The Pacaso blog

Many dream of What makes beachfront property management different? Owning a beachfront property comes with unique demands that set it apart from other types of property care. In addition to the standard responsibilities of property maintenance, guest management, vendor coordination, and preventive care, Homes along the shore face year-round exposure to salt air, humidity, storms, and the daily wear of sand and sun. These elements can quickly erode finishes, corrode metal, and cause structural damage if not properly managed. That’s why beachfront properties require more frequent inspections, specialized materials, and proactive upkeep to preserve both their beauty and long-term value. Beachfront vs. coastal property management At first glance, beachfront property management and coastal property management may sound interchangeable as they both deal with homes near the water. But there’s a world of difference between a property that sits on the beach and one located a few blocks or miles inland, and each requires a different level of Key distinctions: What are common challenges of beachfront property management? Beachfront homes face constant exposure to the elements which brings a unique set of maintenance challenges. Owning a beachfront home demands a proactive approach to protect both the home’s structure and long-term value. While every beachfront property faces these challenges, the severity and focus of care vary by location. A home in Maine, for instance, faces different risks than What does beachfront property management look like by region? Every coastline has its own unique characteristics, weather patterns, and environmental factors that can impact coastal homes. While all beachfront homes share common upkeep concerns, the day-to-day realities of managing them differ across the East Coast, West Coast, and Southern beaches. Northeast beachfront property management From the Jersey Shore up through Cape Cod and Nantucket, Northeast beachfront properties face harsh winters, nor’easters, and the year-round effects of salt and moisture. Management here focuses on protecting homes from cold, storms, and coastal wear. In Cape Cod and Nantucket, for example, winter prep is essential. This includes protecting pipes from freezing, servicing heating systems, and sealing gaps to keep the cold out. Every property requires attention to seasonal rhythms to stay safe, comfortable, and well-maintained. Key focus areas: West Coast beachfront property management Along the Pacific, weather is generally milder, but erosion, salty air, and strict environmental regulations create their own set of challenges. Beachfront homes in California, like this Key focus areas: Southern and Gulf Coast beachfront property management In the South, where humidity, heat, and tropical storms dominate the forecast, maintenance revolves around moisture control and weather resilience. Beachfront homes in Florida, along with those in Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama, face long summers, heavy rainfall, and intense sun exposure that can quickly wear down exterior finishes. In Miami Beach, for example, it’s important to keep a close eye on king tides, which can bring flooding even on sunny days. Homes with water access or docks require owner education on tide levels, timing, and safety. The same is true for popular destinations like South Carolina beachfront vacation homes, where consistent upkeep is key to comfort and longevity. Key focus areas: Why do many owners choose professional beachfront property management? Owning a beachfront home is rewarding but maintaining one is rarely simple. Between constant exposure to salt air, unpredictable coastal weather, and high guest expectations, the demands can quickly overwhelm even experienced homeowners. That’s why many choose to work with a professional Key advantages: Many owners find the How Pacaso elevates beachfront property management Every Pacaso home comes with a dedicated local Home Manager who supports owners and cares for the property before, during, and after each stay. Acting as a centralized point of contact, they coordinate all aspects of beachfront property management, from maintenance to day-to-day tasks, ensuring an easy and enjoyable experience for owners. In coastal destinations, where salt air, humidity, and storm exposure add extra layers of complexity, Pacaso Home Managers provide invaluable support. They keep homes well-maintained, secure, and always ready for owners to simply arrive and enjoy their oceanfront retreat. Here’s what you can expect from your Pacaso Home Manager: Comprehensive property care Personalized service and thoughtful touches Financial and vendor oversight Why co-own a beachfront home with Pacaso? Beachfront living should be about enjoying the view, not worrying about upkeep. With Pacaso, homeowners benefit from a full-service approach to beachfront property management that protects their investment, preserves the home’s beauty, and ensures every visit is effortless.  Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or sharing ownership year-round, Pacaso provides the peace of mind that comes with professional oversight — so you can focus on making memories, not managing the property.

Mountain property management is essential for keeping mountain vacation homes in top condition year-round. These properties offer a stunning backdrop for any getaway thanks to towering pine trees, sparkling mountain lakes, and endless outdoor adventures. But their unique challenges, from harsh weather to seasonal maintenance, require specialized care and support. What makes managing mountain vacation homes different? Mountain vacation homes have unique needs that set them apart from second homes in other destinations and require a bit more of These factors make specialized mountain property management crucial. Owners benefit from professionals who understand the unique demands of mountain living and can handle everything from seasonal preparations to ongoing mountain home maintenance, ensuring the home stays safe, comfortable, and ready for every visit. What are the seasonal responsibilities of mountain property management? Managing a mountain vacation home requires careful planning, local expertise, and proactive care throughout the year. Mountain home property management goes beyond Winter Winter is often the most demanding season when it comes to Spring As snow melts and temperatures rise, homes need careful attention to transition from winter to the warmer months. Key tasks include: Summer Summer brings longer days and more opportunities to enjoy a mountain vacation home, but it also requires maintenance to keep the property in top condition: Fall As temperatures drop, preparing mountain vacation homes for winter is crucial to avoid costly damage: By addressing these seasonal tasks, mountain property managers ensure that these mountain vacation homes remain safe, functional, and ready for use year-round. What makes Pacaso property management unique? Every Pacaso home comes with a dedicated Home Manager—a local expert who goes above and beyond In destinations like the Here’s what you can expect from your Pacaso Home Manager:  Comprehensive property care Personalized service and thoughtful touches Financial and vendor oversight With Pacaso’s dedicated home managers, mountain property management is effortless, with exceptional service and the peace of mind that comes from knowing every detail is expertly handled. Why should I own a mountain vacation home with Pacaso?  Mountain homes highlight both the rewards and the challenges of second home ownership in mountain destinations. From snow-packed winters to festive summer seasons, each shift in weather demands attentive care.  With Pacaso’s dedicated home managers, owners enjoy all the beauty of the mountains without the burden of constant upkeep. And the best part? This service is fully included with co-ownership, so there are Instead of managing seasonal checklists or coordinating vendors, Pacaso owners arrive at a home that is well-maintained, stocked, and personalized to their preferences. It’s an approach to mountain property management that turns the dream of

Spending the holidays in your second home brings fresh opportunities to create holiday traditions that deepen your family connection and make the season more fun. When you have a special place to return to year after year, the memories you make become part of your family’s story. Here are some simple traditions to help make each holiday season in your second home feel even more special: Holiday traditions for your second home Hold a fun gift exchange Try a themed or location-inspired exchange — like Secret Santa, white elephant or a regional twist that reflects your second home’s setting. Your loved ones may enjoy gifts tied to the home’s region, like a local craft or something meant to be enjoyed during your stay. It’s a lighthearted tradition that will quickly become one of your favorite family traditions. Add a new ornament each year Collecting ornaments over time is a beautiful way to watch your family’s story unfold. Each year, buy or make an ornament that reflects the home’s location or a meaningful moment from the past year. As your collection grows, your tree becomes a visual timeline of holidays spent together. DIY decorations Bring the outdoors in by crafting decorations inspired by the surroundings of your second home — pinecones from nearby trails, seashells from a morning beach walk, driftwood, or local greenery. Turn it into an annual hands-on activity that everyone can look forward to during your holiday stay. Plan a holiday baking day Dedicate one day of your visit to holiday baking. Create gingerbread houses, revisit a favorite family recipe, or try a regional treat popular in your home’s location. Baking together in your second home’s kitchen instantly sets the tone for the season and fills the space with comforting holiday scents—and delicious treats. Enjoy a seasonal story hour Slow things down by gathering in a cozy corner or beside the fireplace to read a classic holiday book aloud. This simple ritual invites everyone to unwind and share a quiet moment together — a welcome contrast to the bustle of the season.  Host a family dinner Choose one holiday meal you only make at your second home. Maybe a family-favorite recipe like grandma’s lasagna, or tamales, or one of your best holiday party dishes like fondue or bite-sized appetizers. Keeping the menu consistent each year builds anticipation and anchors the holiday to that specific place and moment. Create a “home away” time capsule On the final day of your stay, have each family member write down a favorite memory from the visit. Seal the notes in a container and save it until the next holiday trip. Opening it the following year becomes a joyful tradition of reflection and nostalgia. Tour local holiday lights Every community has its own festive charm. Make it one of your annual family traditions to walk or drive through the area to explore nearby holiday displays. It’s a simple, joyful way to feel connected to your home’s location. Find your second home with Pacaso A second home isn’t just a house; it’s the backdrop for the holiday traditions your family will treasure for years to come. Whether you’re whipping up your favorite holiday party dishes, hosting extended family, or simply spending uninterrupted time together, Pacaso makes it possible to enjoy all the benefits of second home ownership — more shared experiences, more connection and more moments that become lasting holiday memories.

Short-term rentals have become a staple of modern travel, offering the comforts of home with the convenience of a hotel. Not only do they provide a flexible option for travelers, but also a potential source of income for homeowners. But turning a mountain cabin or beach house into a rental comes with its own considerations and trade-offs. Here’s what potential owners should know. 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,

If you’re exploring different Since this type of So, what is tenancy in common, and how can it help you purchase a primary or second home? Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of this ownership model, plus the difference between What is tenancy in common (TIC)? Tenancy in common is a home ownership model that allows multiple individuals to own a single property, each holding a distinct share. Unlike joint tenancy, these shares don't have to be equal, making TIC a flexible option for diverse groups of varying income levels or investments. TIC agreements are usually very detailed, addressing various potential conflicts through comprehensive operating agreements. These documents outline financial obligations, maintenance responsibilities and exit strategies. In 2025, as housing costs rise, TIC is increasingly seen as an attractive path to homeownership since it enables individuals to pool resources. Each owner can independently sell, mortgage or will their portion of the property, offering significant autonomy. How a tenancy in common agreement works A tenancy in common agreement is a form of Here is how home buyers can become co-owners within a tenancy in common: It’s important to note that no one person or company is in charge of a TIC. This means that, for example, while one owner might have a 50% interest share in the property, they have the same usage rights as a tenant with 10% ownership.  How to finance a tenancy in common Although a tenancy in common is a form of fractional ownership, you still have access to traditional funding opportunities like loans.  When it comes to financing a tenancy in common, you have two options: Simply put, the main attraction of Tenancy in common property taxes In general, a tax jurisdiction may require property taxes to be paid as a unit. This may be because If your TIC receives a single tax bill, your tenancy in common agreement will determine how the property taxes are paid. Pros and cons of tenancy in common real estate As an arrangement that enables multiple individuals to share ownership of a single property, TIC brings a set of distinct advantages and challenges that prospective homeowners must consider. Understanding these key factors is essential in making informed decisions and forging successful co-ownership partnerships. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of tenancy in common. Tenancy in common advantages Here are the core advantages of opting for a tenancy in common agreement: Tenancy in common disadvantages Although a TIC agreement can be an easily customizable and flexible ownership arrangement, it also has its drawbacks, such as: Tenancy in common example  Now that you understand the basics of how tenancy in common operates, let’s see how this ownership model plays out in a real-world example.  In this scenario, three families enter into a tenancy in common agreement: The story above illustrates how Tenancy in common vs. joint tenancy  The major difference between Let’s break down both co-ownership types: Comparing the different types of tenancy  To understand property ownership, you have to differentiate between the various types of tenancies — and there's more than just the two we've mentioned already.  Ultimately, the type of tenancy you should choose should be determined by your personal situation, legal status (like whether you're looking to buy as an individual or as a How to dissolve a tenancy in common agreement Dissolving a tenancy in common is relatively straightforward and easy to accomplish, assuming all co-owners wish to end the agreement.  Additionally, seeking legal advice, drafting a formal dissolution agreement and adhering to the legal procedures required in your jurisdiction are crucial steps in the dissolution process.  If the co-ownership aspect of a tenancy in common appeals to your real estate goals and you’d like to skip property management altogether, Pacaso offers

Your second home should be a place to relax and unwind — without having to worry about nagging 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.

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.

Alternatives to buying a vacation home reimagined Buyers today want more flexibility and less hassle from their second home. That is why many are exploring alternatives to buying a vacation home outright. Co-ownership offers access to premium homes, professional management, and scheduling that matches real usage — while traditional paths like sole ownership and vacation rentals come with trade-offs. Below, we compare these models across top destinations and share real examples to help you decide what fits your lifestyle. What a co-ownership home looks like in top markets In mountain destinations like Vail, co-ownership is gaining momentum as buyers seek turnkey access near the lifts without year-round oversight. In coastal hubs like Miami, city recognition of co-ownership models has created clarity for owners exploring alternatives to buying a vacation home. And in global capitals like Paris, evolving short-term rental rules are prompting second-home buyers to consider ownership structures designed for personal use. Browse our collections in In Vail, interest in fractional and shared ownership has risen alongside demand for premium, slope-accessible homes. Buyers who want consistent access during peak ski weeks are turning to professionally managed co-ownership for predictable stays and high-quality upkeep without personal oversight. After a day on the slopes, visitors often enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the For easy ski access and a private base in Vail, Miami Beach has formally recognized co-ownership, signaling that shared ownership of single-family homes can be an accepted path for second-home use in the city. At the same time, national second-home demand has cooled, pushing many buyers to rethink traditional models and consider options that align with how often they actually use a home. In Paris, regulators have tightened rules on short stays, and the city continues to scrutinize conversions that remove residences from the traditional housing stock. For second-home buyers who prefer predictable personal use, these shifts highlight the value of ownership structures designed for owner stays rather than short-term rental activity. Why a co-ownership home often fits real usage Most second homes are used for a limited number of weeks each year. A co-ownership home aligns ownership with actual use, supported by equitable scheduling and professional care so the home is guest-ready each stay. Independent research shows co-owned homes see substantially higher owner use than traditional second homes, reflecting an efficient model that matches modern travel patterns. Where sole ownership still fits Whole ownership remains the right choice for some buyers, especially if you plan extended stays, desire full control over design decisions, or want year-round access without sharing. The trade-offs include higher capital commitment, carrying costs during periods of low use, and the need to coordinate vendors and logistics when you are away. Pros and cons by ownership model How to choose your best path Use your expected weeks per year and destination preferences as your guide. If you value predictable access to a top-tier home without year-round oversight, co-ownership is a strong fit among alternatives to buying a vacation home. If you want extended stays with total control, sole ownership may be right. If you enjoy variety and spontaneity, short-term rentals can work when local rules are clear. Start your search for shared luxury living Explore co-ownership options in your favorite markets and see how the model fits your calendar. Tour our collections in

Second home traditions become the heart of family life A second home is more than an address. It is a familiar backdrop for holidays that start to feel effortless, summer weeks that always include the same hike or beach day, and milestone moments everyone can count on. With Pacaso co-ownership, families return to the same beautifully designed home again and again, so the rituals stick and the planning gets easier. Build traditions with a second home in iconic places Anchor family time in world-class destinations and enjoy the same rhythm every visit. Spend spring art walks and café stops in Paris Kiawah Island Los Cabos San Diego Breckenridge London Host holidays and milestones with less effort With Pacaso co-ownership, you enjoy the right amount of time in a designer home, which makes it easier to plan repeat holidays and celebrate life’s big moments. If you plan to buy a vacation home through co-ownership, align on a few meaningful dates and let the setting do the work. The lifestyle benefits families value year after year If you want to buy a vacation home for shared time, consistency matters for your second home. Pacaso homes are move-in ready, professionally furnished and designed for gathering, so the focus stays on time together. Here are simple reasons traditions take root: Anchor your year in a second home that matches your dreams Ready to make tradition part of your calendar every year? From an urban base like

