Are you interested in renting a property in Orlando to enjoy your vacation with friends or family, but you still have a lot of questions?
Below, we list the main issues, so that you can better understand the benefits of this type of hosting.
01. IS RENT A HOUSE IN ORLANDO ON THE INTERNET SAFE?
As with any other type of accommodation in Orlando, make sure the company is reliable and whether it guarantees you full support via email, website or telephone. After all, no one wants their dream of renting a vacation home in Orlando to turn into a nightmare. Global Homes has been in the American real estate market for over 15 years. You can trust, our customers recommend!
02. WHAT ARE THE IDEAL MONTHS TO TRAVEL TO DISNEY?
It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want to party and enjoy Orlando's water parks, the American summer is ideal; between June, July and August. But, if the idea is peace, in the months of May, June, September, October and November you will find the parks in Orlando quieter. However, it is worth remembering that some American holidays also attract tourists to the city. They are: Spring Break, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
03. WHERE IS WALT DISNEY WORLD LOCATED?
The Walt Disney World complex is part of Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista, cities located in the Orlando metropolitan region. To give you an idea, the parks gate is in Kissimmee, but it is possible to reach the city next door in 10 minutes, as everything is very close.
04. HOW TO USE GPS WITH AMERICAN ADDRESS?
The CEP (Zip Code) is very important when programming the GPS in Orlando. Pay attention to this code and the name of the city you want to reach, as Greater Orlando is made up of several smaller cities, such as Kissimmee, Celebration, Clermont, Lake Buena Vista, Doctor Philips, among others. We recommend using the Waze App as there is no need to update, just connect and use.
05. WHERE ARE GLOBAL HOMES HOUSES LOCATED?
In any real estate agency in Orlando, if the idea is to legally rent a vacation home, the property must be in a Short Term Rental Zone. The main authorized areas are in the cities of Kissimmee, Davenport and Clermont, which are between 5 and 20 minutes from the Disney parks. In the city of Orlando, there is also an apartment complex, on International Drive, that is authorized for this type of accommodation, close to the Convention Center. In other areas of Orlando, it is not possible to rent properties on a short-term basis.
06. WHAT DOES W IRLO BRONSON MEMORIAL HWY OR US 192 MEAN?
You will hear these names mentioned a lot, as it is the main avenue in Kissimmee, where you will have access to the entrance to Disney parks and vacation homes in Orlando. The division is very simple. In the East Zone (Eastside) is the oldest region of the city, the center, the municipal airport and some old condominiums; In the West Zone, the area developed since 2000 is located, with Disney Parks and the newest and most renowned condominiums.
07. BEFORE I CLOSE A CONTRACT, CAN I HAVE THE ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE?
No. We adopted this measure for the pure safety of our customers. Imagine if it were the other way around, and you had stayed in one of our vacation homes in Orlando. Would you like us to disclose the location address in any online query? Of course. That's why our consultants disclose the location of the condominium and usually answer any questions about the neighborhood, if the future client is interested.
This measure does not influence our seriousness towards customers in any way. Global Homes is part of the CFRM Group, the largest provider of properties in Florida for Brazilians. The company is located in Davenport and is properly licensed as a Seller of Travel (ST 37863) and is highly reliable.
08. HOW DISTANCE IS THE RENTED PROPERTY AND THE DISNEY PARKS?
It is important to highlight that all of our houses available for rent are very well located. On each of the house pages we have the distance to Disney's south entrance portal and the estimated time of arrival. We no longer guarantee the same compared to the competition.
09. WILL THE HOUSE I SEE IN THE PHOTOS BE THE SAME ONE I'LL STAY IN?
Yes! If you rented a specific house, sure. The house we will send you and your group to will be the same as the photos seen before closing the contract. Of course, with time and possible renovations to the property, some details may have changed, such as some furniture, but nothing that could influence your good stay during your vacation.
10. HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOUSE FOR MY FAMILY OR MY GROUP OF FRIENDS?
Just by looking at our website you can get an idea of what would best fit your group. However, the ideal is to talk to one of our consultants to find out more details and information about each house. They know our properties very well and will be happy to find the perfect property for you and your group.
11. CAN I RENT PROPERTY IN ORLANDO DIRECTLY FROM THE OWNER?
This practice is neither common nor recommended. We list some reasons:
– If there is a problem with the property, the owner cannot transfer it to another;
– It is always better to negotiate in your native language. After all, contracts in a foreign language can be real traps;
– Many homeowners are sued by banks for not paying their mortgage regularly. We chose not to work with this type of property;
– It is possible that the images presented by the owners are old, as many of them have not visited the house for years.
Be aware of very cheap offers coming from direct owners, as they may offer not very pleasant surprises, such as lack of cleaning and maintenance.
