How does Pacaso work? A simple guide to luxury co-ownership

Communities across the U.S. are experiencing troubling housing inventory shortages, and this problem has only intensified over the past year — particularly in second home communities. Buyer This supply and demand imbalance is understandably frustrating for local residents in search of affordable, moderately priced homes. It also creates a challenge for aspiring second home buyers hoping to unlock the dream of second home ownership and secure a higher-end home in these desirable communities.  Enter Pacaso.  Pacaso launched in October 2020 with a mission to make second home ownership possible for more people. Our fully managed co-ownership model is helping a broader pool of aspiring second home buyers purchase real estate in a second home community for ⅛ the price and enjoy the home throughout the year.  Because a fully managed co-ownership model is new to many people, we often encounter questions and misconceptions from neighbors and local community members about the potential impacts to their community.  To shed light on these misperceptions, here are common myths about Pacaso — and the reality behind our model and owners. Myth: Pacaso is a timeshare While Pacaso’s fully managed co-ownership service is new, “DIY” co-ownership is not. It’s common for groups of friends or family members to buy a second home together. While feasible, self-organized co-ownership can be a hassle to set up and manage on an ongoing basis. Myth: Pacaso will drive up home prices and take away homes needed by the local workforce Pacaso helps preserve affordable and middle-tier inventory by enabling eight aspiring buyers to instead co-own a single second home. Now, instead of applying their original budget to a lower priced whole home, Pacaso buyers can co-own a home at a higher price point. This redirects buyers toward luxury, above-median homes and consolidates buyer demand. Said another way, each Pacaso home removes eight second home buyers from the market as active shoppers. This reduces overall competition in the market, creating opportunities for local buyers shopping in for moderately priced homes. Austin Allison, Pacaso co-founder and CEO, explains Pacaso's positive impact on local housing markets. Myth: Pacaso’s math doesn’t make sense — cumulative shares add up to more than the whole home price Myth: Pacaso owners will negatively impact my local community Pacaso also supports greater diversity in the community by lowering the barriers to second home ownership. We’re proud that 25% of Pacaso’s owners are nonwhite or identify as LGBTQ+, and many owners are families who are now able to enjoy second home ownership for the first time. Myth: A Pacaso in my neighborhood will be disruptive   Myth:  Pacaso homes are the same as short-term rentals Community perspectives Here’s what local community members are saying about Pacaso’s positive impacts:  — — — —

Owning a second home is a dream for many families, but it’s often complicated and a financial burden. Pacaso was founded to change that — making second home ownership more accessible, flexible, and enjoyable for modern buyers. What is Pacaso? By combining innovative technology, thoughtful design, and Pacaso is a technology-enabled real estate marketplace that reimagines second home ownership by making it more accessible, flexible, and manageable. Pacaso’s business model is based on How does Pacaso work? Buyers co-own This approach allows buyers to enjoy a turnkey, fully furnished vacation home at a fraction of the cost and hassle of full ownership, while still building potential equity in a desirable property. Whether it’s a mountain retreat, lakeside escape, or coastal getaway, Pacaso makes second home ownership more flexible, accessible, and stress-free. Who are the Pacaso founders? Pacaso was co-founded in 2020 by Austin Allison and Spencer Rascoff, two seasoned real estate tech executives on a mission to make luxury second home ownership more accessible. Together, they combined their expertise to create a co-ownership model that makes second homes more attainable, manageable, and enjoyable. In 2014, several years before Austin came up with the idea for Pacaso, he and his wife purchased a second home in Lake Tahoe. For Austin, co-founder and CEO of Pacaso, owning a second home had long been a dream—but making it a reality was financially challenging and logistically complex. “We were like most families who aspire to own a second home but could not easily afford it at the time,” he explained. “The only way we could make it work was to rent it out when we were not there. We felt privileged to own the home, but the stress and hassle of managing a rental to help pay the mortgage was burdensome.” This experience planted a seed in Austin’s mind: there had to be a simpler, more flexible way for families to enjoy second homes without the typical financial and management headaches. That idea would eventually grow into Pacaso, a company now redefining what it means to own a second home. How did Austin Allison build his real estate career? Austin grew up in Cincinnati in a working-class family. His father was a carpenter, and Austin was entrepreneurial from a young age — his very first venture involved building and selling birdhouses to families in his neighborhood. That early curiosity about