Fine Homes

Vacation Rentals asked:


With the vacation rentals market today, you want to be picky about who you rent through and why.  There are too many sites out there that will take your information – yes, your financial info too – and use it to their advantage, not just to help you really rent a nice vacation home rental for your family vacation.  And, with more and more people booking vacation rentals instead of hotel rooms, it can sometimes be hard to find the perfect vacation home rentals when you really want one.  So how do you pick a site that will allow you the best possible choices, keep your information safe, and really hook you up with the vacation rentals of your dreams?  Well, you simply need to know where to look first.

Believe it or not, there are thousands of different vacation home rentals sites out there.  Some are much better than others, such as Vacation Rentals by Owner (or VRBO) and ReserveMy Home.  These sites offer you thousands of wonderful vacation rentals at your fingertips without the worry of them taking your information and selling it or using it in the wrong way.  They have been accredited by several different top travel sources all around the web to ensure that your privacy is the top priority and that what you book is what you get.

When you start looking at a site that you can rent vacation homes from, you want to immediately check to see if they have red flags that pop up.  These can be things like bad reviews on other sites, odd looking or broken English on their site, or links that always pass you off to “unverified” sites.  These warning signs should mean that you pass on this site and head to another asap before you do any damage to your computer.

When you find a site that doesn’t fly the red flag of death at you, you want to make sure that they are really offering you what they say they are.  They should have different guarantees that help ensure your money and information are safe, that they verify their rentals, and that they truly are there to help you find the perfect vacation rentals – instead of just taking your vacation cash.

You will easily see the differences in the sites that aren’t that great to work with, and those that are.  The ones that are good vacation rental sites will offer you thousands of different vacation home rentals all over the US and areas of the world, they will offer to provide specialized information on that area of the US or globe to help you in planning your travel, and they will go out of their way to ensure that you only get the very best in quality service when you book through them.

So before you sit down with your credit card and book any vacation home rental, make sure that you know the site you’re going to use and know that they are a good site to use by researching them online and getting a good overview of what they can offer you in the area where you want to vacation.  Don’t get caught when it’s too late with a vacation home rental that is less than what it was touted to be.

Jim Johnson asked:


For those people who are looking for a trip of a lifetime; consider Cape Town, South Africa. It is a truly gorgeous place and one that you will not see on an average vacation.

Think about where Cape Town is located. There is a barrier of mountains that separates Cape Town from the other parts of South Africa. It is also a city of contrasts, old oak trees, streets made from cobblestones, and buildings built in a British-Georgian style. In the valleys, grapes are grown as well as wheat and fruit.

The city has an interesting history and a wonderful blend of people both culturally and racially. If you are interested in this aspect of Cape Town you should visit the South African Museum where you will get a glimpse into the various cultures of the area. This museum is the oldest one in South Africa. You can find the South African Museum in Cape Towns Company Gardens at the top of Adderley Street. This is the place to see many exhibits depicting much of the natural and cultural history of South Africa. There is also a planetarium on the grounds.

The Dutch East India Company has a fascinating history and this was the group of people who designed the Cape Town Companys Gardens. These folks established the Company Gardens so that the sailors who were traveling to the East would have a place to stop and take care of any health problems they incurred during the first part of the journey. There are also amazing buildings in the Gardens including a museum and the Anglican St. Georges Cathedral.

While you are in the area you may want to visit the office of South Africas State President and the Houses of Parliament. The most famous hotel in Cape Town is the Mount Nelson and it is located at the southernmost point of Government Avenue. This hotel has a very special and formal afternoon tea and was built in a beautiful colonial style. You will be able to see Table Mountain from the hotel, too.

On Adderly Street you can walk toward the harbor and see the oldest church in South Africa, Groote Kerk. Be sure to take a look at the ornately carved pulpit. Here you can view the statues of Jan van Riebeeck and his wife, Maria. Close to these attractions is the Castle of Good Hope which is the oldest surviving intact structure in South Africa.

You may want to search out Greenmarket Square which is the heart of the old city. There are flea market stalls, shoppers and buskers galore. The Old Town House is a beautiful baroque building that dates back to 1761 and holds the Michaelis Collection of Dutch and Flemish art. There are also Victorian buildings that house pawnshops and boutiques.

