Trustworthy cottage to rent, or scamtastic?

[elQuintoConyo]

Thanks for opening the thread!

We've been back and forth emailing this cottage for next year. But something about it doesn't ring true.

Here are two screenshots of messages with the owner.

I'd love to know what you think - we've never rented a house before. It's through booking dot com, not air B+B.

Is it booking dot com or vrbo? It mentions vrbo.

we hire all the time and always go through Airbnb or vrbo. I’ve never messaged for a long time though. Who does the payment need to go to? I’d use an image search for the house if unsure.

Vrbo. I'm writing on behalf of a family member, so don't have all the details. They're in Canada, so a different timezone, too.

The message about the niece's name seems a bit off - family member has an odd name! It's highly unusual, I think the comment about getting a discount is a bit sus, why would they be surprised at the price when they set the price?

It's just got our heckles up.

Thanks Leaf Hunter

Have you corresponded off the site platform?.

I would be extremely wary, sites like described are chock full of scammers. Have you done a reverse image search of the property?. I would report this to vrbo.

Are there any reviews? I know someone needs to be first to stay somewhere but I try and avoid places with no reviews!

I’ve rented out with Vrbo. They keep the money till the day after arrival so if it’s not as promised you can get a refund. I’ve also made expensive mistakes regarding rates. Really for a two day break you want to charge 50% of weekly rate to account for changeover costs. Then add 10% per extra night so 4 days 70% 6 days 90%. This requires awkward set ups and multiple submissions of rates for each season and testing of rates then you need to scroll way down and click save or submit failure to do that and it defaults back to a 1/7 of weekly rate per day.

I would say always communicate via Vrbo and use their payment service. They keep 10% as fees so owners might offer a discount if you pay direct. It’s like using PayPal family and friends though. All of your protection disappears.

Hi, it all worked out, thanks. Messages are through vrbo and there are photos and reviews everywhere, including on air b+b.
Phew! Panic over!

Thanks for all your input. Have a relaxing yet fun-filled Christmas.