I have emerged from my first VRBO experience feeling disappointed.   I was forced to spend hours finding another lodging, almost two weeks after being assured that we had one.   I had bought plane tickets for the dates I had been told were available. (LESSON:  DO NOT BOOK FLIGHTS UNTIL RENTAL AGREEMENT SIGNED!)

A friend who enjoyed staying in 2009 at Kahana-Kuleana 614 recommended it to us.   If our dates were available,  I had no intention of even investigating another condo.   On the VRBO website, I learned that the April 2012 dates I wanted were available.  YAY! 

I sent a message via VRBO on Jan. 15.  After leaving two voicemails in the next few days and not getting any response, I sent a text message Jan. 18.

In reply,  owner Jeff mistakenly sent me a text message that he had meant to send to his partner Jerry.   In the text he referred to me as a "pushy" VRBO client.   Realizing what he had done, he immediately texted me and apologized, saying they both take their VRBO business seriously but have fulltime jobs, would get to it as soon as possible, etc. 

I heard from Jerry on Jan. 20 in an email which said: "Aloha Sarah, the dates are available that you requested.  If you would like to secure the unit we would be happy to email you the rental agreement." 

I said YAY,  and in a reply email, I happily requested the rental agreement.  I heard nothing.  I emailed on Jan.  22 and 24.    I heard nothing.   I texted both men on Jan. 26.   I heard nothing. 

At 10:23 Friday night Jan. 27, I received a text from Jerry:  "The requested dates are not available."   No apology, nothing.