Chill vs. hot spots: Pick your favorite winter destination

You’re considering becoming a homeowner but aren't sure you can afford to do it alone. This is where Here is what you need to know about co-ownership, including how it works, its benefits and drawbacks, the differences between co-ownership and whole home ownership and how to get started. What is co-ownership? Co-ownership occurs when two or more parties jointly own an asset such as a home. In this arrangement, all owners are listed on the asset's title, signifying that each holds a specific percentage of ownership. Opting for co-ownership means entering into a legal and financial partnership with the other buyers and an agreement about shared property access. How does co-ownership of a house work? Co-owners of a house share obligations like property taxes and mortgage payments. Each co-owner must agree to decisions like renovations made to the property. Co-owners are also typically Shared ownership homes may work through either a joint tenancy structure or a What is a co-owned home? A co-owned home is a property purchased and owned jointly by two or more people. All owners are included on the title of the home, and all parties hold a portion of ownership in the property. When you buy a shared ownership house with other buyers, you enter into a financial and legal partnership and a new living arrangement. Why is co-ownership on the rise? Co-ownership has traditionally involved a group of friends or family members coming together to buy a second home, or a child inheriting a house from their parents or grandparents. While co-ownership isn’t a new concept, it has become a more viable Types of co-ownership There are different Tenancy in common A tenancy in common (TIC) is for two or more people with an ownership interest. Tenants may have unequal investment stakes. For example, one owner might have an 80% interest with two co-owners at 10% apiece.  Often, this corresponds to the financial investment contributed at the original purchase. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the deed, TICs do not have rights of survivorship. Property shares pass to an heir if a tenant dies instead of the remaining tenants. Tenancy in common is available for everyone, regardless of their marital status. Joint ownership All tenants are granted their deeds at the same time and, upon death, agree to pass the property on to their co-owners via survivorship rights to avoid probate. Owners must demonstrate the “four unities” to qualify: Community property Married couples may co-own title as community property in nine states: Arizona, Texas, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Washington and Wisconsin. These states recognize couples as a single financial entity. A right of survivorship must be specified so that when one spouse dies, the other can automatically take over the title. Unlike JTWROS, there’s no guarantee of automatic survivorship rights. Tenancy by the entirety Married couples can also choose tenancy by the entirety (TBE) as their co-ownership model. TBE is a type of joint tenancy that comes with survivorship rights. This ensures the property avoids a costly probate process and passes immediately into the widowed spouse’s hands. Tenancy by the entirety views couples as one financial entity, so the property is considered to be owned by “one person.” Modern co-ownership Pacaso is an example of modern co-ownership, the new way to co-own luxury vacation homes. Modern co-ownership comes with some key differentiators, such as: Pros and cons of co-owning a home As an alternative to buying a whole second home, co-owning a house offers owners a unique set of benefits for buyers, as well as things to consider: What’s needed to start a co-ownership agreement? Whether you are doing Common elements of a successful co-ownership agreement include: Types of co-owners You can co-own a home with a family member, friend and even a stranger. The people you’re looking to co-purchase a home with could influence the type of co-ownership. For example, friends, partners and strangers might consider a TIC or joint ownership, while married couples might benefit from community property and TBE. Buying a home with other people is a major undertaking, regardless of the co-owner. Not only is DIY co-ownership challenging, but it also presents factors outside of your control. Job changes, financial disruption, health issues and other major life and lifestyle changes could impact each person’s commitment to the second home.  Co-ownership mortgage differences If you decide to purchase a home through co-ownership, you and your co-owners will likely take out one mortgage loan — unless you plan on paying all in cash. Advantages of co-ownership mortgages include: But you’ll also need to consider: If you are co-purchasing a home part of a TIC, you may qualify for a fractional loan that reduces your financial responsibility to only your loan and not your co-owner’s. However, Differences between a co-signer and co-buyer A co-buyer (or co-owner) is different from a co-signer regarding ownership and payment. Co-signers take full responsibility for a loan along with a primary signer, but they do not have any ownership rights to the home. In contrast, a co-buyer has equal or similar rights to other buyers co-owning the home. Another difference is that co-buyers are responsible for payment from the start of the