Pacaso vs. Exclusive Resorts: how co-ownership and a luxury vacation club compare

Inspirato is a luxury vacation club founded in 2010 that gives members access to a curated portfolio of managed vacation homes, hotel and resort partners, and guided travel experiences across more than 100 destinations worldwide. Rather than owning a property, members pay ongoing fees for the right to book stays within the Inspirato collection. Inspirato currently offers two primary membership options: Both tiers include Inspirato's signature services: personal vacation advisors, on-site concierge support, and pre-trip planning. What neither tier provides, however, is any form of real estate ownership. Members hold a right-to-use license, not a deed or equity stake in any property. Pacaso is a luxury second home co-ownership platform that allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a fully managed luxury home through a Unlike a vacation club membership, a Pacaso share is real property. Every home is A dedicated Home Manager handles everything before, during, and after every stay, from cleaning and maintenance to personalized touches that make each visit feel like it was prepared just for you. Owners can also finance their purchase, benefit from potential appreciation, and resell their share through And here is where Pacaso has a decisive edge over any vacation club: the Learn more about Cost structure is one of the starkest differences in a co-ownership vs. Inspirato comparison.  Here is a side-by-side look at both models: While Inspirato's lower upfront cost may appear more accessible, it is important to note that members do not build any equity and cannot recoup their fees by reselling. With Pacaso, your purchase price goes toward a real asset, one that can appreciate over time and be sold when you are ready to exit. Pacaso also offers Scheduling is another major distinction in any co-ownership vs. vacation club comparison. With Inspirato Club, members book nightly stays on a first-come, first-served basis through the Inspirato app, competing with the entire Inspirato community, which has historically numbered around 15,000 members, for availability. The Pass program allows members to hold two trips simultaneously, with no additional per-night fees, and access to hundreds of homes across Inspirato's portfolio. With Pacaso, scheduling is governed by the Pacaso owners also have access to the This is the most fundamental difference between Pacaso and Inspirato, and the most important consideration for anyone evaluating these as Inspirato alternatives. Inspirato operates on a right-to-use license. Members pay for access, not ownership. When you cancel your membership, you walk away with nothing. There is no equity, no appreciation, and no residual asset value from the fees paid over the years. Pacaso is structured around real estate co-ownership. Each home is held through a For buyers who want a second home that doubles as a long-term asset, co-ownership vs. Inspirato is not a close comparison. To explore how co-ownership works in more detail, see Pacaso's guide to Both Pacaso and Inspirato serve luxury travelers, but they appeal to meaningfully different buyer profiles. For a broader look at how co-ownership compares to vacation clubs and other models like timeshares, see our deep dive on For luxury travelers who want more than just access, Pacaso offers a fundamentally different, and more enduring, value proposition. Here’s what sets it apart as an ideal Inspirato alternative: Ready to explore luxury second homes in your favorite destination? Browse Pacaso's