It seems almost too good to be true: Own a piece of vacation heaven, a guaranteed yearly getaway, at what appears to be a pretty affordable price. That’s the promise of timeshares — shared ownership arrangements that give multiple buyers the right to use the same property for specific periods each year.  But when you take a closer look at how timeshares work, you may find yourself with questions about their flexibility, long-term value or hidden fees. So, Before deciding, it’s important to understand what a timeshare really is and explore modern alternatives that offer real ownership and more freedom in your path to How do timeshares work? A timeshare is a shared vacation property ownership model, most often connected to hotels or resorts. Instead of one buyer owning the property outright, the ownership is divided among multiple people (typically up to 52) so each person has the right to use it for a set number of days or weeks per year. Think of it as purchasing time rather than the property itself. Owners don’t hold full real estate ownership but instead secure the right to stay in the same accommodation at recurring intervals. For example, if a unit is divided among 52 owners, each person usually gets one week of use annually. This arrangement makes vacation homes more affordable while guaranteeing consistent access to popular destinations. However, it’s important to note that timeshares generally tie you to a single property, unlike Here’s a closer look at the general steps that show how timeshares work: Real-world timeshare example Let’s say your family buys a timeshare property in If you vacation there for ten 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. The success of the timeshare model depends on each unit being owned by multiple parties, often dozens at a time. Owners don’t always live nearby either— the average distance between a timeshare and an owner’s primary residence is over 1,000 miles. According to a With so many options available, it helps to understand the different types of timeshares and how each one works. There are many types of timeshares, but most fall into two main contract structures. Deeded timeshares Deeded timeshares divide ownership of a property into smaller shares that reflect how long you can stay. For example, a property split into two-week intervals would have 26 owners. The most common model is a 52-part split, one for each week of the year. With a deeded timeshare, you hold real ownership that can be sold, willed to family, or transferred. Most timeshares in the U.S. are deeded. Right-to-use (lease) timeshares Right-to-use (RTU) or leasehold timeshares operate more like a long-term rental. Instead of owning a portion of the property, you lease the right to stay for a set number of years—commonly 20 to 99. Once the contract expires, your usage rights end. Like deeded models, you’ll still share the property with other owners, often up to 52 families. With an understanding of the two main types of timeshare contracts, let’s explore the three primary ways vacation time is divided among owners. 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-week timeshare 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-week timeshare Floating weeks let you choose your week seasonally. This offers more flexibility than a fixed-week model, 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 snatched up quickly.  You'll often need to book far in advance to secure your preferred dates. If keeping your Points-system timeshare Some timeshare properties operate with a points system where 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. In addition to the upfront payment, you'll be responsible for 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 typically do not offer loans for timeshares, leaving buyers with limited financing options outside of the timeshare company itself. With little competition, some companies rely on high-pressure sales tactics and may charge interest rates between 14% and 20%—significantly higher than most second-home loans on the open market. These factors can greatly increase the overall cost of a timeshare, making it crucial for buyers to carefully review the full financial commitment before signing any agreements. Using a What are the pros and cons of a timeshare? However, there are downsides to consider. Annual fees and special assessments can be costly, and selling a timeshare on the secondary market can be challenging if it’s no longer the right fit. The industry has also gained a reputation for high-pressure sales tactics. Additionally, timeshare ownership typically does not provide the financial benefits of traditional real estate, such as equity growth, What does exiting a timeshare look like? If a buyer eventually decides to sell their timeshare, recouping the initial investment and yearly maintenance fees can be difficult. While new timeshare sales continue to grow, the resale market is flooded, with While exiting a timeshare is notoriously challenging, there are six Learning each strategy’s associated costs and understanding which strategy works best for you will help streamline the overall process. What are some timeshare alternatives? With the high costs and limitations associated with timeshares, it’s recommended you first From second home co-ownership and vacation home ownership to vacation rentals, travel clubs, and resorts, each timeshare alternative comes with its own set of features. Options differ in flexibility, ownership structure, fees, and overall cost, allowing vacationers to choose what best fits their needs and lifestyle. What’s the difference between fractional ownership and timeshares? When comparing The benefits of fractional ownership become clear across factors like the number of owners, scheduling flexibility, equity, management, maintenance, building type, cost, and resale value. Fractional ownership generally means fewer owners, more flexible scheduling, and a share that can appreciate over time. Owners also enjoy the comfort of luxury vacation homes rather than individual units within hotels or resorts. What’s the difference between vacation clubs, timeshares, and second homes? The main Owning a second home — usually a vacation property separate from your primary residence — offers you the freedom to visit multiple times per year, potential property appreciation, and the ability to avoid the challenges of reselling a timeshare. How does Pacaso differ from timeshares? And should you decide to sell, you can sell at any time, at the price you set. Learn more about how co-ownership of a second home works with Pacaso and Here’s how traditional timeshares Benefits Pacaso offers With Pacaso, you enjoy the

Now that you own a vacation home, it’s time to learn how to properly care for your asset. Our vacation home maintenance checklist includes the weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual tasks that will keep your home in pristine condition, as well as a remote maintenance checklist so you can manage things from afar.  Knowing how to maintain a vacation home means staying ahead of major shifts in temperature, weather patterns and potential repairs. We’ll cover seasonal to-do’s you should know, plus helpful tips to consider while using our vacation house checklist. If second home care isn’t something you have the bandwidth to tackle on your own, consider becoming a The ultimate vacation home checklist for routine maintenance With the help of our vacation home maintenance checklist, you’ll be able to stay on top of your home’s essential tasks year-round. To use the checklist: Whether your Below, we’ll cover what maintenance tasks you need to complete in each time frame. Weekly vacation home maintenance Performing these maintenance tasks every week can help keep your vacation home in great shape. If you’re unable to tend your vacation home weekly, consider hiring a Monthly second home care Some vacation home maintenance responsibilities don’t require your weekly attention. Complete these tasks every month to keep your vacation home running smoothly: Seasonal home maintenance checklist  No matter what Yearly vacation home maintenance checklist  At the beginning or end of every year, it’s important to assess any damage your vacation home may have endured. While you’re at it, complete the following maintenance tasks to prevent further wear and tear: Absentee maintenance checklist  If you Remote maintenance checklist Even when you’re miles away, staying connected to your property helps keep everything running smoothly year-round. From smart technology to professional services, here are simple ways to maintain your home remotely and keep it in top condition. Second home property management  Between seasonal upkeep and annual inspections, managing your property can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where a trusted partner like Pacaso makes all the difference. With Pacaso, you enjoy the benefits of second home ownership without all the hassles. Explore what co-ownership of a fully managed vacation home can offer you and your family. Each Pacaso home is equipped with a dedicated Does managing a second home seem overwhelming? Explore what co-ownership of a fully managed vacation home through Pacaso can offer you and your family. Each Pacaso is equipped with a dedicated property manager, allowing you to prioritize the enjoyment of

The kids have left for college or jobs, and your once-bustling home is quieter than ever. The Here are 20 activities and events by region and season. Northeast empty nest ideas  The Northeast is full of seasonal activities to enjoy year-round. From local New England festivals to iconic events in the Big Apple — there are plenty of empty nester activities to enjoy here. Spring: Cherry blossom viewing One of the most enchanting places to view cherry blossoms in the Northeastern U.S. is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Brooklyn, New York. Each spring, typically in late April or early May, the garden's Sakura trees burst into a breathtaking display of pink and white blossoms. Buffalo, New York, is home to Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival, a gathering full of great music, food and blooms. Summer: Firefly viewing Head to Fall: Apple picking One of the quintessential autumn activities in the Northeast is apple picking, and a wonderful place to do this is at Winter: Ice skating Located in Central Park and framed by the city's skyline, the Midwest empty nest ideas The Midwest has so much to offer for nature lovers and empty nesters. Try something you’ve never done before or relish in the familiarity of local seasonal events. Spring: Tulip festival In the Midwest, one of the most vibrant flower festivals to attend in spring is the Summer: Visit the Great Lakes Lake Michigan is an excellent choice for a summer visit to the Great Lakes. Its sandy shores and clear waters make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. For a more urban experience, you can explore Milwaukee along its western shore, Chicago on the southern shore or venture to small beach towns like Traverse City, Michigan, to the northeast.  Fall: Visit a cider mill In the Midwest, visiting a cider mill is one of the best Winter: Ice fishing Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota is a premier destination for a classic ice fishing experience. Visitors to the "Walleye Capital of the World" can set up ice shanties, drop their lines and try to catch walleye, sauger and northern pike. The adventure features the cozy camaraderie of fellow ice anglers from near and far. West Coast empty nest ideas From water sports to wine-tasting, the West Coast has it all and then some. Head up north for captivating views of world-famous mountain peaks, or soak up the SoCal lifestyle by the beach. Wherever you go, bring your camera to capture the memories. Spring: Go whale watching One of the best places to whale watch on the West Coast is Monterey Bay, California. Spring is the peak season for whale migrations along the Pacific coast, and Monterey Bay offers abundant opportunities to spot gray whales, humpback whales — and even the occasional orca. Don’t be surprised if your first visit quickly turns into one of your favorite Summer: Go surfing In the summertime, one of the prime surfing destinations on the West Coast is Huntington Beach, California. Known as "Surf City USA," this iconic spot offers consistent waves and a vibrant surf culture. With its long, sandy beach and various breaks catering to different skill levels, it's a fantastic place for surfers of all abilities.  Fall: Sample wines Calling all empty nesters who love to sip back and relax. For an unforgettable wine-tasting tour experience, head to California's Winter: Visit a national park With the scorching desert heat subsided, the cooler temperatures make exploring Southwest empty nest ideas The Southwest is far more than just cowboy country — although horseback riding is first on the agenda. Luxury hot springs and river adventures await you in the desert landscape. Spring: Try horseback riding Head to the Summer: Go river tubing What do empty nesters do to beat the southwestern summer heat? You float down the Salt River near Mesa, Arizona, with a cool drink in hand. With the desert landscape in the background, grab a tube and cruise through breathtaking scenery. Numerous outfitters in the area provide tube rentals and transportation to the launch points, making it accessible for all ages. Fall: Camping One of the best ideas for empty nesters who love the great outdoors is to go camping in autumn. The crisp air makes hiking, fishing and stargazing more comfortable. Winter: Soak in a hot spring Pack your bags for a fall getaway to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where luxury hot springs with towering mountain views await you. Whether you want to soak in the public baths or book a private hot spring suite, Southeast empty nest ideas Last but not least, the Southeast promises thrilling experiences for empty nesters who love history, leisure and being near pristine water. With various landscapes to enjoy, these Spring: Boating Boating is one of the more relaxing activities for empty nesters to enjoy before it gets too hot. Consider Lake Norman in Summer: Visit a botanical garden The Fall: Take a haunted house tour For a spine-tingling experience, head to the historic city of Savannah, Georgia, and embark on a haunted house tour or two. Known for its rich history and eerie legends, Savannah offers numerous ghost tours that guide you through its haunted mansions, cemeteries and squares. Winter: Head to the beach One of the best empty nester ideas is to hit the beach. Visiting the Florida Keys in the winter means soaking up the sun and enjoying everything you’ll love about at a tropical destination — like snorkeling and seaside dining. Catch the spectacular sunsets from Key West's famous Do these empty nest ideas already have you thinking about how to stay at these destinations year-round? If you could see yourself enjoying a seasonal home away from home in one of the regions, consider

