Learn how to compare Airbnb, Vrbo, and full-service management for Emerald Coast vacation rentals, and discover which approach best fits your property, goals, and lifestyle.
It doesn't matter where in this country—from Colorado to Tennessee, the Carolinas, Alabama, and Florida—if you're a vacation rental owner, you've likely wondered how to maximize your property's performance while juggling the challenges of a competitive market.
The choice between self-managing your property or partnering with a full-service manager like RealJoy Vacations on Florida's Emerald Coast can make all the difference.
Airbnb and Vrbo provide visibility as booking platforms, but vacation rental property managers offer a complete solution: local expertise, 24/7 guest support, dynamic marketing, and hands-off management for owners.
Still unsure about the differences in their models? This guide will help you understand how each option works. Here's what we'll cover:
- Understanding Your Vacation Rental Options
- Should I hire a full-service vacation rental management company?
- Should I self-manage?
- Understanding Airbnb and Vrbo
- Understanding RealJoy Vacations
- FAQ: RealJoy vs Airbnb & Vrbo
At RealJoy, we help owners ditch outdated methods and adopt smarter, more profitable systems.
In this blog, we'll guide you in choosing the right approach for your property, one that can lead to better revenue, smoother operations, and a more enjoyable ownership experience.
Let's jump right in!
1. Understanding Your Vacation Rental Options
Vacation Rental Managers vs. Airbnb and Vrbo
Vacation rental managers like RealJoy are distinct from Airbnb and VRBO in that they are full-service providers, whereas the other two are merely booking platforms. Owners listing their property directly on these booking platforms are classified as self-managing, giving the owner full control over the short-term rental process.
This involves the owner interacting with guests, addressing complaints and queries, taking care of maintenance and cleaning, and making sure the listings and images are up-to-date. If you are deciding between self-management or hiring a management company like RealJoy Vacations, we have analyzed both options to assist you in determining the best choice for you.
Key Takeaways
- RealJoy provides full-service management, while Airbnb and Vrbo are booking platforms.
- Self-managing owners handle all guest communication, maintenance, and listing updates.
- Choosing between self-management and full-service depends on your time, skills, and location.
2. Should I hire a full-service vacation rental management company?
The Benefits of a Hands-Off Approach
If you own a vacation rental property, managing it can be time-consuming and stressful. A full-service management company may be the right option for you if the thought of constantly supporting guests and handling the day-to-day tasks of managing a vacation rental property feels overwhelming. If you live far from your rental and can't easily handle issues that come up, a vacation rental management company can take the burden off your shoulders. A local team can oversee your property and take care of guests, allowing you to have a more hands-off investment that you can easily check in on from a distance.
Key Takeaways
- Ideal for owners who live far away or want less day-to-day involvement.
- Local teams handle guest care, maintenance, and inspections.
- Offers a stress-free investment with remote oversight.
3. Should I self-manage?
The Rewards and Challenges of Doing It Yourself
If you enjoy building relationships with guests and are able to provide 24/7 guest service, as well as handle the sourcing and supervision of vendors for housekeeping, maintenance, and repairs, and are proficient in marketing your vacation rental online, managing your own property may be the right choice for you.
However, it is important to note that managing a vacation rental can be a significant time commitment and may feel like a full-time job due to the constant logistics involved.
Key Takeaways
- Best for owners who enjoy personal interaction with guests and hands-on involvement.
- Requires 24/7 availability to handle guest inquiries, issues, and emergencies.
- You must manage all cleaning, maintenance, vendor coordination, and marketing yourself.
- Offers full control over pricing and guest experience but demands a significant time commitment.
- Can feel like a full-time job if your property receives frequent bookings.
4. Understanding Airbnb and Vrbo
How the Leading Booking Platforms Operate
There is a misunderstanding that Airbnb and Vrbo are in direct competition with vacation rental managers. However, they actually work together and are seen as partners in the industry. These booking sites help to increase visibility for RealJoy Vacations homes and drive more bookings. Additionally, when using a full-service management company, properties will also be listed on our own independent website, increasing visibility.
