I am concerned about the Vacasa mass-marketing to Orcas Island. The person they hold out as their Orcas Island property manager is based in Seattle! More importantly, absentee management is just as impractical as absentee ownership when renting.

If one does an Internet search on Vacasa and its public reviews as well as reviews from its employees, one will see the glossy marketing letter mailed to Orcas residents is far from an accurate picture.

The more various searches one does online, the more negative comments reveal about this company.  If San Juan County is true in its desire to regulate and legislate its vacation rentals, requiring a local property manager would be wise for owners, neighbors and companies like mine that have been playing by the rules since the county’s ruling in 1999.

I would suggest you contact your local councilman Rick Hughes and express your opinions: rickh@sanjuanco.com.

Karen J. Key Speck

Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate