Discover vacation home alternatives with co-ownership

Co-ownership vacation homes: Elevate your lifestyle with shared luxury There’s nothing like sharing your second home with friends and family in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Co-ownership vacation homes make this lifestyle possible, blending the sophistication of luxury real estate with the ease of shared ownership. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering in Palm Beach, a wine tasting in Napa, or a winter soirée in Aspen, each destination offers its own unique opportunities for entertaining. With Pacaso, you enjoy the benefits of a professionally managed, beautifully designed home — ready for memorable experiences whenever you arrive. Palm Beach entertaining tips for coastal gatherings Palm Beach is synonymous with vibrant social scenes and outdoor entertaining. Co-ownership vacation homes here often feature expansive patios, private docks, and resort-style pools — perfect for hosting sunset cocktail parties or alfresco brunches. Take advantage of local One of the standout features of Palm Beach homes is their seamless indoor-outdoor flow, ideal for entertaining in the balmy Florida climate. Picture evenings spent around a fire pit, with ocean breezes and lively conversation. For example, Santa Barbara gatherings with coastal elegance Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean charm and ocean views set the stage for sophisticated entertaining. Co-ownership vacation homes in this region often feature open floor plans, sun-drenched terraces, and lush gardens. Host a wine and cheese evening with selections from local vineyards, or plan a summer barbecue overlooking the Pacific. For a touch of local flavor, invite a private chef to prepare a farm-to-table meal using ingredients from the Homes like Napa wine country hosting and culinary experiences Napa’s reputation as a wine and culinary capital makes it a dream destination for those who love to entertain. Co-ownership vacation homes in Napa are designed for gatherings — think expansive dining rooms, chef’s kitchens, and outdoor spaces with vineyard views. Host a private wine tasting with a local Aspen mountain escapes for all-season entertaining Aspen is renowned for its year-round appeal, from snowy winter gatherings to summer mountain adventures. Co- ownership vacation homes here often feature vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces, and expansive decks — ideal for après-ski evenings or summer barbecues. Arrange a Hallam’s living room, with its dramatic beam ceiling and sophisticated lighting, embodies the mountain lifestyle and provides a welcoming space for hosting guests in style. Owners of Parisian soirées in the heart of the city Paris offers an unmatched setting for intimate dinners and lively soirées. Co-ownership vacation homes in Paris blend timeless elegance with modern comforts — think beamed ceilings, stone fireplaces, and sweeping city views. Host a candlelit dinner with a Rue du Bac’s dining area, with its classic Parisian features, provides the perfect backdrop for memorable hosted dinners and gatherings with friends. As a Pacaso, Hosting essentials for every destination No matter the location, co-ownership vacation homes offer a foundation for effortless entertaining. Here are a few essentials to enhance your hosting experience: If you’re considering different types of vacation homes, think about which amenities and features best suit your entertaining style. Find your perfect co-ownership vacation home Whether your vision includes beachfront brunches, wine country dinners, mountain gatherings, or Parisian soirées, Pacaso offers a curated collection of homes in the world’s most desirable destinations. Explore Ready to create unforgettable experiences in your own second home? Learn more about the benefits of co- ownership by reading our guide on

When it comes to buying a second home, your clients have several options. The default choice — buying a whole home — offers the most flexibility. However, the The good news is that you can guide your clients toward other ownership paths to make their second home dream a reality. There are three paths to explore with your clients: timeshares, fractional ownership and co-ownership. The right choice starts with the right planning First things first: You’ll want to encourage your clients to determine what matters the most to them. Second home paths offer varying levels of equity, flexibility and responsibility. Buyers should ask themselves: How much time will they spend in their home? Will they plan their stays ahead of time or be more spontaneous? How much time do they have to customize and maintain their home? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. However, with the proper planning, your buyers can purchase a second home that works with their schedule, their budget, and their time and willingness to maintain and manage it. Once you’ve helped them determine these parameters, they can consider the different ownership paths. The truth about timeshares The first option is a timeshare. With a timeshare, buyers purchase the right to use a vacation property or condo for a set period. A timeshare is suited for buyers looking for one- or two-week vacations a year. Rather than owning the home, buyers are more like “renters” at the timeshare. While they won’t need to maintain the timeshare, they don’t have equity in it. If owners want to sell off their timeshare in the future, most timeshares sell at a significant loss (if owners are able to sell at all). In addition, a timeshare does not provide any specific benefits to agents as they are sold exclusively through a timeshare company. Fractional ownership, fractional benefits Fractional ownership works for buyers looking for deeded ownership, shared maintenance costs and longer vacations in resort properties. However, it can be costly to purchase a fractional and even more expensive to maintain one over time. As an agent, you can earn commission on a fractional, but buyers are required to pay membership to a club or property management group. Resale opportunities are also uncertain. The difference with co-ownership A co-ownership model is a step above fractional ownership. With co-ownership, buyers own a share of a private, high-value home with a small number of other buyers. This path is a good option for clients looking for more accessibility and flexibility than a fractional ownership and more equity than a timeshare. Instead of  With the right path to ownership, your buyers can secure a more meaningful place to call home, which is a win for them and a win for your business.

