Venturing into Airbnb property management is a lucrative opportunity, but choosing the right partner can significantly impact your success. While Vacasa is a prominent player, this guide explores alternatives that might better suit your specific needs.
We’ll delve into four top Vacasa competitors—Awning, AvantStay, Air Concierge, and Casago—revealing their unique offerings, strengths, and areas for consideration.
Why Seek Alternatives to Vacasa?
Vacasa, the giant in Airbnb property management, boasts an extensive portfolio. However, numerous hosts and guests have voiced concerns about the company’s services. This has prompted property owners to explore alternatives, seeking options that align better with their preferences and requirements.
Awning: Best Overall Vacasa Competitor
Overview
Founding Story: Established in 2020 by Shri Ganeshram and Danaus Chang, Awning sets itself apart with a mission to simplify real estate investing. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Awning has rapidly grown, positioning itself as a top-tier Airbnb property management company.
Experience: With a team boasting 5+ years of experience in managing short-term rentals and a collective industry experience of over 10 years, Awning has quickly become a force to be reckoned with.
Key Features
- Nationwide Coverage: Awning manages Airbnb rental properties across all 50 states, offering unparalleled national coverage.
- Comprehensive Services: From property preparation and guest reception to day-to-day operations and long-term maintenance, Awning covers all aspects of property management.
- Transparent Pricing: Awning distinguishes itself with transparent pricing, showcasing a competitive starting rate of 15% of revenue for all markets and property types.
Awning vs. Vacasa
While Awning is still growing compared to Vacasa, its personalized approach, nationwide coverage, and transparent pricing make it an attractive choice. With a diversified portfolio covering all 50 states, Awning offers a compelling alternative to Vacasa.
Management Costs and Terms
Awning’s pricing model stands out with a single management fee of 15% of revenue, ensuring transparency and predictability for property owners. This fee, coupled with flexible commitment options, provides property owners with control and cost-effectiveness.
Geographic and Service Coverage
Awning’s full-service approach spans licensing, listing creation, marketing, photography, cleaning, and maintenance across all U.S. states. This comprehensive coverage ensures property owners receive a hassle-free experience.
Customer Reviews
With a limited but excellent track record, Awning has garnered a 4.0/5-star rating on TrustPilot. Positive reviews highlight investor satisfaction, while guests consistently rate Awning-managed properties highly.
AvantStay: Best for Large Homes
Overview
Founding Story: Established in 2017 by Sean Breuner and Reuben Doetsch, AvantStay focuses on creating the ultimate group travel experience. Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, AvantStay manages entire homes with a minimum of four bedrooms.
Specialization: AvantStay’s specialization in larger properties caters to families, friends, or colleagues seeking a unique group travel experience.
Key Features
- Group Travel Focus: AvantStay exclusively manages entire homes with four or more bedrooms, targeting the group travel market.
- Interior Design Excellence: Standing out with an award-winning interior design team, AvantStay enhances property aesthetics to boost bookings and overall revenue.
- Selective Portfolio: While smaller than Vacasa, AvantStay’s curated portfolio of 600+ properties in 70+ cities in the U.S. and Mexico ensures a focused and specialized approach.
AvantStay vs. Vacasa
AvantStay’s emphasis on larger properties and its dedication to group travel experiences differentiates it from Vacasa. The commitment to interior design excellence adds a unique selling point for property owners.
Costs and Terms
AvantStay’s pricing details are not readily available online, requiring hosts to submit their property for a customized quote. This lack of transparency might be a drawback, emphasizing the importance of thorough research before committing.
Geographic and Service Coverage
AvantStay covers 13 states in the U.S. and Baja California Sur in Mexico. While its geographic coverage is more limited than Vacasa, its services include interior design, digital marketing, and property insurance.
Customer Reviews
With over 1,000 reviews across platforms, AvantStay enjoys positive ratings, particularly for its high-quality properties and local team support. However, complaints about last-minute cancellations raise concerns and warrant closer examination.
Air Concierge: Best for Luxury Airbnb’s
Overview
Founding Story: Established in 2014 by Ryan Danz and Claire Danz, Air Concierge, based in San Francisco, CA, positions itself as a comprehensive vacation rental and luxury property management company.
Versatility: Unlike Vacasa’s focus on Airbnb, Air Concierge extends its services to manage luxury rentals and long-term Airbnb stays, offering versatility for property owners.
Key Features
- Holistic Management: Air Concierge manages not only traditional Airbnb properties but also luxury rentals and long-term stays, providing a broad spectrum of services.
- Flexible Fee Structure: Air Concierge adopts a flexible fee structure based on reservation length and property type, offering tailored pricing for property owners.
