Expedia now owns Homeaway and VRBO, they have added a service fee which seems to be different amounts depending on their computer algorithms. Which is Mumbo Jumbo term for "screwing the customer".
Don't let them rip you off. If you are a guest search regional sites or Facebook as owners are starting their own web sites and Facebook pages for their vacation homes.
If you are clever and want to save money search by the "property name" or enter the owners name in goggle search to try to contact owner directly.
Don't let Expedia rip you off.