There are many museums and galleries in Cape Town. Most of them operate under the umbrella of Iziko Museums of Cape Town. The museums offer diverse exhibitions in lovely settings. You can even tour a collection of old city houses that have been restored.

Visit Cape Town, South Africa for a trip you will never forget.

Kajoku Property asked:


Since the credit crunch mortgage lenders have drastically changed their lending criteria, making it virtually impossible to make money from property.

Previously it was quite easy to buy a property, add some value to it (by refurbishing or decorating it) and then re-selling or letting it out for a tidy profit or a nice monthly residual income.

Things are really different now; lenders (the few that are left) require a 50-75% deposit on a purchase, a squeaky clean impeccable credit history and for the buyer not to be over exposed. So if you have, say, a few properties, you may be considered as a high risk because of the fear of over exposure (particularly as property prices are steadily going down in value) resulting in negative equity.

So let’s take a look at a scenario. Let’s say you want to purchase a property on a Buy To Let. The property costs £250,000, a deposit of between £62,500 and £125,000 will be needed. You may if you are lucky get a positive rental cash flow of £100 – £150 per month. Ahem, excuse me if you had a spare £62,000 or £125,000 lying around I’m sure you would put it to a much better use than to invest it for a measly return of £100 per month.

So the question is, what should one do?

Is there another way to make money in UK property in this current economic down turn?

What about buying a property, (since the prices are low at the moment), doing it up, renting it out for a few years and then selling it when the prices go back up?

Well, in theory that could work but property prices will most likely go down further before they go up. Economists are saying that even when the prices go back up they would perhaps only return to the prices of 2007, not only that it could take another 7 years before that happens anyway.

What can we do in the meantime?

Surely there must be another way?

Is there another way?

The answer is yes!

One must find buyers, buyers who are prepared to buy UK property regardless of the economic climate. Buyers that are in the property game for the long haul, buyers who are prepared to sit it out for better times.

Simply find these buyers, ask them what they are looking for and find it for them.

Ray Smith asked:


Buying a luxury town home is something that most of us dream of but only a few can afford. However, there are ways by which almost anybody with a decent income can afford to buy a town home. Many town homes are available on lease with options to buy and that makes it easier to buy your own town home – you don’t feel the pinch in your wallet.

Most of these developers offer a lease and a lease with option to buy. While you lose your ownership of the town home at the end of the stipulated period when you take it on lease; for lease with option to buy a part of the monthly payment is adjusted towards the cost of the town home and by the end of the stipulated period you can pay off the entire price of the town home and own it forever.

This is probably the easiest method to buy a luxury town home and there are several reasons to stand for it.

Bad Credit History: It is often difficult to get a loan if you are having a bad credit history or even if you have taken a loan with your good credit history any failure in debt repayment can get you a bad credit history. Lease with option to buy actually helps to avoid such situation. As the payment is relatively low it is easier for the buyer to make payment. Also the buyer gets the duration of lease period to make up / repair any bad credit history.

Saves from Inflation of Home Price: At the time of agreement the buyer and the seller agrees on a fixed price for the home. It is often observed that real estate price appreciates very fast and by the end of the lease period the price of the home might be higher than the previously agreed price. This becomes a major advantage for the buyer as he still gets the home at previously agreed price and has the option to sell it off at the appreciated value.

Try Before Buy: On a lease with option to buy, the buyer gets to stay in the home during the lease period and this helps him to understand if he is comfortable in that home. At the end of the lease period he goes for the purchase option if he is comfortable with staying in that home.

Low Maintenance Cost: The buyer do not need to pay the maintenance cost during the lease period, it is born by the seller. The buyer just pays the lease amount. This becomes a substantial saving over the entire lease period. After the buyer finally takes the ownership of the home then he starts paying the maintenance charges like repair, insurance and property tax.

These days increasing number of realtors and developers are offering lease and lease with option to buy for luxury homes and townhomes. Reputed companies like Mocking Bird Properties are also offering townhomes for lease in Plano Texas. This is high time you take advantage of this easy lease with option to buy method to get your own townhome.

