Renting Vacation Homes (not VRBO or AirBnB)

[Refirybo]

So, looking for advice on renting a vacation home and NOT using VRBO or AirBnB. The fees using those sites are outrageous. I used to extensively use VRBO but I feel like I'm getting fleeced. A house I'm looking at on AirBnB has a $500 AirBnB fee. I was able to find the house on the company that owns the house and that took care of that, but it's time consuming doing that with everything.

It's been awhile since I've done a vacation home (looking in California) so is there a better way that I don't know about? Just trying to rent more direct I guess.

 

[Eithety]

One way to avoid them is by renting directly from property management companies. It can take some extra time to track down the owner or management company, but it’s worth it to save on fees. Also, try local real estate agents who often manage vacation rentals. Another option is to contact Hotelbeds, they sometimes offer vacation rentals along with hotels, and it could be a way to find something direct and avoid those steep platform fees.