12. SHOULD I TRUST THE INTERNET MORE THAN MY TRAVEL AGENT?
This is one of the most common mistakes made by those who travel. No one better than your travel agent to know exactly what you are signing up for. Information from blogs, social networks and even Google Maps is not always up to date or correct. Give more value to your agent, he is the most suitable professional to help you with your travel queries and is even certified to offer the most suitable product for your group.
13. IS IT SAFE TO STAY IN A HOUSE IN ORLANDO?
As Brazilians, we are used to worrying a lot about the issue of security, wherever we are, especially if it doesn't have walls or fences. But, comforting news is that the crime rate in the United States is extremely lower. And even better: Global Homes has never had any incidents in its homes or even with its guests. However, we always recommend some precautions:
– If you are going to leave the house, make sure that windows and doors are locked;
– Keep the curtains closed when you leave, making it impossible for anyone passing by to see what’s inside;
– Leave high-value objects stored in a safe place in the house;
– When you leave, activate the alarm, if it is available in your property.
In addition to all these precautions, it is still possible to rent a property in a gated community, with security and a 24-hour guardhouse.
14. WHY RENT A HOUSE IN ORLANDO INSTEAD OF STAYING IN A HOTEL?
The comparison is not that simple. Many factors must be taken into consideration. For example, there are very cheap hotels that offer low quality. Just as we can find incredibly expensive and incredible hotels, like Disney and Universal resorts. Which one best fits what you want? If you are looking for a quality hotel, we also offer negotiated operator rates at great prices in the American market. Talk to one of our consultants.
It is worth remembering that a cheap hotel does not offer the same quality as holiday homes. Imagine having to share a room with 3 or 4 people during your stay. Only the best hotels provide TVs, coffee makers, microwaves and minibars. In a house, it is possible to have all the comfort and privacy, with a complete infrastructure – a bedroom for every 1 or 2 people, dining rooms, television, games room, full kitchen, laundry, internet, private pool, etc.
As a trip to Disney is ideal for staying at least 10 days, it is worth mentioning that a hotel room starts to feel too small after 3 or 4 days. To avoid this stress and still save on sharing expenses with the group, it's worth trying renting a house with us. You will definitely approve!
15. ARE GLOBAL HOMES HOUSES ALL EQUIPPED?
Yes, all of our houses are equipped with a full kitchen (stove, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster, blender, etc.), central air conditioning, laundry room with washing machine and dryer, all bed, table and bath linen, TVs in the living room and in the rooms. In addition, many homes have additional items such as video games, barbecue grills, games room, spa, private pool, among others.
16. DO ALL HOUSES HAVE A SPA AND PRIVATE POOL?
Most Global Homes properties have a private pool and SPA. Others offer these items in the condominium itself, allowing you and your group to have fun for free. There are few properties that do not offer swimming pools, but on the other hand, they end up being more affordable. If a swimming pool is an essential item for your group, speak to one of our consultants.
17. ARE ALL PRIVATE POOLS COVERED?
The private pools of all houses are covered with a protective screen that, in reality, has two functions: to reduce the area's exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays and to protect against insects that are very common in the Florida region. It is worth mentioning that this coverage has nothing to do with the plastic greenhouses we find in Brazil.
18. HOW IS THE POOL’S PERIODIC CLEANING PERFORMED?
Global Homes has a specialized team to clean our pools weekly, so you don't have to worry about this detail during your vacation. As the entrance is behind the house, you won't even need to open the front door. After cleaning, the keeper will leave a flyer that certifies the quality of the water. Enjoy!
19. IS IT POSSIBLE TO HIRE THE POOL HEATING SERVICE IN WINTER?
Yes, if the house offers a private pool, you can purchase optional heating at a cost of US$30.00 per night. If you choose this service, the heating will be turned on the morning of check-in and the water may take up to 24 hours to reach a maximum temperature of 29.5oC (85oF), enough to break the ice and allow bathing in winter – enter November and February. Very high temperatures, around 40oC, as in spas, are not allowed in large pools, as they may crack.
20. IS THERE A DAILY HOUSEKEEPING/CLEANING SERVICE IN THE HOUSES?
Before talking about this topic, it's worth remembering that American homes are designed to stay cleaner for longer. Unlike Brazil, they have a central air conditioning system and this makes it impossible to open the windows at all times, thus preventing dust from entering and accumulating. In addition, they all have a dishwasher and washing and drying machines.
If you need help cleaning the property, we offer the service of our authorized suppliers to:
– Daily Tidying;
– Intermediate cleaning;
– Complete Cleaning.
Talk to one of our consultants about the service.
21. ARE CLEANING AND HYGIENE ITEMS PROVIDED DURING MY STAY?
Similar to a hotel, our vacation homes provide a starter kit of soap, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo/conditioner, laundry detergent and fabric softener. These items are ideal for your first few days in the house. From then on, the guest is responsible for replenishing each product according to their needs, just like in their own home. All products are easily found in supermarkets and convenience stores in the city.
