Remote co-hosting vs. full-service local property management

Full-service local management

A local manager usually runs everything: guests, cleaning staff, maintenance, sometimes the listing itself. Many own the listing account and collect booking revenue, then pay you after their fees.

Fees are commonly higher than co-hosting because they include on-site staff and maintenance coordination. Ask each company exactly what's included.

• Good for: owners who want no involvement at all
• Good for: properties needing frequent hands-on care
• Watch for: who owns the listing and its reviews if you leave
• Watch for: markups on cleaning, supplies and repairs

Remote co-hosting

A remote co-host handles the work that doesn't need a person on site — guest messages, calendars, pricing settings, scheduling, reporting — and coordinates local cleaners and vendors you approve.

You usually keep your listing accounts, and the platform often pays you directly.

• Good for: owners who want control and transparency
• Good for: properties with a reliable local cleaner
• Limitation: nobody from the co-host is physically nearby
• Limitation: repairs still need your decision and a local vendor

Questions to ask any company

• Who owns the listing and the reviews?
• Who receives booking payouts, and is that legal in my state?
• Is the fee based on gross booking total or only accommodation revenue?
• Are cleaning, supplies or repairs marked up?
• What happens in an emergency at 2 a.m.?
• How do I leave, and what notice is required?
• Can I see a sample statement?

Where WHITCO STAYS fits

We're a remote co-host. Our yearly fee is 15% of your last 12 months of accommodation revenue (not cleaning fees, taxes, deposits or refunds), paid in 12 equal monthly payments under a 12-month agreement. Guests pay you directly, and we never hold your rental money. We don't mark up costs and we don't do repairs. If you need someone on site every week, a local full-service manager may suit you better.