PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL, February 06, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The recent trend in "staycations" is highly touted for budget-conscious vacationers, but another alternative to pricey hotels is becoming ever more popular: renting privately owned fully furnished houses and condominiums along the Florida coast. By staying in a facility that includes a kitchen and may include free extras such as a swimming pool or tennis courts, families can save money while keeping everyone entertained. And many Florida vacation rentals are pet-friendly, eliminating kennel fees and enabling the whole family to travel together!
Florida's coast is rich in second homes and vacation condos, which would otherwise sit empty when their owners were not in town. By listing their property with management companies, owners not only make some rental income, they also have a second set of eyes watching their property at all times.
The most significant benefit of renting a coastal property in Florida's recession-struck economy may be that showing a record of rental income can considerably increase the marketability of the property, should the owner decide to sell. "Today's buyer is very gun-shy," reports Steve Milo, founder and CEO of Vacation Rental Pros, which manages hundreds of properties in northeast Florida and the Gulf Coast. "If you can show him a record of steady rental income, suddenly your property looks a lot more attractive."
For the vacationer, the advantages of a Florida vacation rentals home go far beyond budgetary. Having bedrooms separate from the TV means that everyone gets a better night's sleep, while teens and parents alike appreciate the presence of free wireless Internet in rental houses and condos. An on-site washer and dryer mean lighter packing, and a furnished home simply give everyone more options for activities. When it rains, cupboards full of games, puzzles, and DVDs are available. And when the weather's fine, beach equipment and bicycles are often on hand to make enjoying the beautiful scenery even easier.
And the cost savings are tremendous for a family willing to grocery shop at the local supermarket instead of eating every meal out, and to rely on the condo complex's swimming pool for a day's entertainment rather than visiting theme parks and other expensive destinations. A week at the beach can cost little more than the price of the vacation rental property and the gas to drive there. And contrary to expectations, vacation rental homes are not all palatial and expensive.
"We have condos for every budget," Milo reports. "Many 2- and 3-bedroom units are perfect for 2 families traveling together, so they can split the cost. And then we have big places that sleep up to 20 and have all the bells and whistles -- an elevator, a private pool, a home theater or game room -- which are great for family reunions."
Milo notes that a surprising number of those who rent vacation properties from him live in Florida. "Going to the coast for a long weekend or a couple weeks in summer is a great way to get a change of scenery without breaking the bank. You can get there in a couple hours, you don't need to buy new clothes or equipment, and once you're there, everything you need is waiting for you."
About Vacation Rental Pros
Founded in 2006, Vacation Rental Pros Property Management LLC is leveraging web based technology to maximize the marketing and management of vacation rental properties. Based in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Vacation Rental Pros manages over 430 luxury, self-catered beach rentals throughout the state of Florida. Destinations include Ocean Hammock Resort in Palm Coast Florida, St. Augustine Beach, Florida, Venice, Florida and Siesta Key, Florida. For more information visit http://VacationRentalPros.com or call 1-904-385-3888 or email stevemilo1(at)gmail(dot)com.
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