Leon Belenky asked:


A lot of people are hesitating to purchase traditionally “big ticket” items in the current economy. Second homes or vacation properties are not high on most people’s agendas, except in the Miami area. Real estate statistics recently released by Florida professionals show that this is the only condominium market that has remained stable and actually seen prices rise even in the face of current market events. Additionally, the numbers of sales are also increasing, which is different from the remaining Florida markets.

Clearly this indicates that a Miami luxury condominium is going to remain a wise and reliable investment. Their values have not only held but risen during the past year. Additionally, many people look for such properties when seeking out long term rentals or vacation accommodations and such a property could quickly yield some reliable returns.

Many of the Miami luxury condominiums are designed to provide a resort-style lifestyle on a year-round basis. This includes private beaches, swimming pools, fitness centers, spa treatments and beautifully landscaped grounds. It also means twenty-four hour services such as concierge, front desk, valet and security as well. This all translates to a great resale feature as well as a great income generating potential. Interestingly, many of the best Miami luxury condo properties have in-house assistance for those looking to rent their homes while they are elsewhere, which is a great way to put the asset to work in a safe and secure manner. An owner can simply entrust their property to the knowledgeable and watchful staff that tends to the rental guests and the property.

Of course ownership of a Miami luxury condo does not have to be strictly as a rental property and buyers from all over the world look to this area for a wonderful second home location. It is simply that the wide availability of a responsive vacation market could generate income streams that pay for mortgage costs or simply yield high profits on the investment.

The entire Miami area is one of the most frequently visited destinations in all of Florida, and is of course one of the most popular regions in the entire country. This means a constant need for high-quality accommodations, and a good stream of potential renters for Miami area luxury condominium properties. Investing in one or more Miami luxury condominium properties is almost a guarantee for great returns in the very near future…regardless of patterns or trends elsewhere.

rajan mr asked:


Luxurious and comfortable townhomes, all aligned in a row is the ideal image of a townhome for anyone who dreams to own one. Generally, these townhomes are either occupied by a family or individuals and they pride in owning it as their private property. Nowadays, amenities like swimming pools, parking lounge, gardens, clubs, children parks and a variety of such services have become an integral part of townhomes. Townhomes is the best place to live when considering the security it offers, the other services it provides and the satisfaction that you have when you are living there. Townhomes, in comparison to other independent houses, all the available facilities have to be shared with the other members of the neighboring townhomes

Buying a luxurious town home is something that mostly everyone dreams of but only a few can afford it. Townhomes not only fulfils the requirements of the individuals to the extent of satisfaction but they are also handy in terms of money as well. Buying and personally owning a townhome is a dream come true but getting a townhome on lease is definitely a practical decision before you finalize on buying it

Before finalizing for a townhome, it is very important that you conduct a proper survey of the townhomes and the area. No matter how tempting the leasing offers may sound to you, don’t get carried away by them. Carefully and minutely study all the leasing documents. Before you take any final decision, try to ask questions to the owners or the agents who are giving them on lease. Check on the issues like, are your landlords ok with late night parties being hosted or people coming over most of the times or activities like smoking, drinking in the home. Appropriately also check on your right over the parking and the other amenities sections.

Before taking the final decision, get answers of some of your questions crystal clear. Following could be some basic questions like who are the people responsible for the maintenance of the townhomes? When you are leasing a townhome you are supposed to be paying monthly rental to the landlord which is not the same case when you own the townhomes. So discuss with the landlords the grace period for the monthly rental payment. No home is perfect. There are issues and problems arising everywhere. Who is going to fix such problems is a thing you must not forget to ask the landlords.

Do not overlook any existing rules and regulations that the townhomes may be having. Some townhomes owners association could have a set of rules that may not be in accordance to your lifestyle. For example, some might have problems with pets and they charge some extra amount for them.

While discussing all this, also consider the “buying out of the lease” option. If you choose to vacate the townhomes before the lapse of the lease period, then it might be that you are required to buying out of the lease penalty.

