Blog

If you own an Airbnb, VRBO, or short-term rental, you’ve probably thought about hiring a property manager to take the stress off your plate. After all, who wants to deal with late-night guest calls, cleaner scheduling, maintenance issues, and dynamic pricing? On paper, a property manager promises peace of mind and “passive income.” But here’s the dirty secret most Airbnb property managers don’t want you to know: after paying their fees, hidden expenses, and all the normal costs of ownership, there’s often almost nothing left for you—the actual property owner. The Numbers That Shock Most Owners Many owners sign management contracts without realizing how quickly costs add up. Here’s what happens to a property earning $10,000 a month in bookings: Management Fee (20–30%): $2,000 – $3,000 off the top. Supplies & Restocking: $500 – $1,000, often with markups you never see. Cleaning & Maintenance: $300 – $600, depending on guest turnover. Hidden Admin & Coordination Fees: Supply restocks, vendor calls, or “incidentals” that appear on your invoice. Utilities (Power, Water, Internet, Gas): $300 – $600 every month. Mortgage or Financing Costs: For most owners, this is their largest single expense. By the end of the month, your “passive income” property may barely break even—or worse, lose money—while your property manager still pockets their percentage every single time. Why So Many Owners Feel Stuck It’s not that owners don’t notice—they do. The problem is that traditional property managers rely on a percentage-based model that rewards them regardless of whether you make a profit. They get paid no matter what. Even if you’re negative after expenses, they still collect 20–30%. Markup is everywhere. Supply restocking, maintenance calls, even administrative “incidentals” add up fast. No incentive to save you money. Their goal is revenue growth, not expense control—because their fee is a cut of gross revenue, not profit. Bottom line: you take the risk; they take the reward. A Smarter Solution: StayWithDave At StayWithDave, we saw how broken this mod el was. After managing our own successful short-term rentals for over 13 years, we created a better approach—one built for owners, not managers. Flat-Rate Vacation Rental Management Instead of taking 20–30% of your revenue, we charge a flat monthly fee starting at $499 – $999, depending on your property size. This means: Predictable costs – no surprise invoices eating up your revenue. You keep more of your earnings – because your fee doesn’t change, no matter how much you make. Aligned incentives – we focus on efficiency and maximizing profitability, not just gross revenue. For owners who still prefer percentage-based pricing, we also offer a 15% management fee option, but with full transparency and no hidden charges. What We Handle for You StayWithDave is full-service—everything a traditional property manager offers, but with no hidden markups: Guest Bookings & Support: 24/7 guest messaging and phone support. Marketing & Pricing: AI-driven pricing with Pricelabs and professional listing optimization to maximize occupancy and nightly rates. Cleaning & Supplies: Professional cleaning, staging, and restocking—at cost, with full transparency. Maintenance Oversight & Security: Vendor coordination, smart lock systems, guest verification, and noise monitoring. Tech Stack Included: Premium software like Guesty (property management) and Breezeway (cleaning coordination)—at no extra charge to you. We also handle incidentals with full transparency. If something needs fixing, we coordinate with trusted vendors (or yours), bill you at cost, and keep you in the loop every step of the way. What That Means for Your Profit With StayWithDave, your monthly costs are fixed and predictable. That means no surprises and no “extra” fees that eat your profits. Example: Traditional Manager: 25% of $10,000 revenue = $2,500 fee + markups → your profit evaporates. StayWithDave: Flat $499 – $999 fee = predictable expense → thousands more in your pocket. This difference can turn a break-even property into a profitable investment almost overnight. Ready to Switch? If you’re already working with a property manager but frustrated by how little is left at the end of each month, it’s time to rethink your approach. Switching to StayWithDave is simple: We connect to your existing listings or set up new ones. You receive all gross earnings directly. We manage the work—you keep the money. The Bottom Line The dirty secret of traditional Airbnb property management is simple: they profit first, you profit last (if at all). You don’t have to keep paying 20–30% and getting nothing left over. With StayWithDave, you’ll get full-service management for a flat rate—so your costs stay predictable and your profits actually stay yours. Stop giving away your rental income. Start keeping more of what you earn. Visit StayWithDave.com today and see how much more profitable your short-term rental can be.

