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How local expertise drives success on Okaloosa Island
Some short-term property managers struggle to balance the demands of marketing, upkeep, and maintaining guest service without missing out on revenue. That’s where Vacasa's local expertise and national resources come in. It's also how Jerry B., an out-of-state owner seeking a management change that could produce results, met Carolyn and Vacasa.
Even upon this fortuitous meeting, he didn't want to simply be another customer—he wanted to partner with a proactive local team that could oversee every aspect of his two luxury condos at Waters Edge on Okaloosa Island in Florida.
"If it hadn’t been for Carolyn, our local property manager, I’d have left money on the table," says Jerry. What happened next was simply simpatico.
With over four years under his belt, Jerry feels confident that he made the right decision when it comes to his partnership with Vacasa. Carolyn and her team handle everything—from marketing to coordinating repairs, cleaning, and ensuring the guest experience is memorable for those staying on Okaloosa Island without compromising quality.
"Outside of the initial getting everything done, it’s really hands-off because Carolyn and the local team do a phenomenal job caring for my rentals, making repairs, and caring for the guests. Whatever happens, they handle it like these properties are their own," Jerry says.
Jerry admires the effort Vacasa puts into creating memorable stays with thoughtful for guests, going as far as checking in with them throughout their visit—as evident in several guest reviews. Jerry notes that these personalized touchpoints enhance the guest experience and contribute to higher satisfaction levels and returning visitors.
"Carolyn and her staff are instrumental in making our guests’ experiences unforgettable. For example, a young couple stayed with us multiple times. On one trip, he planned to propose in our unit," says Jerry.
"The following year, they returned to get married on the beach. I asked Carolyn to ‘pull out all the stops’—and she delivered—with roses and chocolate-covered strawberries. It was truly incredible," recalls Jerry.
Beyond the convenience of day-to-day management, Jerry appreciates how well Vacasa markets his property. With the team's enthusiasm for advertising, he says his properties have gained more exposure from a broader audience than his prior property manager could offer, resulting in more bookings, including snowbirds.
"Vacasa’s marketing has people from Oregon staying in our unit! The fact is, they found my unit. It wasn’t through me," says Jerry.
Jerry sees Vacasa's office in Waters Edge as another local advantage other property management companies can't match. Accordingly, he appreciates the access he has to his local team and rests easily, knowing his guests will have a memorable stay with truly localized advice.
“Having Vacasa’s on-site presence is a win-win for me as both a homeowner and HOA president. They’re professional, supportive, and enhance the guest experience for everyone."
"Quite honestly, I think Vacasa brings us a good quality and quantity of guests, and I think that matters," Jerry concluded.
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