creating and selling something tangible would foreshadow his future in business and real estate. Not long after, Austin’s interest in real estate began to take shape. He bought his first house at just 17 and earned his real estate license a year later, showing an early knack for understanding property and transactions. As his ambitions grew, Austin founded his first company, Dotloop, in Cincinnati. Dotloop, a platform that streamlined real estate transactions, quickly gained traction and attracted attention from industry leaders. Its success culminated in an acquisition by This combination of entrepreneurial spirit, early real estate expertise, and experience with innovative tech would later become the foundation for Pacaso, a company aiming to transform the way people access and enjoy second homes. What sparked the idea for Pacaso? It was before the acquisition of Dotloop that Austin purchased his second home. Even while running a successful business, Austin and his wife were thrilled to have a special place in a location they loved, a retreat where they could make memories and escape the everyday. Yet, the experience highlighted a gap in the market: second home ownership was complex, expensive, and often out of reach for many families. “I felt like I’d achieved a dream,” recalled Austin, “and I wanted to make that possible for more people.” That desire — to make owning a second home simpler, more affordable, and more accessible — became the seed for what would later grow into Pacaso, a company redefining the second home experience for families everywhere. How did Pacaso’s business model take shape? After leaving Zillow Group, this kernel of an idea started to develop. Austin and Spencer began brainstorming ideas for startups that would combine their shared passions for real estate, travel and tech innovation.  They gravitated toward the concept of making second home ownership more achievable for more people, of “right-sizing” ownership by allowing people to buy only the amount of a home that they’ll actually use, and enabling true ownership with far fewer hassles.  Austin believed that a When Austin discovered that most second homes are vacant 10-11 months each year, he also felt confident that co-owned homes, with a small owner group, would help keep second homes occupied year-round, bringing more consistent economic activity to local businesses.  Co-owners purchase the amount of home that meets their needs, and Pacaso handles all the management and maintenance — while communities benefit from invested owners who support local businesses. It was the better way of owning a second home that Austin had imagined was possible.   Why is the company called Pacaso? The story behind our name reflects the spirit of innovation at the heart of Pacaso. In case you’ve noticed the nod to a famous artist, it’s intentional. We are inspired by Pablo Picasso’s revolutionary thinking and the way he challenged artistic norms in the early 20th century. Picasso didn’t just create art — he reimagined how people could see and understand it, co-creating cubism, which brought together individual elements to form an entirely new and innovative whole. That approach resonated deeply with how we envisioned second home ownership. Just as Picasso combined pieces to create something bigger and more meaningful, Pacaso brings together multiple owners to create shared opportunities for owning a second home. By combining resources and rethinking traditional ownership models, we make it possible for more people to enjoy the benefits of a vacation home while reducing financial and logistical stress. “We chose the name Pacaso as a tribute to Picasso’s legacy of innovation, creativity, and challenging the status quo — values that continue to guide how we approach second home ownership today.” Watch the video to hear from Austin and learn more about the origin of Pacaso. How do I start my second home journey with Pacaso? Pacaso was created to make

Thinking about a second home, but hesitating because of the math, the upkeep, and the “is co-ownership worth it?” questions?  With fluctuating interest rates, rising insurance and maintenance costs, and the general hassle of owning a property far from your primary residence, The catch is that a lot of people are still evaluating co-ownership through old, misleading mental models: random strangers, timeshare rules, rigid weeks, complicated logistics, and messy exits. That’s not how modern co-ownership works, and it’s definitely not Myth #1: “Co-ownership means sharing your homes with random people.” This isn’t an open-door situation; it’s a limited set of co-owners who each have a real stake in the property. And because everyone owns, the incentives are aligned: owners treat the home like an asset and a retreat, not a revolving rental. Want to see what that looks like in real life? Myth #2: “This is basically a nice timeshare.” The comparison between With Pacaso, each co-owner holds a When it comes time to sell, owners can list their interest on the open market rather than being limited to selling back to a resort company at unfavorable buyback terms. There are no points systems, no resort affiliations, and no sprawling fee structures disconnected from the actual costs of running that specific home. The proof is in the structure itself, and any prospective buyer who wants