How to Choose a Vacation Rental Property Manager
An 8-point checklist for evaluating a resort property management company before you sign — whether you're looking in Summit County or anywhere else.
Choosing a vacation rental property manager is a long-term partnership, not a one-time hire — the wrong choice costs you bookings, guest reviews, and maintenance headaches for years. Here are the eight questions worth asking before you sign with anyone.
How long have they operated in the market?
A company that has managed properties in the same resort towns for a decade or more has weathered slow seasons, staffing shortages, and shifting booking platforms — and is still there. RMRM has managed Summit County rentals since 1996.
Is their pricing published and transparent?
Many management companies won’t quote a fee until after a sales call. Ask for the exact percentage or flat fee, and what it does and doesn’t include, in writing before you sign anything.
Do they market beyond a single booking site?
A manager that relies entirely on one third-party listing site has no leverage if that platform changes its algorithm or fees. Look for direct-booking marketing and a presence across multiple channels.
How is guest support handled outside business hours?
Guest issues don’t stop at 5pm. Ask whether after-hours calls go to a real person on their team or to a generic answering service.
Is there a payment guarantee?
Some managers only pay owners after they’ve collected from the guest — which can mean delays if a guest disputes a charge. Ask whether you’re paid on a fixed schedule regardless.
Who does the cleaning and maintenance?
In-house or long-standing local crews respond faster and know your specific property. Ask whether housekeeping and maintenance are subcontracted out to whoever is available that week.
Can you see your own numbers?
You should be able to log into an owner portal and see bookings, statements, and availability whenever you want — not wait on a monthly email.
Is there a long-term contract?
A manager confident in their own performance shouldn’t need to lock you into a multi-year agreement to keep your business.
How RMRM measures up
Locally owned and operated in Summit County since 1996, published pricing, direct-booking marketing, 24/7 guest support, a 60-day payment guarantee, in-house owner portal, and no long-term contract required.
Frequently asked questions
Local track record. A company that has operated successfully in your specific market for many years has the local vendor relationships, guest-support infrastructure, and booking-channel knowledge that a newer or out-of-area company can't match.
It depends on your time, distance from the property, and whether you already have local cleaning/maintenance contacts. Full-service management (typically a percentage of rental income) removes the day-to-day work entirely; a self-directed or "agent" program (typically a flat monthly fee) keeps more control — and more of the income — in your hands. Compare typical pricing structures.
Full-service vacation rental management is commonly priced as a percentage of rental income, with self-directed/agent-style programs priced as a flat monthly fee plus optional add-ons. Always get the exact number and what's included in writing. See RMRM's published pricing for a real example.
Have Questions About Your Property?
Talk with our Summit County team about the program that best fits your property and your goals.