Sometimes, you just need to get away.  But how often, and for how long? And where do you like to stay? The answers are different for everyone. Maybe you think of time away from home as an opportunity to explore new and unknown destinations. Or perhaps nothing feels more comfortable than returning to a familiar place where you know what to expect, and you don’t have to search for the things you need. Examining your travel preferences and budget can help you choose accommodations that meet your needs. Three housing options to consider are Here are five questions to ask yourself when comparing your second home options. 1. What’s my budget? Money will likely be an important factor in your decision. The upfront costs associated with a home purchase are much higher than Am I willing to spend time on homeowner tasks? Do you get excited about home improvement projects and bill-payment spreadsheets? Or, when you’re away from home, are utilities and lawn care the last things you want to think about? Below, you'll see how the estimated operating costs of a Pacaso compare to a whole second home, along with the cost of renting a similar rental. Co-ownership can provide a significant cost advantage long-term over both options. *This estimate is based on the typical operating costs of a Pacaso and a similar whole home and is intended for comparison purposes only. How much will I use the home? Do you typically take one vacation a year? Or maybe you’re a Do I plan ahead? Do you sometimes wake up on a Saturday morning, hop in the car and figure you’ll find a place to stay once you reach your destination? Or are you most comfortable making plans weeks or months in advance? When you co-own a Pacaso, a maximum of seven other owners enjoy the home, meaning far less competition for dates. Plus, the SmartStay™ Am I looking for a ‘home away from home’? Are you just looking for a comfortable place to sleep? Do you think of a second home as a blank slate, ready for your artistic vision? Or do you want an always-ready gathering place where you make memories with family and friends? There’s no one right choice for everyone. But if you plan to use your second home several weeks a year, you don’t want the hassles and responsibilities of whole home ownership, and you want your second home budget to go further,

Owning a vacation home is a dream for many people — a beautiful home away from home where you, your family and your friends can relax, reconnect and enjoy living like a local in your favorite vacation destination.  Yet full second home ownership isn’t always the right fit for everyone. Owning a vacation home can be expensive, require a lot of effort to 1. Renting a vacation home When you Benefits of renting a vacation home  When you rent a vacation home, you enjoy a lot of flexibility. You can choose to stay in a different home, in a different destination, every time you travel. You can choose a smaller home for traveling with your immediate family, then a bigger home for a multi-generational trip or a trip with a large group of friends. Stay at a beachfront home for a warm-weather getaway, then spend a winter weekend on the slopes in your favorite ski resort town.  When you rent a vacation home, you won’t have the large investment of a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, nor will you have a long-term commitment.  Drawbacks of renting a vacation home When you rent a vacation home, you won’t build equity as you might with second home ownership. You also can’t make any changes to the home to suit your needs — what you see is what you get. Finally, you may have to negotiate rental restrictions and book far in advance to find a rental that suits your needs.  2. Timeshares With a Benefits of timeshares  As a timeshare owner, you enjoy cost-sharing benefits — per-night stays can often be cheaper than hotel bookings. And, since most timeshares are in a hotel or resort setting, you’ll enjoy access to on-site amenities and perks. Many people appreciate the predictability of their vacation costs as timeshare owners (although fees can vary year to year).  Drawbacks of timeshares  Just because the pricing is more predictable with a timeshare doesn’t mean it’s always affordable. Some of these programs have high annual fees and expensive maintenance costs that may increase each year. Another downside is that it may be hard to find availability during peak seasons in popular destinations. Finally, timeshares often depreciate in value over time, making it hard to sell your shares when you decide you no longer want to participate.  3. Vacation clubs As the name implies, vacation clubs are membership-based programs. In exchange for a one-time initiation fee and the cost of an annual membership, you get access to hotels, vacation homes, and, in some cases, travel experiences all over the world. You’ll find vacation clubs associated with major hotel brands, as well as Benefits of vacation clubs  While the specific perks vary from one club to the next, generally vacation club members enjoy access to a wide range of accommodations around the world, some of which are inaccessible to the general public. Nightly rates are discounted, and a host of amenities are included. Compared to other travel options, members often find bookings to be flexible. Membership also usually comes with perks such as concierge services, discounted rates on other types of travel and loyalty rewards.  Drawbacks of vacation clubs  The biggest drawback to being part of a vacation club is that membership can be expensive. Some also require long-term commitments, which make it difficult to cancel or modify your membership. Like many types of travel, members may find it difficult to book in-demand destinations during peak seasons.  