Airbnb Business Model Highlights
- Founded in 2008, Airbnb popularized home-sharing and offers millions of listings worldwide.
- Targets budget-conscious and experience-seeking travelers, often looking for unique stays or interaction with local hosts.
- Focuses on a wide range of property types, from shared spaces to entire homes.
- Requires hands-on management with frequent communication, cleaning, and guest turnover.
- Airbnb is considered more guest-friendly, often intervening in disputes and offering refunds under its Major Disruptive Events Policy.
Vrbo Business Model Highlights
- Established in 1995, Vrbo focuses on whole-home rentals, catering primarily to families and groups.
- Offers a familiar, comfortable vacation experience with space, privacy, and amenities like kitchens and laundry.
- Typically has higher nightly rates due to whole-home focus and longer stays.
- Emphasizes an owner-friendly approach, encouraging upfront deposits and staying out of most guest disputes.
- Strong in North America, with growing international reach following its acquisition by Expedia Group.
5. Understanding RealJoy Vacations
Full-Service Management with Local Expertise
RealJoy Vacations is a vacation rental management company serving Florida's Emerald Coast, including Destin, 30A, Okaloosa Island, and Panama City Beach. For property owners in this sought-after region, RealJoy provides the perfect balance of local market expertise and powerful national exposure.
By combining professional marketing on major booking platforms like the ones mentioned above with dedicated guest services, owners enjoy higher visibility and consistent bookings without the stress of day-to-day management.
The company's team handles every detail: from professional photography and revenue optimization to proactive maintenance and 24/7 guest support. This ensures properties stay in top condition and deliver great guest experiences.
RealJoy Vacations Business Model Highlights
- Full-service vacation rental management across the Emerald Coast—from Panama City Beach and Okaloosa Island to Destin and 30A—combining local expertise with national-level platform exposure.
- Comprehensive services including marketing on Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia and others; professional photography; and dynamic, data-driven pricing.
- Charges an all-inclusive management fee with transparent billing and no hidden costs.
- 24/7 guest and owner support, proactive maintenance and inspections, and damage coverage.
- Proprietary operational software and performance dashboards to optimize occupancy and revenue.
6. FAQ: RealJoy vs Airbnb & Vrbo
What's the main difference between RealJoy Vacations and platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo?
RealJoy is a full-service property manager, handling everything from marketing and guest communication to cleaning and maintenance. Airbnb and Vrbo are booking platforms, meaning you manage all daily operations yourself if you list directly.
Why would an owner choose full-service management instead of self-managing?
Full-service management is ideal if you want a hands-off experience, live far from your property, or prefer experts to handle marketing, pricing, and guest support. It saves time and often boosts revenue with professional strategies.
Can my property still appear on Airbnb or Vrbo if I use RealJoy?
Yes. RealJoy lists your property on multiple booking sites, including Airbnb and Vrbo, while also marketing it through its own channels to maximize visibility and bookings.
Is self-managing through Airbnb or Vrbo more profitable?
Not always. While you save management fees, you take on all responsibilities—guest support, cleaning, repairs, and marketing. Professional management can often offset its cost by increasing occupancy and optimizing rates.
How does RealJoy increase revenue for property owners?
RealJoy uses dynamic pricing, market analytics, and professional marketing to maximize occupancy and nightly rates. Their team also maintains the property to secure positive guest reviews, which help drive repeat bookings.
What level of involvement do I have as an owner with RealJoy?
Owners can stay as involved or hands-off as they prefer. RealJoy provides transparent reporting and open communication so you can monitor performance without managing day-to-day operations.
Elevate Your Ownership Experience with RealJoy's Partnership
Partner with Real Joy for expert property management in Destin, FL. From maximizing revenue to creating memorable guest experiences, we ensure your property thrives. Try our free rental projector today.