to understand the legal and practical distinctions in detail is welcome to walk through them with our team. Myth #3: “You’re stuck with fixed weeks every year.” Pacaso is built for real life — plans change, calendars shift, and flexibility matters. Owners use our proprietary Myth #4: “Home management sounds difficult with multiple owners.” You show up to a well-kept, ready-to-enjoy home. When you leave, you’re not stuck coordinating vendors, troubleshooting issues, or worrying about whether the place is being cared for properly. Part of what makes that possible is thoughtful design. Pacaso's co-ownership model is built for people who want the experience of a second home without the complexity of managing shared relationships directly. Most owners choose Pacaso precisely because they value privacy and prefer not to coordinate with co-owners on day-to-day matters, and the model is structured to make that the default. That said, hands-off doesn't mean left out. While Pacaso handles the day-to-day so owners never have to, the decisions that genuinely matter require owner input. Major choices go to a vote, with approval thresholds that scale with the significance of the decision, from a simple majority to unanimous consent.  On the financial side, owners review and must approve the annual budget before it takes effect. It's a structure designed to give owners exactly the right level of involvement: none of the operational headaches, and all of the meaningful control. Myth #5: “Co-ownership can be messy. What happens when someone wants out?” Selling is straightforward. Owners list their shares directly through Pacaso's marketplace, where we provide pricing guidance based on current market conditions; though each owner ultimately sets their own price, just as they would in a traditional real estate transaction.  Pacaso acts as the listing agent, supporting the process and connecting sellers with qualified buyers. When multiple shares in the same home are listed simultaneously, pricing can vary by owner. Buyers have full transparency into all available shares and can choose based on price or preferred calendar availability, so outcomes are driven by a combination of pricing, timing, and buyer demand. The numbers tell a compelling story. Across several hundred resales since inception, Pacaso shares have averaged 99 days on market, a meaningful advantage when you consider that luxury homes in the $5–10M range (the tier most comparable to Pacaso's portfolio) typically take 120–200+ days to sell, with significant variation by market.  Research from the Concierge Auctions 2025 Luxury Home Index found that ultra-luxury homes take roughly four times longer to sell than the average home, and that properties sitting beyond 180 days tend to close at around 20% below their original listing price.  Pacaso shares, by contrast, have averaged 6% price appreciation at resale, with 73% of all completed resales closing above the original purchase price.  That said, Pacaso markets its properties as luxury second homes, not investment vehicles, and we are deliberate about that distinction. Real estate values fluctuate, and we don't represent otherwise. The primary value of co-ownership is access to a high-quality property at a fraction of the cost of sole ownership, and we encourage buyers to conduct their own due diligence and consult independent advisors when evaluating a purchase. So, is Pacaso worth it? How Pacaso simplifies co-ownership Pacaso owners get the second-home lifestyle without the traditional second-home hassle. Instead of “booking weeks” or rolling the dice on vacation rentals, they build real ownership in a luxury home, alongside a small group of co-owners and a scheduling system designed for flexibility. Unlike Our focus has been on improving the fundamentals of the business: driving more efficient sales, maintaining disciplined inventory levels, and expanding our resale marketplace to enhance liquidity and long-term owner value.  We continue to see strong demand across both domestic and international markets, and we're scaling in a way that balances growth with financial discipline. As a Regulation A reporting company, we provide detailed financials through our public filings, and we're committed to ensuring all investors have equal access to information. If you want a place that feels like yours (because it is), with the freedom to use it throughout the year and the confidence that everything is taken care of, co-ownership through Pacaso is the easiest path. If you’re ready to take the smarter path to second-home ownership,

