Disclosure: I may earn income from affiliate links in this post. I only recommend products I trust, use, and love.

In 2015, I started with just one vacation rental and a lot of ambition. With four kids in tow, I decided to turn our family home into a short-term rental for the summer, living in our camper while guests stayed in our house. It was a leap of faith and a massive learning experience, and I’ve come a long way since then. From a single rental to managing seven luxury properties, I’ve built my own brand, created my own bookings, and became a Superhost on Airbnb with an average rating of 4.95-4.97%. I’ve learned the best (and worst) practices along the way, and I’m here to share my most trusted resource that has been a game-changer in this journey.

Whether you’re just starting or scaling, managing vacation rentals demands more than just listing properties; it’s about maximizing revenue, automating tasks, and building guest trust. Here’s how I achieved all three — and saw over $150,000 revenue boost in just one year.

My Journey to Vacation Rental Success

Back when I started, I experimented with TripAdvisor, paying a shocking 40% per booking! That percentage was unsustainable, so I shifted to Evolve Vacation Rental, which promised a lower management fee of 10%. However, I quickly encountered challenges with Evolve’s customer service and found myself still handling a lot on the ground. Additionally, Evolve brought increased competition; they were actively recruiting other hosts in my area, which ultimately ate into my market.

In 2021, after realizing that I could manage my properties better and generate more revenue without Evolve Vacation Rentals, I made the bold decision to go fully independent. I set a goal: to be listed on multiple platforms, not just Airbnb, and to give each guest a 5-star experience. This meant a smooth, seamless transition of all listings and a deep dive into property management software to streamline my processes.

The Resource That Made It Possible: Here’s the software I use that made a big impact on my rentals: Here

This software was the secret ingredient I needed. Here’s why it’s been essential in my journey:

1. Complete Control and Ownership of My Listings
   I no longer rely on third-party managers with questionable customer service. I now fully own and control every detail of my properties across all major platforms, from Airbnb to VRBO, Booking.com, Marriot, Google Vacation Rentals, Expedia, TripAdvisor, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Agoda, Travel Staytion and my personal favorite Direct Booking Websites to increase at an even higher revenue rate!

2. Automated Communication and Booking Management
   This software offers automated messaging, calendar syncing, and booking reminders, freeing up my time and helping guests feel valued and informed. I’ve maintained a near-perfect response rate, which has helped me secure Superhost status.

3. Seamless Setup with Personalized Support
   Transitioning from Evolve wasn’t easy, but with this software, I had weekly video appointments for one-on-one support to upload and optimize each listing. Their team’s personalized assistance was invaluable — they’re genuinely invested in their clients’ success.

4. Significant Revenue Growth
   Since making this switch, my monthly revenue has multiplied by twice the income! Not only am I no longer paying hefty management fees, but I’m also maximizing occupancy and pricing thanks to built-in dynamic pricing tools.

5. Brand Building and Repeat Guests
   Through building a direct booking site and prioritizing customer service, I’ve developed a loyal guest base. Guests know they can count on a quality experience, and this trust keeps them coming back year after year.

6. Exceptional Guest Experience
   Today, I’m known for hosting meticulously designed, high-end properties. My properties are well-maintained, and guests are guaranteed the best service because I am hands-on. I’m proud to say my Airbnb ratings now average 4.95%!

7. Increased Independence and Market Positioning
   Breaking away from traditional management companies allowed me to not only boost revenue but also differentiate myself as a Superhost with a distinctive & high quality brand. I’m no longer competing with countless listings; I’m establishing a go-to luxury brand with credibility and authority.

Why This Software is a Must for Every Host

For anyone managing vacation rentals, I cannot recommend this software enough. It’s revolutionized the way I operate my business, enabling me to achieve growth that would’ve been impossible if I’d stayed tied to traditional management services. With their robust tools and excellent customer service, I’ve been able to transform each property into a high-performing, highly-rated luxury rental, increasing my revenue by over $100,000 in just one year.

If you’re ready to take your short-term rental business to the next level and ensure every booking counts toward your success, click here to explore this essential software.

For more insights on transforming your vacation rental business and creating a brand that guests trust, follow along for my upcoming blogs. I’ll be sharing exclusive tips, success strategies, and resources that have helped me scale my business from one rental to a flourishing portfolio.