Although it may take some time, embracing an From candlemaking to scuba diving, there is an 1. Travel If your dream has always been to travel the world and experience different cultures, there is no better time than now. You can start small by planning day trips to nearby cities and local attractions. However, if And if you fall in love with a vacation destination, you might want to consider owning a second home there. A fully managed 2. Volunteering Volunteering is an impactful and meaningful hobby for empty nesters who want to fill their new free time with purpose and joy. Volunteering can help you connect with your community, get to know your neighbors, learn new skills and contribute to a cause you care about. Whether you love animals, children, nature, art or simply helping those in need, there is a volunteer opportunity nearby waiting for you. 3. Dance lessons If you’re looking for a creative way to break a sweat, you might want to consider taking dance lessons. Dancing is not only a great form of exercise but it’s also a wonderful way to express yourself while going through the transition to empty nesters. Whether you prefer ballroom, salsa, swing or hip-hop, you can enjoy learning new steps and the social interaction that comes from dance. 4. Foster a pet Fostering a pet can be a fulfilling hobby for empty nesters who miss their children. Pets can offer unconditional love, companionship and affection while providing home to animals in need.  Fostering a pet also has the advantage of being flexible and temporary. You can travel to 5. Learn a new language Learning a new language is a great hobby for empty nesters who want to keep their brains sharp. There are many resources and methods available to help you learn a new language at your own pace. You can also set realistic expectations and celebrate your progress along the way. Learning a language can give you opportunities to also learn about the history, traditions and values of the people who speak it.  6. Gardening Gardening is as rewarding as it is relaxing. It’s a hobby that can help parents cope with the transition of their children leaving home by providing a sense of accomplishment and a connection with nature.  Gardening has the potential to improve physical and mental health, as it involves being outdoors and interacting with a variety of living organisms. Anyone can start gardening at a low cost via raised garden beds, indoor containers or small plots. 7. Beekeeping If you find yourself with an empty nest, consider creating your own hive. Beekeeping is a hobby that can bring joy and satisfaction to empty nesters who are looking for a new challenge and a way to contribute to the environment. Not only can you enjoy delicious honey and beeswax products from your own hives, but you can also help the environment by supporting the pollination of flowers and crops.  8. Bird-watching Bird-watching can be done from your backyard, at a nearby park or even in exotic locations around the world — making it the perfect hobby for anyone interested in having a second home in Enjoy the challenge of spotting rare or elusive birds. Consider participating in projects that involve collecting and reporting data on local bird populations to help researchers and conservationists protect these unique creatures. 9. Fishing Fishing can be enjoyed solo or in a group setting. It’s a hobby anyone can try, regardless of their skill level or budget. All it takes is some basic equipment, patience and a willingness to learn. Fishing also offers you the chance to learn more about the aquatic ecosystem, local marine species and conservation efforts happening in your area. 10. Hiking Hiking is a hobby for empty nesters that can help you rediscover yourself. You can set your own goals, pace and schedule, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with having more time for yourself.  You can also use hiking as an opportunity to bond with your spouse or partner, who may also be going through the same difficult emotions. It can challenge you both to learn new skills, explore new places and connect with nature. Consider booking a hiking trip in the mountains and staying at a 11. Camping Searching for a hobby that gets you back to the basics and provides an instant connection to the great outdoors? Then grab your gear, pack your bags and hit the road for unforgettable camping adventures. This hobby can be as mild or intense as you’d like by choosing from different types of accommodations such as tent camping, RV camping, backpacking or glamping.  12. Snorkeling Snorkeling is a relaxing hobby for empty nesters who want to explore the underwater world. Snorkeling does not require any special training or equipment other than a mask, snorkel and fins. You can snorkel in any clear and calm water, such as lakes, rivers or oceans. 13. Scuba diving Scuba diving is for thrill seekers who want to dive deep and experience underwater ecosystems. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there are many opportunities to scuba dive all around the world. From coral reefs to shipwrecks, you’ll never run out of subterranean playgrounds to explore. 14. Running Running can be an enjoyable and beneficial way to prioritize your health. All you need is a pair of running shoes, some comfortable clothes and a positive attitude. You can start running slowly and gradually increase your distance and speed as you get fitter and more confident. You can also vary your routes and routines to keep things interesting and challenging. For example, compare how it feels to run along the 15. Biking Biking is a low-impact exercise that can improve your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your muscles and bones, and reduce stress. As a hobby, biking offers many opportunities to explore new places and enjoy nature. Whether you prefer neighborhood biking, mountain biking or biking through the city, there is a bike and a trail waiting for you.  16. Golf Golf is a popular hobby for many people who have more free time after their children leave home. It’s a low-impact sport with courses all over the world, so it can also involve travel and stays at golf resorts. You can even purchase 17. Tennis Tennis is another sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. You can choose to play casually or competitively, depending on your goals. Playing tennis can help you develop coordination, agility and strategy skills. Whether you want to have fun, challenge yourself or make new connections in your community, tennis can be the perfect active hobby for empty nesters. 18. Painting Painting is a wonderful hobby for empty nesters who want to let their creativity flow and express their emotions during a time of transition. You can display your paintings in your home (or 19. Cooking Cooking is one of the best activities for empty nest couples who are searching for a simple way to reconnect. You can work together (or solo) to experiment with new recipes, flavors and ingredients or revisit old favorites.  You don’t have to be a foodie to fall in love with cooking. In fact, it can become a fun way to prioritize your nutrition and reduce eating-out expenses. This hobby is also a great way to break in a 20. Pottery Making pottery is perfect for those who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty. Pottery can help you discover new aspects of yourself, enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and create unique works of art that can be used on a daily basis. From vases, bowls and mugs to one-of-a-kind sculptures that become the focal point of your 21. Sewing If you’re searching for a practical hobby that helps you reduce waste and express your creative side, look no further. Sewing can turn scraps of fabric into quilts, clothing and bags. This hobby is also a fun way to experiment with fashion and create customized clothes that are tailored to your body and personality. Share the fruits of your labor with your family and friends or sell your goods online for extra cash. 22. Knitting Knitting has a reputation of being one of the most common things for empty nesters to do, and for good reason. For empty nesters who are missing their little birds, knitting offers a creative way to make handmade gifts for those you love. It also serves as a way to make practical clothing accessories that are perfect for visiting your favorite 23. Photography Photography is an ideal hobby for empty nesters because it can spark your creativity, .  help you express yourself and capture the beauty of the world around you. Enjoy experimenting with different cameras, lenses and shooting styles — or just play with your phone camera. From landscapes to portraits to starry skies, there are muses to be found anywhere. 24. Candlemaking Making candles is the perfect hobby for empty nesters who love to use essential oils and create a relaxing ambiance. This hobby can also help you share your love of aromatherapy with your family and friends in the form of customized candles. 25. Music lessons One way to cope with the transition into empty nest life is to pursue a hobby that you have always wanted to try or improve. Taking music lessons can help your brain process information in different ways while expressing your emotions and learning new skills. Whether it’s singing, reading sheet music or learning how to play an instrument, music lessons challenge your mind — keeping it active and sharp.   26. Jewelry making Jewelry making is all about self-expression. It allows empty nesters to express their creativity and personality through original designs. To begin creating your own jewelry and accessories, you’ll need basic tools and materials like pliers, wire cutters, beads, wire, clasps and hooks. Or you can take classes in working with metals and precious stones.  27. Home renovation Home renovation can be a dynamic hobby that allows empty nesters to cultivate their design skills, improve their living space and increase the value of their property. Home renovation can be tailored to your budget, skills and preferences. From simple DIY projects to major overhauls, you are in control of how much work you take on at once and what your home will look like in the end. 28. Blogging Blogging is one of the best things for empty nesters to do if they want to keep advancing their technical skills and become an expert on a certain topic. You can blog about another hobby you enjoy, a subject matter that interests you or simply share your lifestyle and daily routines. Since blogging is commonly done on a computer, it is the perfect hobby for those who already have a functional 29. Journaling Journaling is the practice of writing down your thoughts, feelings, experiences and goals on a regular basis. It can help you process your emotions, gain new perspectives and document your personal growth after your children leave home. It’s a process that can potentially lead to other hobbies like blogging or simply remain a method of recording your life experiences. 30. Reading Reading can challenge, inspire, educate and amuse empty nesters. Fiction lets you  escape into a different world and nonfiction helps you understand the real world. Self-help books can give you tools to improve yourself while memoirs help you relate to someone else's experiences.  The best part about this hobby is that you can enjoy it anywhere — on the beach, at a coffee shop or in the coziest spot of your 31. Podcasting A podcast is an audio-only series that covers just about anything under the sun: true crime, comedy, news, sports, health and fitness, and much more. Starting a podcast is not as hard as it may seem, and it can be a good way to dive deeper into a topic that interests you. You don't need any special skills or expensive equipment to get started. All you need is a computer, an internet connection and a microphone. 32. Collecting As an empty nester, you can collect anything that appeals to you: stamps, coins, books, art, antiques or memorabilia from travel. Take advantage of your empty nest by devoting a room to organizing and displaying your collections. 33. Meditation Meditation can have many benefits for people of all ages, but it can be especially helpful for empty nesters who may experience feelings of loneliness, sadness or anxiety after their children leave home. Meditation can help empty nesters cope with these emotions by providing them with a relaxing sense of control.  This practice can be enjoyed anywhere and at any time, making it a convenient and flexible hobby for empty nesters. There are many types of meditation to choose from, such as mindfulness, transcendental, zen or guided meditation. You can experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for your lifestyle. 34. Martial arts Martial arts can be a great hobby for empty nesters who want to stay fit while learning new skills that can balance their physical and mental well-being. There are many types of martial arts to choose from: karate, taekwondo, judo, aikido, kung fu, tai chi and more.  All of these martial arts can help you develop a sense of self-confidence, discipline and drive to improve yourself. If you find a style that suits you, consider adding a dojo to your 35. Yoga Yoga is both a spiritual and physical practice that aims to clear your mind while connecting you deeply with your body. While practicing yoga, you will become aware of sensations and emotions you carry on a daily basis — making it a wonderful hobby to begin while dealing with a lifestyle transition. If you crave a social aspect to this practice, consider signing up for a class at your local gym or yoga studio. As you research which hobbies for empty nesters fit your new lifestyle, notice if any of the activities could benefit from a regular stay at your favorite destination. 

So the “kids” are now adults and have moved out? You might go through As you start embracing your empty nest, consider creating a bucket list for yourself. It’s a fun way to jump-start your reinvention. Not sure where to start? Consider adding these 10 activities to your bucket list.  1. Travel somewhere you’ve never been before Many families with kids create yearly vacation traditions, returning to beloved destinations year after year. While this is a great way to make family memories, there are so many places to explore! Start by jotting down a list of destinations you’ve always wanted to visit, but never have. It’s time to explore the world on your terms.  2. Take up a new hobby Most empty nesters find themselves with more free time than they had while they were raising children. That makes it the ideal time to take up a You might also consider reconnecting with a hobby you abandoned when you had less free time and more responsibilities.  3. Start volunteering Supporting a cause you’re passionate about is a great way to spend some free time. There are so many ways to get involved and so many wonderful organizations in need of people willing to roll up their sleeves. Maybe you’ll walk dogs at the local animal shelter, organize a food drive, coach a youth sports team or deliver care packages to local seniors.  4. Get your finances in order Entering the empty nester phase is a time when your finances may be in flux. You may find yourself with more disposable income after many years of paying for everything for your kids. Or money may be tight if you’re helping your kids pay for college. Either way, it’s the perfect time to make a financial plan that reflects your new reality. You may even want to bring in a professional to help you set some financial goals and guardrails.  5. Learn a new language Have you always wanted to learn Japanese orr brush up on the Spanish you learned in school? There are so many ways to learn a new language during your empty nesting phase. It can be as simple as downloading an app that teaches you a few new words or phrases every day. You can also enroll in an online or in-person courses at your local community college. If you’re just a bit rusty and need some practice, consider joining a conversation group that meets up to chat.  6. Start a side hustle  Owning a small business is a lot of work, but as an empty nester, the time might be right! Start by thinking which of your skills or passions could be monetized. A side hustle doesn’t mean starting a whole new career. It can be as simple as dedicating a few hours a week tutoring, pet sitting, selling your own baked goods, handyman work or hosting short-term renters in a spare room.   7. Reconnect with your partner  When you’re in the thick of raising kids, it can be hard to make enough time for your partner. Now that the kids have moved, you could set up a weekly date night to reconnect over a meal. Many empty nester couples also decide to pursue a new hobby together.  8. Focus on self care  After so much time caring for others, you deserve to focus on your self care and mental health. What this looks like depends on the person, but it could mean committing to a daily walking routine, re-focusing on nutrition or picking up a new wellness practice like yoga or meditation. It may be as simple as catching up on preventative doctor’s appointments or making sure you get enough sleep.  9. Get back in touch with old friends  This is a good time to reconnect with longtime friends who may also have been busy with family obligations. Reach out to a few friends and put something on the calendar. Catch up over coffee, host a game night or plan a weekend group getaway.  10. Consider a second home Many empty nesters decide it’s time to buy a second home. After all, you may find yourself with more time to travel and it can be nice to set down some roots in your favorite vacation destination.  Pacaso makes it easy to own a second home in your Best of all, Pacaso homes are located in

Owning a second vacation home is the dream. But the traditional home-buying process can be overwhelming. Between hefty down payments, ongoing maintenance and limited usage, the path to a vacation home can feel daunting.  In this post, we'll show you how to make the dream a reality, breaking down how to buy a vacation home in eight simple steps. We’ll also explore key considerations to ensure your vacation property complements your lifestyle and financial goals. 1. Determine your vacation home’s use How to buy a vacation home starts with defining how you envision using your property. Will you escape for long weekends, spend summers by the shore or enjoy a cozy winter retreat? Your usage frequency will significantly impact property type, location and budget. Finally, think long-term. Will your vacation home be a family heirloom, a retirement haven or a potential 2. Choose a location Your vacation home’s location is everything. It affects your budget, lifestyle and resale appeal. Some areas have a higher cost of living or stricter zoning, while others may offer better access to amenities, outdoor recreation or year-round appeal. Start by asking: Do you want to be near the beach, the slopes or a buzzing downtown? Are you prioritizing proximity to your primary home, or is a remote escape more your style? The answers will guide you to your perfect destination. 3. Create a realistic budget Before diving into property searches, establish a clear financial roadmap. Determine the maximum purchase price you can comfortably afford for your vacation home. To understand how to afford a vacation home, remember that your budget extends beyond the property price itself. Factor in closing costs, ongoing property taxes, homeowners insurance and potential As well, consider exploring financing options tailored for second homes. Vacation home loans and home equity lines of credit can make ownership more accessible. Carefully consider interest rates, 4. Choose an ownership type When purchasing a vacation home, your ownership model is just as important as the property itself. The most common approaches are full ownership and co-ownership. Each offers different levels of flexibility, responsibility and cost. With full ownership, you take on 100% of the purchase price, ongoing expenses and maintenance, even if you only use the home a few weeks a year. On the flip side, with co-ownership, you own a real share of the home alongside a small group of vetted co-owners, with shared expenses and use. 5. Secure financing for your second home Before diving into property searches, it's crucial to secure To secure the best possible loan terms when buying a vacation home, shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders. Consider factors like interest rates, closing costs and lender fees. A pre-approval letter can strengthen your offer when you find your perfect vacation home. 6. Get pre-approved A pre-approval letter is a lender's formal commitment to loan you a specific amount to buy a vacation home. This document is crucial when making an offer, demonstrating your financial readiness to serious sellers. To obtain pre-approval, gather essential financial documents, including: Shop around for lenders to compare interest rates, loan terms and fees. Remember, a strong credit score improves your chances of pre-approval and can secure a lower interest rate, ultimately saving you money on your vacation home mortgage. 7. Find a local agent to make an offer Partnering with a knowledgeable local real estate agent is essential for navigating the Leverage your agent's expertise to craft a competitive offer. They can provide insights into fair market value, suggest appropriate offer terms, and handle the paperwork and communication with the seller's agent. A strong offer and your agent's negotiation skills increase your chances of securing your vacation home. 8. Plan for ongoing expenses and upkeep Owning a vacation home comes with long-term responsibilities beyond the purchase. To make the most of your second home, it’s important to plan for recurring expenses and regular upkeep — especially if you won’t be there year-round. Here are the key costs and maintenance tasks to factor into your decision: Common expenses: Ongoing upkeep:  Make your dream a reality with Pacaso  Learning how to buy a vacation home can be a transformative experience, offering a private retreat and a chance to create lasting memories. Carefully consider your budget, financing options, property location and the To make buying a vacation home even more feasible, consider

