paying deposit for renting a condo without visiting it?

[filipef]

The only time i have rented a condo, i visited it first and payed the deposit at the agency. It was about 45 days before i moved in. This time, most of agents tell me to contact them about 1-2 months before i move in, which i understand. The problem is i won't be here, so i cant visit the condos they have to offer.

Do you guys rent ( meaning paying the deposit) based only on the pics? I am afraid that pics can give me a wrong idea... Besides, only looking at the pics, you cant tell if the mattress is good or "ot of shape", if the furniture is good or bad quality, etc.

On the other hand, i am afraid of waiting until i arrive (and staying for some days in a hotel, while i visit the available condos), because maybe i will be late to take a good one (i will arrive early November, when the high season starts).

How do you guys do?

[Herbby]

No chance. You should definitely look first  as there are so many variables that pictures can’t show, even if they are accurate.

[Thomaz73]

6 minutes ago, filipef said:

Do you guys rent ( meaning paying the deposit) based only on the pics?

Never! You can find something when you're here. Even if It's "high season". Take a hotel or airbnb to start. 

[Greg_B]

Ask for connections and suggestions from others on the board.

Some do have condos available

[AngelCty2Nit]

OP your question will no doubt generate tons of opinions.

How 'reasonably flexible' you are I think would be the big determinate.

In my case I did all my shopping in advance, was fairly decided on 2 or 3 buildings and available units, with a couple more as lesser options.

I would never do anything without seeing the actual unit in person. In my case I booked a hotel on arrival. went out and made a deal and was IN in a few days.

But I consider myself reasonably flexible and feel I dig a fair amount of leg work b4 I hit the ground. YRMV 

Good luck and keep us apprised.

 

 

 

[Billy Shears]

Paying a non refundable deposit in advance is how Airbnb operates. So it's commonplace worldwide.