RedAwning vs Vacasa: Which Offers Better Airbnb Management?

RedAwning and Vacasa are two well-known names in vacation rental management, offering services designed to make property ownership easier. While both provide comprehensive solutions, their approaches have key differences. RedAwning emphasizes marketing and visibility, with powerful tools to showcase your property across major booking platforms. Vacasa also focuses on marketing but leans heavily into providing full-service management, handling everything from guest support to on-the-ground operations.

Whether you’re looking for a hands-off experience or tools to stay more involved, understanding what each company offers can help you make the best choice. In this article, we’ll dive into their services, costs, reach, and overall value to find the right fit for your needs.

RedAwning vs Vacasa: Company Overviews

RedAwning entered the vacation rental scene in 2010 with a clear mission: to simplify property management for homeowners while creating a seamless experience for guests. Founded by Tim Choate, the company quickly established itself as a marketing powerhouse, helping property owners maximize their visibility across a wide range of booking platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. 

Over the years, RedAwning has grown into a major player, managing over 20,000 properties in more than 10,000 destinations worldwide. Its innovative approach to listing distribution, dynamic pricing, and guest support has made it a favorite among homeowners who want professional marketing without sacrificing control over their property’s on-the-ground operations. RedAwning’s growth was further fueled by securing $40 million in equity funding, allowing it to expand its offerings and maintain a strong foothold in the vacation rental industry.

Founded in 2009 by Eric Breon, Vacasa has built its reputation on delivering comprehensive, hands-off vacation rental management for property owners. Starting as a small operation in the Pacific Northwest, Vacasa grew rapidly, embracing technology to streamline its full-service model, which includes everything from marketing and guest support to cleaning, maintenance, and even local property inspections. 

Today, Vacasa manages more than 35,000 properties across the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, making it one of the largest vacation rental management companies in the world. Backed by significant funding—including a $319 million IPO—Vacasa has positioned itself as the go-to option for owners who want to fully outsource the management of their vacation homes.

Whether you’re drawn to RedAwning’s marketing-focused approach or Vacasa’s full-service management, both companies have carved out unique niches in the vacation rental landscape.

Redawning vs Vacasa: Geographic Availability

RedAwning boasts an extensive presence, offering property management services across all 50 U.S. states. This nationwide coverage means that whether your property is a mountain cabin in Colorado or a beach house in Florida, RedAwning has you covered. Additionally, RedAwning extends its services to over 1,000 destinations, primarily in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, allowing property owners to tap into a broad spectrum of traveler markets. 

Vacasa is a prominent player in the vacation rental industry, managing over 40,000 vacation homes in sought-after destinations. Their services span 34 U.S. states, including popular vacation spots, and extend internationally to countries like Canada, Belize, and Costa Rica. This focus on prime vacation destinations makes Vacasa a strong contender for property owners aiming to attract guests in these areas. 

Comparison

Both RedAwning and Vacasa offer substantial coverage, but their focuses differ slightly. RedAwning's comprehensive U.S. presence and reach into Mexico and Canada provide a broad platform for property owners seeking widespread exposure. In contrast, Vacasa's concentration on popular vacation destinations across 34 U.S. states and select international markets caters to owners targeting high-demand tourist areas.

When deciding between the two, consider where your property is located and the type of guests you aim to attract. If your property is in a major urban center or a less traditional vacation spot, RedAwning's extensive network might offer broader exposure. Conversely, if your property is in a renowned vacation destination, Vacasa's specialized focus could provide targeted marketing to travelers seeking experiences in those areas.

RedAwning vs Vacasa: Costs and Fees

RedAwning offers a range of property management plans with fees varying from 10% to 25% of booking revenue, depending on the selected service level and property type. These fees cover services such as marketing, reservation management, guest communications, and dynamic pricing. Additionally, a standard 3% credit card processing fee applies. 

For owners choosing the Essential Plan, on-the-ground operations like cleaning and maintenance are the owner's responsibility, though RedAwning facilitates cleaning coordination through partnerships with platforms such as TurnoverBnB. The Full-Service Plan includes expanded support, such as vendor management and cleaning restocking. Property owners should review plan details to determine which option best suits their needs. 

In contrast, Vacasa provides full-service property management with a commission that typically ranges between 25% and 35% of monthly gross revenue. This comprehensive fee covers a wide array of services, including marketing, dynamic pricing, guest services, cleaning, and maintenance. While Vacasa doesn't publicly disclose its exact fee structure on its website, property owners have reported this range based on their experiences. 

In summary, RedAwning's lower commission rate offers cost savings but requires owners to handle or coordinate essential services like cleaning and maintenance. Vacasa's higher fee provides a hands-off experience, managing all aspects of property upkeep and guest relations. Your choice between the two should align with your desired level of involvement and the value you place on comprehensive service versus cost efficiency.

RedAwning vs Vacasa: Services Offered

Both RedAwning and Vacasa offer a suite of services designed to make your life easier. Let's break down what each company brings to the table.

