What happened to June? I have several weeks still open

I have to admit that I have been sidetracked this year and have done a poor job on marketing my home in Seagrove......... I have most weeks in June still available and need to book them. I will offer a 25% discount or a 25% commission if any one is interested. www.vrbo.com\25242

Thanks

Perhaps it is because your link appears to be a dead end (not linked).

Terry:

I think rentals have started out a bit later this year, but they're doing OK at our places. I went to your site and it looks like a very nice place. I didn't see a link to an email address. I think most people on vrbo think it's quicker to just email the owners (no one has ever called me from VRBO, but I get all my contacts through emails through the sites).

I don't think it's the place itself because it looks very good on the website and looks well located -- it may be the limited contact information.

"Who's Yo Daddy" is an intimidating name for a house and/or forum poster?

Paula, did you actually connect to the link? I get a message that states link not found. Check address and try again.

Paula, did you actually connect to the link? I get a message that states link not found. Check address and try again.

I couldn't connect to the link. I did find it on the VRBO site under the listing number.

I agree with Paula. This has been a slow booking season. I am getting more phone calls than e-mail inquiries this year. Terry may need to update his listing with a phone number.

I'm getting there with my places but it's been tedious work. Had an excellent week the week after Easter. But things have really slowed down again. One place booked very quickly for June and the other place went like crazy for July. Go figure. As long as they book I'll just be patient.

I would think with all of the damage from last year's storms from Pensacola to New Orleans, that this area would see an increase in visitors who normally vacation in the damaged beach areas to our west. For you guys renting our your units, have you heard many stories of this from your tenants?

I would think with all of the damage from last year's storms from Pensacola to New Orleans, that this area would see an increase in visitors who normally vacation in the damaged beach areas to our west. For you guys renting our your units, have you heard many stories of this from your tenants?

I haven't had as many this year as I did last year. Last year I had a good many from Orange beach, a few from Gulf Shores and several from Perdido Key that came our way. I had some that were not happy with the rates compared to their usual spots.

Some were disappointed about not being "right on the beach". I tried to direct folks to the places to go in our area that would be "right on the beach". They wanted no part of walking down stairs to be on the sand. I figure, folks don't get much vacation time. They ought to be happy with where they are. So even if they don't want to rent my place I try to point them in the direction they want to be.

One of my FAQ's this year is my refund policy in case of a hurricane. I don't blame them I'd want to know.

I just double checked and the link to the VRBO site worked fine, the calendar seemed to be working on the site, and I was able to get to the email link but didn't try to send the email.

I think renters figure that they have more time this year to rent places because there are more places available to rent. I think the people who have specific desires (location, cost, number of bedrooms, etc.) are better off booking early because even though they're likely to find something to rent, but it may not have been the ideal option for them. (but then again, I'm the kind of person who books vacations about a year in advance -- but I do get nice places and save some money by doing so). I found a fantastic place in Waikiki by booking early last year and a great place in Italy for this summer by booking in November this year -- both through VRBO. It would have been harder to find a place that meets all our preferences (number of bedrooms, location, cost, style) if we had waited.

Other considerations could be that folks who rented last year may have bought their own vacation home/condo; ever-increasing gas prices; higher interest rates (increased credit payments & costs); stagnant home appreciation (reduced HELOCs); and people sitting on the fence to see how the hurricane season plays out--maybe getting closer to the vacation time before they pull the trigger on deciding on a rental (and hoping for a "last minute" deal in the process).

It's reported that consumer sentiment is at a multi-year high (although I find that puzzling) and there's full employment--so if the weather cooperates it should come out fine.

I think it has more to do with the fact that the impression of many people from afar is that our area is destroyed, or that they are unsure of the condition of the area and have decided to go elsewhere. Or maybe it is the seawalls and construction vehicles in the beach photos on this site and other media coverage. Or maybe they are going to book last minute after viewing tropical storm reports.

Its the hurricanes people! We've booked in the Destin area in May, but I know people who usually book later in the summer and have decided to rent a lake house in the Texas hill country, or some other non coastal equivalent. No one enjoys watching Jim Cantore for two weeks prior to their "stress free" vacation in order to find out if the trip they have been waiting for all summer will actually even go through. I suspect that those who rent will be booking last minute, once Cantore gives them the green light that the upcoming weekend will be hurricane free.

Saj.

Another reason may be that those who were "forced" to cancel their vacation last year due to hurricanes, went somewhere completely different (i.e., mountains, overseas, Vegas, cruise) and found they enjoyed the change of venue.

I'm surprised about how many folks are in those "vacation ruts" and go to the same place year..after year...after year.

Another reason may be that those who were "forced" to cancel their vacation last year due to hurricanes, went somewhere completely different (i.e., mountains, overseas, Vegas, cruise) and found they enjoyed the change of venue.

