Save on service fees by booking direct on Houfy.

These directions are for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause conditions to differ from the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly. You must obey all signs or notices regarding your route.

As a security deposit alternative, houfyProtect, an upfront nonrefundable low cost property damage protection policy for just $5 per night, is taken at time of booking.

This host has not verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.

This host has verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.

This host verified their email and phone number on Houfy.

Houfy lets you contact and book direct with hosts. The host has provided the following links to give you more information.

This host responds to {response_rate}% of inquiries {response_time}.

A professional captain will navigate the boat for you.

Wonderful Houfy hosts are recognized as the best hosts in hospitality. The wonderful Houfy program rewards Houfy's top-rated and most experienced hosts.

Now updated with VRBO/HomeAway&#x27;s own words about charging more via the service fee, depending on the number of guests.  Shameful!

Now updated with VRBO/HomeAway&#x27;s own words about charging more via the service fee, depending on the number of guests. Shameful!

Thank you for sharing this story, I shared it to a few groups that I am in.   

Thank you for sharing this story, I shared it to a few groups that I am in.

Feel free to do share, share, share!

Feel free to do share, share, share!

Everyone should share to every page they are on!  We really need to educate and inform if we want them to change.  Or at least know what they

Everyone should share to every page they are on! We really need to educate and inform if we want them to change. Or at least know what they are paying and what they are paying for!

Have you seen your Houfy today?

Have you seen your Houfy today?

In an attempt to maximize their profits, Expedia has decided that the users of their companies, like VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) and HomeAway, will pay a service fee.  This is to follow the model that AirBnB has always used.  This fee, they say is to pay for the website, customer service and advertising.  For those booking Tiki House Pensacola Beach, the service started out at up to $399, then a year later it went up to $499, and now it is up to $599.  Where will it end?

And even though we don't charge more per person, HomeAway/VRBO and the rest of the Expedia Group of OTAs has found another way to get more money from our guests.  The more people in your group, the more they will charge.  Don't believe it?  Below is a copy of a letter they sent to an owner asking why the service fee increased based on the number of guests, even though her rate stayed the same.

VRBO/HomeAway has also made it difficult for owners and renters to deal directly with each other.  Contact information is kept from both renters and owners, and owners can be penalized for trying to take inquiries from the site, off platform, or to allow customers to book direct.  The companies want their money.  But is it really a deal?  Before you inquire on one of these booking sites, know what you are paying for and decide if it is worth it.

Advertising.  Security.  Convenience.  That is what the service fee is supposed to pay for.  Many choose a privately owned vacation home because they want to deal with the owner instead of a customer service agent that has never been to the house.  But that is what you are paying for.  Do you really want to pay for advertising to help them make more money?  The current websites are notoriously difficult and confusing to use for both owners and renters.  Is this what you are paying for?  The website was maintained and functioned even better, according to owners, before they charged renters a service fee.   

Homeowners and managers are reporting that HomeAway has been quietly inching up the service fee, in some cases over 12%. "Since price is an important factor in determining whether a traveler books a property, it's natural to optimize and adjust the exact amount of the service fee," stated HomeAway's Community Forum.

Is HomeAway Quietly Increasing Their "Service Fee" for Travelers? - VRM Intel

The truth is there is very little value they provide, except the use of their website.  Owners pay the credit card fees and subscription fees, while renters pay to use the website.  And owners do not like how the OTAs hold their payments until guests have checked in and sometimes checked out.  They are rated 1 star by Consumer Affairs for service and quality by owners and guests.  So why pay it?  

Even when an owner doesn't charge extra for additional people or a person fee, the price can fluctuate as VRBO adds on to the service fee.   I don't charge for additional guests, but I guess VRBO does!

If you want fair and true pricing, check out Houfy!  There are no service fees, so you pay less for the same home.  The value you receive, for FREE, is direct contact with owners, TONS of information in the owners posts and guides, and an easy to use website to look at various homes, different seasons and their prices, and instant quotes.  VRBO/HomeAway just can't compete!  Check out our guides below so see what we offer and the information that is always at your fingertips!

Guides by Charles and Stephanie Cole | HOUFY

Charles and Stephanie Cole has shared 22 guides

The best part of Houfy is it's FREE!  They never charge service fees, they verify owners, and they allow you to deal with owners directly. 

The next time you shop on AirBnb or VRBO/HomeAway or any of the big sites, ask the owner, "Are you on Houfy yet?"  

Houfy is an online market network that enables its users to advertise properties, discover accommodations or find real estate for sale, and share or connect with their clients as well as make new connections on its social platform.

Homes, Apartments & Vacation Rentals for Rent | HOUFY

AirBnB and  VRBO/HomeAway vs. Houfy

The service fee varies, depending on the cost of the rental and demand for the house.  Renters find the service fee can fluctuate from one view to the next.

dba5ccb2cb0d2cd9415eee1b31806698.jpg

370c21fa9b64b647579977665bf8c226.jpg

c35521efdeb242dd9e91f99e4ef32714.jpg

a498eef9d19eb1ab6647f5baa148602b.jpg

9b3253188b764610d4657267c2b50db4.jpg

1bb64938ef2b61af2ee2382091076930.jpg

Tiki House is more than a vacation rental. It is our vacation home!  We purchased the home in 2015 because it is located in a quiet residential area right on the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful area is full of beautiful homes, quiet beaches with the Emerald Coast's signature white sand. It is still close enough to walk, ride a bike on the trails, or take the free trolley during the summer to restaurants, bars, and shops. Or you could head east to the visit some of the most beautiful and preserved beaches that are part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. But we chose Tiki House specifically for its charm, character and amenities.  It has the largest private pool on the beach (according to our pool pro) and the perfect views from its many decks.  We want to make a stay at Tiki House as wonderful and memorable an experience for you as it is for us. Dedicated to making Tiki House THE vacation home of your dreams. We love Tiki House and know you will too!

AirBnB and VRBO/HomeAway vs. Houfy

Comments (0)

Add Your Place to Houfy

Other posts by Stephanie And Chris

The Hamburger Wars on Pensacola Beach

Forts, History, and Exploring the Past

Pensacola Beach Calendar of Events

Company

Hosting

Resources

Settings