- West Coast Focus: Operating primarily on the West Coast, Air Concierge stands out as a top choice for property owners with luxury rentals in this region.
Air Concierge vs. Vacasa
Air Concierge’s specialization in luxury and long-term rentals, coupled with its flexible fee structure, provides an alternative for property owners seeking a more tailored and versatile approach compared to Vacasa.
Costs and Terms
Air Concierge’s transparent fee structure, based on reservation length and property type, offers flexibility. While the West Coast focus might limit availability, property owners benefit from customized pricing.
Geographic and Service Coverage
Air Concierge focuses on the West Coast, covering cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and more. While its coverage is limited, it caters specifically to property owners with luxury rentals.
Customer Reviews
With a limited number of reviews, Air Concierge enjoys positive feedback for its high-quality services. However, occasional complaints about property management and customer support warrant consideration.
Casago: Best Property Manager for Various Rental Types
Overview
Founding Story: Established in 1996 by Steve Schwab, Casago predates the Airbnb boom. Headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, Casago manages a diverse range of properties, including vacation rentals, corporate housing, and long-term rentals.
Owner-Centric Philosophy: Casago’s commitment to making property owners the focal point of its services sets it apart, ensuring a personalized and owner-centric approach.
Key Features
- Diverse Property Management: Casago goes beyond vacation rentals, managing corporate housing, furnished long-term rentals, unfurnished long-term rentals, and single-family homes.
- Owner-Centric Approach: Through an indoctrination course for team members, Casago instills an owner’s advocacy philosophy, ensuring a focus on property owner needs.
- Revenue Boost Claim: Casago claims a revenue boost of 30%, providing an attractive proposition for property owners seeking increased returns.
Casago vs. Vacasa
Casago’s versatility in managing various rental types and its owner-centric philosophy make it a strong competitor to Vacasa. The emphasis on an owner’s advocacy philosophy sets it apart in the industry.
Costs and Terms
Casago’s pricing structure is not readily available online, requiring hosts to inquire for a customized quote. While this lack of transparency can be a drawback, Casago’s emphasis on personalized services may compensate for it.
Geographic and Service Coverage
Casago’s coverage extends beyond the United States to Mexico and Canada, offering an international dimension to its services. Its diverse property management portfolio ensures flexibility for property owners.
Customer Reviews
With positive reviews highlighting effective communication and property management, Casago earns a solid reputation. However, limited negative reviews emphasize the importance of a thorough evaluation before committing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Airbnb property management partner is a crucial decision that directly impacts your success as a property owner. While Vacasa remains a formidable choice, exploring alternatives such as Awning, AvantStay, Air Concierge, and Casago opens up new possibilities.
Consider your property type, location, and specific needs to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals. Conducting in-depth research, reading reviews, and understanding the unique features of each competitor will empower you to optimize your Airbnb property management experience.
FAQs (Vacasa Alternatives)
Q1: Is Awning more cost-effective than Vacasa?
Yes, Awning offers a transparent pricing model with a flat 15% of revenue, making it a more cost-effective choice compared to Vacasa, which has reported rates ranging from 25% to 35% plus additional fees.
Q2: Why should I choose AvantStay over Vacasa for larger properties?
AvantStay specializes in managing entire homes with four or more bedrooms, providing a focused approach for property owners seeking alternatives to Vacasa for their spacious rentals.
Q3: How does Air Concierge compare to Vacasa for luxury Airbnb properties?
Air Concierge, with its West Coast focus, caters to luxury rentals. Its flexible fee structure and comprehensive services make it an attractive option for property owners looking beyond Vacasa for managing upscale properties.
Q4: What makes Casago a versatile alternative to Vacasa?
Casago’s owner-centric philosophy extends to various rental types, including vacation rentals, corporate housing, and long-term rentals. Its claim to push host revenue by 30% positions it as a viable alternative to Vacasa.
Q5: How does Casago’s pricing compare to Vacasa’s fee structure?
Casago charges a single management fee of 18% of monthly revenue, offering a potentially more affordable option for property owners compared to Vacasa, which reports rates ranging from 25% to 35% plus additional fees.
Also Read:
- Vacasa Rental Agreement: Rights, Obligations, & More
- Evolve Vs. Vacasa: Which Makes The Best Airbnb Partner For You?
- Vacasa Guestworks Review: Is It Worth It For You?
- Vacasa Review: Is Vacasa Really Worth It
- How VRBO Is Different From Vacasa
- How Is Vacasa Different From Airbnb?
- What Is Vacasa Cancellation Policy?
- What Is Vacasa? (Vacation Rental Management Company)
- How To Book Vacasa With Wyndham Points
- How Much Does Vacasa Charge For Property Management
