Question on Vrbo

I've used it many times. I do require that I see the contract before paying a deposit, but I've been pleased with my experience.

For what it's worth, I've used vrbo countless times with good luck. Many people I know do the same happily. There is risk I'm sure though. What often makes me feel better is if it's actually a management company handling things. Many people list their property on vrbo but then actually use a professional management company to handle all the details. But we've also rented directly from owners with no problems. Friends even rent out their home on vrbo and while I don't want to do that, they've had good luck. Can't swear your situation is ok but I also wouldn't rule it out.

I think that the consumer affairs link should be taken with a grain of salt. There are only 84 reviews on there. I have used VRBO many times, and was always happy with the expierence. I talked to all the owners on the phone and asked questions about their property. You could tell that they all valued their property and the right to rent it out.
I would give VRBO 5 stars!

We've used VRBO and other similar sites MANY times over the years with nothing but great experiences. While I do like to see a few reviews I expect the same from a hotel.

We've had hotels and restaurants lose our reservation, been bumped from flights and missed connections flights and had a few bad travel experiences with private companies. Renting from a private party isn't any more risky in my opinion. Get a contract, talk directly to the person to get a feel for the situation and go with your gut.

We have used VRBO in the following locations:

Vail, CO
Breckenridge, CO (Twice)
Myrtle Beach, SC
Destin, FL (5 different times, 5 different condos)
Lake Ozark, MO
Scottsdale, AZ
Daytona, FL

Actually, I've lost count of how many times we have used this service. Never, ever have we had a single problem. I agree with K-Bell, hotels can screw you just as easily.

We always use a credit card with VRBO and that adds an additional layer of protection, too. We also ask for a copy of the contract before we submit payments.

If it is a timeshare, you could protect yourself by contacting the timeshare location directly. Confirm it exists, confirm your reservation dates, etc. I would be more nervous with a home rental where you would have to do more work to confirm that it is legit, like looking at county records.
My cousin set up a house rental, not sure what service she used, when her brother graduated and we had a big family gathering. It turned out really well for us, but I was skeptical going into it!

All I can say is:

Consumer Affairs has a long list of complaints.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/vrbo.html

And I've found (without looking too hard) at least one warning of a phishing scam:

http://elliott.org/blog/oh-no-not-another-vrbo-phishing-s...

Just be very cautious.

I have used vrbo before and have been quite happy with it. In fact, we just finalized a condo rental for a trip to Mexico in April.

I might be hesitant about a place without reviews, but I would contact the owner/manager and ask lots of questions and check it all out. If they are legit, they will be happy to prove it. Get copies of the rental contract, use a credit card, etc.

We use vrbo for almost every vacation, and have never had a bad experience. I hope I didn't just jinx myself! :)

We've used vrbo several times and have never had an issue. My sister rents out her apartment in DC through them all the time, and I've always felt like the people we've rented through offered more than enough info for me to be confident that they are legit. If you pay with a credit card you can always dispute the charges on the rare chance you have a problem.

I have also used VRBO several times without a problem.