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

When you fall in love with a dreamy house, one of the first questions that comes to mind is ‘How much should a Our second home mortgage calculator can give answers to that question and more — minus the tricky math on your part. You’ll also want to read through our list of How to use the second home mortgage calculator This easy-to-use calculator breaks the number-crunching down into a few steps. Simply plug in details about your total monthly income and debt obligations, then continue on to determine how much you should spend. The calculator is only as accurate as the numbers you put in, so try to be as exact as possible with your current financial status. Let’s walk through the steps: Step 1 On the first screen, you’ll input some of your financial data to calculate your monthly debt-to-income ratio. As you do, here are the figures you’ll be asked to enter: Step 2 On this screen, you’ll see your current debt-to-income ratio (DTI). A commonly used term in real estate lending, DTI is calculated by dividing your monthly debt obligations by your gross monthly income. The lower your DTI, the more favorable you will be seen by mortgage lenders.  This screen also shows you your estimated cash on hand. This is the amount of money you have left over each month after deducting recurring expenses. Step 3 This step helps you figure out how much you should spend on a second home. You’ll be asked to input the following information: Step 4 Here, you’ll see your results. Based on all your inputs, you’ll see how much you can afford to spend on a second home. If you’d like to explore Pacaso second homes, you can simply click “ Now that you’ve done the math, let’s explore how you can make second home ownership work for you. 5 factors to consider when buying a second home Since lenders make money off of Remember that in addition to monthly mortgage payments, second home owners are still responsible for: These added expenses can easily cut into your cash on hand. That’s why it’s important to figure out how much you can afford for a second home by using our second home mortgage calculator, also known as a For added help in getting the right mortgage loan, check out these five simple tips: 1. Know your financing options Knowing how you plan on The purchasing method that’s right for you will largely depend on your current financial status, which we’ll get into next. 2. Revisit your current financial status Lenders want assurance that you will be able to uphold the terms of your loan, so they’ll look at your current financial situation. Considering purchasing a second home? A key financial metric to assess is your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. To comfortably afford a second property, your DTI should ideally not exceed 45%. While this threshold is a general benchmark, having a favorable credit score, a substantial down payment or considerable cash reserves can provide added flexibility. Ensuring that these financial parameters are in check will guide you in making an informed decision about acquiring a secondary residence. Typically, you will need to have a favorable credit score, as anything below 640 could result in a rejected application.  3. Understand second home mortgage requirements The second home buying process is similar to buying a primary home, but it does have stricter requirements. Along with having higher interest rates — usually 0.5% to 1% higher — The rule of thumb is that your housing and debt payments should add up to 36% of your pre-tax income at most. Sticking to this guideline can prevent you from being “house poor,” which means tying the majority of your income up in housing expenses and leaving little cash on hand for unexpected expenses, either related to your second home or not. Be prepared to pay at least 10% of the second home’s value as a down payment. This is substantially higher than the rate for a primary mortgage due to the added loan risk.  4. Know your options for second home ownership Getting a second home mortgage may be out of reach if your goal is to become the sole owner, but that’s not your only option. Pursuing Purchasing your home through a co-ownership model like Pacaso manages the property for you, ensuring it’s flawlessly maintained and stocked with the essentials you need for a relaxing stay. This sort of 5. Learn how to increase your borrowing power After evaluating your finances, you may find that you don’t meet the requirements for purchasing a second home at the moment. The good news is that you have the power to increase your appeal to lenders with just a little time and strategy. Applying these strategies can put you in a stronger position to get an affordable loan down the road. Key differences between primary residence and second home loans When you’re exploring a second home purchase, it’s important to understand how financing differs from your first home. While the loan process might feel familiar, second home mortgages come with slightly stricter terms. From down payments to interest rates, here’s how the two compare side by side: A simpler path to second home ownership When you’re ready to make a

At first glance, If you’ve reached the point where you’re exploring the best way to get out of a timeshare, you’re not alone. Here’s how to navigate your options and exit with as little financial strain as possible. 1. A rescission period is a short period of time you’re allowed to change your mind and walk away without incurring a fee. It varies state by state (where the timeshare is located, not where you live), but To take advantage of the rescission period, you’ll need to write a letter to the timeshare developers with the following information:  This is one of the less expensive options to get out of a timeshare, as you only need to purchase the stamp needed to send your letter. For best results, consider sending a registered letter to ensure that the timeshare company receives your document. 2. Try a timeshare deed-back A timeshare deed-back program, also known as a buyback program, is when the timeshare company buys your timeshare back from you. It’s a legal, low-cost way to give the property back to the resort. However, not all resorts and timeshare developers offer this option, and you may have to be in good standing with the resort to qualify for the program.  Even if this option is available, sometimes only major life events like job loss or death qualify. Before pursuing this option, check your contract to learn Examples of deed-back programs include: 3. Sell your timeshare on the resale market If your rescission period has expired and your timeshare developer doesn’t offer a buyback program, take matters into your own hands by selling your timeshare on the resale market. Keep in mind that this option may only apply to those who have completely paid off their timeshare. Timeshares still tied to loans will be listed as “encumbered.” Here is a step-by-step process for how to get rid of a timeshare that’s paid off: One of the major Places you can sell your timeshare include:  4. Find a timeshare exit company A timeshare exit company is a last resort for owners asking the increasingly common question, “How do you get out of a timeshare?” If other methods are unavailable to you, you should consider working with a company that specializes in complicated timeshare exit procedures. Unfortunately, there are many timeshare exit company scams on the internet, so here are a few tips for how to find a legitimate contender: Keep in mind that exit companies do what you can do yourself, but simply free you from the headache of communicating with the timeshare developers. Examples of timeshare exit companies include:  5. Donating your timeshare to charity seems like an easy way out of those rising fees, and you might even get a tax write-off. But it's not free. You'll still pay maintenance fees, taxes, and transfer costs until the charity officially owns it. If you want a big tax deduction, you'll also have to pay for an appraisal. Some charities might even ask for a cash donation to help cover their future expenses. Examples of where to donate your timeshare include: 6. Hire a contract law attorney  Although it’s one of the most expensive options, hiring a timeshare lawyer (aka a contract law attorney) is a must for timeshare owners tangled in multiple contracts. These legal professionals help you get out of a timeshare legally by combing through your timeshare agreement(s) for loopholes like the rescission period and deed-back programs. If you try to negotiate these terms on your own, a timeshare developer may try to sway you by offering “free” upgrades if you keep your timeshare.  However, each upgrade can generate a new contract that further complicates the exiting procedure. A contract law attorney can help you make sense of these contracts and mitigate the costs of exiting. Recap: what are the six timeshare exit strategies? To summarize, here’s a breakdown of each of the six timeshare exit strategies and their associated costs, pros, cons, and who would benefit from each. What are the dos and don'ts when exiting a timeshare? In many cases, exiting a timeshare requires a solid game plan and multiple exit strategies in case your first plan doesn’t work. Here are the best practices for how to get out of timeshare ownership: If you want to learn how to exit a timeshare without spending thousands of dollars or falling prey to a scam, avoid these methods: Pacaso vs. timeshare: which one is best for me? If you want to avoid the hassles of a timeshare altogether, or you simply want a better way to enjoy a vacation property — With Pacaso, each home is co-owned by a small group of up to eight buyers through a professionally managed LLC. That means more privacy, more flexibility in scheduling, and significantly more time in the home than the one-week model common in timeshares. And because your ownership is tied to real property, your share can appreciate over time — offering potential financial upside instead of the depreciation many timeshare owners face. Pacaso also handles the heavy lifting: design, furnishing, maintenance, repairs, bill management, and cleaning. So you get all the enjoyment of a second home without the hassle of managing it. And if your needs change, Pacaso provides a If you want the comfort of a beautifully maintained home, the benefits of real estate ownership, and a simple, stress-free way to make the most of your time away, Pacaso delivers a smarter, more flexible alternative to traditional timeshares.

When Consult with a financial advisor to ensure that this aligns with your overall financial strategy and that you fully understand the terms and potential risks involved. What is a home equity loan? A home equity loan allows homeowners to borrow money by using the equity in their home as collateral. Equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the outstanding balance on any existing mortgage. Not to be confused with a HELOC, a home equity loan is a lump-sum amount. Both funding sources, however, are exclusively for current homeowners looking for a Here are the main characteristics of this loan type: It’s important to note that if you fail to repay the loan according to the terms, the lender can potentially foreclose on your property. Can I use my house equity to buy another house? You can use the equity in your current house to buy another house. Although specific scenarios warrant using a home equity loan, you should use one prudently to prevent financial instability. When to use a home equity loan Using a home equity loan can be a strategic financial move in a few situations, such as:  In the right circumstances, a home equity loan can be the key to When to avoid a home equity loan Unless you’re investing in a home for the reasons above, you may want to consider avoiding a home equity loan as a funding option — especially for the following reasons: Before using a home equity loan, carefully evaluate your financial goals, purpose and ability to repay.  Requirements for a home equity loan Getting approved for a home equity loan to buy another house isn’t an automatic process. Lenders want to be confident you can manage the additional debt. To qualify, you’ll need to meet several financial requirements that show you’re in a strong position to borrow. Below are the most common eligibility factors lenders evaluate: Meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee approval, but it positions you as a lower-risk borrower. This can make all the difference in securing a favorable rate and terms. How to get a home equity loan to buy another house From budgeting to closing on the loan, let’s explore everything you need to do to get a home equity loan to 1. Decide on a budget Before diving into the process of obtaining a home equity loan to purchase another house, it's crucial to establish a clear budget. Assess your current financial situation, including your: A well-defined budget can guide your decisions, ensuring you pursue a home equity loan that aligns with your financial capabilities and homeownership goals.  2. Gather your financial information Once you have a budget, the next step is to gather all the necessary financial information. This typically includes: Lenders will use this information to assess your home equity loan eligibility and determine the loan amount and terms.  3. Shop around for lenders With your financial information in hand, it's time to explore different lenders and loan options. Shop around to compare: Consider traditional banks, credit unions and online lenders to find the best fit for your needs. Remember that the goal is not just to secure a loan but to secure the most favorable terms. 4. Apply for a home equity loan After you've identified a suitable lender, you can initiate the application process. Complete the required forms, provide accurate information and be prepared for additional documentation requests.  The lender will likely thoroughly review your financial history, credit score and the value of your primary residence. Timely and transparent cooperation during this stage can expedite the approval process and potentially increase the chances of obtaining a home equity loan on favorable terms. 5. Close on the loan application Upon approval, the final step is a closing meeting to sign the necessary paperwork, which includes the loan agreement and other legal documents.  Be sure you fully understand the terms and conditions before finalizing the process to make an informed financial decision. Closing completes the transaction, allowing you to access the funds from your home equity loan.  Pros and cons of using a home equity loan to buy another house As with any kind of loan, there are advantages and disadvantages to using home equity loans to fund your next home purchase. Pay close attention to the pros and cons of home equity loans to ensure that this type of Advantages of a home equity loan A home equity loan can offer homeowners a powerful financial tool, providing access to funds based on the equity accumulated in their property.  Since these loans are unique to current homeowners, you’ll also benefit from your prior financing application experience.  Disadvantages of a home equity loan Despite the benefits, home equity loans have certain drawbacks. Understanding the potential disadvantages is essential before agreeing to a loan. Before pursuing a home equity loan, weigh the advantages and disadvantages to mitigate as much financial risk as possible. Alternatives to using a home equity loan to buy another house A home equity loan isn’t your only path to buying a second home. Depending on your financial situation and goals, you might find that another option offers more flexibility, lower risk or both. Here are five popular alternatives to consider: HELOC A home equity line of credit (HELOC) gives you a revolving credit line based on your home’s equity. You can borrow only what you need, when you need it. This is a great option for staggered home purchase costs.  It’s important to note that most HELOCs come with variable interest rates. This can cause your payments to lower if rates decrease, but also to rise if rates increase. Personal loan Another alternative to a home equity loan is a personal loan, an unsecured loan that doesn’t require collateral. Since personal loans don’t use your home as collateral, you won’t have the risk of losing your property in case of default. Reverse mortgage If you’re 62 or older, a reverse mortgage lets you tap into your home equity for cash with no monthly repayments required until you sell, move, or pass away. Older people primarily use this mortgage type to supplement their income later in life.  With reverse mortgages, interest accumulates and adds to the loan balance over time. This option can free up funds, but it’s important to understand the long-term impact on your estate and equity. Cash-out refinance A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a larger one, and you pocket the difference in cash. It can offer an interest rate lower than that of a personal loan, but your monthly payments will likely increase, and you’ll restart the clock on your mortgage. It’s important to carefully assess the impact of increasing your mortgage amount, as this will result in higher monthly payments and potentially a longer repayment period. Additionally, be mindful of closing costs associated with the refinancing process. Co-ownership If you’re looking for an alternative that doesn’t involve taking on more debt, co-ownership is a great option. You can enjoy turnkey living, equitable access through the Co-ownership vs. home equity loan Co-ownership offers a modern, more flexible path to second home ownership, especially if you’d rather not take on a second mortgage. With Pacaso, you can co-own a luxury second home in top destinations and enjoy true ownership without the financial strain of going it alone. Let’s break down how co-ownership compares to using a home equity loan: If being the sole owner of your second home isn’t the direction you want to pursue, consider co-ownership as an alternative. With Pacaso, you can

Buying a second home for romantic getaways Couples trips feel different when you have a place that is truly yours. If you are thinking about buying a second home, consider destinations that set the tone for connection and ease. Napa brings vineyard views and candlelit dinners, Maui offers warm water and pastel sunsets, Aspen delivers alpine charm, and Kiawah Island pairs wide beaches with quiet mornings. Pacaso co-ownership gives you access to a beautifully designed home in sought-after locations, so the weekend you want is always within reach. Napa for wine country romance Napa rewards an unhurried pace. Start with a late brunch, wander through tasting rooms, and end with a private soak under the stars. Many Napa vacation homes make outdoor living the focus, with dining terraces, fire features and space to open a favorite bottle after a day among the vines. For an intimate Napa home base, consider Maui for oceanfront seclusion Maui luxury homes put you close to sunrise swims, coastal drives and quiet dinners on the lanai. Wailea and Kapalua offer sheltered coves and golden sand, while upcountry drives lead to cool breezes and sweeping vistas. For two-person retreats, look for a private lanai, direct beach access or a calm neighborhood with easy paths to the shoreline. Settle into Lani, where indoor outdoor flow leads to a private yard at dusk and sweeping coastal scenery. It is a soothing spot to slow down after beach days. Explore Aspen for alpine romance Aspen luxury homes balance mountain energy with quiet interiors. Whether you prefer a bluebird ski day or a summer hike to a creekside picnic, the town’s walkable core and fine dining make date nights simple. Seek views of Shadow Mountain or a private hot tub to turn a crisp evening into a memorable night for two. Set in Aspen, Kiawah Island for coastal calm Wide beaches, winding bike paths and quiet mornings define Kiawah Island vacation homes. Days here move easily from a beach walk to poolside reading, with time left for an oyster bar dinner and a twilight ride along the lagoon’s edge. Look for outdoor lounges and quick paths to the sand for a smooth, two-person rhythm. How buying a second home elevates your time together The right home turns quick trips into a ritual. By buying a second home, you gain a ready-to-enjoy setting with design, location and comforts dialed in. Pacaso’s co-ownership model gives you a refined home in a world-class market without the full-time hassle, so more of your energy goes to shared experiences. If you love regular wine country weekends, powder days or beach escapes, buying a second home through Pacaso means the drive or flight ends at a front door that already feels familiar. Start your couples escape with Pacaso Choose the setting that fits your style, then explore Pacaso listings to make it yours. Browse

Owner Alison Davis shares how Pacaso helps her family building memories near and far Austin Allison, CEO of Pacaso, sits down with Alison Davis — a Pacaso board member and owner of two beautiful vacation homes — to discuss how co-ownership has enriched her family’s life. Joined by her adult children Tallulah and Felix, Alison shares how her Pacaso homes in Tahoe and London have enabled special place for her busy family to reconnect, host friends and gather with extended loved ones. This intimate fireside chat also highlights prioritizing experiences, create lasting memories, and find meaningful moments together amidst life’s hectic pace. Key takeaways:

Lake Tahoe has always been a special place for Christianne and John. When finances made it difficult for them to continue owning there, they made the heartbreaking decision to sell their home. When the couple discovered Pacaso co-ownership, however, they realized they didn’t have to say goodbye to their dream after all. "The first time we came in and stayed at our Pacaso, I just couldn’t believe the dream had come true for us, in a way that we could’ve never imagined," said Christianne shared. Watch to see Christianne and John’s favorite things about their Tahoe home, plus Pacaso’s due diligence in the community response to co-ownership. Pacaso makes a second home possible and enjoyable for more people.

