Original Message:
Re: The only place our family relaxes and is happy Condovac, Costa Rica (by Kathi L.):
I've rented two of my three weeks (at Marriott's Barony Beach in Hilton Head, SC) the past two years using Redweek. I had no problems in any of the four transactions. I had the week of Memorial Day reserved in each instance, and I posted my ad in late Feb., early March. I think my asking price was very fair ($1500/week this year), and I had several responses wanting to rent the weeks. I didn't use the escrow service, but dealt with the propective renters by phone and email. After conversations in each case, I called Marriott and added the renters name to my reservation so that they could check in when they arrive. As an owner, I am allowed to do that. Marriott then sent me a confirmation, showing my name and the renters name. I sent this to the renter, and in turn, they sent me a check. This does take a certain amount of trust on each side. While I know there are dishonest people, and those who bounce checks, I discussed this with each renter and received their assurance their check would be good. In all cases it was. Also, since I 'own' the weeks, and they were paying me before the vacation, if the check had bounced, I would have been able to remove their name from the reservation. That's where trust comes in on the renters end too - trusting that I will do what I said and they will arrive with a reservation. And that the resort is what I advertised. Maybe I'm Pollyanna, but I think most people are honest, and I usually am not disappointed. I think the weeks I reserve, which are weeks we like ourselves, and the fact that Barony is a really, really nice place in a great location, make it easy for me to rent weeks we won't use. Good luck with your TS.