loan. Co-signers, however, only assume responsibility if the primary signer is unable to make their mortgage payments. Selling a home with co-owners If you decide to sell your home, there are scenarios to consider: The first is where all owners want to sell, and the second is when one owner wants to sell their ownership interest but the others do not. If all owners of a co-ownership property decide to sell, the situation is less complicated, as there would be no debate over the right to sell. Outlining these terms in the co-ownership agreement from the beginning is critical. What happens when only one person wants to sell? With certain co-ownership models like tenancy in common or joint ownership, you have the right to sell your interest in the home. While you cannot sell without the permission of the other owners (as you do not hold sole ownership), you can still share your share at any given time once approved. The buyer of your share — which could be another co-owner — would take on the same portion of ownership that you held in the property.  H2: Co-ownership vs. fractional ownership While co-ownership and However, unlike timeshares, co-ownership and fractional ownership models provide deeded ownership, Tips for co-buying a house If you’re thinking co-buying is for you, here are some additional tips to consider: Co-own a home today Co-owning a home empowers people to own property and build equity while lowering the financial and logistical burdens of buying and owning a whole house.

Your second home should be a place to relax and unwind—not a source of stress. Yet too often, homeowners find themselves weighed down by the realities of vacation home management, from routine maintenance and bill payments to scheduling repairs. While some properties offer basic vacation home management services to handle these tasks between visits, Pacaso takes it further with fully managed co-ownership and turnkey property management.  Here’s a closer look at what vacation home management typically involves, and how Pacaso’s approach goes above and beyond traditional solutions. Here’s what professional Property maintenance and upkeep Routine maintenance is at the heart of vacation home management. This includes landscaping, inspections, and repairs to keep the property in top condition year-round. Proper upkeep not only preserves your home’s value but also ensures it’s always ready for a relaxing stay. Many vacation home management companies will also be responsible for seasonal upkeep like leaf removal and snow clearing to keep the home in pristine condition year-round. Vacation home cleaning services Between stays, homes require thorough cleaning and preparation. Cleaning and turnover services make certain that every visit feels relaxed and welcoming, from fresh linens to spotless kitchens and bathrooms. Financial management and bill handling Managing a vacation home involves more than upkeep. The best property managers often include handling utilities, taxes, HOA fees, and insurance—freeing owners from the administrative burdens of property ownership. Guest and owner access coordination Scheduling stays, managing keys or smart locks, and coordinating arrivals and departures is another critical component of vacation home management services. Effective access coordination ensures that both owners and guests have a smooth, stress-free experience. Security and home monitoring Finally, professional vacation home management services often include monitoring the property to safeguard against issues while the home is unoccupied. This can range from smart home alerts to routine inspections, giving owners peace of mind no matter where they are. The challenges with vacation home management companies Even with professional management, many homeowners face challenges that can make vacation home ownership stressful. Understanding these common pain points helps find the best vacation home management solution for you. High costs and hidden fees Many traditional vacation home management companies charge steep service fees, often with extra costs for maintenance, turnover, or concierge services. These expenses can add up, cutting into the enjoyment and financial value of owning a second home, so it’s important to consider Impersonal interactions Some vacation home property managers operate like faceless service providers. Owners may find communication transactional, with little personalized attention or understanding of their preferences and lifestyle. Difficulty reaching support Getting timely help can be a challenge, especially when urgent maintenance issues arise or last-minute scheduling changes are needed. Limited responsiveness can leave owners feeling frustrated or unsupported by their vacation home manager. Limited flexibility Traditional management companies may not accommodate unique homeowner needs, whether that’s last-minute bookings, customizing interior touches, or coordinating with family schedules. Inconsistent standards Not all vacation home management companies maintain the same level of quality across cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep. This inconsistency can affect the guest experience and the property’s long-term condition. Turnkey vacation home management with Pacaso When you co-own a luxury vacation home with Pacaso, you gain true freedom from the burdens of traditional home ownership and the hassles of managing a second home. Pacaso’s fully managed approach ensures every detail is handled, delivering a seamless ownership experience crafted for your relaxation and enjoyment. Stylish interior design and furnishings Outfitting a second home can be time-consuming and costly, which is why Pacaso’s turnkey property management ensures your home is ready for comfortable living from day one. Our goal is to provide you with a second home that is both beautiful and functional.  