Jim and Jun wanted to own a second home in Palm Springs, a place they’ve been visiting for years. Jim hadn’t used his previous vacation homes as much as he had hoped, so co-owning made sense to him. Pacaso enabled the couple to make their budget go further and purchase a beautiful home that fits their schedule, supplies all the amenities they need, and offers them true ownership. “This is my property, and I want to take care of it,” said Jim. “We would absolutely [buy] another interest in a Pacaso. It’s a great setup, everything is taken care of for you, and it really fills a niche in the market.” Watch the video to hear what else Jim and Jun love about their Palm Springs second home.

Mike and Rita wanted nothing more than to have a place for everyone in their family to enjoy. From the moment they stepped into their new home, the two grandparents knew immediately they had made the right choice. A Pacaso in Newport Beach was everything they desired in a second home. From the amenities and location to Pacaso’s ongoing support, every detail has made it “feel like home.” Mike and Rita’s calendar is packed with upcoming celebrations, get-togethers and special occasions. “There’s going to be amazing memories made,” said Rita. “As a grandmother, that is my main job. And I think it’s going to be quite easy.” Watch the video to hear what else Mike and Rita love about their Newport Beach second home.

Will and Julia live in the Bay Area, just south of San Francisco in the communities of Redwood City and Menlo Park, respectively. They each have two teenage children, and they enjoy spending time with their combined family in the quieter, more verdant Napa Valley.  “We both have a love of Napa, and we were going up there five or six times a year,” said Will. Over time, we started talking about getting a place there — we were spending a fortune on hotels.”  Even though hotels weren’t cheap, a second home in the Working through the details Julia had some initial concerns and questions about the Will said that Pacaso’s level of service was an important factor in their purchase, giving him and Julia the confidence to move forward. “From the start to today, working with Pacaso at all levels, everyone has been fantastic. If there’s been an issue, they’ve consistently worked through it and found equitable solutions.”  The joy of shared home ownership From their first stay, Will and Julia knew they’d made the right decision. “It was a ‘pinch me’ moment,” said Julia. “I remember thinking, ‘Is this real? Did we really do this?’ And then I said, ‘We’re home!’” Since trading up hotel stays for time at their Pacaso, they can attest to the difference that ownership brings. “Having a piece of something, somewhere, that you can come to and call your own is a wonderful feeling. It’s easy to fall in love with the home and the community,” said Will. And, unlike a hotel, it’s a special gathering place for their loved ones, said Julia. “Being able to come together and make memories with family and friends is one of my favorite parts of owning our Pacaso.” Plus, said Julia, it’s always ready for them when they arrive. “It’s such a benefit being able to come in and have our home be clean and set up with everything we need, and then not having to worry about doing a bunch of cleaning before we leave.” Life at their Pacaso Whether they’re spending time at their second home with family, friends or just each other, the experience is one of ease, pleasure and joy. “We live differently when we’re there,” said Will. “We’ll walk downtown to get croissants, then come back and open up the doors to the backyard and the sun will be streaming in — it’s something else.” Julia added, “Whenever we arrive, Will always says, ‘I can feel my blood pressure drop.’ It’s such a good feeling.”  They like to walk around the neighborhood, strolling through the forest to enjoy the magnificent redwoods, or walking downtown to have dinner or pick up groceries. “The neighborhood is really friendly. Everyone says hello and good morning — it’s a nice, small-town feel.” And if they’re not up for a walk? “Sometimes we just stay at the pool all weekend to relax and rejuvenate,” said Julia. It was during one of those poolside moments that Will realized how fortunate he and Julia were to have this experience of owning a second home: “I brought a lawn chair down to the pool, put the umbrella up, and was reading an Agatha Christie book, drink in hand — it was beautifully sunny, and Julia was next to me, and I was thinking to myself, ‘If this ain’t why we’re living, I don’t know what is.’ It was just a wonderful moment.” Find your second home in California wine country Ready to enrich your life with a second home in Napa Valley? Explore

Before becoming Pacaso owners, frequent travelers Byron and Elizabeth hadn't thought much about buying a second home — at the time, they didn't own their primary residence, and they enjoyed seeing new places. While they liked exploring different towns along the Northern California coast, it took planning. "We were spending a lot of time and energy finding places to stay," said Elizabeth.  They had several friends in St. Helena, a Napa Valley town within an easy drive of their Bay Area home, and they visited the area fairly often. They had toyed with the idea of buying property there, but it didn't seem like a realistic option. "It's really hard to find properties in St. Helena, and a full-time second home wasn't in the cards," said Byron. But then an interesting opportunity presented itself: Some friends of theirs, Jay and Michael, had decided to "sell down" part of their St. Helena home to Pacaso. The home, known as the Poolhouse, was Pacaso's first property, and Byron and Elizabeth had fond memories of the times they'd spent there in the past.  Seizing the opportunity  Being able to buy a share of the Poolhouse seemed like a stroke of good fortune. "Owning a whole second home was a barrier financially, and it didn't make sense for us when we considered the maintenance and upkeep for a place where we wouldn't spend that much time," said Byron.  Co-ownership with Pacaso seemed like an ideal option — they already knew and loved the home and the area, they wouldn't have to worry about any maintenance headaches, and the ability to right-size their ownership provided the flexibility they craved. "We like to travel a lot and didn't want to have to spend all of our vacation time at a second home."  Most importantly, it was financially attainable, with the help of Pacaso's financing option. "Financing made it possible and kept costs down to a reasonable amount. It balanced out to about what we pay for the average weekend a month we spend on a short family trip, or less than what we would spend on a vacation rental." Still, it was a new model, and they needed to feel assured that it worked for their needs. " "Once we understood the transaction and how everything worked, we felt comfortable and it was really a no-brainer at that point,"said Byron. Time in their Napa home Having young children — 3-year-old twins — hasn't dampened Byron and Elizabeth's interest in travel, but it has changed their perspective on second home ownership. "We really like the feeling of ownership over a vacation rental because we get to spend time in a place where we can make memories together. The kids look forward to coming here, and they understand that it's our Napa house and they get to play in the pool and see friends who live up here," said Elizabeth.  And that sense of connection and consistency is unique to ownership, said Elizabeth. "We feel like we're part of the community even though we're part time. You don't get that familiarity and memories at a rental or a hotel. You have a nice time, but there's nothing sentimental or special."  Sometimes those memories are part of the flow of daily life, like meeting up with local friends to watch their son's Little League game at Crane Park. Other times they are moments to cherish, like celebrating the twins' birthday at their Pacaso with both sets of grandparents who they hadn't been able to see in over a year.  And best of all, creating memories doesn't come with any added stress. "Owning our Pacaso is effortless," said Elizabeth. "We don't have to do any extra planning or work, and we know the house will be the same as when we left it. It's turnkey ownership, and we just show up and enjoy ourselves — we don't have to worry about the details."

Pacaso is more than just a place to stay — it's a gathering place where your extended family can create memories made possible only in a vacation home. This is true for Derick and Karen Ball, who found Pacaso's luxury amenities, dedicated property management and exceptional financing to be the perfect fit for their needs. "The memories that we make here, with family and friends — these are experiences that you can’t buy and you can’t get at a hotel,” said Derick. "It’s quantity time, but also the quality time within it." Watch below to learn more about the Ball family and how they create extended family moments in their Pacaso home. Pacaso makes a second home possible and enjoyable for more people.

Chris and Julie previously owned a second home in South Lake Tahoe, using it for family vacations and as a rental. “We love the idea of having a home, but we didn’t need it full time. The workload that went into renting it out — there was a lot,” Chris said. “We did great with it, but it was a lot of work.” They sold the property in 2020 and started looking for a more manageable home on the north end of Lake Tahoe. During their search, they came across Pacaso’s co-ownership program. Chris and Julie were won over by Pacaso’s price, flexibility and amenities, and the true ownership experience stood out. New, comfortable and impressive The couple loved the idea of owning new construction at a price within their budget. “We figured, the new home aspect would be less wear and tear in the long term,” Julie shared. In addition, since Julie and Chris consider themselves as more “summer people,” a new home in a different area of Tahoe would provide more options for enjoyment.  But it’s not just the newness of the property — the couple is amazed by the home’s design and feel. “I think the most difficult part is having to come home to our main home,” said Julie, who’s a fan of interior design. “I love this house, and it is amazing. I think the design team did a phenomenal job.” As owners who had rented out their second home, the couple also appreciates how Pacaso takes care of the maintenance and adds special touches to make them feel at home. “The hot tub, furnishings, outdoor furniture and fire pits are all comfortable. You have everything you need that you can think of, and that makes me feel really good,” said Chris. “We’re going to impress our family and friends whenever we go there. And we’re always going to have a comfortable stay because of that.” Julie added, “It’s really nice just to be able to walk in and not have to do anything.” Julie and Chris aren’t the only ones who are impressed. On a recent stay, the couple’s daughter and dog didn’t want to leave. “That was a really good sign the Pacaso team did well,” Chris said. The perks of true ownership Simplicity and comfort aside, a massive benefit for Chris and Julie was having true ownership in their second home. “There’s a sense of pride when you own a piece of a home. One thing that resonated with me during our last experience was that we did build a lot of traditions,” Julie said. “And it felt nice to have the same place to go to and make it your own. And it is your own.” This feeling of ownership makes their new Pacaso different from other offerings on the market. “I think there’s a lot of misconception out there with it being a timeshare,” said Julie. “It’s not a timeshare — we’re owning a home with eight people. We are able to have access to Tahoe and a beautiful home that we would not be able to afford on our own.” A second home is a special place With more moments on the schedule and plans to pass the home to their daughter, the couple views their Tahoe home as more than just a second home — it’s about going to a beloved destination that holds special meaning in their family. “I think our second home is an extension of our primary home and an extension of our family,” said Chris. “We can’t say that about our current home as much as we love it, because — at some point — you transition out of your primary home. But with a second home, it’s always going to be a place we go to that matters.” Look forward to coming to Tahoe Looking for a place to make memories in Lake Tahoe? When you co-own a Pacaso, you enjoy hassle-free ownership in a beautiful property that feels like home — because it is. Check out our

For Susan and Jason, Napa Valley had long felt like a home away from home. They live less than two hours away in Burlingame, and wine is Jason’s business — in fact, he owns a wine bar, and frequent trips to Napa and Sonoma Valley are part of the job. But wine country means more than that to the family, said Susan. “Jason is in the wine industry, so Napa is important for that reason, but we also love the community and the change in pace of life it brings while we’re there, so it has a lot of sentimental value for us.” From ‘maybe someday’ to ‘let’s do it!’ They had thought about a second home in Napa, but the idea never went anywhere. “We’d been considering it for years, but the most we ever did was look online, and we always had the same conversation,” said Susan. “It seemed like a lot of upkeep and maintenance considering our busy jobs and lives. How often are we going to use it? Is it worth it? And then this home showed up online and we realized it was partial ownership and we thought that seemed ideal.” Although they hadn’t heard of Pacaso, they understood the concept. “We have friends in Tahoe who own a fractional property, so we were familiar with the idea. Jason was able to tour in person and took me along via FaceTime. We decided that night, and it wasn’t a hard decision! We loved the property and it seemed like a minimal risk for what we would get out of it.”  What they would get was space, true ownership in a home, and an opportunity to put down roots in an area they loved. “When you have a family and go on vacation, you end up cramming four people in a hotel or paying for a suite or multiple rooms each time,” said Susan. “That’s not nearly as appealing as having space for not just family, but also friends, and being able to own it and sell it — those were all the things our friends loved about their Tahoe place, which, in part, is what convinced us to move forward with Pacaso.”  A short drive, a world away Getting out of the city and having a place to relax, with minimal effort, is a dream come true, said Susan. “Being able to just pack up and be there in under two hours is wonderful. You just feel the stress melt away as you get closer to the house.”  Susan and Jason’s Pacaso is situated on an acre and a half in a neighborhood they described as almost farmlike. “It’s close to downtown but you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. The kids love to walk down the drive and feed the goats across the street. We live in a city, so having all this space, a pool, playing bocce ball, making s’mores — it’s great, and the kids don’t want to leave.” In addition to making friends with the neighborhood goats, the family looks forward to developing closer connections within the Comfort and ease Leisurely days spent by the pool or exploring local parks are possible in part because Susan and Jason don’t have to invest time and energy in the home itself. “The house is very thoughtfully appointed, and the fact that we don’t have to worry about the maintenance is even better,” said Jason. “From our first stay, it immediately felt very comfortable, and there was clearly a lot of thought put into the way the home was stocked from appliances to glassware and bedding. The personal touches like games are really nice too.” Susan added, “There’s a lot less screen time when we’re there because there’s so much other stuff to do, like playing family games.” The themes of home, ownership and ease have been core to Susan and Jason’s And for Jason, the consistency you can expect from a home you own offers peace of mind — especially when you don’t have to deal with the hassles yourself. “There’s a comfort level in going back to the same place — you know where everything is, you know how to work the TV and the pool and set everything up the way you want it. But we’re not responsible — it’s the actual joys of homeownership.”  Make Napa your second home destination Pacaso puts second home ownership within reach for families, with listings in some of the most desirable destinations. And our Family-Friendly Second Homes™ make it easy to just show up and relax — from cribs and high chairs, to games, pool floaties, streaming services and more, we have you (and your kids) covered. Check out our

Like many couples, Richard and Anne-Catherine thought about buying a second home for years, and they got pretty close a few times. They even did a trial run to see what ownership might be like, renting a home for a season when their children were young, but it ended up being a hassle. “We had to duplicate everything we had in our home to be comfortable, and we were always forgetting something or didn’t have something. There was so much to pack and bring back — it just wasn’t working!” said Richard.  But more than the inconvenience of schlepping things between homes, a feeling held them back: guilt. “Every time we were serious about buying a place, I always felt guilty knowing we wouldn’t use it very much,” said Anne-Catherine. Right-sized ownership with all the amenities Living in the Bay Area, Richard and Anne-Catherine are regular visitors to Lake Tahoe and enjoy the region’s variety of year-round outdoor activities. They never gave up on the idea of owning a second home, and considered buying a condo in Tahoe. Then they learned about Pacaso. “We thought, what a great idea! This is exactly what we need. The cleaning is done, the decorating is done, and there will always be other people using it. We’ll have it for a reasonable amount of time, but it’s not just us — it’s not wasted,” said Anne-Catherine.  Plus, owning a Pacaso meant they didn’t have to deal with all the prep and packing that made their seasonal rental experience so much work. “A big advantage of Pacaso is how well-equipped it is,” said Richard. “You don’t have to worry about what to bring because apart from picking up groceries, everything you need is here.” While they had some initial reservations about taking a risk with a newer company, Richard and Anne-Catherine felt reassured by Pacaso’s thorough operating agreement, and ultimately bought their share A nice price, a very nice home Co-owning a Pacaso also gave Richard and Anne-Catherine an opportunity to own a larger home than they could otherwise afford. “In Tahoe, what we paid for our one-eighth share gets you a one-bedroom apartment. It would be available to us all the time, but it would be very tiny, so I’m not sure it would be worth it,” said Richard. Anne-Catherine noted that it also wouldn’t come with the new, Having stayed at many vacation rentals, the couple says the quality of their Pacaso far exceeds the homes they’ve rented. “Rentals can be shabby,” said Anne-Catherine. “Even high-end rentals can still have cheap cutlery or no baking equipment. I adore baking, and at our Pacaso, everything is there. The decor is very tasteful, and the quality of the bedding and towels is so nice.”  Service at rental properties can be unpredictable as well, but they’ve been pleased with their Pacaso experience. Everything has gone smoothly, from timely door-code notifications to the functionality of the home technology. And the human touch has been a real plus: “The manager is reachable and responsive right away — it gives you confidence,” said Anne-Catherine.  Year-round enjoyment Tahoe’s seasonal activities make it an ideal The couple is also happy to have a place to share with family and friends — something that would have been challenging had they bought a small condo. “We came with two of our (adult) kids and they couldn't believe the place — it was a treat,” said Anne-Catherine. Richard added, “The service, the cleaning and quality of the place that you get for the money is very good. It’s a great deal compared to a one-bedroom apartment where we’d have to do everything ourselves. We can come here and do a bit of work, a bit of skiing — it’s going to be brilliant.” Make Tahoe your second home destination Pacaso puts second home ownership within reach, with listings in some of the most desirable destinations. Check out our

