Don and Ginnie Andersen of Brooklyn Park spend January through March in a warm clime, but buying a second home isn't going to happen. The Andersens explain how they found a great long-term rental.
Q This is your second year renting in Fort Myers, Fla., but you're flexible about future destinations. How do you go about choosing a place to stay for two or three months?
A We started looking on VRBO.com. That's easier than working through realtors and developers because you're usually dealing with the owners. We narrowed down the ones that looked good and called or e-mailed them. Then we had a friend who lives in Fort Myers drive over and check them out. He told us that one property we liked was on a very busy street and we'd be stuck in traffic a lot.
Q How far in advance should you look?
A We started a year in advance. Some people stay a week or two and hunt for a long-term rental for the next year while they're there. Many renters make a down payment for the following year before they leave.
Q What do renters pay per month in Fort Myers in the winter?
A You'll pay twice as much to be by the water. Places that are only 700 square feet of space were $3,500 to $4,000 per month. A mile away from the water we found a place with 1,500 square feet for $2,000 per month.
Q What else was important?