Our team of interior designers gives each home a thorough makeover, selecting custom furnishings, artwork and accessories that complement the home’s architectural style and layout, making your vacation home interior design feel effortless.  We balance modern design with comfort to create livable luxury. Pacaso owners should feel as comfortable — or more comfortable — in their second home as they do in their primary residence. In addition to furnishings, homes are fully equipped with Design Certified Our top-tier vacation home management services begin before you even walk through the door. Our team of in-house interior designers works tirelessly to create a beautiful space that is unique, inviting, and functional. Every Pacaso home is part of our Impeccable turnover services and maintenance Maintaining a second home from afar can be a challenge, and once you’re there, you want to focus on relaxing—not spending time on vacation home cleaning and upkeep, or a pesky After each owner’s stay, the home is thoroughly inspected and cleaned, and any maintenance issues are logged and resolved. Preventive vacation home maintenance services are scheduled to address potential problems early, and reserves are set aside for long-term or unexpected issues, like replacing an appliance that stops working.  We also supply items like light bulbs and batteries so owners can easily take care of minor issues without needing to run to the store. Pacaso’s vacation home management team also makes sure the property looks great year-round, with regular landscaping and region-specific upkeep like snow removal, so your home stays pristine and ready for every visit. Streamlined bill management When you co-own a home, you need a fair and centralized system of billing. Pacaso property management makes this aspect of ownership simple. For each home, we create an annual Ongoing dedicated support Your relationship with Pacaso doesn’t end with your purchase. You’ll have a dedicated Home Manager to support you before, during, and after your stays.  Your Home Manager or our 24/7 Central Support crew handle any maintenance issues, so you’ll never have to worry about second home management, finding service providers, or scheduling repairs. We also check in with owners to see if their needs are being met and provide an opportunity for feedback. Our number one priority is ensuring Pacaso owners have a The Pacaso property management team Meet some of the Pacaso Home Managers and get an inside look at their day-to-day work as vacation home property managers. Lindsey Harden (Tahoe) In the Tahoe region is Senior Home Manager, Lindsey Harden, who shares the care and service owners can expect. Aaron Olthoff (Colorado) If you’re an owner in Colorado, you’ll get to know Aaron Olthoff. He shares how he keeps every Pacaso home in the iconic Rocky Mountain towns in top condition all year long. Discover the ease of turnkey property management with Pacaso and take the next step toward second home bliss.

Pacaso is known for delivering an effortless ownership experience for those seeking a second home with ease and flexibility. Owners may hold up to six advance stays at a time per 1/8 share owned, and advance stays can be booked up to two years in advance, allowing you to plan ahead for holidays, school vacations, and more. But sometimes the best memories come from spur-of-the-moment plans — a surprise long weekend, an unexpected day off, or a simple urge to escape. And other times, you just want to linger a little longer. With Pacaso, owners can not only book last-minute getaways but also easily extend their stays, giving you more time to relax, recharge, and enjoy your home away from home. The Pacaso app shows availability in real time, making it easy to find and book dates in the short-notice window.  Already have a stay booked? If the days before or after your reservation are available in the short-notice window, you can add them on at no additional cost, giving you more time to enjoy your home away from home. With Pacaso’s SmartStay™ system, flexibility is always just a tap away, whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or simply not ready to head home. “I think the ability to look far to the future but also have the flexibility for last-minute stays is really awesome with the app, because it enables you to make the most of the time you have and really enjoy the property.” — Dan, Pacaso owner “I think the app is super easy to use, and I can just look and see what’s available and we plan our trips around it.” — Elizabeth, Pacaso owner “The app is so ridiculously easy. You can do your scheduling, you can cancel and change — it’s really flexible, and if there are extra nights, you can just book it on the spot.” — Gayle, Pacaso owner This flexibility reflects Pacaso’s commitment to redefining second home ownership by creating an experience that’s effortless and designed with owners in mind. Plan your next getaway today and make the most of every moment in your Pacaso home.

