If you're seeking a hands-off approach to managing your short-term rental, finding the right property management company is crucial. SkyRun positions itself as a hybrid model, offering local expertise backed by a national network, but how does it truly stack up?
While SkyRun provides a range of services from guest communication to property maintenance, it falls short in a few key areas, particularly when compared to other top players in the market. So, is SkyRun worth it? In short, no. Despite offering convenience, its limited scope and higher costs make it less competitive.
On our list of the best Airbnb property management companies we ranked Awning above SkyRun for its better pricing, more complete service offering, and nationwide footprint.
What SkyRun Is
SkyRun is a full-service vacation rental property management company that blends local ownership with national resources. Each SkyRun location is independently owned and operated, allowing property owners to work closely with managers who live in the area and know the local market well. SkyRun handles key aspects of vacation rental management, including listing properties on major booking sites like Airbnb and Vrbo, guest communication, dynamic pricing, and housekeeping.
The company uses its proprietary software, SkyTrax, to manage reservations, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensure smooth property operations. It also offers preventative maintenance and high-quality guest amenities, with a focus on ensuring excellent guest experiences through 24/7 support. Despite these offerings, SkyRun does not provide services like interior design or tax management, meaning homeowners may need to handle certain tasks independently or hire additional professionals.
For property owners looking for flexibility, SkyRun has no long-term contracts, which makes it a risk-free option for those testing the waters of short-term rental management. However, when comparing its range of services to other property managers, some gaps might make SkyRun less competitive depending on your needs.
SkyRun Property Management
SkyRun Property Management offers a comprehensive range of services for short-term rental property owners, designed to simplify the rental process while maximizing revenue. From listing optimization and guest communication to dynamic pricing and maintenance, SkyRun takes care of the day-to-day operations, allowing owners to focus on enjoying their investment.
What sets SkyRun apart is its hybrid model, combining the personal touch of local ownership with the technological and marketing power of a national company. Each franchise is independently owned, meaning you get local experts who understand the area while benefiting from SkyRun’s national resources. They manage everything from listing your property on 65+ booking sites to providing 24/7 guest support and housekeeping.
In terms of success, SkyRun has grown significantly. The company manages over 1,000 properties across 30+ locations in popular vacation destinations throughout the U.S. With nearly two decades of experience, SkyRun has earned a reputation for delivering excellent guest experiences, as seen in its 4.8-star average rating across locations and over 30,000 5-star reviews.
If you're looking for a property management company that merges local knowledge with cutting-edge technology, SkyRun may be a solid option, though it’s worth noting that it doesn’t handle all aspects, like furnishing or tax services, so you may need to supplement with additional support.
Where SkyRun Property Management is Available
SkyRun Property Management operates in a variety of locations across the U.S. and beyond, providing short-term rental management services in over 30 different destinations. The company manages properties in popular vacation spots such as Colorado, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, South Carolina, and Vermont. Some notable locations include Breckenridge, Keystone, Destin, Miami, and Kona Coast.
Each SkyRun location is independently owned, allowing local experts to manage properties while leveraging SkyRun’s national resources and technology. Whether you have a vacation home in a mountain retreat like Aspen or a beach property in Florida, SkyRun offers its full range of services, including listing optimization, guest communication, and dynamic pricing, across all its destinations.
With its wide geographic coverage, SkyRun ensures that both homeowners and guests benefit from its expertise in local markets, making it a trusted choice for vacation rental management in many of the top travel destinations.
How SkyRun Property Management Works
Getting started with SkyRun Property Management is a straightforward process designed to be hassle-free for homeowners. First, you provide details about your property, and SkyRun will assess its potential with a free, no-commitment consultation. Once you decide to move forward, the company customizes a rental agreement that fits your needs—whether you want full-service management or specific support like guest services and cleaning. There are no onboarding or startup fees, and SkyRun only earns a commission when your property is booked.
After the agreement is set, SkyRun takes care of everything, including marketing your property across 65+ booking platforms, optimizing pricing, and handling guest communication. You also gain access to their proprietary SkyTrax system, where you can monitor bookings, revenue, and reports through a user-friendly portal.
Here are the core services offered by SkyRun Property Management:
- Dynamic Pricing & Revenue Management: SkyRun uses advanced pricing algorithms to optimize your property’s nightly rates. Their pricing is adjusted in real-time based on local market conditions, ensuring you maximize your rental income.
- Multi-Platform Marketing: SkyRun ensures your property is listed on 65+ vacation rental platforms, including Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, giving your property broad exposure. Their expertise in listing optimization helps your property rank better, leading to more bookings.
- Housekeeping & Maintenance: SkyRun provides thorough cleaning and maintenance services between guest stays. Their team handles all cleaning, restocking of supplies, and regular property maintenance to keep your home in top condition.
- Guest Services & Communication: With 24/7 guest support, SkyRun ensures that guest queries and concerns are promptly addressed. This not only enhances guest satisfaction but also leads to better reviews and repeat bookings.
- Owner Portal: Property owners have access to a user-friendly online portal where they can manage bookings, track key performance metrics, download reports, and view financial statements in real time.
- No Onboarding or Startup Fees: SkyRun offers a risk-free start with no initial costs. They only earn a commission when your property is booked, meaning their success is tied to yours.
What SkyRun Property Management is Missing
While SkyRun offers a wide range of services for short-term rental management, there are some key areas where the company falls short compared to other property management competitors.
- Interior Design and Furnishing: Unlike some competitors, SkyRun does not provide interior design or furnishing services. Property owners must ensure their homes are guest-ready before onboarding, which can be a significant investment. Design and furnishings are important drivers for high booking rates and positive guest experiences.
- Tax Collection and Remittance: SkyRun does not handle the collection, reporting, or remittance of local taxes, such as transient occupancy tax (TOT). This can be a complex area, especially for those unfamiliar with local regulations, and requires property owners to manage these aspects independently or hire additional services.
- Short-Term Rental Insurance: SkyRun does not provide access to short-term rental insurance, leaving property owners responsible for securing coverage to protect their homes from damage and liability. This is a service that some other management companies include, offering more peace of mind to owners.
While SkyRun’s services cover the essentials of property management, owners looking for a more comprehensive approach may need to seek additional support in these areas.
How to Start With SkyRun Property Management
Starting with SkyRun Property Management is a straightforward process that begins with a few simple steps:
- Property Assessment: To get started, property owners need to fill out an online inquiry form on SkyRun’s website. This form collects basic information about the property, such as location, size, and type, which allows SkyRun to determine if the property qualifies for their services.
- Consultation and Agreement: Once the property information is submitted, SkyRun conducts a consultation to assess the property’s rental potential. They provide a detailed analysis, outlining potential revenue, management costs, and services tailored to your property’s needs. If you decide to proceed, SkyRun will create a customized rental agreement.
- No Upfront Fees or Long-Term Contracts: SkyRun offers a risk-free start with no onboarding or setup fees. Additionally, they do not require long-term contracts, giving property owners flexibility. Owners only pay when their property is booked, meaning SkyRun's success is tied to the success of the property.
- Property Onboarding: If the property is rent-ready, SkyRun can onboard it and list it on 65+ booking platforms within 24 to 48 hours. This quick setup is ideal for properties that are already furnished and prepared to host guests.
SkyRun’s easy start-up process, combined with no hidden fees, makes it accessible for property owners looking to maximize their short-term rental income.
SkyRun Property Management Costs and Fees
SkyRun Property Management operates on a commission-based model, where they only charge property owners when a booking is made. The commission fees typically start at 15% and can go higher depending on the property location and specific services required. This commission covers a wide range of services, including dynamic pricing, marketing on 65+ booking platforms, guest communication, and property maintenance.
Unlike some property management companies, SkyRun does not charge any onboarding or setup fees, making it a risk-free option for property owners who want to get started without upfront costs. Additionally, SkyRun doesn’t require long-term contracts, which gives owners flexibility to opt out if they are not satisfied.
While SkyRun’s pricing structure can vary depending on the property and market, one drawback is that they do not provide clear estimates on potential additional costs on their website. For more detailed fee breakdowns, property owners must contact SkyRun for a consultation and tailored cost analysis.
SkyRun Property Management Terms and Requirements
SkyRun Property Management has straightforward terms and requirements for property owners. To begin, property owners must submit details about their property through an inquiry form. There are no specific eligibility criteria, and SkyRun works with various property types, including single-family homes, condos, apartments, and cabins.
