How we helped one homeowner make big gains in Galveston

Ron B. bought his first vacation rental in 2005 and now owns a cheerful beach house in historic Galveston, Texas. Happy in Margaritaville is an oceanfront home, only a block from the Seawall, that sleeps eight adults.

Like many Vacasa homeowners, Ron came to us after his previous management company proved unprofessional—even unscrupulous. As a successful professional realtor, Ron understands the way the business is supposed to be run. So, he was dismayed when his previous management company went from managing about 100 homes to managing only 20—including Ron’s. That’s when he decided to make a change.

Fortunately for Ron (and for Vacasa!) he came home one day to a friendly letter from Vacasa. That was the beginning of an enthusiastic and mutually profitable partnership that Ron calls “a great relationship.”

Ron has been impressed with Vacasa’s consistency in meeting and exceeding his financial goals. “I get my money on time, directly deposited into my account,” he says, “and my first year with Vacasa will also be my first profitable year as a vacation rental owner.”

Since Vacasa took over the management of Happy in Margaritaville in November 2015, we’ve significantly increased Ron’s income, even though he’s spent much more time enjoying his own home. Ron blocked out 162 owner stays in 2016, compared to only 53 in 2014, but we still made him more money: $56,300 in 2016 versus the $39,789 his previous management company earned in 2014.

Ron counts on Vacasa not only for a more robust bottom line, but also for swift, accurate answers to his questions. He appreciates knowing that he can reach out to Vacasa—especially his local manager, Kevin—at any time and hear right back. “Kevin always responds to my questions or concerns within an hour,” Ron says. “And whenever there’s a repair or another maintenance issue being addressed, Vacasa keeps in touch with me constantly. It’s instant gratification.”

Having endured a negative relationship with his previous management company, Ron also values the strong personal relationship he’s forged with his local Vacasa team. “Kevin has become a very good friend on a personal level,” he says. “He’s just a great guy. He does whatever he says he’s going to do. He definitely puts in the hours. It’s just been a really good relationship.”