Market trends in global luxury real estate: 3 rising retreats For 2025, buyers are paying attention to market trends in global luxury real estate while zeroing in on places that deliver an extraordinary everyday rhythm. Carmel, Santa Barbara and Breckenridge check that box with rare settings, strong lifestyle draws and a growing selection of high-design homes available through co-ownership. Below, see why each destination is trending, how the broader market supports thoughtful acquisitions, and where Pacaso fits your plan. The luxury market shows steady momentum in 2025, with median prices for single-family luxury homes up 1.8% year-over-year and 8.0% versus 2023. Inventory has reached a two-year high, giving buyers more choice and negotiating power. Globally, the category is projected to grow at a 6.9% CAGR through 2035, with North America accounting for about 30% of market share. These market trends in global luxury real estate are fueling interest in lifestyle-led destinations like Carmel, Santa Barbara and Breckenridge. Why Carmel is trending for 2025 Carmel pairs cinematic coastline and acclaimed dining with access to Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean pace and culture Framed by ocean and mountains, Santa Barbara blends refined dining, a lively arts calendar and quick access to Breckenridge for four seasons of alpine living With How co-ownership fits these markets Pacaso co-ownership aligns with these destinations by matching high-use lifestyles with right-sized ownership. You enjoy equity in a real home that is professionally designed and furnished, plus intuitive scheduling that supports frequent stays. For a deeper overview of how it works, see Pros and cons by destination Which destination fits your lifestyle If you picture quiet coastal mornings and gallery strolls, vacation homes in Carmel deliver a refined, low-key rhythm. For terrace-to-beach living with culture in every direction, luxury homes in Santa Barbara lead the list. If your calendar is built around ski days and summer trails, Breckenridge vacation homes offer a year-round mountain base. In each, market trends in global luxury real estate favor thoughtful buyers who value setting, design and time well spent. Explore Pacaso homes in these markets Ready to see more in each destination? Browse

Beautiful American cities attract big businesses, and big businesses pay well for top talent, making metropolitan areas flush with million-dollar homes. But which cities lead the high-priced real estate pack? A 1. San Jose, CA Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is the hotspot for 2. San Francisco, CA Just north of Silicon Valley, San Francisco has 42% of its homes valued at over $1 million. But the size of million-dollar homes in San Francisco varies widely depending on location and condition, with 700-square-foot condos in popular neighborhoods going for $1 million, and suburban homes with close to 3,000 square feet listed at the same price. The neighborhoods with the highest appreciation in San Francisco are just east of Lake Merced and bordering San Francisco State University.  3. Los Angeles, CA Are you starting to see a California trend? Los Angeles has long been known for pricey real estate, and its selection of million-dollar homes make up 19% of the market. The average size of million-dollar homes in the City of Angels is 1,720 square feet, with 92% of them built before 1999. The priciest neighborhoods include Bel Air, Brentwood, West Sunset Boulevard, and areas along the Pacific Coast Highway.  4. San Diego, CA San Diego continues the trend of expensive West Coast real estate, with 14% of the homes valued at over $1 million. Median home values in San Diego are around $665,000, with the majority of homes in the area priced between $596,000 and $894,000.  5. Seattle, WA Seattle’s 91% white-collar workforce is a contributing factor to having 11% of its homes valued at a million dollars or more. You’ll find the most expensive neighborhoods near Edgewater Park/Broadmoor, Laurelhurst, and East Roy Street at 24th Avenue East. Newer construction dominates the scene, with nearly 24% of all homes built since 2000.  6. New York, NY New York City is known for its expensive real estate, so it’s no surprise that the Big Apple made this list: 10% of homes are valued at a million dollars or more. But unlike many other urban areas in the U.S., New York’s dense population means that 95% of the city’s homes are apartments, not detached houses. One-bedroom apartments make up 39% of those units, and it’s rare to find a home with five bedrooms or more in the city.  7. Boston, MA In Boston 9% of the housing inventory is valued over $1 million. You’ll find Boston’s priciest real estate at Beacon Street near Fisher College and Boylston Street near Presidential Plaza. Boston is known for its history, and it’s not just monuments and museums — in fact, 50% of the city’s real estate was built before 1940. As a college town, Boston also has a high percentage of renters, with only 33% of homes occupied by owners. 8. Washington, D.C. Like Boston, Washington is a hotspot for American history, but with a larger inventory of newer construction homes: 34% of homes in the district were built before 1940. Million-dollar homes make up 7% of the D.C. real estate market, with Dupont Circle’s historic mansions, Georgetown and The Palisades among the city’s most expensive neighborhoods. Typical home values range from about $236,000 to $1.2 million, with no single price bracket cornering the D.C. market.  9. Miami, FL With glamorous mansions lining its waterways, million-dollar homes are part of Miami’s scenery, making up nearly 5% of the city’s homes. Miami also has some of the newest homes, with 27% of its housing constructed after 2000. Up-and-coming Miami neighborhoods include Buena Vista, City Center and Biscayne Boulevard at Miami Dade College.  10. Denver, CO The Rocky Mountain gem of Denver rounds out the list with 4% of its market consisting of million-dollar homes. Home values are pretty evenly distributed between $122,000 and $914,000, with 86% of them falling in this range. The city is also divided nearly equally between owners and renters, at 49% and 51%, respectively.

Time to celebrate—Pacaso is turning five! In just five years, we’ve broken new ground in the second home market and introduced a model that is reshaping real estate. None of it would be possible without our team of innovators, thought leaders, and most importantly, our incredible owners. As we look ahead to the next chapter, we remain grateful to the community that fuels our success and inspires us to keep innovating and raising the bar. Thank you for being part of our journey. Now, let’s take a look back at the milestones that made our first five years so memorable. Here’s to the next five years of memories, meaningful connections, and innovation. The best chapters of the Pacaso story are still to come.

Luxury real estate trends: Paris & London 2025 Luxury real estate trends in Paris and London point to a year of selective growth, more choice at the top end, and faster deal timelines. For a second home, that translates to better access to prime addresses and turnkey quality in both cities. Globally, prime prices rose 2.8% year over year in Q1 2025, underscoring steady demand for high-caliber homes in world capitals. Pacaso makes ownership in these prestigious markets more attainable through fractional ownership. Instead of buying an entire property, buyers purchase a share of a luxury home in Paris or London. This approach lowers costs while preserving the benefits of equity, appreciation, and personal use, making world-class real estate more accessible to second-home buyers. Paris in 2025 market signals buyers should watch Paris rebounded decisively to start 2025. Lower mortgage rates below 3% and stable pricing have doubled the pool of active buyers and shortened timelines, especially for renovated, move-in-ready residences in prime districts. That momentum is also evident on the Left Bank, where Saint-Germain combines classic architecture with updated comforts, a profile exemplified by Beaux Arts. Set steps from galleries and the Seine, London in 2025 pricing, policy and prime demand London is set for modest 2025 gains of about 2%, supported by strong cash-buyer demand and improving choice at the top end. Across luxury segments, inventory is at a two-year high, with single-family listings up 40.4% and multifamily up 42.6% year over year. Price performance is bifurcated: the best-designed, turnkey listings still command premiums, while buyers have more room to negotiate on homes needing updates. For everyday access to Key luxury real estate trends shaping buyer choices Paris vs London lifestyle essentials for a second home Paris offers How co-ownership supports 2025 buyer behavior Today’s buyers value time and certainty. Pacaso co-ownership provides access to high-demand neighborhoods with professional management and streamlined scheduling, so you spend your time enjoying the city rather than handling home logistics. In Paris, that can look like a classic Left Bank address steps from museums, cafes and the Seine, such as What it means for your next move Here is the bottom line for 2025. Paris is accelerating, with faster transactions in top districts and a broader base of active buyers. London should post around 2% annual growth with more inventory at the high end, giving shoppers greater choice. With global prime prices trending higher and considering these luxury real estate trends, selecting a property that is truly turnkey and well-located remains the clearest path to lasting enjoyment. Ready to explore prime addresses in two world capitals? Browse Pacaso listings in

Luxury home buying in a stabilizing market Luxury home buying is entering a more balanced phase across flagship destinations, and the shift is reshaping luxury real estate market trends. In Paris, Q1 2025 transaction values rose 69% as rates dipped below 3% and buyers returned. London’s prime addresses faced sharp price adjustments and rising inventory, creating room to negotiate. Cabo posted one of its strongest quarters on record, while select U.S. resort hubs show more listings and longer decision windows. In Miami, most April sales closed below asking, another sign of cooler conditions and buyer leverage. What market stabilization means for luxury home buying Stabilization is showing up in three ways: more choice, more time and more precision on price. For luxury home buying, these shifts translate to improved selection, pacing and pricing clarity. Prime central London listings rose nearly 16% year over year, stretching time to sell and shifting power to buyers. In Miami, a larger share of sales closed below ask, signaling realistic pricing wins. In Vail, nearly 45% of active listings saw price reductions in the 2025 summer window, reinforcing the value of disciplined offers and well-priced, move‑in ready homes. Signals by destination How co-ownership performs in a cooler market With luxury real estate market trends pointing to steadier pricing and more selection, co-ownership offers a precise way to align use with value. Pacaso provides professionally managed, designer furnished homes in blue chip locations, so you enjoy the lifestyle and avoid the burden of sole ownership. In a market that rewards optionality and speed, coordinated scheduling and local care teams keep your time focused on experiences, not logistics. For Cabo days centered on golf, water and dining, In the Rockies, Next steps for buyers If you are evaluating luxury home buying across stabilized markets, start by shortlisting destinations with clear usage fit and resilient demand drivers. Browse Pacaso listings in

With summer winding down and the year’s midpoint behind us, the luxury real estate landscape looks clearer, and brighter, than it did just a few months ago. Buyers and sellers are navigating calmer waters: prices at the high end have held steady, interest in co-ownership keeps climbing, and industry trends point to more meaningful travel. Here are some key takeaways  as we head into the second half of 2025, and why the outlook for second-home owners has never felt more promising. When we launched Pacaso in 2020, many buyers still assumed “real” ownership meant holding 100% of a home, even if it was rarely used.. That mindset is changing fast. In Cost and ease of management are the main drivers behind co-ownership. Though overall home sales cooled in early 2025, the top of the market keeps defying gravity. High-end properties outperformed every other price segment in 2024 and Q1 2025, according to Realtor.com’s What’s driving demand? A combination of strong stock-market returns, limited home inventory in some markets and the appeal of tangible assets you can Global living isn’t just for digital nomads. London is a prime example. Beauchamp Estates reports U.S. citizens now account for roughly That global appetite is why Pacaso is expanding beyond North America. We’re continuing to focus on adding more Pacaso homes in Europe, bringing our seamless co-ownership model and simplified transaction process to some of the world’s most coveted vacation destinations. Whether you’re traveling or buying a home, experience is quickly becoming the true measure of luxury. This same experiential mindset is reshaping real estate: “The feeling a home delivers matters as much as the address,” observes Tammy Fahmi of Sotheby’s International Realty—a change that’s prompting buyers to pay premiums for properties aligned with their lifestyle ideals ( Luxury real estate is evolving on two parallel tracks: shared ownership is accelerating, and lifestyle-led demand is strengthening at the high end. Together, those forces create an unprecedented opportunity to enrich your life through the purchase of a second home. Pacaso takes the complexity out of second home ownership, giving you effortless access to extraordinary properties around the world. Whether you’re eyeing a Austin Allison CEO and Co-founder of Pacaso

While the real estate market has slowed down after the pandemic-driven surges of 2020 and 2021, many popular luxury vacation destinations across the country continued to see a rise in second home demand in 2022. In this year’s Top Second Home Markets Report, we reveal the top 10 luxury second home markets of 2022. These are the markets across the US that saw the biggest upticks in second home buying activity.  “Despite a national cooling in residential real estate, we’re finding that the To determine the top U.S. markets, Pacaso analyzed second home mortgage rate lock data — an indicator of second home buying activity. Here are the 10 U.S. counties that saw the biggest increases in the share of second home mortgage rate locks for homes priced above $1 million.  “What’s interesting here is that many of the counties that saw the largest year-over-year shift toward second home buying activity this year are already regarded as luxury top second home destinations,” said Austin. “Places like Napa, Kauai, and New York City all made the list this year. In previous years, lesser known Compared to last year, sought-after destinations in Utah, Florida and California saw the biggest gains in the number of people purchasing luxury second homes. In Washington County, Utah, where the average second home price was $1.3 million, the share of luxury second home mortgage rate locks was up 10.3% year-over-year — the largest increase in the country. Home to Osceola County, Florida (6.1%), and Nevada County, California (4.5%), also saw the biggest year-over-year share increases among the top markets. Osceola County is situated just south of Orlando and is in close proximity to Florida’s famous east coast beaches.  Nevada County, home to Truckee, is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is a short drive from the world-class ski resorts of Lake Tahoe. With demand and prices for second homes continuing to rise in many areas, co-ownership offers a smarter and more responsible option for buyers looking to make memories now in a second home. Pacaso has co-ownership listings in over 40 world-class destinations. Browse Pacaso identified the top U.S. luxury second home markets by selecting the 10 counties with the highest year-over-year increases in second home mortgage rate locks between January 1 and December 6, 2022. Counties without at least 50 second home transactions in the period, as well as those with second home mortgage rate lock share below 10%, were excluded from the analysis.  Luxury second homes are defined as homes sold for $1 million or more that are designated for seasonal and/or recreational use. Mortgage rate lock data is an indicator of second home buying activity. When applying for a mortgage rate lock, a home buyer must specify whether they are securing a mortgage rate for a primary home, secondary home or an investment property. Approximately 80% of mortgage rate locks result in home purchases. Mortgage rate lock data was provided by real estate analytics firm Optimal Blue and includes a sizable share of the market that is taken to be representative of the whole. Second home mortgage rate lock transactions and average second home purchase price data were sourced at the county level. 

