Reservation request still pending 48 hours later, vrbo charging my credit card

I've never used vrbo before. I sent a reservation request 2 days ago. 16 hours later, the host messaged me asking for more info about my group. I figured they are reluctant since this is my first booking and I don't have reviews. Understandable. I respond. The host has not responded.

It has now been 48 hours since my reservation request and the host still hasn't responded. But my credit card was charged $483.66 (the booking was over $3,000). Why am I being charged when my reservation hasn't been accepted? Support has been laughably bad.

UPDATE: the host just messaged me: "sorry for the delayed response .. waiting to hear back from another guest". Didn't know that was allowed since its been 48 hours.

UPDATE: this has been solved:

• the $483.66 was a VRBO service fee. I find it odd that it was charged to my credit card before the reservation was accepted but whatever
• vrbo support gave me the phone number of the host and I was able to convince them to accept my booking. The host was trying to get confirmation from a different party to see if they wanted the rental. They were prioritizing that group over me which I understand I guess since I have no history.