Confirming Villa Ownership

[TinkTatoo]

Confirming Villa Ownership

I've just paid a £100 deposit (via Paypal) on a villa booking for 2008. We got an extremely good price and it's so good that part of me is wondering if it is too good to be true. The villa is listed on a known villa rental site and the owner has their own website.

I seem to remember someone posting a link to a site that lets you check out owners of Florida Villa's. Does anyone remember it or can you post the link here so that I can check.

Thanks

[psharrock]

Hi Do you know which county the villa is in?

For Osceola you can use

http://ira.property-appraiser.org/index.aspx

If you know the address then key that in otherwise key in the owners name surname first. If there are joint owners then you will only be able to search on the first name listed on the deed.

Paul

[wrpac00]

Some villa websites only advertise 'Verified' villas or some others have a sign to say they have been verified by the website owners.

[ambersmom]

Ive just used the osceola one to check out some condos were interested in renting, its great and gives you piece of mind that your renting from owners,

[TinkTatoo]

I used Pauls link and it checked out - thanks :thumb:

[psharrock]

Your welcome TinkTatoo - Where abouts are you staying?

With regards to the verified owners schemes, some are better than others, and its best to check what they actually get the owner to provide.

One website I noticed just wanted a bill with the villa address on, and as most companies do not check ownership before providing a bill its easy to get. You then just download the bill online and sent it to the villa rental website as proof of ownership.

Others sites ask the owner to provide details of the title deed/insurance, this shows that they once owned the villa.

I think on the positive side anything that can help a potential renter feel happy in renting an owners villa must be good thing and more of it should be done.

Paul

[foxylady]

I have to admit this is something I never thought of, being the trusting person I am.

However, just checked the villa where we are staying in the summer, and it all checks out.

Thanks for highlighting this, and for the link.

[jcholidays]

This is a common problem with so many scammers out there but of course this also works the other way, they are trusting their investment property and possible their pension in your hands.

If you are worried do ask the owner for proof on the above style websites as they will have had to provide various details to confirm ownership. They will also have to obtain licences to run thier rental business.

The majority of owners are honest people who just love Florida and are willing to help you out on your hols.

glad it's worked out OK

[TinkTatoo]

Your welcome TinkTatoo - Where abouts are you staying? ......

Sunset Lakes

[Orlandobelle]

Same one as before Jakki?

[wrpac00]

Your welcome TinkTatoo - Where abouts are you staying?

With regards to the verified owners schemes, some are better than others, and its best to check what they actually get the owner to provide.

One website I noticed just wanted a bill with the villa address on, and as most companies do not check ownership before providing a bill its easy to get. You then just download the bill online and sent it to the villa rental website as proof of ownership.

Others sites ask the owner to provide details of the title deed/insurance, this shows that they once owned the villa.

I think on the positive side anything that can help a potential renter feel happy in renting an owners villa must be good thing and more of it should be done.

Paul

One of the ones I know ask you for a something with both your US and UK address on, this you have to do every 6 months. Another has to have a bill with both your US and UK address on and they check the county office.

Don't most utility bills have both addresses on?

[psharrock]

Don't most utility bills have both addresses on?


My utility bills get sent to my US address, and therefore only have my US address on them.

[das c]

My utility bills get sent to my UK address so we have both addresses on them.

[wrpac00]

If you get them online (paperless billing) they have both addresses on.