Vacation Home Rentals Blog

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In these uncertain times, it may be out of your realm to even consider purchasing a 10,000-square foot Kissimmee vacation home. First, does a buyer really need all that space? Second, what would it take to qualify for a loan?

But the fact is, such luxury still exists, and by the numbers. For day-to-day living, it’s probably not the best idea. For vacation, it’s just good economic sense–especially when split between a large group.

The estate above, situated on prime lakefront property in the exclusive community of Formosa Gardens, is like a five-star hotel at a more reasonable price. “If you work this out it only costs 44 usd each per night!,” according to the listing. (Based on the assumption of 16 guests staying at the property)

The over-the-top amenities–a 55-foot Roman-style pool, a custom movie theater with reclining seats, porcelain floors, chandeliers and wine cellar–lend to a space that would star on MTV “Cribs” or “Beverly Hills 90210.” And what’s more: The maid service is complimentary.

Property owners, don’t be afraid to flaunt the majesty of your vacation home. Use size as a selling point. Consumers always feel better when they feel like they’re getting more for their money.

In a house this elegant, renters may forget why they came to the Orlando area in the first place. Mickey Mouse, who’s he?

We’re in that window of the year where if you’re not paying attention, you could blink and miss those leaves turning from green to gorgeous hues of amber, gold and brown. Before it’s too late, isn’t a road trip in order to catch Mother Nature go from green to redhead?

1. Washington, D.C. vacation rentals
This million-dollar Washington, D.C. vacation home is emblematic of our nation’s capital’s elegance and history. The four-bedroom, two-bath Queen Anne sits on Capitol Hill and is only two blocks from the Metro. Take a long weekend through the neighborhood to soak in the irresistible fall foliage, landmarks like the U.S. Supreme Court and the Smithsonian, then retire the covered porches to enjoy the flower garden.

2. Williamsburg vacation rentals
A little further south, find the town that will always mean fall to me, from field trips with my seventh grade class to Jamestown to outlet shopping and sightseeing in Colonial Williamsburg. Tree-lined streets and 18th-century architecture abound, guaranteeing that memory card will be loaded with photos from your stroll into our country’s past. Can’t afford that $400-a-night B&B? Try this vacation condo, reasonably priced at $89 a night.

3. Colorado vacation rentals
Colorado’s vast mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, diverse wildlife and rustic lodges would tempt any Floridian or other resident on mostly flat land to consider relocation. These Divide vacation cabins offer prime access to leaf watching, where the Aspens deepen to shades of gold.

4. Maine vacation rentals
The road up to this Belgrade Lakes vacation cabin is hugged by woods and ends next to a placid lake. Get there before the end of September to enjoy that one last meal alfresco or kayaking outing, and don’t forget to tote the camera to snap images of all those beautiful New England leaves.

5. Missouri vacation rentals
What a picturesque Midwest escape. This turn-of-the-century stone house near Branson, anchored on 35 acres surrounded by trees, boasts a yard for that impromptu game of touch football and a firepit for roasting marshmallows. Did we mention the hiking trails? It doesn’t get any more autumn than that.

Dan C., who lists this New York vacation home and a Miami condo with VacationHomeRentals.com, helps us launch our Take it From an Owner feature, where we’ll gather tips on how to gather exposure for your own property during all seasons. In just 18 months, he has reaped the rewards of keeping up on his listings with gorgeous photos, detailed content and renter testimonials.

Does he think vacation home owners be rattled by the economy? Naah. Not if they’re marketing their properties right. Without further a due, his advice …

Q: Why did you list with VacationHomeRentals.com and what success have you found with it? What other forms of advertising have you tried?

I have a few friends who went away to their Michigan or Wisconsin vacation homes this weekend, or shall I say, vacation homes their parents own. I’m in love with the romance of that–vacationing at the same lake house every summer–and frankly, I’m also a little bit jealous.

Once again, Crain’s Chicago Business validated the story that’s become all too common in 2008: People are staying closer to home and taking shorter vacations to curb costs and protect their job security.

As a result, Harbor County, Michigan vacation homes like this one have enjoyed a boom in bookings this summer, and I’d bet they could continue during fall, winter and spring if property owners play their cards right.

Whether it’s a huge backyard for kids (and adults) to throw the ball around, a gourmet kitchen for cooking up that anniversary dinner or a stone fireplace to huddle around when temps do a freefall, your homes’ best assets should be showcased on your listings. It might even be worth it to adjust your photos and property amenities according to the season to promote your home during the off season.

Because now that the economy is hurting, would-be renters will be looking for reasons to justify giving up those hard-earned dollars.

In my 20s, wanderlust hit me hard. New York, San Francisco, Florida, you name it. I wanted to visit. Part of feeding that beast was staying connected with friends–even if years had passed since I last physically saw them–just in case the opportunity to couch surf came up. The fools never said no. Lucky me.

This Chicago midrise condo reminds me of where I might have stayed back in the day.

Maybe you’re a student on a tight budget or high school junior checking out Loyola University for undergrad, or a couple relocating to Chicago who wants to sniff around the city from the inside. Forget the fancy hotels downtown–choose this base to explore Rogers Park, the beauty by the lake with miles of beaches, cafes and restaurants.

The rooms are pretty small and spartan (Think bed, kitchenette and blinds or shades) but the vintage building boasts an enviable location: It’s steps from the beach, close to the El and Evanston.

Unlike North Avenue and Oak Street beaches to the South, which are popular singles’ cruising and ogling zones, the sand between Pratt and Touhy feels like “the people’s beach.” You’re as likely to see big Mexican families barbecuing and playing soccer as Little Leaguers practicing after school.

Parents, if Loyola happens to be your son’s top choice, this eight-story brick building will likely be similar
to places he might eventually rent off campus. Like this one, a lot of the older buildings have been renovated for condo dwellers with refurbished hardwood floors and new appliances, while still maintaining vintage charm. At $60 for weekdays and $80 for weekend nights, it’s a fraction of what you would pay on Michigan Avenue.

Stash that extra cash for dinner at Gruppo di Amici or drinks at Morseland.