Beware of Vacation Rental Scams!

Just got a call from a potential client with a sad story. She called me a couple of weeks ago wanting to rent my home (http://www.miamibeachvacationrental house.com ). She asked how close it was to South Beach as they wanted to be as close to South Beach as possible and also stay in a home.

I told her while I was close to South Beach (1.5 miles away), she said she wanted to be within walking distance of everything in South Beach and on the ocean. I told her a condo or hotel would probably be her best option as there are no homes right on the beach. She thanked me and said she would try and find something closer. I wished her luck.

Well... just got a call from her about an hour ago and she related me this story (pay attention as their are some tips for you to pay attention to if you want to rent safe and hassle-free).

She said the "owner" of the property she was interested in renting, at 1007 Ocean Drive (the main drag right on the ocean in Miami Beach where only hotels are located - no houses - 1st red flag) required here to Western Union her the deposit (2nd red flag). In case you don't know, there is very little traceability when using Western Union. They spoke on the telephone - International number (3rd red flag). She was required to send all documents by International fax (4th red flag).

It turns out she probably is never going to get her deposit back -- ever. She did some research and found out this same person is posing as the owner of other units for rent, and trying to collect deposit monies on them as well. She's contacted the police, but they have no jurisdiction in International matters.

Here's some "Lessons Learned" for those of you reading this:
1. Most owners of these vacation rental homes are local. Think about it, if someone is going to rent you their home, how are they going to give you the keys when you arrive if they are in another country?
2. It's ok to have an International owner you're trying to rent their house from, just ask them pertinent questions like: "I want to see the house before I commit. I will be in the area next week. Can I arrange to get a showing?" See how they answer. Use your instinct. If it "feels" wrong, it probably is, unless they can provide some kind of proof for the uncertainty you feel.
3. Don't send money by western Union. Use PayPal (free to sign up) or your Credit Card. If you have any issues, they can do a chargeback on the merchant and you can get your money back.
4. If it's an International owner, ask them if they use a local management company to manage their unit. Ask them for their phone number if they say yes. Get their website and check them out. Ask for contact information from other owners they are managing.
5. Do a search on the local county website to see who the owner of the property you're thinking of renting is. If it is the same, take it one more step and ask for the person you're speaking with on the phone to provide you with a copy of their drivers license.

Do the legwork so you don't get scammed.

Hope this helps!

Harry

Miami Beach Memorial Day 2008

Welcome one and all!

One of the most popular weeks in Miami Beach is upon us. And the weather couldn't cooperate more!

Here's a website link the City of Miami Beach has put out with good information regarding traffic and parking restrictions (the cops will be out in force handing out tickets to anyone deciding to park wherever they like - $18 a pop), Free Bus Transportation information for South Beach, special parking information (the city is hiking rates this weekend BUT... you can still park at the Lincoln Road parking garage for $1 per hour - dirt cheap - call the information hotline (below) for more info).

Look out for the "Goodwill Ambassadors". They'll be wearing special t-shirts identifying themselves. They're very helpful, they can give you maps, give you directions, tell you the best restaurants to go, the best places to park, the cheapest food, specials going on, giveaways, and more.

Hope you have fun, and let us know by posting here what a good time you had!

Here's the website link: Miami Beach Official Memorial Weekend Info

And here's the information hotlines:

Miami Beach Answer Center: 305.604.CITY (2489)
Friday, May 23, - Sunday, May 25, 9:00 a.m. -- 2:00 a.m.
Tourism Hotline: 305.673.7400 - 24 hours/seven days a week

Miami Beach Events May 2008

Miami Beach Events May 2008:

Here we are again, with some of the latest happenings on the Beach, and in Miami!

For the kids, the fun is fast and furious at the Miami Children’s Museum, at 980 Macarthur Cswy, Miami, FL 33132 (305) 373-5437.

And for a hilarious, family-friendly magical experience, stop at the Deauville Hotel at 6701 Collins Avenue (800) 600-6244, any Saturday at 8 pm, to be mesmerized by the Las Vegas stylings of illusionists Kevin & Caruso.

If you’re into home décor (who isn’t?), the Wolfsonian Museum’s exhibit: Fashioning the Modern French Interior: Pochoir Portfolios in the 1920s, continues through Mothers’ Day, May 11. The museum is at 1001 Washington Avenue, a fascinating stop on your stroll through Miami Beach’s Art Deco District.

For the art crowd, the “Wifredo Lam in North America” exhibit is still on through May 18 at the Miami Art Museum, located on the mainland, at 101 W Flagler Street, Miami 33130 (305) 375-3000.

History buffs will enjoy “Native Arts of the Northwest Coast: The Gluck Collection”, which runs through June 1 at the Historical Museum of South Florida, also at 101 W. Flagler Street, Miami 33130 (305) 375-1492.

And for orchid lovers, what a thrill to attend the largest annual orchid show in the U.S., featuring over 50 booths, held Friday May 16 through Sunday, May 18, 9 am to 5 pm, in the Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave, Miami 33031 (305) 247-5727! But be sure to take a stroll through the Miami Beach Botanical Garden at 2000 Convention Center Drive (305) 371-3531.

Jump to the jazz beat at the JVC Jazz Festival, Bayfront Park, 301 N Biscayne Blvd., Miami 33132, just over the MacArthur Causeway, (305) 665-5379. This annual event begins Saturday May 17 at 5pm, and features such greats as the Grammy® Award winning Sergio Mendes, R&B singer/songwriter Anthony Hamilton, Brazilian artist Jorge Ben Jor and the Grammy® nominated artist Ledisi. The fun continues from 9 pm to 2 am at the Oasis at the Raleigh Hotel, 1775 Collins Avenue, with performances by Raul Midón, The Yoruba Soul Orchestra featuring Osunlade, Quetzal Guerrero and Siji, plus DJ sets by Osunlade, Djinji Brown and Rainer Trüby.