22. DO ALL HOUSES PROVIDE HAIR DRYERS?
The vast majority of properties are equipped with hairdryers in their suites. But, if you feel it necessary to take your people or even buy a new super powerful model at the nearest Walmart, feel free! There is no shortage of good and cheap product options in Orlando.
23. WHAT ABOUT THE IRON? DO ALL HOUSES OFFER IT?
Yes, all of our properties have an iron. However, it is worth remembering that the pieces come out of the dryer so stretched that, often, there is no need to iron them.
24. IS IT NECESSARY TO BRING TOWELS, PILLOWS, SHEET OR BLANKETS?
No. All of our holiday homes are equipped with bedding, including blankets, duvets, 400 thread count cotton sheets, pillows and top quality towels. Even if the temperature is mild, if you want to sleep with cooler air conditioning, you will be fully equipped.
25. WHAT TYPES OF BED ARE AVAILABLE IN HOUSES?
The beds available are always box-spring, with quality spring mattresses, also from the best hotels in Orlando. You will find King or Queen-size beds in the suites and single showers in other rooms. Our team of consultants knows all the details of the houses to help you choose the most suitable one for your group's needs.
26. DO ALL PROPERTIES HAVE BARBECUES IN THE BACKYARD?
Most homes with private pools have American-style gas barbecues. However, to use it, it is necessary to pay a Usage Fee, which provides for the gas supply and final cleaning of the equipment. The average fee is US$ 65. Ask your agent.
27. DO ALL HOUSES HAVE AIR CONDITIONING?
Yes, all Global Homes homes have air conditioning and central heating. Operating the equipment is quite simple, just follow the instructions left at the property. And remember: American degrees are measured in farenheight and not Celsius, like in Brazil. Be careful not to freeze the house!
28. DO THE PROPERTIES HAVE A TV AND DVD PLAYER?
All of our properties are equipped with a large TV in the living room and smaller ones in the bedrooms. Most houses are equipped with a flat screen TV (LCD, LED) and DVD Player. However, it is worth remembering that some films brought from Brazil may not play on American devices.
29. DO ALL HOUSES HAVE A PHONE LINE? CAN I USE IT?
All Orlando vacation homes from Global Homes have a telephone line that allows unlimited calls to the USA and Canada. Some of our properties also have a GLOBAL VOICE system, which allows free calls to landlines in Brazil and Brazilian cell phones at US$ 0.17/min. Remembering that telephone costs will be debited from the deposit amount. Talk to our consultants and find out if your home has this service. If you don't have one, you can still make collect calls in Brazil using Embratel Direto 0800-344-1055 or use prepaid cards found in any supermarket, operator or convenience store.
30. ARE ALL BRAZILIAN CHANNELS AVAILABLE ON THE HOME TV?
Unfortunately, operators still do not offer all Brazilian channels in their programming. But for those who can't do without the soap opera, we offer the Rede Globo package for an additional cost of US$ 39.99 + taxes per fortnight (minimum contract) or US$ 78.99 + taxes for 30 days. Talk to your consultant and find out more about the service.
31. HOW DOES GARBAGE COLLECTION WORK IN ORLANDO?
The way Americans deal with trash is very interesting. Pay attention to the collection instruction manual as soon as you arrive at the house. There, there will be the exact days that the garbage truck passes and all the details in separating the waste. Food remains can be thrown into the sink disposer, as can toilet paper directly into the toilet (as it is a biodegradable material). Keep an eye on your neighbors' behavior and, if you have any questions, talk to our consultants.
32. IS IT POSSIBLE TO BRING PETS INTO THE HOUSE?
Some houses do allow pets. However, it is necessary to consult our team in advance, as if you take your pet to a house that prohibits pets, there will be a unilateral breach of contract with fines and other sanctions.
33. CAN I RECEIVE GUESTS AT THE RENTED PROPERTY?
When renting a house in Orlando with us, you must present the list with the names of all occupants in the group. Unfortunately, these are the only guests allowed to stay in the house. This does not mean that we do not allow quick visits from friends, but the unauthorized stay of other groups may cause a breach of contract.
34. IS SMOKING ALLOWED INSIDE HOUSES?
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside our holiday homes. After all, its laws are compared to hotel establishments. We recommend that smokers always use the external area of the house, such as the swimming pool or the balcony, ensuring that smoke does not circulate in the internal area of the property. Do not smoke in bathrooms or open windows to eliminate the odor, as central air conditioning can carry smoke to other areas of the home.