Before any Pacaso owner steps inside their new home, our team has already spent hours perfecting every detail– rearranging the layout, curating furniture, and fine-tuning the in-home experience. The result is a space that doesn’t just look beautiful, it We call this expert touch, Nestled in Kiawah Island’s lush wetlands, this home exudes Southern charm and hospitality. Light-filled interiors and refined design create a sophisticated retreat, while expansive living spaces and nearby nature trails offer room to connect and explore. But what makes this home truly exceptional is that every design choice is intentional, with details that elevate it from the inside out. We asked a few Pacaso team members who helped bring Blue Heron to life what stood out most to them: Every Pacaso home is part of our Behind the scenes, our team works through a detailed process, from architectural walk-throughs to virtual design boards, to ensure every space is not only aesthetically stunning, but highly functional.  Because your second home should support the Ready the moment you arrive The beauty of owning a Pacaso isn’t just the destination, it’s the ease. When you arrive at Blue Heron, everything is in place: fresh linens, a fully stocked kitchen, plush seating, and welcoming spaces for everyone to unwind. It’s not just a second home in Kiawah Island, it’s a second home where the hard work is already done for you. All that’s left to do is enjoy.

Before any Pacaso owner steps inside their new home, our team has already spent hours perfecting every detail– rearranging the layout, curating furniture, and fine-tuning the in-home experience.The result is a space that doesn’t just look beautiful, it We call this expert touch, Tucked in the heart of Vail, Fallridge is just minutes from world-class skiing and a short walk to the heated outdoor pool, perfect for unwinding after a day in the mountains. But what truly makes this home shine is the level of intention behind every detail. We asked a few Pacaso team members who helped bring Fallridge to life what stood out most to them: Every Pacaso home is part of our Behind the scenes, our team works through a detailed process, from architectural walk-throughs to virtual design boards, to ensure every space is not only aesthetically stunning, but highly functional.  Because your second home should support the At Fallridge, that meant reimagining the downstairs living area for après-ski gatherings, curating custom artwork for the dining area, and layering textures like soft gray Phillip Jeffries wallpaper to add warmth and dimension to the primary suite. Ready the moment you arrive The beauty of owning a Pacaso isn’t just the destination, it’s the ease. When you arrive at Fallridge, everything is in place: fresh linens, a fully stocked kitchen, plush seating, and welcoming spaces for everyone to unwind. It’s not just a second home in Vail, it’s  a second home where the hard work is already done for you. All that’s left to do is enjoy.

