Anyone ever used Homeaway for rentals? (homes, to buy, vacation)

[Alexia561]

After being on and off these boards for a few years, think we're finally going to make our retirement dream come true! Have found tons of helpful information on these boards, and we're going to take the good advice of renting first before choosing an area to buy. Has anyone used Homeaway? I've been checking out their website and have found some nice looking properties.

Have also gotten some recommendations for realtors, so will reach out to them as well. Haven't had any luck in the past as no one returns my emails, but fingers crossed I'll have better luck this time!

Wish us luck!

[skyegirl]

I thought Homeaway was only for short term/vacation rentals? There are many rental agencies in MB, but unfortunately they don't all list the same homes, so there's some foot work involved, ie: calling many different realtors to view homes for rent. We looked at 3 homes for rent, one was listed on Craigslist, but ended up going with a property management company. So far, so good. Good luck!

[Summering]

I know people who have used them. I personally have used VRBO for a home rental. However, most of these are short term vacation rentals.
You might have better luck renting from Craigs List for this area. However, be careful not to send funds to someone you don't know. You will need to check them personally, or have someone do that for you.
Craigs List will have more long term rental properties.
Watch your locations you may prefer to be outside of town. Do you want to be near or not so near to the ocean?
Use google and check out the homes location. Best of luck to you.

[Alexia561]

Thanks for the input! Have already exchanged a few emails with the realtor tmozer recommended, and she seems really nice. Am excited, because all of the other realtors I reached out to acted like I was bothering them! Hopefully we'll only need a rental for a few months and it looks like Homeaway offers those as well, so fingers crossed!

[flabeachlover]

I've used both Homeaway and VRBO. Some owners rent monthly on both sites. I've never had a problem with either site.