I'm surprised about how many folks are in those "vacation ruts" and go to the same place year..after year...after year.

I my vacation ruts!!!!

I would think with all of the damage from last year's storms from Pensacola to New Orleans, that this area would see an increase in visitors who normally vacation in the damaged beach areas to our west. For you guys renting our your units, have you heard many stories of this from your tenants?

I did in fact, expect to hear some stories like that from our guests SJ - but so far this season, this isn't the case. To my surprise, inquiries were much slower than usual in Jan/ Feb, but really took off in March/ April. I'm nearly 100% booked at both proprties for June & July now, and am having to turn away several inquiries daily. I'm surprised how many folks are still expecting to find vacancy for the July 4th week

Another reason may be that those who were "forced" to cancel their vacation last year due to hurricanes, went somewhere completely different (i.e., mountains, overseas, Vegas, cruise) and found they enjoyed the change of venue.

I'm surprised about how many folks are in those "vacation ruts" and go to the same place year..after year...after year.

One man's "vacation rut" is another man's joy. Nothing bad with being able to know paradise when one finds it.

One man's "vacation rut" is another man's joy. Nothing bad with being able to know paradise when one finds it.

Maybe my "rut" helps put a little cash in the local economy. And it is always a joy to cross the 331 bridge and head to Defuniak St.....

"Ruts" work both ways...those who tend to go to the mountains, take cruises, or hit Disney every-single-vacation...year-in and year-out may be surprised they like the beach (and visa-versa of course).

On a whim I went to Maine last year--it was better than I ever imagined (those who've been know what I'm talking about). IMO the ride on this earth is way too short to ride around looking out the same window.

Maybe my "rut" helps put a little cash in the local economy. And it is always a joy to cross the 331 bridge and head to Defuniak St.....

my Ryan Street "rut" too!! Looking so forward to
crossing that 331 bridge this Sunday....good tunes....better
mood yet!! On our way to RutWal/SoWal/SoFunn...
Sunsets, Bud & Alley's, bikes, beach....what more could a
person ask for? Nothing......
going to our "rut" over and over and patronizing the
local economy like JD......
No other place I'd rather be.......

"Ruts" work both ways...those who tend to go to the mountains, take cruises, or hit Disney every-single-vacation...year-in and year-out may be surprised they like the beach (and visa-versa of course).

On a whim I went to Maine last year--it was better than I ever imagined (those who've been know what I'm talking about). IMO the ride on this earth is way too short to ride around looking out the same window.

Shelly, tell us more about your trip to Maine - that's my home state ;-) I grew up on that rocky coast and would be very interested to hear about where you stayed, your impressions - heck, maybe even some photos ...?

"Ruts" work both ways...those who tend to go to the mountains, take cruises, or hit Disney every-single-vacation...year-in and year-out may be surprised they like the beach (and visa-versa of course).

On a whim I went to Maine last year--it was better than I ever imagined (those who've been know what I'm talking about). IMO the ride on this earth is way too short to ride around looking out the same window.

SHELLY, you make an excellent point; this is why even working stiffs should get out of town two weeks a year -- one for the rut, one for "anything goes." ;-) Best of both worlds. Easier said than done though!

One thing about SoWal that is great is that it is a "gathering place." I imagine that a lot of Southern families who are scattered in different places enjoy getting together each year at the beach. That's one big way memories are made. Of course not the only way; your way is important too.

I my vacation ruts!!!!

Me too, Kitty! And God willing I'll be back with my family to get my fill this July!! We can't wait!!

Shelly:

I love Maine as well. I lived in the town next to Camden for 2 years many years ago, in Rockport. Absolutely beautiful area. We used to go down to the shore when the lobster boats came in and get their one-armed lobsters for $2. I also lived in Portland for about 4 years -- Cape Elizabeth Beach nearby is very nice, and the Old Port downtown is quaint (I heard it has turned into quite the party place in the evenings though). My husband's mother lives in Maine, so we get to visit. For some reason, there's lots of nice sea glass on the beaches (we've collected a lot of it). I love the ruggedness of the shoreline, which is probably why the way the dunes looked in SoWal after the hurricanes didn't bother me -- I figured that's what nature does if you let her do her thing. There's a beach called Popham Beach near Bath, Maine, that is very nice as well -- out in nowhere.

Maine is where I go to vacation from SoWal. Love the rocky coast and the wonderfully independent minded people...

We have a rental house on your street, too. Our rental agency says reservations are slow overall, to date. They suspect that tourists are hesitant to commit yet, but some may reserve closer to their vacation times. Sales are flat and now rentals off. Let's hope this hurricane season is not what is predicted! Let's hope for a turnaround.