RedAwning Services

RedAwning focuses on maximizing your property's visibility and streamlining the booking process. Here's how they do it:

• Marketing and Listing Distribution: Your property gets showcased across a vast network of over 50 major travel platforms, including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Expedia. This extensive reach connects your property with a broad audience of potential guests. 
• Dynamic Pricing: To optimize occupancy and revenue, RedAwning employs advanced pricing strategies that adjust rates based on market demand, seasonality, and local events. This approach aims to maximize your earnings by setting the right price at the right time.
• 24/7 Guest Support and Reservation Management: With round-the-clock guest services, RedAwning handles inquiries, bookings, and any issues that may arise during a guest's stay, ensuring a seamless experience for both hosts and guests. 
• Damage Waiver: To provide peace of mind, RedAwning includes a $3,000 damage waiver with each booking, eliminating the need for security deposits and simplifying the booking process for guests. 
• Owner Portal and Mobile App: Property owners have access to a comprehensive dashboard and mobile application, offering real-time monitoring of bookings, revenues, and property performance, facilitating informed decision-making.
• On-the-Ground Services: While RedAwning offers extensive support in marketing and guest services, property owners are typically responsible for coordinating maintenance and cleaning. However, RedAwning can assist in connecting owners with local service providers if needed.

Vacasa Services

Vacasa takes a comprehensive approach, handling nearly every aspect of property management so you can sit back and relax. Their services include:

• End-to-End Property Management: From cleaning and maintenance to guest services, Vacasa's local teams ensure your property is well-maintained and guests have a memorable stay. 
• Proprietary Technology for Pricing Optimization: Vacasa uses advanced algorithms to set competitive rates, adjusting prices in real-time to maximize your revenue based on market demand and other factors. 
• Guest Communication: Their system manages all guest interactions, from inquiries to post-stay follow-ups, ensuring prompt and professional communication.
• Localized Service Approach with Regional Teams: Vacasa's local teams are here to support you, your home, and your guests—24/7, 365 days a year. 

Side-by-Side Comparison

• Marketing Reach: RedAwning's strength lies in its expansive marketing network, listing properties on over 50 platforms to maximize visibility. Vacasa also markets properties across major booking sites but emphasizes its proprietary platform and targeted digital marketing strategies.
• Pricing Strategies: Both companies utilize dynamic pricing to enhance revenue. RedAwning offers advanced pricing strategies, while Vacasa employs proprietary algorithms for real-time rate adjustments.
• Guest Services: RedAwning provides 24/7 guest support, focusing on reservation management and guest inquiries. Vacasa offers comprehensive guest services, including on-the-ground support through their local teams.
• Property Maintenance: Vacasa stands out with its full-service approach, managing cleaning, maintenance, and inspections directly. RedAwning, however, typically requires owners to coordinate these services, though they can connect owners with local providers if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is RedAwning?

RedAwning is a vacation rental management platform that specializes in marketing and guest support. It distributes your property listing across 50+ travel platforms, including Airbnb and Vrbo, to maximize exposure. RedAwning also provides dynamic pricing, 24/7 guest support, and a $3,000 damage waiver per booking. While it handles marketing and reservations, property owners manage cleaning and maintenance.

2. What is Vacasa?

Vacasa is a full-service property management company that takes care of all aspects of vacation rental management, including marketing, guest communications, cleaning, and maintenance. With local teams and dynamic pricing technology, Vacasa ensures your property is well-maintained while maximizing revenue and occupancy.

3. How does RedAwning work?

RedAwning creates and distributes optimized listings for your property, manages guest communications, and provides pricing tools to boost revenue. They handle all marketing and booking logistics, but owners are responsible for on-the-ground tasks like cleaning and repairs. This makes RedAwning ideal for those seeking extensive marketing support while retaining control over property upkeep.

4. How does Vacasa work?

Vacasa offers an end-to-end property management solution, managing everything from marketing and pricing to guest services, cleaning, and maintenance. Local teams ensure personalized care for your property, making Vacasa a great choice for owners who prefer a completely hands-off approach to vacation rental management.

5. What is the best Airbnb property management company?

The best property management company depends on your needs. RedAwning is ideal for owners seeking marketing-focused services and some control over operations. Vacasa suits those wanting full-service management with no day-to-day involvement. Both are excellent options, but RedAwning stands out for its extensive global marketing reach and flexibility.

The Bottom Line

RedAwning stands out with its powerful marketing reach, dynamic pricing tools, and global exposure. It’s designed to handle the heavy lifting of property management—like guest support, booking logistics, and marketing—while giving owners the confidence that their property is being optimized for maximum returns.

Vacasa offers a full-service approach, taking care of everything from cleaning to maintenance, which may appeal to those who prefer a completely hands-off experience. However, this convenience often comes at a higher cost.

For property owners seeking a balanced solution with strong marketing expertise, robust support, and excellent value, RedAwning is the clear winner. It combines comprehensive management services with flexibility, ensuring your property thrives without unnecessary stress or steep fees. If you're ready to maximize your rental’s potential, RedAwning is the way to go!