Should You Hire a Property Manager for Your Vacation Home?

5 March 2025

If you own a vacation home, let me just say this: lucky you! Whether it’s a cozy cabin in the mountains, a beachside bungalow, or a chic city apartment, having a place to escape to is priceless. But let me guess—you're not planning to live there full-time, are you? Instead, maybe you're thinking about renting it out when you're not using it. That’s a smart move. A well-rented vacation home can help offset costs and even turn a profit. But that brings us to the big question: Should you hire a property manager for your vacation home?

Let’s dive into this topic together. By the end of this, you'll have a crystal-clear idea of whether managing your property solo is your style or if a property manager is your best bet. Sound good? Let’s get started!

What Does a Property Manager Actually Do?

First things first—what exactly does a property manager do? Think of them as the ultimate middleman. A property manager takes care of the nitty-gritty details of renting out your vacation home. They wear a lot of hats, from marketing your property to screening guests, handling maintenance issues, and even dealing with late-night guest emergencies. Essentially, they handle all the stuff that might turn property ownership into a headache, so you don’t have to.

Imagine this: it’s Saturday night, you’re relaxing with your favorite Netflix show, and suddenly your guest calls to say the hot water isn’t working. Would you rather fix it yourself or have someone else handle it? That’s the difference a property manager can make.

The Pros of Hiring a Property Manager

There’s no denying that hiring a property manager comes with its perks. Let’s break it down.

1. They Save You Time and Stress

Managing a vacation home is not as simple as listing it on Airbnb and calling it a day. There’s cleaning between guests, keeping track of bookings, answering inquiries, and dealing with unforeseen issues—basically, it’s a full-time gig. If you already have a full-time job or just want your free time to actually be free, a property manager can be a lifesaver.

Remember, time is money. And if managing your vacation home starts eating into your personal life or career, is it really worth the savings?

2. They Know the Market

One of the biggest challenges of owning a vacation rental is figuring out how to price it. Set the rate too high, and you'll scare potential guests away. Too low, and you’re leaving money on the table. Experienced property managers know the local market inside and out. They can set competitive rates that maximize your income while keeping your property booked.

It’s like having a GPS for rental pricing—they help you find the sweet spot without all the trial and error.

3. Round-the-Clock Guest Support

Ever had a guest lock themselves out in the middle of the night? Or complain about something seemingly trivial, like the WiFi password not working? If you're managing the property yourself, those calls are coming directly to you. But with a property manager, they act as the buffer. They’re the ones who deal with guests’ needs and complaints, so you don’t have to.

Think of them as your vacation home's personal concierge.

4. Professional Maintenance and Upkeep

A property manager often has a network of trusted contractors and handymen. Need a plumber? They’ve got one on speed dial. Need a cleaner who can turn your property around in a few hours? Done. Having access to these resources ensures your home stays in tip-top shape without you having to lift a finger.

The Cons of Hiring a Property Manager

Okay, so we’ve talked about the benefits. But let’s be real—nothing’s perfect. Hiring a property manager does have its downsides too. Let’s weigh those out.

1. It'll Cost You

Here’s the elephant in the room: property managers aren’t cheap. Most managers charge anywhere from 10% to 30% of your rental income, depending on the services they offer. For some homeowners, that’s a dealbreaker.

So, ask yourself: are you okay with giving up a slice of your profits in exchange for less stress? If you’re running your vacation rental purely as a financial investment, that fee can sting.

2. You Lose Some Control

Not everyone’s comfortable handing over the reins. If you’re a bit of a control freak (no judgment—we all have our quirks), you might struggle with trusting someone else to manage your property. After all, no one cares about your investment as much as you do, right?

Plus, property managers might make decisions you don’t necessarily agree with, like accepting a booking from a guest you would’ve turned away. That loss of control is something to think about.

3. They Might Not Work Magic

A property manager is not a magician. If your vacation home isn’t in a hotspot location or if your property needs some serious TLC, even the best manager won’t be able to guarantee bookings or profits. Sometimes, you'd be better off investing your money in upgrades rather than on management fees.

Should You DIY or Delegate?

Alright, so now that we’ve looked at the pros and cons, how do you decide? It really depends on your situation. Let’s break it into two camps:

Go the DIY Route If...

- You live near your vacation home and can easily pop by when needed.
- You don’t mind handling guest communications, bookings, and maintenance.
- You want to keep every penny of your rental income.
- You enjoy being hands-on and have the time to dedicate to managing the property.

Managing your vacation home yourself can work, especially if you’re a natural problem solver and don’t mind the occasional inconvenience. It's also a great way to save money and stay in control.

Hire a Property Manager If...

- You live far away from your vacation home.
- You have a busy schedule and don’t want to deal with the constant demands of managing a property.
- You’d rather have professionals market your property, handle pricing, and deal with guests.
- Your goal is to treat the vacation rental as a passive income stream with minimal involvement.

Think of it this way: if managing your vacation home sounds overwhelming or eats up too much of your time, a property manager could be worth every penny. It’s like outsourcing your stress—who wouldn’t want that?

So, What’s the Verdict?

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Deciding whether or not to hire a property manager boils down to your personal circumstances, goals, and how much you're willing to invest (both time and money) into your vacation home.

But here’s the truth: owning a vacation home should feel like a dream, not a burden. If managing it yourself makes your head spin, don’t hesitate to bring in the pros. On the flip side, if you enjoy the process and feel up to the challenge, go ahead and DIY. Either way, you’ll make the right choice for you.