You may be surprised to learn that the houses that surround the vacation property that you are going to rent are occupied year round by their respective owners. This may not seem like much…except…owners have a tendency to spend time maintaining their properties while renters vacation at a rental property. Here’s the difference. While you may be concerned that nearby vacationers are going to be loud partiers, which is a possibility, a homeowner is usually trying to fix things or otherwise improve their home or property. I have found, over the years, that when owners are at a house they are either getting work done or doing work themselves because they are not really on vacation when they are occupying their vacation house. Owners are often friendly and knowledgeable people who can certainly provide very valuable advice and information about the area, but they can sometimes be your biggest nuisance because they are working on their house or their yard. That may or not be a problem depending on what they are doing, but I prefer to rent a house that is surrounded by other rentals that are either rented or empty, not owner occupied. Click Here for more Eleuthera, Bahamas travel tips!

Vacation Rental Question #2: Do you know of any current construction or nearby building projects that will be going on while I am renting?

Many vacations have been ruined or interrupted by nearby construction that is completely out of the hands of the owner you are renting from. As we all know, construction teams work during the day, are loud, and there is really nothing that can be done to impede their schedule. If you plan on being out and about all day then perhaps this is less of a concern, but if you aren’t, then this can be a major headache. Construction teams start early and finish late. I’ve heard of more vacations ruined simply because the renters could not get any peace and quiet that they so sorely craved due to nearby construction or large work projects. Simply put, if there is construction in the neighborhood and you don’t know for sure that it will be completed by the start of your vacation, then choose a different house and area. To be specific, construction on Eleuthera island, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells is notoriously slow and projects often extend months and years beyond expected completion dates. If Eleuthera is your destination, then look for an Eleuthera vacation rental where you know there is no nearby construction. Click Here for information on a neat new building project if you are considering purchasing on Eleuthera.

Vacation Rental Question #3: When will the owner be occupying the property personally? When was the owner last there?

These are two important related questions that deal directly with property maintenance. Nobody, and I mean nobody, pays attention to detail like the property owner, and, as we discussed in question #1, when an owner is at their vacation rental they are often working on it. The reason I ask owners when they have last been there, or when they will be there next, is because, if possible, I want to time my vacation to be shortly after theirs because that is when the property will be in its best condition due to the attention the owner gives it. They have put everything in order. They have stocked any supplies that might have run low. They have finished improvements. They have deep cleaned the house. From experience, I know they have used their valuable vacation time trying to make sure that my vacation is the best it can because my vacation experience is reflected in how well their house is maintained.

Summary

In conclusion, we all love the benefits that come with renting a private home such as increased space, maximum privacy and superior location. When choosing a vacation rental we make sure the home has the necessities we require – ample size, correct number of beds and baths, right types of beds, full kitchen, large deck, etc. We also look to fulfill those special wants that will give us the best vacation experience – beachfront, private pool, game room, excellent wifi, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, maybe even a sailboat. However, when it comes right down to it, while having the necessities and niceties can make a good vacation great, by asking my 3 questions, you will make sure that your vacation doesn’t go from bad to horror show. A good vacation can be great if you are simply surrounded by the people you love, but my 3 questions will help you avoid the biggest problems that can turn your vacation into a nightmare.