1. The Mansion Cabin by StayWithDave – Indoor Pool, Hot Tub & Arcade A magnificent property that sleeps up to 20 guests , The Mansion Cabin features a private indoor pool , hot tub, game room, and movie theater. The expansive deck offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and entertainment. 2. Grand Summit Lodge Perfect for large groups, this lodge accommodates up to 24 guests with 8 bedrooms , a spacious kitchen, and multiple entertainment areas. Enjoy the outdoor hot tub, fire pit, and game room for a truly memorable stay. 3. Mountain Majesty This luxurious 7-bedroom cabin sleeps 18 guests and offers a home theater, game room, and hot tub. The large deck with breathtaking views is ideal for gatherings and unwinding in nature. 4. Smoky Mountain Retreat Designed for comfort, this 6-bedroom cabin sleeps 20 guests and features a theater room, game room, and outdoor hot tub with a cozy fire pit—perfect for evening relaxation. 5. Bear's Den Lodge Hosting up to 22 guests , this 8-bedroom lodge includes a spacious kitchen, game room, home theater, and a deck complete with a hot tub and mountain views. 6. Timberline Cabin With 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms , Timberline Cabin accommodates 16 guests . Enjoy a game room, hot tub, and a large deck offering spectacular Smoky Mountain views. 7. Majestic Overlook This elegant 7-bedroom cabin sleeps 18 guests and includes a home theater, game room, and a stunning outdoor area with a hot tub and fire pit overlooking the mountains. 8. Alpine Mountain Lodge Designed for groups of up to 20 guests , this 8-bedroom lodge features a game room, hot tub, and a spacious deck to soak in those gorgeous mountain views. 9. Great Smoky Lodge With 9 bedrooms and space for 24 guests , this cabin includes a home theater, game room, and a hot tub. The expansive deck offers unbeatable views of Gatlinburg’s natural beauty. 10. Pine Tree Lodge Ideal for large gatherings, Pine Tree Lodge sleeps 18 guests across 7 bedrooms . Features include a game room, hot tub, and a spacious deck perfect for entertaining with mountain views. Experience Gatlinburg in Style Gatlinburg, TN offers a variety of large Airbnbs that combine comfort, luxury, and stunning Smoky Mountain scenery. Whether you're planning a family vacation, friends' getaway, or corporate retreat, these top properties are sure to make your stay unforgettable. 👉 Book your stay today and experience the best of Gatlinburg’s beauty and adventure!

Seattle, renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning views, and thriving tech scene, is a popular destination for travelers seeking a unique Pacific Northwest experience. With its eclectic neighborhoods and array of attractions, finding the perfect Airbnb can elevate your stay in this dynamic city. Here are some of the best Airbnb options in Seattle that offer comfort, style, and a taste of local living: 1. **Secluded Treehouse Retreat**: Embrace the magic of the Pacific Northwest by staying in a secluded treehouse nestled in the lush forests surrounding Seattle. Wake up to the sounds of nature, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding greenery, and unwind in a tranquil setting that feels like a world away from the city. 2. **Urban Loft in Capitol Hill**: Immerse yourself in the eclectic energy of Capitol Hill by booking a stylish urban loft in this vibrant neighborhood. With exposed brick walls, modern amenities, and sweeping views of the city skyline, this Airbnb is perfect for travelers looking to be in the heart of Seattle's thriving arts and culture scene. 3. **Waterfront Condo in Pike Place**: For those seeking a waterfront experience, look no further than a luxurious condo near Pike Place Market. Enjoy breathtaking views of Elliott Bay, easy access to the city's iconic landmarks, and the convenience of having Seattle's best dining and shopping options right at your doorstep. 4. **StayWithDave's 2 bedroom Condo Across from the Space Needle. Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Washington, our delightful Airbnb promises a memorable retreat for all our guests. Our thoughtfully designed space features modern amenities and a cozy ambiance, making it the ideal home away from home. The interior is beautifully decorated with tasteful furnishings and warm colors, creating a welcoming atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease. With ample space for up to four guests, our Airbnb is perfect for families, friends, or couples looking to enjoy a relaxing stay. Surrounded by the vibrant urban landscape of Seattle, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the city's iconic skyline, whether you're enjoying your morning coffee on the private balcony or unwinding with a glass of wine in the evening. Conveniently located just a short walk from some of Seattle's most popular attractions, including the famous Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Seattle Art Museum, our Airbnb is the perfect base for exploring the city. With easy access to public transportation, you'll have no trouble navigating the city and experiencing all that Seattle has to offer. We pride ourselves on providing our guests with a top-notch experience, which is why our Airbnb is equipped with a range of thoughtful amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully stocked kitchen, comfortable bedding, and a cozy living area. Additionally, secure parking is available, making it easy for you to explore the city by car. Don't just take our word for it—our past guests have raved about their experiences, highlighting the property's cleanliness, comfort, and excellent location, as well as the attentive and responsive host. Book your stay today and discover why our Airbnb is the ultimate choice for your next escape! 5 **Bohemian Bungalow in Fremont**: Experience the quirky charm of Fremont by staying in a bohemian bungalow that exudes creativity and character. This cozy Airbnb is decorated with funky art pieces, features a lush backyard garden, and offers a peaceful retreat in one of Seattle's most unique neighborhoods. 6. **Modern House in Ballard**: Stay in a modern house in the trendy neighborhood of Ballard for a blend of comfort and convenience. With sleek design elements, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private backyard for alfresco dining, this Airbnb provides a stylish home base for exploring Ballard's boutique shops, hip eateries, and lively nightlife. Whether you prefer a treetop escape, an urban oasis, or a waterfront haven, Seattle's diverse Airbnb offerings cater to every traveler's taste. From scenic views to local charm, these top picks ensure an unforgettable stay in the Emerald City.

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.