Apparently if you e-mail the owner directly from the VRBO site, there are no VRBO fees. However, if you reserve directly through VRBO and they contact the owner for confirmation and pay directly through them, there are fees. They claim they are guaranteeing the confirmation so are charging fees for that. Some VRBO owners advertise there, but do not participate and you contact the owner directly by e-mail to avoid any extra fees.It really depends on the route the owner has chosen for contact.