STR Property Management : Evolve, Red Awning, or Vacasa ?

Question

Hi,

We are looking to work with a STR property management company for a property in NH Lakes region. We looked into local PM companies but found their commission is 15-20% + $50-$75 additional for each booking, which seems too high. So we are looking to pick amongst Evolve, Red Awning or Vacasa. Anyone has an experience using any one or more of these and any advise on the best of these 3 platforms ?

Thanks!

Kyle Lacasse · Answer

@Jignesh S. I own an run a local STR management company in the lakes region. We see a lot of owners in your same predicament. The decision becomes how involved you want to be. Lower management rates will get you “heads in beds”, but won’t screen guest or be responsive and responsible if guests cause issues in the homes neighborhoods. You will be responsible for cleaners and how well of a job they do. We are responsible for who stays in the home, how they stay in the home and how cleaners and inspectors maintain the home between guests. It’s a handful, and a lot more involved than most think. Happy to connect and happy to help!

Jignesh S. · Answer

Thanks everyone for taking the time and posting reply to my question above. Really appreciate it.

Dan H. · Answer

We have Vacasa and are looking for a different PM.  That should indicate what I think of Vacasa. In addition, I may need to take Vacasa to small claims court.

Vacasa purchased the PM we previously were using.  This seems to be their standard MO.  I believe if they had to acquire their own clients that they would be struggling.

Look for a pm that is responsive, provides the services you desire, and strives to keep the owner and guests happy.

Make sure you understand what services are provided.  Cheaper sometimes implies less services provided.  Sometimes cheaper is not a better value.

Good luck

Lauren Kormylo · Answer

I don’t believe Evolve is full service either. And Vacasa may only be charging you 12%, but they also charge your guest 12 or 13% too, so it’s the same total cost as one of your local PMs. Read the reviews of STRs managed by them. You’ll probably see complaints and a lower star rating than you’d like.

Barry Seidel · Answer

Jingesh

Its important to compare the company's offering. As an example Vacasa is a vacation rental management company but Red Awning is an online travel agent (OTA) and do not provide full property management services. I would work with a local property management company that is locally owned and operated and that is very familiar with that area. Nation wide organizations tend to be less focused on each individual market and that leads to less than adequate support and service at times

Andrew Steffens · Answer

I think local PM's are the way to go, though I am biased by being one.  We charge the same as Vacasa in our market and get much better results!

Stacy Edwards · Answer

I don't have experienced with any of them personally, but after looking at the AirBnBs in my area, many of the Vacasa ones have lower ratings and complaints in their reviews than properties not managed by Vacasa.

Andrew Street · Answer

Hello Jignesh!

I just messaged you!

Looking forward to connecting!

Best,

Andrew

Jignesh S. · Answer

Hi @Kyle Lacasse -- Thanks so much for your advise and thanks for offering to connect. I'd like to connect with you. Are you available this week ?

William Beck · Answer

I used to work for Evolve and still let them manage my investment property even though I no longer work there. They definitely get a lot of bad press, as does Vacasa, but really - do you want to pay a local PM 25-45% ? If the local PM's are charging 20% or less, that's probably a better option than Vacasa or Evolve. Evolve's experience really just depends on what part of the country you're in. I think the NH Lakes area was a bit sparse with partner options, but that's something that constantly changes as more and more people join the service and tap out the supply of cleaners/handymen/boots on the ground teams they partner with. Vacasa is a different business model since they just come in and absorb a large property management company in a region and slap their brand on it. Same thing with them though - depending on what part of the country you're in dictates the service you'll experience. I'm so happy I don't have to manage my nightly rental and waste hardly any time. I know I sound like a company fanboy but I tell it how it is and it works for some and doesn't work for others. Just finding out what the partner in that locality looks like is the big difference maker imho. @Jignesh S.

STR Property Management : Evolve, Red Awning, or Vacasa ?

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