Pamela P.

Homeaway insists their subscribers don't want an online classified ad service, we want hotel-style massive bookings. BUT as a VRBO subscriber with one home to rent, I want an online classified service. Never had a problem with the renters, they've never had a problem with me. The business model for VRBO was about performing a service for the vacation rental owner. Not any more, it's about how VRBO/Expedia can take a piece of the action without any of the risk we all assume as the owners, from bad renters, through to vacant time slots, through to costs of keeping a vacation home up and running. When VRBO/Homeaway starts offering to pay a portion of my realty taxes or insurance, I might consider cutting them a piece of my pie, but until then, one has to question the new business model they are pursuing. And look for alternatives.