Miami always offers exciting theater for a variety of tastes. The opera Julius Caesar (4/26 - 5/11) plays at the Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 33132 (305) 949-6722, followed by the Tony Award winning smash hit musical, Avenue Q, which runs Tuesday May 13 through Sunday May 18. The Accomplices runs through May 25 at GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 445-8645.

For soccer fans, Florida's professional soccer team, the Miami FC, will host will host the Portland Timbers Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 6pm, at the Tropical Park Stadium, 7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33156, (866) 576-4264.

Among Miami’s favorite concert venues is the American Airlines Arena, 601 Arena Blvd., Miami 33136 (305) 358-5885, which brings Alicia Keys to you on Sunday, May 25 at 8 pm. The Hard Rock Live, at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, FL 33314 (305) 358-5885, hosts Paul Anka on May 21 at 8 pm. And for some rib-tickling fun, check out comedian Katt Williams at the BankAtlantic Center, at 2555 NW 137th Way in Ft Lauderdale 33304 (954) 835-8000, on Thursday May 15 at 8 pm.

For the musical set, the Lincoln Theatre at 541 Lincoln Road (305) 673-3330 offers everything from jazz to student recitals.

Cinema goers have an incredible selection of first-run, international and alternative films at such venues as the Regal Cinema, 1120 Lincoln Road, (305) 674-6766, the Colony Theater, 1040 Lincoln Road, (305) 673-9717, the Miami Beach Cinematheque, 512 Espanola Way, (305) 673-4567, and many others on the mainland. Weekly schedules are published online and in various weekend newspapers, such as the New Times, issued Thursdays, available at bars and restaurants throughout the city. Check out the 9-day Brazilian Film Festival, which takes place at the Colony and other venues in South Beach from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 7.

Gotta be something here you'll like. If all else fails, just go to the beach. The water is warm, clear, and inviting.

Another Day in Paradise (Click to add comment)

This is the longest string of great weather in Miami Beach I can remember in a very long time. Consecutive days of crystal clear, cloudless blue skies with perfect humidity and the clear water of the Atlantic beckoning. I am thankful every day I am privileged to be here experiencing this gift.

For those that want to come down, it's not too late to enjoy the best part of the year. And to help entice you a bit more, here are some noteworthy events going on in the Month of May:

Biltmore International Food & Wine Weekend

Starting the last weekend in April, this gourmet food and wine weekend features more than 30 global wineries and top restaurants, combining an auction, gala dinner and show with other interactive events. Call (305) 445-8066 for more information.

Miami Fashion Week of the Americas

Presenting dozens of designers from throughout Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and elsewhere, Miami Fashion Week of the Americas unfolds under a fashion tent at 21st and Collins on Miami Beach. Awards include Designers Choice, Pret-A-Porter Style, and Excellence in Evening Wear. Call (305) 662-0775 for more information.

CityStyle

Also under the fashion tent immediately following Fashion Week of the Americas, CityStyle -- a hot sister event -- spotlights designers, manufacturers, retails and innovaters creating buzz. Designers slated include names like Sean John Collection, Taylor and Madison, Johnny Handsome / Johnny Girl, Mia Shvili, Apple Bottoms, and Reebok. Call (305) 662-0775 for more information.

Easter Seals Festival of Chefs

Easter Seals Miami-Dade’s Festival of Chefs tantalizes as a culinary extravaganza featuring nearly two dozen area chefs, plus television personalities, authors, and more, combining with a live auction, raffle prizes, and talent from Easter Seals’ Culinary Arts Education & Training Program. Call (305) 547-4713 for more information.

Great Sunrise Balloon Race

Hot air balloons take to the skies for a colorful race from Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport. Call (305) 596-9040 for more information.

Miami Beach Vacation Rental House

What do you call a house that looks like these photos attest to here, is only 4 blocks to the beach (houses in Miami Beach cannot be any closer because Miami Beach only has hotels and condos directly on the ocean), and has been featured in the Miami Homes magazine as the model example of a perfectly restored architectural gem?

CLICK HERE to get taken to the website that showcases this home brilliantly. For me, "oasis" comes to mind...

Miami Beach BEACH TENNIS (Click Here to Post)

Check it out everyone, beach tennis is here!



Beach tennis?!? That's what I said when I first heard it even existed. Visions of flying sand and "how the heck do they play this game in the sand" questions immediately popped into my head. First time I saw it in action was last year. I brought my son with me and we had a blast. The Beach Tennis association makes a big deal out of it and everybody has fun that comes. It's getting pretty big.

Here's what Beach Tennis USA says the game is all about:

Beach tennis merges the worlds of tennis and beach volleyball into one exciting sport. It can be played both competitively and recreationally and because it’s so simple to play, it appeals to athletes and non-athletes of all ages.

So what exactly is beach tennis? It’s like regular tennis except it’s played on a regulation beach volleyball court. Using tennis racquets, two players on each team volley back and forth, hitting a slightly depressurized tennis ball directly over the net without letting it bounce... it’s hard to make the ball bounce on sand! One hit per team is all that’s allowed.

If you're here in Miami you should go check it out. It's on Ocean Drive and 8th St in Miami Beach, just down the street from the Miami Beach Vacation Rental Home I have available just for these events and more. I checked out their site and if you're adventurous enough, they'll even let you register and play. Just show up and who knows???

Go here for more information: http://www.beachtennisusa.net/