4. Home exchange programs  Home exchange programs let you swap your home with another homeowner, offering a low-cost, immersive way to travel. Instead of paying for lodging, you and another household agree to exchange homes for a set period. It’s a community-driven option that’s gaining traction, thanks to platforms like Advantages of home exchange programs The biggest benefit of home exchanges is affordability. With no nightly rental fees, you can explore new destinations without stretching your travel budget. It’s also a unique way to live like a local, staying in a real home instead of a hotel. For those open to adventure, it’s a great way to experience different cultures in an authentic and cost-conscious way. Drawbacks of home exchange programs Home swaps come with some limitations. You’ll need to list your home and be willing to host someone else at the same time, which may not work for everyone’s schedule. Finding a compatible match in the location you want to visit can also be challenging, especially during peak seasons. And because you’re trusting someone with your home (and vice versa), communication and mutual respect are essential. 5. Co-ownership With Advantages of co-ownership The biggest benefit of co-ownership is the cost-sharing. Instead of shouldering the entire cost of buying and owning a second home, multiple owners split everything: the purchase price and the cost of maintenance and management. Because multiple parties pool their money, owners may be able to access a higher-end property than they’d be able to afford on their own. When you become an owner of a Pacaso, for example, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free, Drawbacks of co-ownership When you co-own a property, you have to equitably share time in the home with your fellow owners, so you may not be able to stay in the home every time you’d like. There’s also the potential of conflict or disagreements with your co-owners. Finally, you won’t have the full ownership benefits you’d enjoy as a single owner.  Co-own your dream home with Pacaso If co-ownership of a second home is the best fit for your vacation goals, budget and lifestyle, consider Pacaso. Our unique Fully furnished and expertly designed Pacaso homes are available in

Interested in splitting the cost and responsibilities of vacation home ownership? Buying a house with a friend offers a more affordable path to owning a second home. It may also put more luxurious properties within your reach.  But 1. Understand the benefits and risks  Buying a house with friends involves more than just shared costs. You're also sharing responsibilities and potential risks. Before you move forward, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Co-owning a vacation home can make ownership more affordable and give you access to better properties. It also offers the chance to enjoy the space with people you care about. But it adds complexity, especially if co-owners differ on finances, usage or future plans.  If you and your friend decide the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, co-owning a vacation home could be smart. If not, Pacaso can help you find vetted co-owners who may be a better fit.  2. Align on goals  When buying a vacation home with friends, ensure all would-be owners have the same goals. Everyone should agree on Some questions to discuss include: Make sure to iron out these big decisions before you begin your home search. It’s important to go into home shopping with a clear set of criteria. And remember: Everyone will need to make compromises to keep the process moving forward.  During this process, consider whether you’re interested in buying internationally. Pacaso offers 3. Evaluate finances  Many people are uncomfortable discussing money with those outside their immediate family, but it’s an absolute must if you’re considering You’ll also want to ensure that everyone can afford a second home, not only for the initial purchase but also to cover ongoing costs and monthly mortgage payments for years to come.   4. Discuss expectations  Take the time to discuss the hard questions about home usage and how you'll handle tricky situations if they arise. Clear expectations up front can prevent misunderstandings later. Here are a few questions to get you started: 5. Divide responsibilities  Buying a holiday home — especially in another city, state or country from your primary residence — is a lot of work. Luckily, owning a home with friends means you can share the responsibilities. Before purchasing, make plans for who will take care of specific tasks. You might assign one person to take care of paying the bills, like the mortgage, utility bills and insurance. In contrast, someone else might oversee vendors like house cleaners, landscapers or 6. Create a co-ownership agreement Protecting yourself legally is essential before buying an investment property with a friend. Hiring a real estate attorney may require time and money, but it’s worth the investment. A lawyer can draft a co-ownership agreement to ensure all parties are legally protected. Beyond ownership shares, your agreement can also cover the 7. Find the right home  Now comes the fun part: house shopping! Hire a real estate agent with experience in your target market and vacation home co-ownership. Provide your agent with your predetermined wish list and find a time when all parties can travel to the destination to tour homes in person.  After each showing, have an open conversation about pros and cons to narrow the options. Remember to pack your patience. Finding a property that fits everyone’s wants and needs may take some time.  8. Keep lines of communication open Communication among owners shouldn’t end as soon as you receive the keys. Shared vacation home ownership is an ongoing responsibility. Stay in contact with your co-owners so you can decide on things like vacation dates, maintenance needs and home improvements.  