Beginning this summer, Pacaso owners and investors visiting the “Partnering with a Napa Valley icon like Cakebread Cellars enhances every stay for our owners,” said Pacaso Co‑Founder & CEO, Austin Allison. “Exceptional wine, warm hospitality, and a true sense of place are cornerstones of the Napa lifestyle—and the types of experiences Pacaso is designed to deliver.” “We’re excited to launch this partnership with Pacaso. Cakebread Cellars has been committed to creating memorable authentic wine experiences over the past 53 years and together with Pacaso, we look forward to bringing these same luxury wine experiences to Pacaso home owners around the country,” said Laura Webb, Vice President of Sales, Marketing & DTC at Cakebread Cellars. From vineyard‑view estates in Napa to coastal retreats worldwide, Pacaso curates and manages luxury homes so owners can focus on what matters most: creating lasting memories. The Cakebread Cellars partnership underscores Pacaso’s commitment to pairing turnkey ownership with authentic local experiences and benefits that bring each destination to life. To learn more about owning a Pacaso in Napa Valley, visit

Timeshares have been around since 1969, and sales show no sign of slowing, growing an average of 7.2% annually. This is mostly due to millennials becoming a significant portion of timeshare owners, with many seeking flexible and diverse vacation experiences. This steady growth shows people are continuing to be interested in this vacation style, especially now that there are way more ownership choices to fit all sorts of travel tastes. Our guide covers different timeshare types, including fixed-week, floating-week, and points-based systems. We'll also detail the costs of owning a timeshare, like the purchase price and maintenance fees, so that you can decide on your vacation goals. How do timeshares work? In a timeshare, multiple individuals (usually up to 52) collectively invest in and share the use of a vacation property Timeshares operate on It's crucial to understand that with timeshares, Real-world timeshare example Let’s say your family buys a timeshare property in If you vacation there for 10 years straight, you’ll have spent $38,000 ($25,000 initial cost + $1,300 annual fee x 10 years) plus any additional maintenance fees. Divided across 140 nights (14 per year), that adds up to $271 per night, which may be cheaper than the cost of the room if you book on the resort’s website. The potential savings via a long-term contract are why some people find timeshares so appealing. Types of timeshares There are a lot of timeshares out there, and not all timeshares or Shared deed timeshares Shared deeds divide ownership into smaller parts that reflect how long you can stay. A timeshare that’s divided into two-week stays would have 26 simultaneous owners, and it’s not uncommon for deeds to have a 52-part split, one for each week of the year. Shared lease timeshares Shared leases are like an apartment you’re paying to stay in a few weeks out of the year, but you commit to a certain period. The kicker here is that you don’t get a deed because How timeshares are split Now that you understand how the two types of contracts work, let’s look at the three main ways to divide time for timeshare properties.  To avoid a Ultimately, ask yourself: "Is this a place I want to stay year after year?" This can help you determine if a timeshare is right for you. Fixed weeks Fixed weeks mean you’re locked into the same week every year (say, the third week in April). While this offers the predictability of always having your vacation secured at a specific time, it also means your travel dates are rigid. Changing your fixed week usually comes with a hefty price tag in the form of an upgrade fee, if it's even possible, making it less flexible for those whose schedules vary from year to year. Floating weeks Floating weeks let you choose your week seasonally. This offers more flexibility than a fixed week, since you're not tied to the exact same dates every year. However, that flexibility comes with a trade-off: floating week systems are very competitive among timeshare owners, and the best slots during high season get snapped up quickly.  You'll often need to book far in advance to secure your preferred dates. If keeping your Points system Some timeshare properties operate with a points system, similar to an airline. You “pay” for your stay with points, giving you greater flexibility in how you travel. This means you're not restricted to a single property or a specific time slot each year.  Choosing an off-season, weekday stay or downgrading to a smaller room may cost fewer points overall, allowing you to stretch your points for more frequent, shorter getaways or save them up for something bigger. By contrast, you can also use points to upgrade components of your vacation, such as getting a bigger room or a better view — or even enjoy another How much does a timeshare cost? A timeshare's cost involves two main components: an initial purchase price and ongoing annual fees. The initial cost to buy a timeshare is In addition to the upfront payment, you'll be responsible for annual maintenance fees and any other charges outlined in your contract for the lifetime of your timeshare. These fees cover essential expenses such as maintenance, utilities and property taxes. They average around Timeshares vary in format, ranging from fixed-week to floating-week systems, and this can also influence the overall costs associated with them. Be sure to check the terms of your timeshare contract before signing. This document should outline all of the one-time and ongoing costs, including: Financing a timeshare Banks usually don’t loan money for timeshares, so buyers have few financing options other than the timeshare company itself. Little competition means some timeshare companies use high-pressure sales tactics on potential buyers, plus  14-20% interest rates — way higher than most This can significantly increase the overall cost of a timeshare, making it crucial for potential buyers to scrutinize the full financial commitment before signing any agreements. You might consider using a Pros and cons of timeshares You may fall in love with timeshares because they’re in destinations with lots to do. Some timeshares allow you to trade locations with other owners, use some of your nights to explore somewhere new or let your friends and family members use your nights.  