Advantages of Professional Vacation Rental Management Companies vs. VRBO
The advantages of choosing a professionally managed vacation rental versus VRBO (renting directly from an owner) can be separated into three main categories: Quality, Service, and Price. In these uncertain economic times, vacationers looking for the best deals are often misled by the myth that renting directly from an owner will provide equal accommodations as renting from a professional company, but for less money. However, in many cases, professional vacation rental management companies offer rates that are the same (if not less!) vs. VRBO (rent direct by owners). When all is said and done, the overall quality and assurance that professional, outstanding vacation rental management companies guarantee is invaluable to the enjoyment of your vacation.
Let's closely examine each of these categories…Quality When renting from a professional company, you can rest assured these vacation rental accommodations are maintained year round, thus minimizing the risk of the unforeseen problem arising. In order to provide for your comfort and ultimate satisfaction, these condos, villas, and beach homes are held to high standards for maintenance and aesthetics. Professional vacation management companies are selective as to which units they manage, allowing for a high level of quality control. On the other hand, if you rent directly through an owner, chances are they don’t live close enough to regularly monitor the property for maintenance and aesthetics. Many issues often go months without being addressed, leaving the vacationers to deal with the frustrations of something not working or arriving to a rental that has not been well kept. If an issue were to arise during your stay, it could take days (if ever!) to get resolved.
Service It is the business of professional vacation rental companies to ensure your stay is time and money well spent! Staff members at professional companies are always glad to provide you with local insight on the best area attractions, dining, places of interest, shopping, and more, and are there to help you with anything you might need. Check in generally takes place at the companies’ main office, eliminating the inconvenience of having to mail keys as you would if renting directly through an owner. Should you be unsatisfied with your vacation rental for its décor, location, or other issues of that nature, most professional companies are more than willing to accommodate you to find a property that better fits your needs. In comparison, if you rent from an owner and are unhappy with your unit, you really have no choice but to stick it out and consider it a bad vacation choice.
In addition, most professional rental management companies provide departure maid service and linens for your convenience. Most vacation rental management companies also offer 24/7 assistance to ensure your comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction with your rental.
Price In many situations, vacation rentals are less expensive through a professional company as they are governed by competition. Professional companies systematically update their prices based on competitor pricing and inventory, which often results in significant savings for vacationers. In many cases, owners who list their property on their own or on rent-by-owner websites set their prices at the beginning of the year and leave them as-is for the rest of the season. Professional companies have the advantage of a full time staff that regularly checks competitor prices, and the in depth knowledge of the rental market at various vacation times to ensure you receive the best rates.