Second home market trends: Key takeaways Second home market cooled in summer, but still relatively hot Across the nation, second home rate locks — a proxy for second home transactions — increased throughout the pandemic, peaking in summer 2020 and again in spring 2021, but falling 26.6% year over year this past summer. Despite this recent cooling of the pandemic-fueled second home surge, overall market share of second homes is still up from pre-pandemic levels.  From 2017 through 2019, second home transactions averaged a 3.8% quarterly market share of all rate locks. As of summer 2021, that percentage was up from pre-pandemic levels, with second homes comprising a 4.3% market share. “A year ago as Pacaso was preparing to launch, we wanted to better understand the second home market, and quickly realized there was a massive gap in local, timely second home data,” said Pacaso CEO Austin Allison. “It’s estimated that there are nearly 10 million second homes in the U.S., and with pandemic-driven shifts that have allowed people greater flexibility around where they live and work, we expect to see this number continue to grow. The second home housing market represents a significant subset of the market that is critical to watch in order to fully understand the U.S. housing market.”  The Pacaso Second Home Market Report, which analyzes timely and localized data for the top 50 second home markets, is a composite including property use and mortgage rate lock data. It includes counties with a percentage of seasonal homes and median home values at or above the top 20th percentile. Mortgage rate lock data is a leading indicator of consumer second home buying activity. Transaction volumes decreasing, but home prices up across top 50 markets Most of the top vacation destinations are seeing second home mortgage rate locks decline, but prices remain highly elevated and continue to rise. All but one county tracked in Pacaso’s report saw double-digit price growth in second home purchase prices this past summer. Kauai, Hawaii, saw the highest growth, with a median purchase price of $1.25 million, up 83.3% compared to a year ago. The island of Kauai has seen Wasatch County, Utah, and Gunnison County, Colorado, also saw sharp increases in second home purchase prices, up 53.9% and 53.2% respectively year over year. Prior to this spike, Wasatch County historically had a lower median second home price than neighboring Summit County, Utah, which is home to popular resort town Park City. Meanwhile, Gunnison County, located in the Colorado Rockies and home to ski resort Crested Butte, still has a lower median second home price than neighboring Summit County, Colorado, which is home to a number of famous ski destinations like Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain.  Of the top 50 second home destinations analyzed, 46 saw a year-over-year decline in transaction activity in the summer months. However, trends in four second home markets stood out as exceptions:  Demand is creating a new wave of second home markets “It’s clear that there’s been a sea change not only in where people live and work, but also where they choose to get away from it all. The market looks completely different than it did two or three years ago,” said Pacaso CEO Austin Allison. “It used to be that major metros were the primary hotbeds of real estate activity, and now we are seeing double-digit price growth across the entire U.S., and intense interest in second homes in places like Boise, Idaho, and Eagle County up in the Colorado Rockies. This widespread demand is creating a new wave of second home markets with more moderate median home prices but the same types of amenities and outdoor recreation options typical of their more famous counterparts.” At the other extreme, El Dorado County, California saw the biggest decline in second home mortgage rate lock volumes, down by 62.5%, which was almost certainly related to this summer’s wildfires in Lake Tahoe. Cass County, Minnesota (-60.7%), Chelan County, Washington, and Beaufort County, South Carolina were just behind, both down 59% year over year. Most of these markets posted extreme growth the year before, which was not sustained.  Methodology Pacaso identified the nation’s top second home markets by compiling census data on counties with a percentage of seasonal homes and median home values at or above the top 20th percentile and by excluding those below the bottom 10th percentile of counties with the fewest households. Counties without at least 20 second home transactions in the period were also excluded from the analysis. Pacaso then analyzed real estate activity in the top second home markets by observing mortgage rate lock data, a leading indicator of second home buying activity. When applying for a mortgage rate lock, a home buyer must specify whether they are securing a mortgage rate for a primary home, secondary home or an investment property. Approximately 80% of mortgage rate locks result in home purchases. Mortgage rate lock data was provided by real estate analytics firm Optimal Blue and includes a sizable share of the market that is taken to be representative of the whole. Second home rate lock transactions and median purchase price data were sourced at the county level with the months June through August 2021 comprising the “summer” period in this analysis. 

Gain insights from industry experts on the latest in capital markets and what’s to come in tech in Pacaso's recent webinar hosted by co-founder and former Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff. Jane Dunlevie, Global Head of Internet Banking, and Danielle Freeman, Managing Director, Equity Capital Markets, from Goldman Sachs joined Pacaso co-founder, former Zillow CEO, and Goldman alum Spencer Rascoff. Together, they discussed the 2024 capital markets outlook, explore IPO windows, and analyze the current landscape of tech stocks.  A few key takeaways included: Click

More people are buying second homes than ever before. Although the pandemic-induced buying frenzy slowed in 2021, second homes purchases remain historically high. In popular vacation destinations across the country, demand continues to rise, as do prices, with nearly all top markets seeing To determine the “We know that the pandemic fueled a major surge in second home buying demand, and that national demand peaked in the Rural southeast counties had highest rates of growth In addition to revealing the top second home market in every state, the analysis also highlights the percentage of growth each market has seen over the past year. Perhaps surprisingly, Top 10 markets with biggest increases in share of second home rate locks in 2021 High-priced markets more likely to see declines in rate locks Some markets, despite their popularity, experienced significant declines in their share of second home sales. Dukes County, which includes Martha’s Vineyard and 10 other islands off the southeast coast of Massachusetts, is the top second home market in that state. Still, it saw the biggest year-over-year decline in second home share among all top 50 markets that made the list, down 19.4% from last year. With an average second home price of $1.6 million, Dukes County is also one of the most expensive markets.  Price increases and limited inventory may have contributed to the annual decrease, as well as the emergence of other, more affordable markets with more inventory. Teton County, Wyoming — home to the popular Jackson Hole ski resort — has the highest average second home sale price of all the markets on the list: $3.4 million. It also saw a moderate dip in the share of second home mortgage rate locks, down 7.9% from last year.  Find your second home with Pacaso With prices and demand for second homes continuing to rise in many areas, co-ownership offers a more accessible, simpler option for would-be buyers. Pacaso has co-ownership listings in destinations across the U.S. and in Spain, and is rapidly expanding to new markets. Methodology Pacaso identified the top second home market per state by selecting the county with the highest total percentage of second home mortgage rate locks between January 1 and October 13, 2021, in each state. Counties without at least 50 second home transactions in the period were excluded from the analysis.  Mortgage rate lock data is an indicator of second home buying activity. When applying for a mortgage rate lock, a home buyer must specify whether they are securing a mortgage rate for a primary home, secondary home or an investment property. Approximately 80% of mortgage rate locks result in home purchases. Mortgage rate lock data was provided by real estate analytics firm Optimal Blue and includes a sizable share of the market that is taken to be representative of the whole. Second home mortgage rate lock transactions and average second home purchase price data were sourced at the county level. 

Why should empty nesters consider downsizing? While the idea of leaving a long-time family home can feel emotional, downsizing during your empty nest stage of life is an opportunity to intentionally design a lifestyle that fits your current needs and priorities. Financial benefits One of the most immediate advantages of downsizing is the potential financial relief. Over time, these savings can add up, creating more flexibility and peace of mind. Lifestyle benefits Beyond finances, downsizing often leads to a noticeable shift in how you spend your time. Instead of managing a house built for a busy family, your home begins to support the life you’re living now. Emotional considerations Leaving a family home can stir up nostalgia — and that’s completely normal. For many empty nesters, downsizing becomes less about what they’re giving up and more about what they’re gaining. How do you choose the right home and space for your lifestyle? Once you’ve decided to downsize, the next step is finding an empty nester home that fits your lifestyle, not just your space requirements. Choosing the right home ensures your new chapter is comfortable, functional, and tailored to the way you live now. Here are some downsizing tips for empty nesters to help find a home that suits your needs. Evaluate your space and daily habits Start by thinking about how you actually use your home: Understand storage and organization Even a smaller home can feel spacious and functional if storage is planned thoughtfully: Choose the right home type Selecting an empty nester home that fits your lifestyle goes beyond size: How can you declutter and let go effectively? Most downsizing tips for empty nesters focus on the home. But one of the most challenging parts of downsizing is deciding what to keep and what to let go of. When approached thoughtfully, decluttering can feel empowering rather than overwhelming — a way to create a home that truly supports your lifestyle. Room-by-room decluttering Handling sentimental items Involving family How can you make the moving process less stressful? Moving, especially as an empty nester who is downsizing, can feel overwhelming, but careful planning can transform it into a smooth, organized experience. Creating a timeline Packing and storage tips Moving logistics How can you optimize a smaller home for comfort and style? Downsizing doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. Smart furniture choices Maximize storage Make it feel bigger How can you enjoy more freedom after downsizing? One of the greatest benefits of downsizing is the lifestyle it enables. With less space to manage and fewer possessions to maintain, you gain time, flexibility, and energy to focus on what matters most.  For many empty nesters, this newfound freedom also opens the door to travel without the burden of managing another property. Co-owning a second home through Pacaso allows you to enjoy a fully furnished, professionally managed vacation home, making it easy to travel more while keeping your primary residence simple and low-maintenance. How to downsize with Pacaso co-ownership The best downsizing tip for empty nesters One of the smartest ways to make downsizing work for your lifestyle is to pair it with a second home — without taking on the full responsibilities of traditional ownership. Pacaso removes the complexity of second-home ownership by handling furnishings, management, and ongoing upkeep, so you can focus on enjoying your time instead of managing another property. This approach aligns perfectly with downsizing: less space to maintain at home, and more freedom to travel, relax, and explore. With Pacaso, you can: If you’re curious about how it all works, Downsizing during your empty nest stage of life doesn’t mean limiting your life. The best downsizing tips for empty nesters focus on freeing up time, resources, and energy to live the lifestyle you’ve been imagining — and Pacaso makes that not only possible, but easy. With less home to maintain and more freedom to travel, pursue hobbies for empty nesters, and create new experiences, downsizing becomes a gateway to the life you truly want.

Cabo may be known for its sun and surf, but there are so many more things to do in Cabo than lounging by the water (though that’s certainly part of the appeal).Visitors come from all over the world for world-class resorts, energetic nightlife, lazy days on the water, or simply to feel rejuvenated. With its rich history, vibrant culture, varied landscapes, and endless sunshine, Los Cabos is the kind of destination that warrants repeat visits – and co-owning a second home with Pacaso makes it easy to return and experience it all. What are the different parts of Cabo? Los Cabos sits at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and includes both Cabo San Lucas Cabo San Lucas Often referred to simply as “Cabo,” Cabo San Lucas is the heart of the action. This is where you’ll find the lively marina, iconic landmarks like El Arco, and many of the most popular things to do in Cabo. Days are spent sailing, lounging at beach clubs, or soaking up the sun on Medano Beach, while nights come alive with restaurants, nightlife, and sunset cocktails overlooking the water.  It’s the most energetic and activity-filled area of Los Cabos, making it a favorite for first-time visitors and those who want to be close to it all—while still enjoying plenty of elevated, luxury experiences tucked just beyond the buzz. All-inclusive resorts and San José del Cabo For a more relaxed, culture-forward experience, San José del Cabo offers a slower pace and a deeper connection to local history and art. The cobblestone streets and charming plazas of old town are ideal for leisurely strolls and a thriving gallery scene adds depth and creativity to the town’s laid-back atmosphere. Boutique shopping, farm-to-table dining, and weekly art walks give this area a distinctly refined, authentic feel.  Known for its elevated coastal living, many luxury The Corridor Stretching between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, The Corridor is known for its sense of privacy and exclusivity. Here, luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and pristine beaches line the coast, offering a more secluded take on Cabo living. It’s a favorite for those who want space to unwind—whether that means ocean-view mornings, poolside afternoons, or teeing off with dramatic coastal backdrops.  The Corridor strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and escape, often considered one of the best places to live in Mexico for those seeking laid-back luxury along the coast. Things to do in Los Cabos While there’s more to Los Cabos than the sun and surf, there’s no denying that some of the best things to do in Cabo involve the ocean. Ocean activities Los Cabos is a paradise for anyone who loves the water. With the Sea of Cortez on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the sun, surf, and sea. Cabo outdoor adventures If you love a little adrenaline and fresh air, Los Cabos is an adventure playground. From desert landscapes and rugged canyons to sweeping ocean views, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Los Cabos for adventurous spirits. Leisure activities Sometimes the best way to enjoy Los Cabos is at a slower pace—enjoying the culture, flavors, and style of the region. From world-class golf to boutique shopping, there’s no shortage of ways to indulge. Wellness & relaxation Los Cabos isn’t just about adventure—it’s also the perfect place to slow down, recharge, and connect with nature and yourself. Things to do in Cabo that keep you coming back With so many unforgettable things to do in Cabo, it’s no surprise that many visitors start imagining what life here could look like beyond a brief vacation. From mornings on the water and afternoons exploring desert trails to evenings spent dining, unwinding, or watching the sunset from your terrace, Cabo offers a lifestyle that’s easy to fall into—and hard to leave. That’s why Los Cabos is often considered one of the best places to live in Mexico, especially for those seeking a balance of luxury, adventure, wellness, and everyday ease.  With Pacaso,

Minimalist architecture feels right in Miami Minimalist architecture has a natural home in Miami, where light, water views, and an outdoor first lifestyle reward clean lines and open space. In the best Miami vacation homes, minimalism does not mean bare. It means every material, sightline, and piece of furniture is chosen for comfort, calm, and function, so the home feels composed the moment you arrive. Minimalist architecture as a vacation home lifestyle For buyers, minimalism is often about protecting time and attention. Mornings start with coffee in a bright kitchen. Afternoons move naturally to outdoor lounging. Evenings feel easy because the space is designed to host without constant setup or visual noise. This is where minimalist architecture becomes a lifestyle choice, not a design trend. A well done minimalist plan also creates flexibility. The same great room that feels calm for two people can scale up for a dinner with friends, because circulation is simple and furniture placement is deliberate. The home does not ask you to manage it. It supports how you want to live in Miami. A Miami Beach example where minimalism meets waterfront ease On Miami Beach, a pared back If your idea of Miami second-home living includes morning laps and evenings outside, Not the one? The minimalist kitchen as the center of the home In a minimalist home, the kitchen is rarely a showpiece for its own sake. It is a functional command center that makes entertaining feel smooth. Look for clear prep space, integrated storage, and finishes that feel calm in daylight and evening light. The best kitchens in Miami support both a quick breakfast before the beach and a longer dinner when friends join you. This is also where minimalism feels most sophisticated. When cabinetry, counters, and lighting are simplified, the experience becomes about how the space works. It is easier to keep the home feeling composed, and easier to enjoy it as a true getaway. In Miami Beach, Minimalist outdoor living in South Florida Minimalist design shines outdoors in Miami, where patios and pool decks are used as true living spaces. The best designs create zones that feel intentional without filling them with extras. Think one dining area that seats well, one lounge area that works day and night, and lighting that makes the space usable after sunset. Nearby waterfront neighborhoods also show how minimal outdoor design supports entertaining. A calmer way to own Miami vacation homes Pacaso co ownership fits naturally with minimalist living because it removes the ongoing friction that can come with a second home. You get a professionally managed place in Miami that is ready for the weeks you want to be there, so your time is spent enjoying the city, not managing a checklist. Continue the design conversation and explore Miami If you want more inspiration on homes with strong design, read Ready to see this aesthetic in real life. Start with