Pacaso is a team of real estate and tech veterans with a mission: Enrich lives by making second home ownership possible and enjoyable for more people.  We offer buyers a smarter way to approach owning a second home: professionally managed Buying and owning a second home through Pacaso dramatically reduces costs and lessens management and scheduling hassles. This lets buyers who are sitting on the sidelines have the chance to become true property owners of a home that previously was beyond their price range.  And it opens up opportunities for real estate agents to have new conversations with buyers and sellers. They can access the second home of their dreams in one of their favorite locations for less money than if they purchased a whole home.   Co-owning real estate is not a new concept. But doing it on your own with friends or family often creates hassle and strain on personal relationships. Many DIY owners find it daunting to communicate effectively about scheduling, maintenance and managing the home.  Pacaso eliminates those issues, making co-ownership easy for the first time by creating a professionally managed, property-specific LLC design especially for co-ownership. A limited liability company (LLC) ensures that the owners are not personally liable for the company’s debts or liabilities. It combines some elements of a partnership, sole proprietorship and a corporation. For buyers, co-ownership increases their purchasing power. It also reduces the stress and pressure of whole home ownership. Gone is the feeling of guilt from leaving a home empty much of the year. Gone is the hassle of vacation rental platforms, the anxiety of knowing that dozens (or hundreds) of strangers are traveling in and out of your home, and the tedium of dealing with repairs.  The benefits for buyers, sellers, owners Buyers can shop from Pacaso’s curated listings. Alternatively, if they find an active listing they’d love to co-own, they can submit the listing to Pacaso; if it meets our specifications, we’ll partner with the buyer to purchase and close on the home, as well as identify vetted co-owners. Each home is co-owned by a maximum of eight owners who use it with only family and friends; no outside rentals are allowed. Owners schedule time in the home with our innovative and equitable SmartStay system on the owner app. And instead of worrying about maintenance, Pacaso's professionally managed LLC will take care of all property management needs. Sellers have two options to work with Pacaso. First, they can decide to sell their whole home to us. Pacaso is a qualified buyer, and we pay premium prices for turnkey homes in the right locations.  Alternatively, current second home owners can decide to keep as much as half of the ownership in their home while unlocking their equity by selling the other portion through Pacaso’ selldown program. This allows owners to keep the home they love while tapping into its liquidity and continuing to enjoy access to their second home. Why partner with Pacaso today? The Pacaso crew, led by former executives from Zillow, has more than 100 years of combined expertise using big ideas and innovative technology to create great real estate experiences. The company’s founders believe second homeownership enhances people’s lives because it has enhanced theirs. And it’s the driving force for the company.  This co-ownership model is a chance for you to bring a modern way of owning as well as fresh inventory to your customers.  Be part of the next wave of innovation, re-inventing how second homes are bought, sold and owned — and creating new business opportunities for you.  -------- Quiz 1. What type of second home ownership does Pacaso offer? A. Whole ownership of a second home B. Time share ownership D. None of the above 2. True or false: Co-ownership is not new, but Pacaso is solving the major pain points associated with the DIY approach. B. False 3. The advantages of Pacaso co-ownership for buyers include: A. They can now afford to own a home previously out of reach financially. They can bring a listing, from Pacaso or any website, that they are excited about to Pacaso. If it’s a fit, Pacaso will buy the home and bring together co-owners. B. They get true real estate property ownership of a fully managed single-family home with fewer hassles and headaches.  4. The advantages of working with Pacaso for sellers include: A. Pacaso pays a premium for turnkey homes in select locations. B. Sellers can unlock equity and still retain up to half ownership of their homes. C. Sellers can remain co-owners of their homes but will have to find the buyers themselves. 5. The professionally managed LLC also handles property management. B. False

For many real estate agents, Pacaso sparks interest — and just as many questions. To explore those questions, we spoke with top-producing realtor, real estate investor, and author, Eugene Kamenskiy, who has built a dedicated platform educating buyers and agents on the Pacaso model.  Drawing from his personal journey, professional credentials, and years of hands-on experience, he shares why Pacaso resonated with him and effective marketing strategies for real estate agents to thoughtfully and successfully position it in today’s luxury real estate landscape. This conversation is designed for real estate agents: practical, candid, and rooted in real-world application rather than sales theory. Q1: How did you first get introduced to Pacaso, and what was your initial impression? My journey to Pacaso began from a very personal place — a dream that started in the middle of a cold Canadian winter. During the harsh winter of 2021, amid COVID-19 lockdowns and ice storms in Toronto, I found myself dreaming of an escape to warmer climates: the Florida sun, the sound of the ocean, and the idea of finally owning a vacation home. It was a dream I’d held for nearly 20 years, ever since a conversation with a former boss who owned a modest Florida property. When I finally began researching seriously, reality hit quickly. The beachfront home I envisioned was priced around $4 million — far beyond my $500,000 budget. Even