| In a lot of ways, an economic recession is less | | | | "There are plenty of vacation homes on the |
| about receding and more about changing: | | | | market thanks to the recession. Travel is down |
| inexpensive restaurants do better than expensive | | | | so more owners are putting homes on the |
| ones; economy cars sell better than sports cars; | | | | market to make a little extra cash or as a last |
| and in real estate, buyers have a lot more | | | | ditch effort if they can't sell. That has made for a |
| opportunities than sellers. And the latter can also | | | | very competitive market. Renters will see lots of |
| have implications on your next vacation. Positive | | | | sales and discounts," stated Kelli Grant, Senior |
| ones. | | | | Consumer Reporter for CBS's SmartMoney. |
| Consider this: between 2005 and 2010, average | | | | Lately, private investors, entrepreneurs, and real |
| real estate values in the U.S. dropped over 28%; | | | | estate developers are all moving in to take |
| Florida itself saw more than a 60% drop in values. | | | | advantage of Orlando's unique status as theme |
| This mean great deals if you're in the market to | | | | park capital of the world. If you're in the market |
| buy. It also means owners need dollars to offset | | | | for an Orlando Vacation home, expect heated |
| their investments. And in the Orlando area, with | | | | competition, lots of selection, and a wide range of |
| its proximity to the world's most in-demand | | | | prices sure to fit all budgets. You really get a lot |
| theme parks, that means vacation rentals. | | | | for your money, regardless of what you decide |
| Vacation home rentals have become a huge | | | | to rent. |
| business in recent years, especially in Orlando. For | | | | Moreover, choosing a vacation home has another |
| families, groups of friends, or even groups of | | | | key benefit over traditional hotels: freedom. Cook |
| families visiting the parks, staying in a hotel simply | | | | your own meals in a fully-equipped kitchen. |
| isn't cost-effective. Booking two or three hotel | | | | Purchase drinks at local supermarkets instead of |
| rooms for your group costs a fortune, not to | | | | paying bar prices. Go anywhere you want, |
| mention the overpriced food and drinks you'll find. | | | | anytime you want--get the most of what the |
| In a vacation home, everyone can stay under | | | | area has to offer. |
| one roof for a lot less, and in perfect privacy: | | | | In turbulent times, hardships often yield |
| some villas contain upwards of seven bedrooms, | | | | advantages--if you know where to look. And if |
| not to mention private pools. Many even have | | | | you're in the market for a great deal on your |
| game rooms set up, with pool tables, foosball, and | | | | next vacation to Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld, |
| air hockey. And because of the real estate crisis, | | | | look no further than an Orlando vacation rental, |
| which hit Florida particularly hard, there are more | | | | with a private pool, fully-equipped kitchen, and all |
| houses than ever for rent, at highly competitive | | | | comforts of home. |
| rates. | | | | |