Also have a clear picture in regards to finance part. Assumptions can cost you a fortune! You should be clear about what amount is required as the security deposit. Security deposit is the money that is deposited to the owner at the start of the leasing period and is there with the owner till the time the tenant moves out or till the end of the leasing period. They are usually there with the landlords in case of any damage of property or delay in the rental payments. Every single detail regarding the security deposit should be clearly discussed with the townhome owners.

When going for the townhome leasing always know your prerequisites, keep your opportunities open, scrutinize the place keeping your parameters under consideration and only then make your final decision.

We Buy Fairfax Houses asked:


We Buy Houses in Fairfax Virginia

Everyone has heard the news on the current deteriorating state of the economy, the severe credit crisis and the declining housing market. Fox, CNN, MSNBC, other news, outlets and even the President remind us of our pain daily. The peoples fears and perception have not become reality. Home foreclosures are at an all time high even in my neighborhood in Fairfax Virginia with many more foreclosures likely to come. The unemployment rate in Virginia is growing daily and is the highest it has been in many years. Housing resale values are at all time lows with no end in sight. Even the banks are going bankrupt (124 as of November 2009) as are many Americans who no longer qualify for credit.

Because of the recent credit crisis, many people don’t qualify for a new loan to buy a house right now, despite the incredibly low housing prices. Many home sellers can’t sell their unwanted houses because they owe more than their house is worth because of the falling house prices. Many sellers can’t rent their houses out for enough to cover their mortgage payments, taxes and insurance resulting in severe negative cash flow that bleeds then dry month after month. To make matters worse, many tenants end up losing their jobs and some even trashing the house when they move out making it even more difficult and expensive to sell. If they list their house with a real estate agent, their house will likely sit on the market for a long, long time waiting to sell since the buyers seem to have magically disappeared. Even if the house does finally sell one day at a greatly reduced price to get it sold, the owner has to pay a 6% real estate commission plus the majority of the closing costs. This often results in the seller writing a big, fat check at the closing table to finally get their house sold.

So what are my options to sell my house in Fairfax Virginia fast in this depressed econmy and housing market when many folks can’t get a loan? By trail and error, I discovered the following 3 alternatives to try to sell my Fairfax VA home quickly!

1. I tried to sell my house in Fairfax “For Sale by Owner” aka “FSBO”.

At first, selling my house by myself sounded easy enough, but it soon became my worst nightmare. At first I didn’t know how to attract buyers that might be interested in purchasing a home in Fairfax Virginia also called Northern VA. The sale by owner sign in the yard wasn’t working. I ended up spending a fortune placing classifieds in the local paper which resulted in a few potential buyers. Those that did respond wanted to see my house at all different hours of the day or night. I was afraid to say no in fear of losing a potential buyer. I would have to keep my house clean and all picked up, only to have them not show up to see my house. Other times I had some pretty scary people show up with their 5 kids in tow, trampling through my home. I never did find my ideal buyer. Even if I did, I had no idea how to get them qualified, how to handle all the purchase and sale paperwork or how to get the house closed. I said “There has to be a better way to sell my Home!” and I was determined to find it.

2. I listed my house for sale with a local Fairfax Real Estate Agent.

When I listed my house with a local real estate agent, I thought they were all the same and they would be able to sell my house in Fairfax Virginia quickly. I called an agent from a local, seemingly reputable, real estate agency and made an appointment to have an agent come out and see me. The agent sounded like she really knew what she was talking about and got me really excited about the prospect of selling my home quickly. She said she would list my house in the MLS, on dozens of real estate sites throughout Virginia, advertise my house in the local paper and other print publications, do multiple open houses, put out signs, balloons, flyers in an information box and went on and on about how she could sell my home and still get top dollar. How could I refuse? I didn’t. I listed my house and waited. The agent put the house in the MLS put a sign in the yard along with a dozen flyers in the information box and disappeared never to be seen again. She not only refused to return my calls, but did no perceivable advertising, no open houses, no showings, no more flyers, no more nothing! Six months later I still had no buyers and apparently no agent. I ended up hiring 2 more agents with the same dismal results. Meanwhile my house in Fairfax Virginia had not only decreased in value because it would not sell for the list price, which had been reduced repeatedly, but also because of all the other listed houses and foreclosures on the market in my area of Fairfax. At this point, I was all out of ideas and praying for a solution. About that time, someone at my church told me about a company that helps people in Nothern Virgina with buying and selling houses.

