We put down a $1000 deposit 11 months before we were to arrive. 30 days prior to the arrival I contact Matt Smith to settle the final balance - which was to be put on my credit card. The card was reject due to the cc question of a suspicious charge - rather than calling or emailing us they sent us a snail mail letter - 10 days before our arrival that the card had been declined and they are renting to another party - and keeping the $1000 deposit. Needless to say when I called the credit card co they released the money -but it was too late.
We had to scramble to find another home to stay in -as we had a wedding to go to and had already book the flights.
We ended up in a much nicer property - but for more money.
VRBO was somewhat helpful - but not in getting my deposit back - the Credit card co reimbursed me after reviewing the letters and contract. Found out that you should always use an American Express card - they will always back the card holder in cases of disputes.
Matt Smith is a con artist who manipulates and steals from clients who give deposits and refuses to provide them with confirmations by the time their balance is due, thus forcing the prospective client to withdraw their offer and forfeit their deposit. My mother lost 2100 dollars from this con artist and I wanted to warn other people about this antics. In addition, my mother's travel insurance will not cover this because my mother was forced to breach the contract by this man's actions. He is a completely dishonorable and disreputable person. He was not the owner but claimed to be. BEWARE!
