Are you one of 81 million Americans planning to go on vacation this year?
Warmer climates are the target of most vacationers. Florida may be your first choice if you’re opting to stay in the country.
A huge variety of Madeira beach rentals are already kicking up a storm. There’s beautiful weather, an incredible atmosphere, and amazing units abound. All you need are some tips on finding the best one for you.
Keep reading this comprehensive list of the top 10 tips for finding your dream Madeira beach rental.
1. Find a Rental Company You Trust
When it comes to Florida beach rentals, this is one of the most important things you can do. The Sunshine State is super popular for renters and vacationers of all kinds. Because of this, the rental market is booming, and there are both good and bad sellers.
There’s no shortage of shady or over-priced rentals available. This includes the Madeira Beach area. Finding a rental company you trust ensures you won’t get ripped off.
By choosing a company you trust, there won’t be any hidden fees, pre-existing damage, or other issues. What you want is what you get, and you’ll walk into any deal with your eyes wide open. A good company can also help you narrow your search to only the best options for your needs.
2. Make a List of What You Want
Because there are so many beach rentals in Florida, you’ll have to figure out what you need. The competition is fierce, and the range of rentals varies. Making a “must-have” list will speed up the process and help you sift through the options.
If you know what you want, you’ll also know what you don’t need. You won’t agonize over those choices if you don’t care about marble countertops or whether it’s beachside. Instead, you can stick to what you know you need and narrow down your optimal choice that way.
3. Take Your Time, but Plan Ahead
One thing that’s true for all Gulf Coast beach rentals is that things can happen at a moment’s notice. Rentals always come and go, and last-minute bookings or cancellations are always on the cards. When looking for the best rentals in Madeira, Florida, learn to take your time but plan ahead.
Have a backup plan in case your top unit isn’t available. Things get busy during peak seasons, and by the time you’re ready, it might not be available anymore.
Choose at least five potential spots. This is useful if you’re planning around the height of summer. Your top two or three might go up in smoke, but the chances of all five falling through are next to zero.
Again, don’t rush into booking a rental out of fear it will disappear. That’s how you jump the gun and miss out on something better. Keep a few in your pocket as you look around, and at the end of the day, you’ll always come up with aces.
4. Avoid Individual Sellers
You should avoid individual sellers like the plague. This isn’t because every seller is a bad person, but because you don’t want to take the extra risk. When a realtor or rental company deals with things, they ensure everything is in order.
This means paperwork, inspections, insurance—the works. Those guarantees are off if you’re dealing with an individual owner. Should something go wrong, you could end up dealing with a disgruntled person instead of a company offering solutions.
You’d essentially trust that owner to do their due diligence and work with you in case of any problems. Unfortunately, it’s a risk that’s too high to take and could ruin any vacation.
Play it safe and check out the best Madeira Beach rentals here.
5. Never Take Cash-Only Options
The reason you don’t take cash-only options is the same reason you avoid dealing with individual sellers. Should something go wrong, you could lose that money. This is something you should consider for any Florida beach rental.
Now, there are ways to seek redress. If the unit owner tries to defraud you out of a deposit, you can fight that legally. However, that can be a long and painful process. This isn’t something you want to worry about while on vacation.
You can avoid this by ensuring a paper trail of contracts, payments, and agreements. This will make it easier to prove how much you paid and what you are entitled to in a dispute. You can take it to the bank or the courtroom, which could save you from serious financial difficulty.
6. See What the Surrounding Area Is Like
Always look at the surrounding area before you get a rental unit.
You want to know what the vibe of your area is like and if you’ll enjoy being there. Check out the nightlife, if that’s your cup of tea, or what attractions are nearby. Is the beach within short walking distance, or can you see the water from your window?
The rental unit itself is essential, but you’ll also be spending time outside of it, so it’s important to do research. Check out the nearby shops, parks, and transportation options. Make sure you go into any unit with a complete idea of what staying in that part of town will be like.
If you want to stay near Madeira Beach, Johns Pass Village is a vacationer’s paradise.
7. Check Out What There Is to Do
This carries over from the previous tip but is so important that it needs its own section. You need to figure out what there is to do in each Madeira beach rental you’re considering. This includes the indoor amenities of the unit, as well as what’s nearby.
Now, most rentals are set up with vacationing in mind. In Madeira, you’ll see pools, pool tables, comfy outdoor patios and chairs, and plenty of entertaining space. Outside the unit, you’ll find an assortment of parks, beaches, and a gorgeous boardwalk.
There are tons to explore, and the Madeira beach area is great for families and late-night party-goers.
8. Don’t Forget about Food
This sounds silly, but it’s a serious point. You can’t relax on an empty stomach, and you 100% can’t go on vacation without trying the local food.
You should check out what the options in your neighborhood are like. Madeira has plenty of delicious restaurants, bistros, cafes, and other local eateries. In an ideal world, you’d scout the ones you’re most interested in and find a rental within walking distance.
You’ll also want to consider how much cooking you’ll do yourself. If you love to cook, you’ll want a unit with the proper equipment and space. You’ll also want to know where the best butchers or grocers are and find a close place.
In a place as popular as Madeira, you don’t have to worry about being too isolated. However, if the food situation is important to you, it’s worth considering.
9. Find a Way to View the Place Live
Once you’ve finally narrowed down your shortlist, you need to see each place in person. The more visual and sensory info you have, the better. It’s hard to find your dream rental from a handful of pictures on the internet.
If it’s possible to see the place with your own eyes, you should do it. That said, traveling that far might be impractical. Instead, ask for a guided live tour via a video call.
As the owner or representative takes you through the property, you can stop them to ask questions. There could be all sorts of issues that curated internet pictures don’t show. You could get a better sense of the scale of the rooms and furnishings live.
You could also spot any damage or points of concern, like if the bathroom is too small or the bed too low. Some issues could then be explained or fixed before you spend your money or show up for your vacation.
10. Always Read the Fine Print
We told you to avoid individual sellers. This is because they don’t take care of the finer details with the same precision as companies. Even when it comes to rental companies, it’s always a good idea to ask questions and read the fine print.
You should be aware of the relative costs of any unit you consider. Things like insurance are part of that, as is the damage deposit. Before you agree to anything, complementary or additional services should always be clear.
You don’t want to get stuck with a financial obligation you weren’t expecting. Always read the fine print and ask agents to explain things to you. They are there to help you find the best rental for you.
Finding the Best Madeira Beach Rentals
Florida is a favorite vacation destination for a reason. With these Madeira beach rentals, you can’t go wrong. All you need is to do your research, know what you want, and find the right people to help you.
When it comes to those people, there are none better than Johns Pass Condos. We have the knowledge, expertise, and commitment to help you find the best rentals. If you want to learn more, then make sure to contact us here.