3. I contacted a local, professional home buyer from Fairfax Virginia.

My friend from church told me that she had similar problems selling her Northern Virginia house, but that she had contacted a local professional home buyer who bought her house in under a week! What? Is this possible? Could I sell my Fairfax VA house in 7 days or less too? She said their are professional home buyers out there, also known as “real estate investors”, who buy and sell real estate for investment purposes. You’ve probably seen their “We buy Houses” advertisements around town but never gave them much thought. These are people who buy houses professionally and are always actively looking for more houses to buy. She gave me their WEBSITE information. I filled out their easy online information and they had free reports about the real estate market in Northern Virginia. A local Fairfax home buyer called me and said that if my house qualified and if I was flexible on price and terms, that they may be able to buy my house in the next 7 days or less. They said depending on my situation that they may be able to pay all cash, pay some cash now and some cash later or take over your mortgage payments giving me immediate debt relief. At this point I was definitely flexible and had nothing to lose by scheduling an appointment for them to come see my home and possibly enable me to sell my Fairfax Virginia house fast!

So I scheduled the appointment with the Fairfax home buyer and he came out inspected my home.  he made me several offers to buy my house as promised. I chose the offer that best suited my needs and we scheduled a closing the following week with a local real estate closing attorney. It was that fast and that simple to finally sell my house in Fairfax! I still can’t get over it. After waiting two years trying to sell my house on my own and through a licensed agent, I was able to sell my house in less than 7 days to a local professional home buying company!

If you have an unwanted Northern Virginia house you need to SELL FAST visit our website, you have nothing to lose by visiting our website and everything to gain. I was able to sell my Northern Virginia home fast and you can too!

Nina Seidl asked:


At Paramount Properties, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible Ottawa apartment rental experiences to our tenants. With great locations, top quality service, and exceptional value, it’s easy to see why our apartments for rent in Ottawa are the best in the city. But don’t take our word for it – just have a look at this letter of one of our Downtown Ottawa apartment tenants:

Dear Paramount Properties;

I’m sending you this email just to say “thank you” for helping me finally find the student apartment I was looking for. I’m a student at the University of Ottawa, and ever since I first came to Ottawa I’ve been looking for a great student apartment that would not only get me close to my classes, but get me close to everything else in Downtown Ottawa, too. After living in a couple other apartment buildings this past year, let me just say that I’ve finally found the exact student apartment I was looking for – and then some!

First of all, I couldn’t believe my luck when I found one of your great apartments in Downtown Ottawa – it’s called Centretown Place, and the location is better than I could ever imagine! The apartment is just a few blocks away from everything I love about Ottawa – the Byward Market, the Rideau Centre, all of the stores on Bank Street … pretty much everything I need in the downtown core! It’s even located right on the Transitway, so I can get to my classes in just a couple of minutes, or take the bus across town quickly and easily to meet up with friends in Westboro, at Algonquin College, or wherever!

While the location is excellent, I was pleasantly surprised at how affordable a Downtown Ottawa apartment could actually be. And not only is the rent affordable, but it also includes a whole bunch of additional services and features like the pool, sauna, air conditioning in my room … I really feel like I’m getting the most value for my rent every month at my new apartment. Oh yeah – I really like the smart card laundry machines! It’s so nice not have to keep a collection of quarters on me at all times!

I’ve recommended Paramount Properties to a bunch of my friends, as I know they’re all looking for a great student apartment in Downtown Ottawa. Like I said, I’ve lived in a couple other apartment buildings in the city, but I can definitely say that renting a downtown apartment from your company really is the best choice for students like me.

Thanks again for everything!

Gabe Gayhart asked:


A recent survey revealed about 18% of respondents use half or less of their paid vacation days each year, some for fear that they might not seem as dedicated to their jobs in the eyes of management. Logic would seem that if you feel management looks at you this way then this is the right time to take that vacation. Sounds like the job is seeming a bit stressful. When you decided that you wanted to go on vacation, what did you do? Begin researching and discovering the more beautiful spots in the world. Does a luxury vacation condo on a tropical island sound like the way to go?

