Vacationers booking their vacation homes on the Cape and Islands may or may not have noticed a small price increase for the weekly costs from last summer to this one. On average, listing prices have gone up 3-4%, according to Jeff Talmadge of WeNeedaVacation.com. Talmadge and his site specialize in advertising vacation rentals on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard.
“There’s no science dictating how homeowners price their rentals,” Talmadge says, “and it’s important for vacationers to do plenty of research before putting down a deposit.”
Although renters begin booking their Cape and Islands vacation rentals as early as Christmastime or before, Talmadge says there are still plenty of properties available and deals to be had. “Even this late in the bookings season, I predict we’ll be getting about 150 new homes on WeNeedaVacation.com from listers who have just bought or renovated a home or whose current advertisements aren’t getting the job done,” Talmadge says. “They are able to list with us just 2 or 3 months to fill any remaining vacancies.” To get a great deal, he says, it’s important to use vacation search engines like WeNeedaVacation to sort by price and even such amenities as “Walk to beach” or “Waterviews” – and check back frequently. He discusses the matter in further detail in his appearance on FOX 25 Boston.
Here are more tips from Talmadge:
- A week’s rental on Cape Cod, on average, costs $2,737, Martha’s Vineyard is at $3,636, and a rental on Nantucket, the most expensive, will run about $4,800.
- If you want to get a good deal, the closer you get to summer when booking a rental, the fewer amenities you should insist on.
- Cost-conscious vacationers should be sure to check for any Last-minute Availability Alerts or Owner Specials.
- Though renters may not want to hear it, the price increase is a good thing for the local economy – it means it’s finally recovering from the recession.
- Before putting down a deposit, it’s important to speak with the homeowner by phone if at all possible. And always use a lease for protection.
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