Is It Better to Manage Your Airbnb Yourself or Hire a Pro?

Managing a short-term rental can seem simple—until you start doing it. From responding to guests at midnight to handling last-minute cancellations, there’s much more to being a host than just listing your property on Airbnb and watching the bookings roll in.

So here’s the big question: Should you manage your Airbnb yourself or hire a professional property manager?

The answer depends on your goals, lifestyle, and how hands-on you want (or are able) to be. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both approaches to help you make the best decision for your property—and your peace of mind.

👤 Managing It Yourself: Freedom or Frustration?

Self-managing your Airbnb gives you full control. You're the one answering messages, coordinating cleanings, setting prices, and handling any surprises. For some hosts, this feels empowering. For others, it quickly becomes overwhelming.

✅ Pros:

• No management fees, which means more potential profit

• Full control over guest experience, pricing, and policies

• Ability to build personal relationships with guests

• Learn the ins and outs of the short-term rental business firsthand

❌ Cons:

• Time-consuming — guest messages, cleaning coordination, repairs, and calendar management add up

• 24/7 availability is expected, especially in case of emergencies

• Harder to stay competitive without dynamic pricing tools and professional marketing

• May lead to burnout, especially if you manage more than one property or live far away

💡 Self-management works best for hosts who live close to their property, have flexible schedules, and enjoy hospitality.

🧑‍💼 Hiring a Professional Manager: Smart Delegation

A professional short-term rental manager handles everything for you—from listing optimization to guest communication, cleanings, maintenance, pricing, and compliance with local laws. It’s a hands-off option designed for busy owners who want results without the hassle.

✅ Pros:

• Saves time and eliminates stress

• Professionals use advanced tools for pricing, marketing, and performance tracking

• Faster response times improve guest satisfaction and reviews

• Better access to cleaning teams, maintenance crews, and local support

• Can help you maximize income with experience-based strategies

❌ Cons:

• Management fees, usually ranging from 15% to 30% of revenue

• Less direct involvement in guest interactions and property decisions

• Quality of service can vary depending on the company

💡 Hiring a pro makes sense if you want to scale your business, live far from your property, or simply don’t want to manage day-to-day operations.

💼 What About Hybrid Solutions?

Some hosts choose a hybrid approach, using automation tools (like smart locks and pricing software) or outsourcing specific tasks (like cleanings or guest communication), while still managing the overall operation.

This option offers a middle ground—more freedom than full self-management, and fewer fees than hiring a full-service company.

🧠 How to Decide: Ask Yourself…

• Do I have time to respond to guests 24/7?

• Do I live close enough to handle issues personally?

• Do I want to treat my property like a business, or just make passive income?

• Am I confident in marketing, pricing, and operations?

• Would I rather earn slightly less and have peace of mind?

🔑 Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to managing your Airbnb. It all depends on your goals, availability, and comfort level. Self-management can be rewarding, but it’s not always easy. Hiring a professional takes the pressure off—but comes at a cost.

At Dreams N Fun, we help property owners in Florida achieve the best of both worlds: hands-off management with hands-on results. Whether you're new to Airbnb or ready to scale, our expert team takes care of everything—so you can enjoy the income without the headaches.

📩 Curious about what professional management could do for your property? Contact us today and let’s talk strategy.