How are your Spring Break Rentals

[Wastin Away]

We are self managed and had a great year last year but this year seems to be taking a slow start, especially for Spring Break? Anyone else experiencing a slow booking season for Spring Break? When is the big booking time for Spring Break? Our home is usually occupied with repeat guests and maybe I am in that transition year where the guests schedules are not working out to come or there SB is very early are the weather is questionable? What has been your experiences so far?

[Beach Runner]

They stink. All I get are 4 Moms and 4 teens. Right. No way I'll take those. Moms fronting for teens. Don't care, though. I'd rather wait until May for the non-party crowd.

[InletBchDweller]

Mine are not good. I have had no problems in the past and now??? I get inquiries and then poof they are gone.

[Sheila]

They stink. All I get are 4 Moms and 4 teens. Right. No way I'll take those. Moms fronting for teens. Don't care, though. I'd rather wait until May for the non-party crowd.

I'll bet I just got the same one BR. Are they from Ga.?

[Beach Runner]

I'll bet I just got the same one BR. Are they from Ga.?

Yes. Area code 678.

[Sheila]

We are self managed and had a great year last year but this year seems to be taking a slow start, especially for Spring Break? Anyone else experiencing a slow booking season for Spring Break? When is the big booking time for Spring Break? Our home is usually occupied with repeat guests and maybe I am in that transition year where the guests schedules are not working out to come or there SB is very early are the weather is questionable? What has been your experiences so far?

This week has seen a little activity. Nothing so far has panned out. I had one that was highly offended when I asked how many people would occupy my home and that I would charge her extra for heating my pool.

I honestly detest trying to screen people for Spring Break.

[Sheila]

Yes. Area code 678.

Yep! That's the one. I had the same thought you did. Drop those girls off and hightail it back to Ga. Had it happen before. Not a good situation.

[InletBchDweller]

GGTBM, if you are ever suspicious of your renters in Seacrest. Let me know and I can check on it for you....

[Sheila]

GGTBM, if you are ever suspicious of your renters in Seacrest. Let me know and I can check on it for you....

Will do. Right now I have the SnowBirds from hail. My PMC is earning their $$$ on these 2! If my PMC "fires" me I might take you up on your offer.

[Wastin Away]

Mine are not good. I have had no problems in the past and now??? I get inquiries and then poof they are gone.

That is what I am seeing. I am getting inquiries and then I respond back with an email and phone call and speak in length and then they are gone. We have been self renting for about 5 years and I have never not had most of my SB filled or at least 3/4 of them by now. Now, my summer has filled up quicker this year than last year as I already have 6 weeks booked. I have had good luck with SB's so I hope things pick up.

[Sheila]

I think it has everything to do with the economy. I think people are possibly having to decide between a summer vacation or spring break this year.

[SHELLY]

I think it has everything to do with the economy. I think people are possibly having to decide between a summer vacation or spring break this year.

Bingo! The economy is heading for recession (or already in one) and folks will be looking for vacations on-the-cheap, if at all. That, and spring break is earlier, and ergo colder, this year.


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[Beach Runner]

Bingo! The economy is heading for recession (or already in one) and folks will be looking for vacations on-the-cheap, if at all. That, and spring break is earlier, and ergo colder, this year.


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Heck, yeah. Georgia Tech's spring break starts after classes are over on March 14th. Frigid! But then Easter is on 3/23? Wearing a fur on Easter is just so incongruous.

[NoHall]

Heck, yeah. Georgia Tech's spring break starts after classes are over on March 14th. Frigid! But then Easter is on 3/23? Wearing a fur on Easter is just so incongruous.

My college Spring Break is March 1-9! Brrrr...

[Ocean Lover]

Our break is March 21-30. Last year we were in Sowal the first week of April and it was CHILLY.

[Minnie]

based on my personal experiences from coming down this week and looking at rentals for a week of April that with the economy and gas prices that I can't lock myself into a rental that I can't cancel last minute and get all my money back.

I know that limits my choices of getting some great deals with Owner's but with my schedule I have to book things last minute.

So usually I book the Marriot at Sandestin simply due to the ease of cancellations.

So I think possibly others are looking and getting prices but afraid to go ahead and commit to something this far out. I think bookings will pick up but it will be closer to arrival date.

[rapunzel]

I have to think it's the economy.

My sister in law just called to cancel -- they were going to come and stay in our guest rooms for free, but feel they can't afford even the travel and extraneous vacation spending this year.

[Minnie]

With all the news that Countrywide might go under and take Bank of America with it, it is definitely an unsettled time.

[Sheila]

With all the news that Countrywide might go under and take Bank of America with it, it is definitely an unsettled time.

I thought BOA was buying Countrywide out.

[Miss Kitty]

I thought BOA was buying Countrywide out.

[Paula]

I have a week or two in each cottage. I'm thinking it's a bit early and people realize they have choices, so they're not in a hurry. So, I'll start worrying more if I don't get more by mid/late Feb.

[Miss Kitty]

I am going to check with WC today and see what our rentals look like. I'll report back.