And don’t forget the fun stuff. Be sure to share tips and tricks with your co-owners, whether that’s the great new restaurant they won’t want to miss or a local hiking trail you discovered on your last visit.  9. Consider managed co-ownership Owning a vacation home with friends comes with responsibilities like Pacaso simplifies co-ownership with full-service management. A dedicated home manager handles everything from routine upkeep to billing and vendor coordination. This hands-on support removes many of the hassles of shared ownership, so you and your co-owners can focus on enjoying your time at home. Skip the stress with fully managed co-ownership Buying a house with a friend isn't always simple. That's where Pacaso comes in. Pacaso makes it easy to co-own a luxury second home—without the hassle. We match you with vetted co-owners, create a co-ownership agreement and LLC, and handle everything from property management to home design and maintenance. All you have to do is arrive, unpack and enjoy your professionally furnished vacation home. You’ll find Pacaso homes in

Understanding short-term rentals You’ve likely come across vacation home listings on Over the last decade, short-term rentals have grown immensely in popularity. Brands like Homeowners are drawn to short-term rentals for their income potential, flexibility, marketing automation, and tax benefits. Unlike long-term rentals, these properties can also serve as personal retreats. Seasonal demand may affect availability, and during peak periods, owners might need to adjust personal use. Additionally, keeping a property guest-ready requires attention to cleaning, coordination, and maintenance. How do short-term rentals work? Many people who Short-term rentals typically accommodate stays ranging from a few nights to several weeks, and in some cases, up to a month. Properties rented for longer than six months are usually considered long-term rentals, while anything shorter generally falls under the short-term category. Local regulations ultimately define what qualifies as a short-term rental in each area. When comparing a vacation home vs. short-term rental, the distinction is clear: a vacation home is primarily for personal enjoyment, while a short-term rental is managed as an income-generating investment. Understanding this difference helps potential owners make informed decisions about property use, financial planning, and regulatory compliance. What is considered a short-term rental in each state? Local restrictions are a critical factor for anyone considering What qualifies as a short-term rental by state? Owners should verify local regulations, zoning, taxes and licensing with their city or state government website for specific details about what qualifies as a short-term rental in their area before leasing their property. What are the different types of short-term rentals? Short-term rentals generally fall into three main categories: entire homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and individual rooms. The type of property you list can influence how you operate your vacation rental business, including tax obligations and zoning requirements, so accurate categorization is essential. Entire homes Airbnb and Accessory dwellings Also called in-law suites, ADUs are often detached studios on the same property as the primary residence. They typically include an en-suite bathroom, comfortable furnishings, and sometimes a private entrance — perfect for guests looking for a cozy, independent space. Individual rooms Some jurisdictions allow homeowners to rent out a room in their primary residence as a short-term rental. The room can accommodate one or more guests and sometimes offer access to shared spaces like a kitchen or yard. Like ADUs, some private rooms can include separate entrances for added privacy. Short-term rental vs. long-term rental: what’s the difference? Both short-term and long-term rentals are investment properties that homeowners can use to generate rental income. The length of the lease between owner and tenant often determines which type of rental agreement both parties will abide by. A long-term rental is generally a lease agreement for tenants who live at a rental property for at least 90 days, although some landlords require a minimum of 180 days or a full calendar year.  A short-term rental, however, is generally available to lease for less than 30 consecutive days. Compared to a long-term rental, What should I consider before investing in short-term rentals? Investing in a short-term rental can be a lucrative opportunity, but it comes with responsibilities that go beyond simply owning a second home. There are several factors to consider before investing in a short-term rental. To operate a short-term rental, owners need to: While short-term rentals can generate income, they also demand time, effort, and organization. If your priority is relaxation rather than running a business, Should I buy, co-own, or rent a vacation home? Short-term rental: Buying a whole second home: Co-owning a vacation home: Which option works best depends on… How does Pacaso compare with luxury short-term rentals? Instead of renting a vacation home night by night, Pacaso offers co‑ownership — a way to enjoy a luxury second home while also building equity. Why Pacaso stands out Compared with other vacation home options, Short-term rentals provide flexibility and variety, but they come with unpredictability: changing hosts, inconsistent quality, and no long-term return. Pacaso combines privacy, stability, and a true “home away from home” experience, letting you enjoy the perks of luxury second-home ownership without the full-time operational responsibilities. Co-owning a luxury second home has never been easier. Unlike vacation rentals,