Wailea, Maui is a paradise for those looking for a romantic getaway, or for a fun-filled family vacation. Wailea has just about anything and everything you could want in a vacation spot; Ideal snorkeling conditions, while afternoons are good for sunning and evenings feature gorgeous Maui sunsets.

The French explorer La Perouse discovered this historical landmark after Haleakala’s last eruption in 1788. The eruption had recently destroyed the settlement of Keoneoio. Parts of the village remain intact today, and a strip of lava running through the bay has changed the shoreline permanently.

Here are the top five Wailea condominiums you can book once you are convinced that South Maui is right for you.

Top 5 Wailea Condominiums:

1. Premiere studio 8F – 600 square foot Studio, Cathedral ceilings, a full murphy bed, comfortable furnishings and a fully equipped kitchen make this a good spot for two – especially if a quick walk to the pool is important. This is a spacious study with a nice touch of luxury for the lone traveler or the college sweethearts looking for something better than a hotel. The studio is within the Wailea Ekahi Oceanfront Village on Maui’s south shore. The village is made up of Studio, one bedroom luxury condos. Luxurious but not stuffy, most properties here have been completely renovated. Prices range from $200-$400+/nite.

2. The Secret Garden Condo – 1 Bedroom, tile floors, comfortable and elegant furnishings, handmade and original artwork, tropical bedroom and walk-in shower. Vintage style teak and rattan furnishings. Kitchenette with granite countertops, TV w/dvd, cd player. Basically, this unit is a step up from a nice hotel room and nothing more. Rates range from $150-$250/nite. Granted this is not the most luxurious choice. The Grand Champion Villas are more of a semi luxury resort, containing 1 and 2 bedroom condominiums. Located in the heart of Wailea, on Maui’s sunny south shore. The Secret Garden made the top Wailea condo list because due to it’s semi- luxury, it gains points for affordability.

The next three are all located in the Wailea Beach Villas, a Wailea condominium resort that is considered to be of ultra-luxury caliber. Wailea Beach Villas offers discerning travelers the privacy and comfort of spacious residential condominiums ranging in size between 1,900 and 3,000 square feet. Floor plans are open in these two and three bedroom residences and all have private lanais that include built-in barbeques. All of the units have state-of-the-art kitchens that feature modern appliances and granite counters. There is 24-hour gated security, two stunning swimming pools with one serving as adults only, two Jacuzzis, fitness facility, activity room and business center.

3. The Maui Escape – Decorated with Hawaiian & imported Indonesian furnishings, the condo features an incredible in-ceiling sound system, granite counter tops, marble flooring, two Sub-Zero refrigerators, WIFI internet, flat screen TV’s, and ceiling fans in each room. This unit is 2,200 square feet, which is very spacious for a two bedroom. The custom kitchen is amazingly beautiful, It would be difficult to pry a chef out of there. Breathtaking views, and footsteps from the water. Rates start at $900 – $1,500/nite.

4. The Maha Lani is a 3 bedroom, 3,000 square foot unit, including lanai with gas BBQ, 4 flat sceen TV’s, fully equipped gourmet kitchen. Two bedrooms are appointed with luxurious 100% Egyptian-cotton bed linens. Rates start at $1,100 and go up based on availability and season.

5. The Baby Grand is a 4 bedroom unit $1,700 – $3,300/ nite Features a private elevator. 60″ plasma TV in one room and a 42 inch flatscreen TV in another. The unit is coined its name because it holds a Baby Grand Piano. and breathtaking ocean view shared by the Master Bedroom with double vanity bathroom. Second Master Bedroom has a King Bed, double vanity bathroom, walk-in closet and TV. Third bedroom can be two twins or a King Bed with bathroom and TV. Fourth bedroom hosts a queen size sofa with custom mattress for a sumptuous sleeping. This gameroom has a Playstation 3. Accommodations include wireless internet.

The Maui Escape is the best choice of the top 5. It’s spacious enough to sleep 4-6 people (has a sleeper) and it’s ultra luxury on the beach. First things first get your request for vacation time in, then go to Wailea and stay in the luxury paradise you deserve.

