Vacation rental management fees
How Co-Op Fees cover the essentials for hassle-free vacation rentals.
Key takeaways
- Co-op management fees are tailored for each unique vacation rental property.
- Homeowners pay a single management fee that covers the co-op's full-service offerings, including professional homecare, 24/7 guest service, marketing, demand-driven rates, and more.
- Vacation homeowners make an average of 20% more when they switch to our co-op.
“What’s your management fee?”
It’s one of the most important questions homeowners ask us. But to tell you the truth, Big Sky Co-op fees aren’t the same across the Big Sky—and that’s good news for you.
Tailored fees for a perfect fit
Although Big Sky Co-Op manages homes in markets across the Mountain West & North America, local teams and vacation rental experts are the heart of our company. And a part of being a truly local, full-service vacation rental manager is creating a fee that makes sense for your market in particular (not one 1,000 miles away).
So what are Co-op fees in your neck of the woods? The best way to find out is to ask your local expert. Talk to us for both a personalized management fee proposal and an estimate of how much you could earn per year.
How does Big Sky Co-Op work?
Our mission is simple: to make it easy, profitable, and enjoyable to own a vacation rental. So while Co-op fees might not be the lowest on the market, our truly unique service can bring more value into every aspect of owning your home (without cutting corners, as lower-priced alternatives might).
So, our core services are covered by both a tailored management rate and guest fees—because why should you be nickel-and-dimed for the essentials? Our fees provide:
- Hands-on, personalized care from professional local housekeepers and 24/7 on-the-ground support from a dedicated, local property manager.
- Cutting edge revenue-boosting tech, including professional online listing creation, booking site marketing, targeted emails, search ads, and more.
- Friendly 24/7 guest support, screening, and reservation services. Plus, homeowners have a team they can reach out to with questions, anytime.
One management fee can earn you more, too
The Big Sky Co-op was created for vacation home owners by a vacation home owner, so we know how important it is to rent hassle-free. But it’s just as crucial to maximize your property’s earning potential. And those earnings are likely to grow: Big Sky Co-op homeowners earn 20% more* on average in their second year with us than their first.
Big Sky Co-op fees are an investment in shared success—we only make money if you do. So, we pledge to go above and beyond to earn you more not only in the short-term, but in the long-term, too.
What's included in Big Sky Co-op fees for owners?
We’re focused on providing the highest possible revenue for our homeowners, while making every aspect of the vacation rental experience effortless. Here’s what’s included in the cost of our full-service management.
For you
- Online owner account that lets you track your earnings, submit maintenance requests, download tax documents, and more
- City and county permitting and regulations assistance (where legally allowed)
- Finance reporting and bookkeeping
- Comprehensive marketing services, including:
For your guests
- 24/7 guest customer support before and during their stay in your home
- On-the-ground help, available anytime
- Affirm payment plans to make booking vacations easier
- Useful mobile app that allows guests to check in, plan their trip, see your home’s rules, find WiFi passwords, and more.
For your home
- Guest screening to ensure your home is enjoyed and cared for during every stay
- A dedicated local property manager, who can coordinate care and be there for you 24/7
- Training for local employees, who get industry-leading benefits such as 401(k), health insurance, opportunity for career advancement, and competitive wages
- Ever-improving technology and tools to maximize team performance and efficiency in your neighborhood
- Extensive supply chains and resources to keep your home effortlessly running through even the busiest seasons
Learn more about our property management services >
What are Big Sky Co-op fees for guests?
These fees help us create a smoother-than-smooth guest experience—and cover extra cleaning to keep your home in top condition.
- Booking fee: Common in the industry, this is a vacation rental management fee that allows us to continually invest in industry-leading tech and best-in-class service. Included in the Big Sky Co-op booking fee are:
- Cleaning fee: A cost related to our expense incurred in cleaning the home between guests. This includes local, professional housekeeping, complete with enhanced cleaning measures.
- Hot tub fee: Guests love to book homes with hot tubs, so our professional staff and contractors service are there to maintain them using supplies and chemicals provided by Big Sky Co-op.
- Pet fee: Should you allow dog owners to visit with their pets, we charge an extra per-night fee to ensure that your home is clean and ready for the next arrival.
- Damage waiver fee: A small fee (up to $25/night, depending on the size of the home) in most markets** that covers accidental damage up to $3,000—excluding damage caused by smoking, pets, or criminal activity—as long as guests report the damage during their reservation.
To capture maximum revenue for every home, we also make our properties available through third-party channels (such as Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.), some of which charge an incremental fee to guests.
Big Sky Co-op was founded on the belief that every vacation rental owner deserves both professional home care and strong financial returns. So we make it easy for you to invest in vacation—see what's possible with the right partner on your side.
Vacation rental management fees
FAQ
How much do short-term rental property managers charge?
To truly understand the value of a property management partner, just ask. At Big Sky Co-Op, we’re ready to provide you with a detailed quote and an overview of our comprehensive services, all without any obligation.
In the realm of vacation rental management, the adage 'you get what you pay for' often rings true. Be wary of unusually low rates, as they may indicate hidden costs or less inclusive services. Remember, management fees can vary by location, reflecting the unique market conditions.
Management fees typically range from 10% to 50% of your revenue, but it’s essential to note that not all managers offer the same services or charge in the same manner.
Should I hire a poperty manager for my Airbnb?
Maximize the value of your vacation home by partnering with a full-service rental manager like Big Sky Co-Op. We handle everything from bookings and marketing to housekeeping. Managing a vacation rental can be a full-time commitment. Consider your lifestyle, future plans, and current responsibilities when deciding whether to hire a manager. If a full-service approach aligns with your needs, our team is ready to discuss how we can enhance your earnings and streamline your experience, providing an estimate of your property's revenue potential.
Which vacation rental manager has the lowest fees?
Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer to the question “Which vacation rental manager has the lowest fees?” It’s like comparing apples and oranges: not all vacation rental managers provide the same services, or can deliver on tasks like marketing your home at the same level of success.
While you’ll find that most vacation rental managers charge between 10% and 50% of your revenue, the level of management, your profits, and the type of additional fees vary. Sometimes, paying a slightly higher management fee can mean better outcomes than hiring a marketing-only manager or a nickel-and-diming discount service.
So to find a reasonable management rate, it’s best to shop around and get a sense of what you need first before going with what at first glance seems to be the lowest fee.
How can I learn more about Big Sky Co-op's management services?
You can connect with a Big Sky Co-op property management team member by providing your contact information via our Connect form.