Many owners wonder whether to use a manager or go solo to save money. It's the right question, asked the wrong way: not 'how much does it cost', but 'how much do I keep in the end'.
DIY isn't free
Managing alone seems cost-free, but it isn't: listings, messages at all hours, check-ins, cleaning, linen, paperwork and surprises cost time, and time is money. Add the mistakes of the non-professional: a wrong price, a bad review, a fine.
The real cost of DIY is almost always higher than it looks.
How a manager's model works
A professional manager typically works on a share of what's earned: they profit when you profit. It's a model that aligns interests, because the manager is fully incentivised to make the home perform.
The key thing to clarify with anyone you consider is what's included and whether there are fixed fees: good service is transparent and doesn't charge you when the home isn't producing.
What a full service includes
A serious service isn't just 'posting the listing'. It includes photos and home staging, publishing on all portals, dynamic pricing, guest communication, check-in and check-out, cleaning and linen, and all the bureaucracy, including acting as withholding tax agent.
When comparing two offers, compare what's included, not just the number.
The right measure: net, not percentage
Management that 'costs' more but fills the home at better prices leaves you with more than one that 'costs' little but works poorly. Looking only at the percentage is the classic mistake.
The question is always the same: with this service, how much net do I earn over the year versus doing it myself?
Our approach
At Abitare Affitti Brevi we work transparently, with no fixed fees for the owner: we're paid only when your home produces. We explain clearly what's included, before we start.
The best way to see if it's worth it is to start from your home's numbers: request a free, no-obligation valuation.