@Amber542
You have raised a good point. As always, different strokes, and something for everyone, in a vast marketplace.
I am a lover of homeshares all over the world, as a lifelong traveler and many years host. I have also rented full homes from the owners, which is great when I am traveling with a companion, in familiar territory.
I am a homeshare host, in the house where I reside full time, for 30 years. I am very up front that I am looking for a homeshare, an owner operated place; what my goals and wishes are. My listing states pretty clearly what we offer, and what we do not. It also make clear that we are on site resident owners. If it is not clear to a prospective guest, I hope they will ask, and not assume anything.
To make sure you are getting what you seek, you really need to read the listing and ask all the prying questions. I have noticed that with agency-managed houses that fact has been clear to me by reading very carefully. The beach area near us has all but a couple of places managed by an agency, they are all labeled the same, upon close scrutiny. The description sounds like an agency wrote it. When I looked more carefully at the host description of more than one home, it was clear. They were all large, magnificent, well located houses, better suited to a family reunion than the two of us. No one actually lives there. They are splendid, but feel "empty" - they lack the warmth that I look for, the experience that I travel for. Someone dear to me calls them "trophy houses." I live in one, and it is my homeshare listing.
My alternative to one of these beach mansions was a family owned and operated small hotel in a magnificent location. For a third of the price I was offered a luxury suite with fireplace, balcony, splendid view, total privacy, a magnificent restaurant, and gorgeous gardens for strolling and sitting. I got the option to support a family enterprise. It was crafted and maintained with the love and personal touches I look for when traveling, and what I strive to offer myself, as a home share host. My friends and I rented a room each, and had a peaceful, restful, quality experience to remember.
Again, we all need to do our homework. For some of us an agency-managed place is perfect and preferable. My travel buddies and I prefer to deal with, and benefit, the owner directly.