I am thinking of changing our arrival until after April 13 in order to avoid that ATL SB.

[Jdarg]

I am going to check with WC today and see what our rentals look like. I'll report back.

I am thinking of changing our arrival until after April 13 in order to avoid that ATL SB.

I think that would be wise. We were stunned by the number of people in town- it was like 4th of July!

[Mermaid]

I have nothing booked for spring break that I've wanted to accept, and that's fine with me. Frankly, I'd rather NOT rent during that time frame unless it's someone who's stayed with us before. I hate reading the horror stories in this forum because I always get that sinking "there but for the grace of God go I" kind of feeling. We've been very lucky thus far but???

[ShallowsNole]

I thought BOA was buying Countrywide out.

Oh Dear God NOOOOO !!!

I like Countrywide. But Bank of America already bought out two of my credit cards and they are a pain in the @ss. Between them and Citibank having bought the third one...

Hope I didn't offend anyone here that works for either of these two...

[Bob]

I have to think it's the economy.

My sister in law just called to cancel -- they were going to come and stay in our guest rooms for free, but feel they can't afford even the travel and extraneous vacation spending this year.

is that a unipug?

[rapunzel]

is that a unipug?

Yes...JDarg LOVES him!

[Jdarg]

Yes...JDarg LOVES him!

You really shouldn't dress up Patrick that way. I am sure he is horrified.

[SWGB]

So far my bookings for March 22-29 are filling up quickly. For my owners with VRBO we have had it all, from a mother who is looking for accomodations for her 17 year olds 19 year old bf, to people asking for pre-booking discounts. Since this is very quickly heading to me mainlining espresso and working 170 hour weeks, feel free to PM if you need someone to check on/evict folks. We have already started explaining to everyone coming down that we will be stopping in 1-2 times minimum during the week and if ANYTHING looks fishy they face immediate eviction.

[Smiling JOe]

I think it has everything to do with the economy. I think people are possibly having to decide between a summer vacation or spring break this year.

May be more like deciding whether to pay taxes or go on Spring Break.

[SHELLY]

May be more like deciding whether to pay taxes or go on Spring Break.

If they're from Texas---Noooooo Problemo! They can simply get a property tax loan .

For example, the helpful, friendly folks at RETAX Funding LP.

What if my credit isn't perfect?
Credit history is not an issue, except in cases of current bankruptcy. Subject to income verification.

Can I consolidate all my years of owed taxes into one loan?
Yes. We can create a single loan for more than one year of taxes.

Can I determine the length of my loan?
Yes, for interest only loans you can choose five-, seven- or 10-year term loans. For term loans you can choose three-, five-, seven- or 10- year. And if you choose to pay off the loan early, there are no prepayment penalties.

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Interest only! No prepayment penalties! And the $750 fee can be rolled into the loan!!! So what are you waiting for! Call RETAX now and eliminate that nasty property tax debt today!! Then load the kids in the car and head for the Sun and Fun of Florida! We're just a click away: http://www.retaxfunding.com/index.html


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[SWGB]

There just are sooo many ways to mortgage your childrens inheritance, but at least they got to go to the beach when they were kids.

[SHELLY]

There just are sooo many ways to mortgage your childrens inheritance, but at least they got to go to the beach when they were kids.

Yeah, that should give them solice for the 30 years they'll be saddled with mom & dad living on the pull out sofa in their den.


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[Beach Runner]

OMG. So I got a rental request from 2 moms and 3 teens. They were really worried about the deposit and when the balance was due. I asked them if the moms were spending the night every night with the teens, and they siad yes -- that the teens were 11 and 13. Then I got an email that asked how many parking spots there were and what the cancellation policy was. Excuse me, if there are only two persons of driving age, parking shouldn't be a problem. Sounds like moms planning a party house for their kids. No rental would be better than that possible scenario.

[InletBchDweller]

OMG. So I got a rental request from 2 moms and 3 teens. They were really worried about the deposit and when the balance was due. I asked them if the moms were spending the night every night with the teens, and they siad yes -- that the teens were 11 and 13. Then I got an email that asked how many parking spots there were and what the cancellation policy was. Excuse me, if there are only two persons of driving age, parking shouldn't be a problem. Sounds like moms planning a party house for their kids. No rental would be better than that possible scenario.

I had one just like that. How many parking places are there???

What kills me is that I tell people I live here and I will be checking them in and I will see them at the pool. Since the condo is directly on the pool they are in plain view. Not to mention the elderly couple that lives next door spy for me.

[Donna]

The college spring breaks are the horror story, not spring breaks for elementary and high school kids. Those are usually families and occur later than the (earlier) college spring break period. I, too have had it with parents who bring their angels down, sometimes even stock my house with alcohol for them, then go back home for a vacation of their own without said angels. My management company devised a form where spring renters have to report how many underage (<21 yrs.) people are staying in the house and how many adults (40 yrs. or >) will be there. Then they call to make sure the contact number is not some kid's cell phone in the dorms. Frankly, I call myself, too. The management company is not thrilled about this, but I want to make absolutely certain these are not unchaperoned, underage kids. I also call on Saturday night around 9:00 PM after they occupy the house and ask to speak to the adult on the premises. If they can't come up with one within the hour, my next call is to the management company for a possible eviction. What we should do is call the County Sheriff's office, as well, because it is illegal for underage kids to be drinking in rental properties. I know this sounds a little bit "Grinella the Witch," but damage to one's property is not the worst thing that can happen in an environment of underage kids fueled by alcohol, on college break at the beach. When we are all diligent, it helps everyone, including the kids that are endangering themselves (and their dopey parents).

As for rentals, I am showing several weeks of rentals in late April and May. Typically, kids do not find out exactly when their spring break is (unlike the colleges) until they go back to school after the holidays. And seems they went back later than usual this year. My summer is a little bit slower to rent this year, with June and half of July already booked. Usually, this time of year I have June, July and a week or two in August already nabbed. I really think people are very nervous about the economy and their jobs.

FYI, Bank of America bought Countrywide and saved their arse.

[grayday]

Sounds like your management company is better than most. May I ask which company you use ,please? Looking for a new one. Rentals a bit slow this year. Thanks

[Wastin Away]

Well, my spring breaks have picked up since I first started the thread. At first I was getting many, many colledge inquires and decided to wait it out and the last two inquiries have been from 1 family inquiries and they have both have booked. I love those. You don't have to wait for them to gather the money and they don't email at the last minute asking to add 2 more and you don't have to charge extra from your housekeeper to make frequent visits to the home to make sure it is one piece. I do want to say that I had last season, for the first time, a group of college students and they were perfect. My housekeeper, after the season ended, commented on how the house was left as compared to some of the families. And they are coming back this year. When I spoke with him this year I told him how much I appreciate that they respected our home and he said, why wouln't we, we wanted to come back. Maybe that is the key. If they want to come back then you don't have the problems.

[ozbeachmom]

Last year we were down at our condo and I spend the summer there also. My husband I both commented on how glad we were that we don't rent our condo out to anyone. I was amazed at what I saw going on at homes and condos around the complex. One condo had easily 15 kids in it. And the places on the beach, they had a lot more. The police were there quite a bit. We watched some kids jump off the porch to run from the cops... But, in the summer, there would be two and three families in a condo that sleeps 8 max.

[Scooter]

This is my last spring break bringing the teenagers to PCB. My youngest will be 18 in March and I've already booked and sent a deposit to the Shores of Panama. I'm also bringing 3 of his friends and my 20 year old. I miss the days when they were young and we could go to Seaside or Grayton. I'm not very fond of PCB so I bring a good book and cook for the always hungry teenagers. Believe me, it's not a vacation. Thank goodness I'm going to the Cayman Islands (destination wedding of my best friend's son) the last week of April. But, after this year I can go anywhere my heart desires for spring break. Actually, next spring break I'm hoping to be living in SoWal. Good luck on your rentals. Things will pick up in Feb.

[Nicenancy]

I agree with the posts - economy, Spring Break is too early this year... all of the above!
But my summer rentals are strong!
Nice Nancy

[Beach Runner]

All of a sudden, I am getting a bunch of inquiries for both summer and spring.

[Jdarg]

All of a sudden, I am getting a bunch of inquiries for both summer and spring.

I bet you are- your house is gorgeous and has a wonderful location!

[Beach Runner]

I bet you are- your house is gorgeous and has a wonderful location!

Gratzi.

[Nicenancy]

I was listening to NPR yesterday and a restaurant owner affected by the Writer's Strike had started a special for Writers on Wednesdays - called it "Soup Kitchen for Writers" He gave a discount if they showed their Writer's Guild card... why am I telling this story? Well, it prompted me to try to think of a promotion for my own condos - a way of giving back to my past guests - not to give it away - but to discount it so that past loyalty is rewarded during this tough time. Any ideas?

[SWGB]

I was listening to NPR yesterday and a restaurant owner affected by the Writer's Strike had started a special for Writers on Wednesdays - called it &quot;Soup Kitchen for Writers&quot; He gave a discount if they showed their Writer's Guild card... why am I telling this story? Well, it prompted me to try to think of a promotion for my own condos - a way of giving back to my past guests - not to give it away - but to discount it so that past loyalty is rewarded during this tough time. Any ideas?

My company offers the current years rate for next year and a 10% discount for repeat guests when booked in advance, you only get the 10% if you wait until January or later to book. We also offer a sliding scale of discount for repeat guests, such as 15% if you are 2-3 times per year and then 20-25% for 4 or more times per year.

[Beach Runner]

Before we discovered the 30-A area, we frequented The Cloister and The Greenbrier. The Greenbrier gave us a gift basket on our second visit, and each subsequent visit the gift basket got nicer. The Cloister didn't do that, even though we were there a kajillion times.

I asked our previous rental management company about gift baskets for our return guests. They wouldn't do it. Maybe I'll ask the new one.

I suppose return visitors would prefer a discount over a gift basket?