed.

So, just go for it. Don't be pushy but do ask for their best possible rate. Every owner has a different idea of what is fair.

 

[Matt J]

Taking all of what TFT has said keep in mind that some owners may come back feeling insulted or jilted, it just comes with the territory.

 

[InletBchDweller]

True SWGB, I handle a property for a friend. Someone inquired about the property which rents for about $145 a night. They wanted the whole week for $600 - everything included. That was about $75 night after taxes and cleaning fees. I told them good luck and see ya! I dont mind coming off a little for someone last minute but my friend is not that desperate.

So JB, it does not hurt to ask just remember that renting is a business for the condo/house owner as well.

 

[TooFarTampa]

True SWGB, I handle a property for a friend. Someone inquired about the property which rents for about $145 a night. They wanted the whole week for $600 - everything included. That was about $75 night after taxes and cleaning fees. I told them good luck and see ya! I dont mind coming off a little for someone last minute but my friend is not that desperate.

So JB, it does not hurt to ask just remember that renting is a business for the condo/house owner as well.

Yeah, we all have a line to draw and sometimes that line changes, depending on mood/cash flow/number of people in party. But yes, it is a business, and something is not always better than nothing.

 

[JB]

True SWGB, I handle a property for a friend. Someone inquired about the property which rents for about $145 a night. They wanted the whole week for $600 - everything included. That was about $75 night after taxes and cleaning fees. I told them good luck and see ya! I dont mind coming off a little for someone last minute but my friend is not that desperate.

So JB, it does not hurt to ask just remember that renting is a business for the condo/house owner as well.

I understand completely. I guess my thought was, if a place is probably going to go un-rented for a given weekend, doesn't it make sense for an owner to at least make a little something rather than nothing.

All that said, there are dozens of units at Gulf Place will within my price range - even at regular rates.

 

[rainman]

I've got a studio in Inlet Beach 100 steps off the gulf. It's open till 17 July then completely open after 20 July on. Rate is $800/wk and will discount to $650/wk. Add $60 cleaning and 11% tax. Separate $200 security deposit is refundable. Will rent on a daily basis, 3 nt minimum as well. See: http://vrspots.com/inletsands/