with financing, the ongoing carrying costs, maintenance responsibilities, and the fact that I’d only use the home four to six weeks a year made traditional ownership financially impractical. That dream felt out of reach — until I discovered the concept of co-ownership. That’s when I found Pacaso. When I first came across Pacaso, it was a pivotal moment. My initial impression? I was blown away. Here was a Silicon Valley–backed company that had cracked the code for affordable luxury living. Pacaso wasn’t just offering co-ownership — it was delivering a In my book, I describe Pacaso as a “paradigm-shifting solution” because it turned what once felt like fantasy into something real and attainable. My takeaway was simple: Pacaso built the model that made the impossible finally possible. Q2: What made you confident in recommending Pacaso and promoting it in general? At first, I was impressed by how the Pacaso model opened doors for people who once believed owning a luxury vacation home was impossible. Emotionally, it felt revolutionary — a concept that could truly redefine the entire second-home industry and create new opportunities for countless dreamers. But what ultimately gave me confidence wasn’t just the idea — it was the people and the proof behind it. Leadership & track record What gave me instant trust in Pacaso was the leadership behind it. Spencer Rascoff (former Zillow CEO) and Austin Allison (founder of Dotloop) aren’t just successful tech entrepreneurs — they’re true real estate visionaries who understand both innovation and property ownership. Their advisory board includes some of the most respected names in the industry, and with $1.5 billion in funding and backing from top-tier investors, Pacaso’s credibility felt undeniable. These are people who clearly know what they’re doing – equipped with the experience, data, and resources to evaluate markets and validate concepts at the highest level. I remember thinking, A proven model Results speak louder than words. Pacaso now has over 2,000 satisfied owners, 90,000 nights booked, a $1B real estate portfolio, and operations in 40 global destinations. Real estate asset As a real estate investor, I immediately recognized the strength of Pacaso’s model. Resilience by design From an investor’s perspective, the Pacaso model appeared remarkably resilient across different market cycles — that was my logical conclusion. When markets are strong, share values naturally rise with the tide, reflecting appreciation in the underlying real estate. But when interest rates climb and affordability declines, co-ownership becomes not just an attractive alternative — it might become the only accessible path for many buyers to step into luxury ownership, fueling demand and, in turn, supporting share values. Pacaso’s structure adapts to both climates, making it, in my view, a smart and sustainable model in any market. Personal alignment As a licensed realtor, mortgage agent, and real estate investor with a multimillion-dollar portfolio — and someone who has always valued innovation that delivers real, lasting results — I saw in Pacaso a model that passed every test: financial, operational, and philosophical. It represents exactly what I believe in: smart, efficient investing, true hard-asset ownership, and the freedom to live your dream today, not someday. Q3: What do you wish more real estate agents understood about Pacaso? I have a chapter in my book: This is not just another home; it’s a lifestyle transformation that opens doors to experiences previously out of reach. Pacaso doesn’t compete with traditional ownership — it expands the market, creating homeowners out of people who might otherwise rent, stay in hotels, or never own a vacation property at all. Agents who promote Pacaso are not only salespeople but also educators and advisors, helping clients realize dreams they once thought impossible. I also wish agents recognized the power of leverage within the Pacaso model. With the ease and flexibility of  Finally, agents should understand that Pacaso solves real problems, such as affordability barriers, management headaches, and underutilization. It’s a legitimate, modern solution for sophisticated buyers seeking maximum return and enjoyment. From my own marketing experience, I’ve learned one important lesson: if you promote only “savings” or “affordability,” you attract the wrong audience. The real message is value, access, and lifestyle transformation — that’s where Pacaso truly shines. Q4: How does Pacaso enhance the second-home ownership experience? In my book, Pacaso transforms second-home ownership from a burden into pure joy — it eliminates every pain point traditionally tied to owning a vacation property and replaces them with simplicity, flexibility, and freedom. Eliminates the “second job” problem Traditional vacation homeownership often feels like work, from coordinating maintenance and paying bills to arranging cleaners and worrying about an empty property. You finally arrive for a short vacation and end up busy fixing things instead of relaxing. Pacaso changes everything. They handle design, furnishing, cleaning, repairs, utilities, taxes, insurance, and reserve funds. You simply arrive, unpack, and start living your dream. Adds true flexibility With Upgrades the Asset Instead of owning a modest $500,000 property, my clients