Make a wish list. Sit down with your family, and list all the attributes the beach house should have. Throw out some questions: Does any family member require a single level house? Do you plan to cook most meals at the house, or will you be dining out? Do you need a house that can accommodate sand and beach gear everywhere, or would you prefer a professionally decorated environment? Do you need a house that allows pets?
In addition to your personal preferences, your decision will be influenced by your budget. If you have finite funds, for example, you may choose a no-frills house so more money is available for other vacation activities. If there's plenty of money in your vacation kitty, a well equipped home with all the "bells and whistles" may keep you in luxurious comfort.
Get recommendations from people you know. Talk to family, friends, or business associates about their rental experiences at that resort. If they own the home themselves (or have a relationship with the owner), you may be offered a discount or additional amenities for free. At a minimum, you'll get firsthand accounts of good (and bad) rental experiences from people whose opinions you value.
Call the local Chamber of Commerce. Many cities have a Chamber of Commerce to serve the local tourism and business markets. Ask for a package of vacation information that includes: (1) Realtors with beach house rentals; (2) Local restaurants and attractions; (3) Special events scheduled during your stay; and (4) Special activities tailored to children.
Visit a beach house rental website. Rental homeowners use these sites to obtain worldwide exposure for their vacation homes. Potential vacation guests can look at different local rental options, including photos and descriptions for each property. When exploring destinations comprised of more than one town, these websites may offer many housing options within easy driving distance.
Take a "mini vacation" first. If possible, take a few days to explore the area in which you plan to vacation. If you have narrowed your search to a few houses, look at their proximity to the beach, area traffic level, and overall house condition and cleanliness. If you find anything truly objectionable (such as severe beach erosion or proximity to a sewage treatment plant), discovering the problem in advance will give you time to arrange another housing option.