One of the main advantages of SkyRun is that they do not require long-term contracts. Property owners are free to exit the agreement if they are unsatisfied. SkyRun also operates on a no-setup fee policy, meaning there are no initial onboarding costs, and property owners only pay a commission when bookings are made.
For properties to be eligible for listing, they must be fully rent-ready, as SkyRun does not provide interior design or furnishing services. Owners are responsible for ensuring that their property meets local regulations for short-term rentals, as SkyRun assists with compliance but does not handle every legal aspect.
With no long-term commitment and flexible terms, SkyRun makes it easy for property owners to start and manage their vacation rentals.
SkyRun Property Management Reviews
SkyRun Property Management has received mixed reviews across various platforms. On Google, they maintain an impressive 5-star rating in many locations, with owners praising the company's attentive service, effective communication, and well-maintained properties. Many guests also appreciate the clean accommodations, good amenities, and friendly customer support.
On the other hand, Yelp shows a less favorable picture, where SkyRun holds a 1.7-star rating. Common complaints include poor communication, difficulty obtaining refunds during natural disasters, and issues with property maintenance. For instance, several guests have reported unresponsive customer service during emergencies, such as snowstorms, leading to frustration.
SkyRun scores better on Birdeye, where they often hold a rating around 4 to 5 stars, with reviews highlighting positive guest experiences and the quality of customer support at individual franchises. However, the inconsistency across locations, due to the franchise model, means experiences vary depending on the region.
Overall, the company has strong reviews for guest satisfaction but mixed feedback for handling complex situations and managing high-demand locations.
SkyRun Competitors
Hiring SkyRun as your property manager offers the benefit of local expertise combined with the resources of a national brand. However, mixed reviews from both property owners and guests may leave some questioning whether SkyRun is the best option in the U.S. vacation rental market. If you’re looking for additional services like interior design, tax management, or more consistent customer service, it’s worth exploring SkyRun’s competitors.
Awning vs SkyRun
Our Awning property management review shows that this is the top Airbnb property manager in the US because it provides the best value for money.
Awning is a full-service company designed to make short-term rentals a passive income source. They manage everything from preparing properties for guests to handling all ongoing tasks. Unlike SkyRun, Awning provides nationwide coverage by vetting and setting up local vendor teams before taking on properties in a new market.
A standout feature is their interior design and furnishing service, led by Airbnb’s former Head of Design, which helps Awning-managed rentals earn 50% more income than comparable properties. Additionally, Awning’s dynamic pricing model uses technology and local experts to optimize rates, similar to SkyRun.
What gives Awning a significant advantage over SkyRun is its industry-low 15% management fee, which covers all services except design and furnishing, available as an add-on within a set budget. Awning’s consistency across markets makes it a top choice for investors in all U.S. regions.
Vacasa vs SkyRun
Vacasa and SkyRun, both offer comprehensive vacation rental management, but there are distinct differences in their approaches and services.
Vacasa is one of the largest property management companies in North America, managing over 44,000 properties. They provide full-service management, including dynamic pricing, guest screening, and 24/7 guest communication. They also offer administrative assistance for permits and taxes, which SkyRun lacks. However, Vacasa charges higher management fees, often exceeding 35% of revenue, and there are additional costs for extra services like the smart home program and insurance.
On the other hand, SkyRun offers a more localized approach, with franchises that provide a personal touch in each market. SkyRun has lower starting fees (around 15-25%) and is known for its strong guest support and fast onboarding, but it lacks services like interior design, tax handling, and short-term rental insurance. The quality of service can also vary depending on the franchise
Ultimately, Vacasa is ideal for owners seeking a hands-off, full-service experience with a higher budget, while SkyRun might suit those looking for lower fees and more local control.
Takeaway
Our review of SkyRun Property Management highlights a unique model that combines national resources with locally owned franchises. Each SkyRun branch operates independently, creating its own listings, managing guest communications, and earning separate customer reviews. While this structure allows for localized expertise, it also results in inconsistent service quality across locations.
SkyRun offers a decent range of services like guest support and dynamic pricing, but certain key features, such as interior design and tax management, are missing. Additionally, pricing isn’t transparent upfront, as fees are determined only after property evaluation.