35. HOW MANY GUESTS CAN FIT IN EACH PROPERTY?
All homes for rent in Orlando are inspected by the Department of Hospitality and the Florida Fire Department. This means that each property is configured for a maximum number of people (adults or children), and cannot exceed this number:
2 Bedrooms – Maximum 6 people;
3 Bedrooms – Maximum 8 people;
4 Bedrooms – Maximum 10 people;
5 Bedrooms – Maximum 12 people;
6 Bedrooms – Maximum 14 people;
7 Bedrooms – Maximum 16 people.
36. HOW CAN WE ENTER THE HOUSE WHEN WE ARRIVE?
All Global Homes properties are equipped with electronic locks that receive a new, exclusive access code for each guest. Therefore, previous visitors do not have copies of keys and no one will bother your group.
37. DO THE PROPERTIES HAVE SOFA BEDS, MATTRESSES OR PORTABLE BED?
Yes, many of our properties have sofa beds, inflatable mattresses and portable beds, for a maximum of two guests. Talk about the possibility with our consultants before closing your package.
38. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I VIOLATE A RENTAL AGREEMENT?
The United States is a place well known for the strictness of its laws and contracts. Anyone who violates a contract is immediately notified and may have the deal canceled without compensation. Furthermore, the person may be liable for damages for the violation. To prevent anything like this from happening, it is worth paying attention to contractual clauses, such as: maximum number of guests; anti-smoking restrictions; animals, etc. Global Homes has never had any such problem.
39. IS THERE A CHECK-IN TIME?
Entry to the house can be done from 4pm. If, at the time you make your reservation, you would like an early check-in, you may be charged an additional fee for this. However, it is worth checking availability with our agents.
40. IS THERE A CHECK-OUT TIME?
You must leave the house by 10am, so our cleaning team can prepare the property for the next guests. If you wish to extend the period, book a “late check-out” option at the time of booking or speak to our team of consultants. We tend to have flexibility in terms of schedules, so as not to harm those who arrive later. However, unauthorized delays may be penalized at US$ 100/hour and the cleaning team will not wait for the house to be vacated to begin work.
41. HOW DOES THE CHECK-IN PROCEDURE WORK?
Before your trip you will receive the access code to the property that will allow you to enter the property. If you happen to have a problem, you don't need to worry. We have a center located in Davenport and we can call them 24 hours a day if there is a need or any urgency/emergency.
42. HOW DOES THE CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE WORK?
Leaving the house is very simple. You just need to lock all the windows and doors and check that the property's equipment is turned off, such as ceiling fans, televisions, stove, etc. Don't worry about cleaning, as our team will do a complete cleaning as soon as you leave the place, in order to receive the next group.
43. WHO SHOULD I CALL IF I NEED SOME HELP?
In Orlando, we provide support teams to guarantee your full support during your stay:
– CFRM consultants, who serve in Portuguese, English and Spanish, are ready to help you with whatever you need;
– In Brazil we also serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will always be ready to assist you.
44. WHAT IS SECURITY DEPOSIT?
The security deposit is a common practice in all rental contracts. Even if you don't see it, this is also a common practice in hotels, when the receptionist puts a block on your credit card. This measure is adopted to ensure that any damage can be automatically compensated. After leaving the property, the manager will carry out a complete inspection and say if he found any inconsistencies. If confirmed, the photos will be sent to the customer with the respective charge. Don't worry, small damages such as broken glasses are not charged. Everything is done with complete transparency.
45. WHAT TO DO IF I DAMAGE SOMETHING?
Preferably, if you can resolve it yourself, replace the damaged item with an equivalent. Otherwise, call the house manager to help you with the problem. He will certainly know what to do so that the case does not get worse and does not require more resources to resolve the issue.
46. HOW SHOULD I PROCEED WITH A RESERVATION FOR A HOUSE I LIKE?
Contact our consultants; they will know how to help you. Once you give the ok, you will receive the Rental Agreement to fill in the trip and group information. The reservation takes place immediately after paying the reservation fee (from US$ 400, via credit card or bank slip) and signing the contract. You will then receive confirmation of your reservation, and the rest of the payment can be made 8 weeks before the trip or in up to 6 installments via credit card (PayPal). Once you have fully paid off the agreed amount, you will receive the voucher with information about the rented house.
47. IS THERE ANY FINE CHARGED IF I GIVE UP FROM THE TRIP?
Yes. If you cancel the package after more than 8 weeks, your Reservation Fee will be refunded with a discount of US$ 150 (Cancellation Fee). If you cancel within 8 weeks or do not confirm payment of the rental balance, your reservation will be canceled without a refund of previous payments.
48. IS IT POSSIBLE TO BUY A PROPERTY IN ORLANDO?
Yes, super possible. In fact, this is a great investment. Houses in the United States are cheap and Brazilians are increasingly in love with Florida. The Global Homes/CFRM group also has a real estate agency that sells properties in Orlando and the region. We work with accredited and specialized brokers in Orlando to find what you need. Imagine buying a house in Orlando and still generating a return on renting the property?