Before we get into the details on how to become a VRBO host, let us share with you our “From Traveler to Host” journey (or scroll right down if you’re in a hurry!) As a team of travelers, we’re more than familiar with booking accommodations online. We’ve stayed in all sorts of accommodations, from hostels to luxury hotels. But our favorite type of accommodation is a vacation rental. We love the feeling of having our own space to relax and unwind. And we appreciate the amenities that many vacation rentals offer.
VRBO is, without a doubt, one of our favorite vacation rental platforms. It has a wide selection of listings all over the world, so we can always find the perfect place to stay, no matter where we’re traveling. But what we love most is that VRBO listings are typically more affordable than hotel rooms and that they often offer more space and amenities.
Over the years, we’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a great vacation rental. After years of enjoying VRBO as a traveler, some members of our team decided to become a host themselves.
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Why VRBO
Here are a few reasons why we chose VRBO to host our vacation rental:
- VRBO has a large and growing user base. This means that our listing is more likely to be seen by potential guests.
- VRBO offers a variety of marketing tools to help us promote our listing. We can use these tools to create a compelling listing, reach out to potential guests, and track our results.
- VRBO provides excellent customer support for both hosts and guests. We know that we can rely on VRBO to help us if we have any problems.
How to Become a VRBO Host
1. Visit the VRBO Website
Go to the VRBO website.
2. Create an Account
“Sign Up” or “List Your Property“, typically found on the homepage. It’s free to create an account on the VRBO website. You’ll be asked to create an account by providing your email address and creating a password. Keep this information as you’ll need it as your VRBO owner login.
3. Enter Property Details
Once you have an account, you can start the process of listing your property. VRBO will ask you for information about your property, including its location, size, and amenities. Follow the steps and you’ll be good to go!
4. Set Pricing and Availability
You’ll need to specify the rental rates, availability, and any additional fees for your property. You can choose to set different prices for different seasons or special events.
VRBO offers a variety of pricing tools to help you set the best price for your property. You can also set your availability so that guests know when your property is available to book.
5. Add Photos and Description
The photos and description play a crucial role in attracting potential renters. Add high-quality photos of your property. Photos are one of the most important factors that guests consider when booking a vacation rental. Be sure to add high-quality photos of all aspects of your property, including the exterior, interior, and any amenities.
Your property description should be clear, concise, and informative. It should highlight the best features of your property and make guests want to stay there. Be sure to include information about the amenities your property offers, the activities that are available nearby, and the type of guests you are looking to attract.
6. Set House Rules and Policies
Specify your house rules, cancellation policy, and any other important terms and conditions.
7. Payment and Verification
VRBO will guide you through the process of setting up payment options for renters. They may also require verification of your identity and property.
8. Review and Publish
Once you have finished adding your listing, you can publish it so that guests can start booking. VRBO will review your listing before it is published, so be sure to allow some time for this process.
9. Manage Bookings and Communication
Once your listing is published, you can start receiving booking requests from guests. When you receive a booking request, you can review the guest’s profile and decide whether to accept or decline the request. If you accept the request, you will need to communicate with the guest to finalize the booking details.
10. Respond to Inquiries and Reviews
Be responsive to inquiries from travelers, and encourage renters to leave reviews after their stay to build your property’s reputation.
How to Become a VRBO Property Manager in just 2 Steps
We get that setting up an account and property details can be a chore, especially for those who haven’t done this before or simply don’t have time to do everything themselves. Fret not! VRBO can help you set up if you call them directly for assistance at 1-888-337-0689.
If you have posted your property on another travel site, it’s even easier! VRBO offers the Connect with Fast Start option, where the VRBO Fast Start team will help you create your listing. You’ll find the option on the VRBO website.
Tips on How to Become a Successful VRBO Host
- Be responsive to guest inquiries. Guests appreciate it when hosts respond to their inquiries promptly. This shows that you are interested in their business and that you are committed to providing them with a good experience.
- Be flexible with your pricing and availability. If you are flexible with your pricing and availability, you will be more likely to attract guests. For example, you may want to offer discounts for longer stays or for bookings made during the off-season.
- Provide excellent customer service. Strive to provide your guests with the best possible experience. This includes being responsive to their needs, making sure your property is clean and well-maintained, and providing them with any information they need about the area.
- Get good reviews from guests. Positive reviews are one of the best ways to attract new guests. Encourage your guests to leave reviews after their stay. You can also offer incentives for guests who leave reviews, such as a discount on their next stay.
By following these tips, you can become a successful VRBO host and start earning money from your vacation rental property.
FAQ
How much money do VRBO owners make? Can I really make money on VRBO?
There are two fee structures for VRBO hosts:
- Pay-per-booking: Hosts pay a 5% commission fee and a 3% payment processing fee per booking.
- Annual subscription: Hosts pay a flat fee of $499 per year, which covers all booking fees.
If you expect to have a lot of bookings, the annual subscription may be a better value for you. However, if you are just starting out or if you expect to have a limited number of bookings, the pay-per-booking fee structure may be a better option.
How much does it cost to be a host on VRBO?
VRBO does not have a signup fee. It is free to create an account and list your property on VRBO. You will only pay fees when you receive a booking.
However, it is important to note that there are other costs associated with being a VRBO host, such as cleaning fees, maintenance costs, and taxes. You should also be prepared to pay for any damage that occurs to your property during a guest’s stay.
Overall, the costs of being a VRBO host vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of property you are listing, the location of your property, and the amenities you offer. However, the fact that there is no signup fee makes it a relatively low-risk way to start earning money from your vacation rental property.
Why do travelers choose VRBO over Airbnb?
VRBO specializes in whole-home rentals. If you are looking for a vacation rental where you and your group can have the entire place to yourselves, VRBO is a good option. Airbnb also offers whole-home rentals, but it also offers a wider variety of accommodation types, such as private rooms and shared spaces.
VRBO tends to have lower fees. VRBO charges a lower service fee to hosts than Airbnb, which can result in lower prices for guests. However, it is important to note that both platforms allow hosts to set their own prices.
VRBO has a focus on family-friendly rentals. Many VRBO listings are specifically designed for families, with features such as child-friendly amenities and family-friendly activities nearby.
VRBO has a good reputation for customer service. VRBO is known for its good customer service, both for hosts and guests. If you have any problems with your booking, VRBO is likely to be able to help you resolve them quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion: Airbnb has a larger selection of listings than VRBO, and it is more widely available in different parts of the world. However, for those looking for a whole-home rental with a good reputation for customer service, VRBO is a good option to consider.
Final Words from Our Traveler-Host Team
Since becoming a VRBO host, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming guests from all over the world. We’ve met some amazing people and made some lifelong friends. We’ve also learned a lot about hosting and how to provide our guests with a great experience.
If you’re thinking about becoming a VRBO host, we highly recommend it. It’s a great way to earn extra income and share your home with travelers from all over the world.
Some images in this article are copyrighted by VRBO
