Any experience offering apt through VRBO?

I’ve used Roomorama and for the most part it’s been ok. Some people flake out at the last minute (ie, take a different booking after sometimes lengthy correspondence) but that’s to be expected. I had one mystery guest – a girl I think may have been in the city for an internet “date”, and the other guests were fine, regular people. What I don’t like is that it’s kind of like a dating site – you don’t have much info – ie, full name and location – on either side until you have accepted a booking.  I had one wierd correspondence with someone in Central America who wanted a lease for a 5 day visit. It felt fishy, and I declined the booking. I like to Google my guests as soon as I have sufficient info. In every case, that’s reassured me.

The Roomorama interface leaves a little to be desired, and make sure you have full home address, phone number and local contact number for your guests. Since the billing is done Paypal-like through Roomorama, you don’t have a check or credit card receipt in order to track a guest down.

A friend of a friend renting my place “as a special favor … please?? Just while I am between closings” left my bedding covered in crusted dog diarrhea without telling me. My Roomorama guests have been a lot better.

Stonergut

in Real Estate - Rentals 14 years and 4 months ago

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trudylou | 14 years and 4 months ago

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We are considering placing our garden apartment for short term rentals via a site like VRBO.  Has anyone done this or know people who have?  What was your experience, good or bad?  What do we need to be thinking about?

Arkady | 14 years and 4 months ago

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A friend of mine has been doing it for a few years & has had no problems.  I don’t know details but she thinks it’s a terrific service.