Joel Greene asked:


Have you considered the purchase of a second home but hesitated because you didn’t want the hassles of ownership or you couldn’t justify the expense of a place you’ll probably use just a few times a year?

Then consider a condo hotel. You might find that this new type of real estate is the ultimate, hassle-free vacation home.

1. Exactly what are condo hotels?

Condo hotels are typically high-rise, luxury properties in popular vacation destinations, such as near beaches, golf courses, casinos and theme parks. They are operated by prestigious hospitality companies like Hilton, Starwood, Trump International, Four Seasons, Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton and Sonesta.

While to guests they may look like a regular hotel, the suites are individually owned as condos. The owners can use them when they want and place them in the hotel’s rental program when they’re not there, sharing in the revenue their condo generates.

An on-site management company takes care of everything from renting out the unit to operating and maintaining the property. For that reason, condo hotels are often referred to as problem-free vacation homes.

2. What are the typical amenities found at condo hotels?

Of course, every condo hotel is different, but these properties usually offer the amenities and guest services you’d find at a hotel of four-star caliber or better.

These can include pools, spas, fitness facilities, business centers, restaurants, night clubs, retail stores, meeting facilities, concierge services, 24-hour security, room service, valet parking and daily housekeeping.

The individual condo hotel suites are usually slightly larger than your typical hotel room, professionally furnished, and have kitchens or small kitchenettes.

3. Where are condo hotels found?

The condo hotel concept started in Florida, but these days condo hotels are popping up all around the U.S. and the world. They are found in popular vacation destinations such as Miami Beach, Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach and throughout the Caribbean.

Each location has something unique to offer. Decide what you love to do when on vacation, and find a condo hotel to fit your needs.

4. How does a condo hotel differ from a timeshare?

With a timeshare you are purchasing one or two weeks of usage of your vacation home per year, and it’s usually the same weeks each year. That doesn’t allow you a lot of flexibility with your vacation schedule, unless you participate in an exchange program.

A condo hotel unit provides you, the owner, deeded whole ownership. You can use your vacation home as often and whenever you want, (although some restrictions may apply if you choose to participate in the optional rental program).

5. What expenses should be expected when owning a condo hotel?

The individual condo hotel unit owner typically pays for real estate taxes, insurance, capital improvements and his or her debt service.

The on-site management company pays operating expenses such as housekeeping, front office, maintenance of common areas and amenities, marketing and guest services.

6. Who operates the rental program in a condo hotel?

The on-site management company runs the rental program. Their job is to promote the property and generate a steady flow of guests to rent the units.

One of the key benefits to purchasing a condo hotel unit in a major franchise like Hilton, Trump International, Hyatt or Starwood is that its name recognition and multi-million dollar, worldwide reservation system help to keep your room rented and generating revenue year-round.

7. How much revenue does a condo hotel unit generate?

This, of course, varies between properties. Some of the factors that affect revenue are the quality of the property, whether it has a brand name, its location, and even how often the unit is used by the owner as opposed to being placed in the rental program.

Buyers of condo hotel units are advised to be conservative in their expectations and look upon the revenue their unit generates as helping to offset their costs of ownership, as opposed to creating a positive cash flow.

Total revenue is split between the hotel management company and the individual unit owner, usually on a 50-50 basis after expenses, although these percentages can vary.

8. Do condo hotels appreciate like other types of real estate?

They certainly can, and many people feel this is the key selling point of condo hotels. They see condo hotels as investments which, like other types of real estate, can increase in value over time, especially if the property has a good location, is well-managed and offers a full array of amenities and services.

9. How much do condo hotels cost?

Condo hotel prices vary, depending on quality, brand, amenities and location. The range can be anywhere from $200,000 to over $1 million for prime properties.

The highest prices are commanded at upscale locations such as Miami Beach and Las Vegas. In places outside the U.S., like Dubai, Mexico and Panama, for example, quality condo hotel units can often be had for bargain prices because of the much cheaper land and construction costs abroad.

10. Is financing available for condo hotels?

Yes, many lenders now offer financing on condo hotel units. However, the rate is usually slightly higher for this type of residence, because lenders assume more risk on a second home than a primary residence.