can now own a share of a $2M – $3.5M luxury home with resort-level amenities, the difference between a basic condo miles from the beach and a luxury waterfront estate just steps from the sand. Freedom from debt and stress In my book and No debt, no carrying costs (with smart strategy) Using strategies I outline in my book, Pacaso owners can invest their remaining (saved) capital in cash-flowing assets that cover their monthly Pacaso ownership fees. That means they enjoy their dream home without debt and without out-of-pocket carrying costs. Pacaso doesn’t just enhance second-home ownership — it completely redefines it. It’s not about owning a property; it’s about owning your freedom, your time, and your dream. Q5: What feedback have you received from clients? Many clients who discovered Pacaso through While my book The book itself has generated strong interest. My reader survey shows that people become more interested in co-ownership after reading it. Q6: If you had to describe Pacaso to another real estate agent in just a few words, what would you say? "Pacaso is where Silicon Valley innovation meets luxury real estate — making dream homes accessible through smart co-ownership, backed by proven leadership, and wrapped in hassle-free, turnkey management." "Unlock the luxury market for your clients. Pacaso turns $2M second homes into accessible $400K opportunities — with you earning on every share sold." About the agent This Q&A features Eugene Kamenskiy, a top-producing realtor and Pacaso expert behind Your opportunity with Pacaso Pacaso isn’t just a new ownership model — it’s a new opportunity for agents. For real estate agents willing to understand the structure, educate thoughtfully, and position Pacaso as a value-driven lifestyle solution rather than a discount play, the upside is meaningful. Pacaso enables agents to serve buyers who may have otherwise stayed on the sidelines — and to do so with credibility, confidence, and scale. If you have additional questions,

When you’re traveling, where you Enter another option: a Pacaso second home. Here’s why co-owning a second home is a better option for your vacations than a The unexpected value of a Pacaso People have compared Pacaso to a hotel, Airbnb or a While Pacaso offers a unique form of co-ownership through an LLC, traditional co-ownership models like But it's not just about these practical advantages. A Pacaso offers valuable benefits that can only be experienced as an owner. Here’s what our owners have to say.   1. You can just show up and enjoy your home While hotels and short-term rentals can vary widely in quality, you can expect your Pacaso to be fully appointed and pristine — every time you return. Your home is taken care of by a 2. It’s easy to host your favorite people Making memories with friends and family is one of the most life-enriching parts of a vacation. And with your Pacaso, it’s easy to do just that. From outdoor kitchens and al fresco gathering spaces to open grand rooms and game rooms, Pacaso has the space, features and details to help the ones you love feel comfortable and enjoy quality time together.  — 3. You have the whole place to yourself (and your guests!) At your Pacaso, you always have the whole space to yourself. Your home belongs to you. Our homes feature large gathering spaces, and many also have spacious outdoor areas, patios, balconies and decks. Whether you want to relax, work from home or throw a celebration, you’ll have plenty of space for your whole crew. And it’s not just about space — unlike hotels and Airbnbs, all your guests are welcome at your Pacaso (even your dog!).  — 4. You get to live like a local When you own a Pacaso, you become part of a community. You’re not bouncing through different hotels, homes and places — you return to a neighborhood where every aspect is familiar, from your favorite place for breakfast to local museums. Being able to call a place you know and love home makes for a seamless (and special) vacation every time.  5. You won’t have to stress about your vacation Staying at your own Pacaso offers a different experience from the typical vacation. Rather than having to plan things to do and places to eat at, you have all the — 6. You have all the conveniences of home When you come to your Pacaso, there’s no need to pack the small things. Bathrooms are stocked with towels, hair dryers, a scale, magnifying mirror and basic toiletries. Your home has high-speed WiFi and 7. Every detail is luxurious One of the standout things about owning a Pacaso is having luxurious touches throughout your home, allowing you to vacation in style. In addition to our standard amenities and features, you’ll find high quality linens, Turkish towels, premium kitchen products (including Cuisinart, Le Creuset, Ninja and more), porcelain tableware and a Peloton in select homes. These are the small details that make your vacation special.  — Vacations (and memories) made better When you co-own a Pacaso, you enjoy hassle-free time at a place that feels like your home (because it is). You have the amenities and convenient experiences of a hotel, the wow factor of a luxury Airbnb, and the space and privacy of a vacation home — plus, all the benefits of home ownership. This is what sets Pacaso apart.  Ready to shift into vacation mode and start making lifelong memories? Check out our