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

You’ve decided it’s time for a second home — a private retreat where you can escape, recharge, and make memories with loved ones. But traditional ownership can be overwhelming, with high costs, maintenance, and scheduling challenges. Short-term rentals are often impersonal, and timeshares can feel restrictive. So, how does Pacaso work? Pacaso reimagines second-home ownership through fully managed What is Pacaso? Pacaso, Each Pacaso home is held in a How does Pacaso work? Owning a second home can be expensive and stressful, with unpredictable maintenance and scheduling conflicts. Pacaso simplifies the process by combining true property ownership with Here’s how Pacaso co-ownership works at a glance: One of the most common questions prospective co-owners ask is: what exactly am I paying each month? The short answer is that Pacaso monthly fees cover everything it takes to maintain a luxury second home at the standard you'd expect, and then some.  There are no mystery line items, no surprise invoices. Just a clear, shared cost structure designed to make ownership as effortless as it is worthwhile. Pacaso budgets for each home's operating expenses annually, then breaks the total into 12 monthly payments. Costs are shared among co-owners on a pro rata basis, meaning you pay only for the share you own. Those payments are deposited directly into the property's LLC account, and Pacaso uses the funds to cover expenses as they arise. Every budget is fully customized for the property and grounded in actual spend, not estimates pulled from thin air. Each budget is reviewed and approved by the homeowners themselves before taking effect, so it always reflects the true cost of maintaining the home. And every quarter, expenses are reconciled. If a home comes in under budget, owners receive credits back. Pacaso monthly fees typically cover: Like any real estate market, operating costs for luxury second homes have evolved. Since 2021, the broader cost of owning and operating a second home in the markets where Pacaso operates has risen roughly 40–50% on average, driven by inflation and rising costs for insurance, labor, and services, particularly in high-demand destinations where skilled vendors are harder to source for large luxury properties.  Across the Pacaso portfolio, actual operating expense increases have tracked closer to 30% over that same period, generally in line with, but slightly below, broader market trends. The biggest individual drivers have been rising insurance premiums and property taxes. Insurance in particular has seen steep increases over the past five years, especially in states like California, Florida, and Colorado, where many Pacaso homes are located.  Carriers have exited markets, reduced coverage, and raised premiums across the board for residential properties, a well-documented industry-wide trend that has affected second-home owners everywhere, not just Pacaso co-owners. That said, Pacaso's property insurance costs have stayed essentially flat in the most recent renewals, even against the backdrop of significant industry losses, including those from the Malibu wildfires. This is a direct result of the strength of the Pacaso portfolio and the disciplined way homes are managed. As Pacaso's track record as a proven property manager has grown, that reputation has been reflected in more competitive coverage and pricing. Pacaso owners were already paying market-rate property management costs from day one. What has changed over time is not the total cost of managing a home, but where those fees go.  In Pacaso's early years, management was handled by third-party vendors whose rates varied and increased annually. As Pacaso scaled, it built an in-house property management team covering property management, accounting, legal support, and full home and vendor coordination, replacing those external providers with a consistent, comprehensive service. During the transition, Pacaso's internal fee was kept intentionally low and has since been gradually brought in line with market rates: approximately 20% from 2022–2023, 8% from 2023–2024, and 14% from 2024–2025. These adjustments represent a reallocation of existing costs from variable third-party vendors to Pacaso at consistent, market-rate pricing, not a net increase in what it costs to run your home. Now that the portfolio is fully transitioned, Pacaso has not raised property management fee tiers over the past two years, and the goal going forward is stable, predictable pricing, a meaningful improvement over the variable annual increases owners experienced under third-party management. Monthly owner expenses may be adjusted to reflect real changes in home costs, whether insurance, taxes, or other market-driven increases. When adjustments are necessary, they are communicated proactively, with backup documentation available upon request. Because the budget process requires owner approval on an annual basis, owners see and vote on cost changes directly. There are no surprises hidden in the fine print. Owners also have meaningful input into the significant decisions affecting their home. While Pacaso handles day-to-day property management on behalf of the LLC, major decisions require a vote of the owners, with thresholds that vary depending on the nature of the decision, ranging from a simple majority to unanimous consent.  On the financial side, Pacaso prepares a proposed annual budget and presents it to owners for review, and that budget must be approved by a majority of ownership interests before it takes effect. Owners aren't involved in routine operational matters, which is by design since that's much of the value Pacaso provides, but they retain real governance rights over the decisions that matter most. It's the kind of financial clarity and owner control that's rare in traditional second-home ownership, and one of the reasons co-owning with Pacaso simply makes sense. What makes Pacaso homes special? Pacaso homes are intentionally designed to feel like true retreats — not just places to stay, but places you genuinely look forward to returning to. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to deliver a consistent, high-end ownership experience across locations. Together, these elements create a second-home experience that is polished, predictable, and easy, so owners can focus on enjoying their time rather than managing the property. How do Pacaso alternatives compare? Many buyers unfamiliar with the Pacaso business model ask the same question: is Pacaso a timeshare? The short answer is no. But to fully understand how the Pacaso business model works, it helps to compare it to the most common second-home options available today. By combining true property ownership with professional management, flexible access, and financial transparency, Pacaso homes offer a modern, stress-free alternative to traditional second-home models — without the limitations of rentals or timeshares. Why is Pacaso the smart way to buy a second home? If you’re wondering, “how does Pacaso work for second home buyers?” The answer lies in its modern approach to luxury second-home ownership — one that blends the rewards of owning a vacation home with professional management, flexibility, and peace of mind. Rather than purchasing a second home on your own, Pacaso allows buyers to co-own a luxury property, sharing costs and responsibilities while still enjoying true, deeded ownership. Being a Pacaso owner is about more than just time in a house — it’s about enjoying a vacation home without the work. Owners benefit from: Owning a Pacaso share isn’t just about a property — it’s about creating a personal getaway filled with memories, comfort, and freedom.

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,

Luxury vacation destinations to co own in 2025 Ready to spend more time in the places you love and less time planning logistics? These luxury vacation destinations for 2025 pair world-class culture, dining, and outdoor access with the ease of Pacaso co-ownership. From Paris fashion weeks to Cabo sunsets, consider how a consistent home base elevates the things to do on vacation you already enjoy. Co-ownership gives you turnkey time in the world’s best markets, with professional management so you simply arrive and enjoy. If you are new to the model, start here: Paris for art, fashion and riverside evenings Paris continues to headline luxury travel in 2025. Make the city your base for world-class museums, shopping along Rue Saint-Honoré and private Seine moments, and browse Pacaso listings in London for design, dining and West End culture Settle in for gallery previews, reservations in Mayfair and curtain calls in Soho. A Pacaso base simplifies repeated London trips so you can focus on exhibitions and friends, not check-in times. Explore our homes in Los Cabos for sea life, golf and sunset cruises From December to April, Cabo’s private charters spot migrating humpbacks and gray whales. Iconic El Arco at Land’s End is a must by boat, and San José del Cabo’s Breckenridge in the Rockies for four season adventure Charleston and nearby islands for easy coastal living Just outside Charleston, Kiawah offers a 10-mile beach, five championship golf courses including the This stretch of coast is ideal for short, high-quality trips. Morning surf checks, long lunches downtown and sunset porch hours become second nature with a consistent address. San Diego and La Jolla for culture, surf and dining A 1,200-acre Signature experiences to line up each season Keep a short list of favorite activities in each market across these luxury vacation destinations and repeat your top picks without the usual trip planning. Find your 2025 home base Own your time in the world’s top luxury vacation destinations and let the routine work in your favor. Ready to compare mountain and coast, or line up peak weeks around your favorite things to do on vacation? Explore our homes in

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:  — — — —