Unfortunately, timeshares also have quite a few detractors. Annual fees and special assessments can be expensive, and if you decide it’s no longer the right choice for you, timeshares can be hard to sell on the secondary market. The timeshare industry also gets a bad rap for pushy sales tactics. Timeshare ownership also sidesteps most of the fiscal advantages that owning real estate normally brings, like equity, Exiting a timeshare If a buyer eventually decides to sell their timeshare, The second home difference One of the main reasons people choose a timeshare over another type of getaway — like Although With Here’s one last major difference: You’re guaranteed far more than a week’s stay — on average, owners of a 1/8 share in a And should you decide to sell, you can sell at any time, at the price you set. Learn more about how

If you invest in a fractional ownership of a holiday home, you'd have the right to use that property for a predetermined number of days or weeks annually. This approach allows individuals to enjoy the benefits of owning premium assets without bearing the full financial burden alone. In this post, you’ll learn what fractional ownership is, explore its pros and cons and get answers to some frequently asked questions. Understanding fractional ownership You’ll typically find fractional ownership for real estate like vacation homes. However, fractional ownership can also come into play for art, stocks and fashion. When owners purchase real estate assets with fractional ownership, they’re issued deeds representing their fraction of the property.  How fractional ownership works It may sound complicated, but fractional property ownership is pretty cut and dry. Here’s how it works: Types of fractional ownership There are two main types of fractional property ownership structures: an entity, like an LLC, and tenancy in common. Fractional ownership through an entity Some properties split ownership by using a structural entity like an Tenancy in common Tenancy in common (TIC) means each tenant holds an individual deed for a fraction or percentage of a commercial or residential property. However, no one person or company is in charge. With a TIC, individuals can own different percentages of the property but share it equally. Some TIC agreements are self-managed. Fractional ownership vs. timeshares Timeshares may be shared by as many as 52 owners (one person or group for every week of the year) while fractionally owned properties can have as few as two owners.  Benefits of fractional ownership Fractional ownership has many benefits, including shared maintenance costs and upkeep, among others. Here are some of those benefits: Expanded opportunity to own Fractional real estate investments allow you to own a portion of Deeded ownership Unlike a timeshare, fractional home ownership gives you a deed to a fraction of the property itself (sometimes called a Usage rights Unlike short-term Shared upkeep and maintenance costs Using the fractional ownership model, you're also responsible for only a fraction of the property's upkeep and maintenance. This includes taxes, HOA fees, repair bills, landscaping, utilities, Lower upkeep and maintenance burden Most fractional real estate ownership agreements include provisions for long-term property management, with owners deciding how to handle any issues. Maintenance of When you have fractional vacation home ownership through an entity, it will include preventative and Cons of fractional ownership Though fractional ownership has advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider.  Fewer financing options Fewer banks provide mortgages for those looking to buy properties fractionally. You may need to shop around or consider other ways to Less flexibility and freedom All decisions about maintenance, repairs and decor must go through all ownership partners, which can be a hassle. If you want to sell a fractional property, the other fractional owners must approve the sale, depending on your agreement.  Some fractional property ownership clubs also require you to maintain an agreement with the club or property management company associated with the home, with no option for self-management or management outside the company. Limited travel opportunities While it's not unheard of to own shares in multiple fractional ownership properties in different locations, investing in fractional ownership also means investing in the location you’re going to revisit. Of course, you can still vacation elsewhere, but it's something to factor into your travel plans and budget.  Similar alternatives to fractional ownership Where fractional ownership falls short, Pacaso steps up. Pacaso's professionally managed LLC co-ownership model gives you all the perks and lower co-ownership costs with key differences that set it apart from fractional ownership resort clubs. Unlike fractional ownership resorts, Pacaso offers LLC