South Carolina’s coastline is a treasure trove for vacationers seeking lowland luxury with stretches of wild, idyllic beaches along its 2,876-mile Atlantic edge. Millions of visitors visit the coast each year for its laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty, especially the coveted barrier islands. Exploring the Palmetto State often boils down to choosing Kiawah Island vs. Hilton Head, two destinations known for distinct vibes and visitor experiences. No matter which island you choose, you can expect pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and modern amenities during a coastal getaway. However, each island differs in size, atmosphere, urban access and amenities. This guide breaks down key characteristics of each destination, so you can choose the coastal town that best aligns with you. Location and accessibility  Kiawah Island is easily accessible from The Savannah Highway connects the island to the mainland, so ferry access isn’t necessary. With narrow roads, congestion is common during high season, so plan time for delays when visiting in summer. Since Kiawah Island is a largely private, gated community, visitors typically need to provide their reservation or guest details at the gate. Hilton Head  Hilton Head Island is just over 100 miles southwest of Kiawah Island and about an hour drive from Savannah, Georgia, and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). While arriving in a major city is ideal for some visitors, some choose the regional Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), which places them close to major attractions. The Island is easily accessible by car along the U.S. Highway 278. Roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, with the William Hilton Parkway and Cross Island Parkway connecting guests to most tourist attractions and accommodations. While there is no vehicle ferry,  passenger boats operate short trips to Daufuskie Island for visitors looking to explore nearby areas. Beaches and scenery Both locales, Hilton Head and Kiawah Island, are On both islands, expect warm waters, a gentle surf and soft tan sand along wide stretches of flat shoreline, perfect for multigenerational swimmers and sunbathers.  Kiawah Island  Kiawah boasts 10 miles of award-winning beaches, and access is almost exclusively private, resulting in fewer crowds and increased exclusivity. The island's only public option is Beachwalker Park, with the rest reserved for residents, resorts and guests.  Kiawah is a nature-focused community that offers a 30-mile trail system and five public golf courses on-site. The famous Oceans Course offers Atlantic shoreline views at every hole and is carefully developed around wild salt marshes and windswept dunes, reflecting to Kiawah’s passion for land and sea conservation. Hilton Head  Hilton Head boasts 12 miles of public beachfront, making it an ideal destination for day visitors seeking an accessible and social experience. Entry points are well-maintained and offer restrooms and ample parking for larger crowds. The island is more densely developed than Kiawah, but it also prides itself on ecological preservation. The 4,000-acre Pinckney Accommodations  Kiawah Island hotels are smaller, low-rise, and blend with the natural surroundings, with average nightly rates lower than Hilton Head. Hilton Head resorts are larger, more expensive, and offer more social and family-oriented amenities. Kiawah Island Kiawah Island charges premium prices for resort access. According to Popular accommodations include: Each hotel embraces eco-luxury and elegance with low-rise construction, aligning with the natural landscape rather than catering to a developed nightlife scene.  Hilton Head  Hilton Head’s top-tier accommodations skew higher than those in Kiawah Island, but with a larger footprint, there are options at varied price points. According to Coveted Hilton Head hotels include: These properties prioritize an active, social atmosphere with beachside pools, live entertainment and amenities for families on-site. Dining Dining in Hilton Head vs Kiawah Island boils down to two distinctly coastal yet contrasting cuisines. Both islands offer a range of casual and finer establishments, with Kiawah specializing in intimate and natural venues, while Hilton Head caters to larger, social dining options.  Kiawah Island  Kiahwah Island focuses on locally sourced seafood dishes with a Local favorites include:  When comparing Kiawah to Hilton Head regarding nightlife, the scene is more subdued. Head to Freshfields Village for craft cocktails and live music against a quiet beach setting.  Hilton Head  Hilton Head Island houses over 250 eateries within its 12 miles, ideal for those seeking a broad culinary experience. While traditional seafood dishes like oysters and fresh-caught shrimp are plentiful, international options like Italian, Caribbean and Japanese also abound.  Crowd favorites include:  Nightlife is found in all pockets of Hilton Head due to its livelier, developed atmosphere. For beach fun, The Tiki Hut on Coligny Beach is perfect for waterside entertainment. After hours, enjoy a series of bars and live music venues at the Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Real Estate  When comparing Hilton Head to Kiawah Island’s real estate costs, there are some differences in the cost of living, but both resort towns sit above than the U.S. national average and have a notably affluent communities. Kiawah Island  According to the Kiawah Conservancy, Hilton Head  Hilton Head is nearly four times the size of Kiawah Island and much more developed, which offers a wider array of housing. The average cost of a home on the island is Kiawah Island vs. Hilton Head comparison  When choosing between a visit to Kiawah Island vs. Hilton Head, compare the commute, activities and overall expense. This chart highlights key differences between the two destinations. Who should choose Kiawah Island? Kiawah Island attracts visitors and residents who value luxury, romance and seclusion. Who should choose Hilton Head?   Hilton Head is best for families, social travelers, groups, and golf enthusiasts who want access to a range of courses. While beachfronts may be more crowded, they’re often filled with activities and amenities that are readily accessible. Families can supplement time on the coast with time in the island preserves or at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Get your dream coastal home with Pacaso  Whether you choose Kiawah or Hilton Head, simplify logistics by enlisting Pacaso as your guide towards

Picture-perfect destinations like Big Sky, Montana and Jackson Hole, Wyoming are coveted ski towns with sweeping views, iconic slopes and close-knit communities. With two strong options to choose from, it’s hard to decide between Big Sky vs. Jackson Hole for your dream residence.  The decision comes down to compatibility. These two mountain towns share many characteristics, but also vary in size, amenities, slope options and atmosphere. This comparison guide breaks down each resort town’s unique personality, so you can decide which one works best with your lifestyle. A quick overview: Big Sky vs. Jackson Hole Jackson Hole and Big Sky are popular The popular town caters to urban-minded nature lovers, and its center exudes deeply rooted Western culture at every turn. Annual attractions include the Grand Teton Music Festival, Jackson Hole Rodeo and Old West Days for a snapshot of local mountain life.  The quaint yet lively town is best for a private, relaxed second-home experience, located 50 miles south of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. However, Town Center and Mountain Village offer year-round dining, shopping and entertainment options.  Does Big Sky or Jackson Hole offer better skiing?   When considering Big Sky vs. Jackson Hole skiing amenities, compare the resorts’ acreage, number of lifts, tourist densities and overall cost. Big Sky is more varied and vast, over double the acreage of Jackson Hole.  Big Sky offers a convenient network of lifts and a scenic tram, while Jackson Hole shines with challenging runs that sometimes require backcountry treks. Both receive over 400 inches of annual snowfall and are world-renowned as top Big Sky Big Sky Resort is known for its variety and called “The Biggest Skiing in America” for good reason, boasting over 300 official runs on 5,850 acres of skiable terrain. The Lone Peak Tram lifts passengers 11,116 feet high, and a network of 39 additional lifts provides easy access to other runs in the massive range.  The slopes are rated for all ski levels, from beginner-friendly routes like Lower Morning Star to challenging double black diamond runs like Big Couloir. The trails tend to be less crowded, and you can expect more than one acre of terrain for every skier, lending to a peaceful, wait-free experience.  Jackson Hole Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is nestled in the steep slopes of the Teton Range and stretches about 2,500 acres, with 133 named runs and comprehensive backcountry access. Only 10% of the resort’s trails are beginner-friendly, and there are only 13 lifts. The Aerial Tram climbs 10,450 feet in less than nine minutes and leads to the resort’s most famous runs.  Ambitious runs bring ambitious crowds, so you can expect longer lines and heavier trail traffic during peak season. Teton Village is in the heart of the resort and is especially busy, but popular despite the crowding for advanced skiers chasing unforgettable descents into scenic powder drops. Year-round activities Whether you’re living in Big Sky, Montana, vs. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you can expect robust activities beyond the ski slopes. Both destinations host annual festivals, scenic tram views and outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.  Big Sky tends to be a few degrees cooler year-round and brings in fewer crowds, while Jackson Hole attracts tourists and has a slightly warmer summer season. The key difference between the two Big Sky Big Sky’s alpine meadows and evergreen forests bloom from late spring to early fall, best seen hiking or mountain biking through the region's 50 miles of scenic trails. The Big Sky tram offers relaxed views of Lone Mountain and its encompassing range, carrying passengers 9,024 feet to its summit.  Big Sky is about an hour from Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance, providing convenient access to the park’s most popular attractions, such as the Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful Geyser. Attractions beyond the skiing season include an annual summer concert series, food and wine festival and the annual Big Sky PBR event. Jackson Hole Jackson Hole comes alive in the warmer months, offering experiences like horseback rides in the Teton mountain range to whitewater rafting adventures down the Snake River. Snow King Mountain is a popular summer attraction for families. The ski hill transforms into an adventure park that offers a roller coaster, zip line and mini-golf.  Town Square hosts weekly farmers’ markets and outdoor concerts that showcase the destination’s Western traditions and crafts. The Jackson Hole Fall Arts festival features local creatives, food and music over the span of 12 days each September, with more offerings comparing Big Sky vs. Jackson Hole in the summer. Jackson Hole is about 10 minutes from Grand Teton National Park and about an hour from the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park. However, commutes can reach 2 hours during high season. This side of the park is ideal for exploring the Lewis River corridor and wildlife spotting. Community and culture  Community aspects in Jackson Hole vs. Big Sky break even in terms of outdoor recreational access and appreciation, but differ in many other ways. Jackson Hole is about three times larger in population than Big Sky and has more rooted cultural gatherings and festival lineups.  Big Sky is home to just under 3,000 locals and therefore has a retreat-like, close-knit feel. While it draws tourist crowds and has foundational community services, it tends to be more sparse and quieter than its Jackson Hole counterpart.  Big Sky Big Sky is a community-minded resort town where residents prefer to connect over long hikes and escape to the powdered slopes. Newcomers can expect a slow build on friendships, but Nightlife and shopping options are fewer than in Jackson Hole, and Bozeman offers city conveniences about an hour away. Many locals prefer the neighboring city for gathering goods, Jackson Hole Jackson Hole is home to a blend of long-standing residents, nature enthusiasts and part-time owners who value culture as much as the great outdoors. This brings residents from all walks of life to the town and fuels a variety of activities year-round.  Dining and nightlife Both Big Sky and Jackson Hole evoke the vision of a cozy, classy ski lodge serving perfectly balanced cocktails and tasty, decadent bites. You can have this in the resort areas of each town. However, the two differ in a few ways.  Living in Big Sky, Montana, may be a challenge for residents who enjoy the novelty of a new restaurant or bar every week, with a smaller selection. But what it lacks in volume is made up for in quality, with specialty options like dinner and stargazing at the Montana Dinner Yurt or a Sleigh Ride Dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch.  Jackson Hole has options for everyone, from tapas to sushi spreads. The town hosts the Jackson Hole Culinary Festival in June and the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest in February as a way to showcase its culinary diversity. Most nightlife venues are in the town’s downtown on a walkable stretch of streets, while others are nestled in Teton Village. Big Sky Big Sky’s smaller culinary selection is carefully curated with both upscale and casual eateries. Fine dining options, such as Everett’s 8800 and Horn and Cantel, offer farm-to-table fare, including bison short ribs and wagyu burgers. Family-friendly spots like Cafe 191 and Blue Moon Bakery provide comfort classics such as hand-tossed pizza and chicken-fried steak. For a unique experience, the Montana Dinner Yurt hosts a three-course dinner and is only accessible by a snowcat that plows through a scenic stretch of alpine forest. According to a local The most popular nightlife spot in town is Tips Up Big Sky, located in its center. You can expect shuffleboard and pool tables, live music and a diverse crowd in this cozy yet consistently busy hotspot. Jackson Hole Jackson Hole has a broader food and nightlife scene due to its size, offering a wider range of options for residents. One standout restaurant is the Steadfire Chophouse, offering a pasture-to-plate menu that serves caviar, oysters royal and a selection of fine steaks in Teton Village.  Those living in Jackson Hole and seeking an affordable, less touristy option can take For nightlife, many flock to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar for nightly live music and western charm. Cost of living Whether you settle in Big Sky or Jackson Hole, you’re joining a highly coveted resort community, so prices are on the premium end. The cost of living in Big Sky Montana is a touch more affordable than Jackson Hole, but value is on the rise in both destinations. HOA fees, taxes and frequent seasonal turnover can also increase the overall cost of living, making both locales Big Sky According to Taunya Fagan’s There’s only one major grocery store and hardware store in town, and a local mentions the high prices which frequently drive residents to shop elsewhere: “Definitely do it in Bozeman. It's even worse than the typical resort markup. I saw a dozen eggs for $19 last week.” Jackson Hole The cost of living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, was recently analyzed in the Keller Williams 2024 Grocery and household stores are more numerous in Jackson Hole than in Big Sky. While prices are elevated, having options allows shoppers to better compare prices. Healthcare and education Big Sky and Jackson Hole each provide 24/7 emergency care, but Big Sky residents may need to travel to Bozeman for specialty services. Jackson Hole’s school system is larger and is home to a top-tier high school, while Big Sky’s district and student population remain comparatively small. Both locations offer families easy access to outdoor education and recreation. Big Sky Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency care and pharmacy services in the Meadow Village region of Big Sky. For specialized care, residents often head to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital, with Big Sky’s school system consists of Ophir Elementary, Ophir Middle School and Lone Peak High School. The student-to-teacher ratio ranges from 10 to 12 students per teacher, supporting more personalized learning. The district also offers experiential learning programs like Expedition Yellowstone, an immersive park experience for fourth graders.  Jackson Hole Living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is ideal for those who want convenient, low-logistical healthcare. The St. John’s Health campus is comprehensive with full in-patient services, cardiology and surgery centers and cancer care. They also manage off-campus emergency centers conveniently located in Teton Village.  Teton’s school district houses 2,800 K-12 students and has a student-to-teacher ratio of about 1:11, fostering strong classroom relationships. Housing Both cities offer high-end real estate options suitable for an upper-income individual or family. Prices stay elevated due to the limited availability of properties, although recent developments in Big Sky have increased the number of available homes compared to Jackson Hole. Both towns boast scenic alpine views, and the Big Sky Big Sky has several large-scale communities like Yellowstone Club and Moonlight Basin designed for skiers seeking quick slope access and amenities. Newer town homes can be found in Town Center and Meadow Village, which are steadily growing into more robust residential districts.  The town is exclusive but more accessible for new residents than Jackson Hole. This is because of flexible local building codes and a resort tax that funds housing initiatives. You can also explore neighborhoods near the Gallatin River if you don’t mind driving 15 minutes to the slopes.  Jackson Hole Jackson Hole’s larger footprint comes with a wide variety of housing options, from luxurious homes in the prestigious John Dodge neighborhood to condos in the heart of downtown. The town center is walkable, and most areas are close to cultural attractions, making it best for those who prefer a livelier pace.  However, housing inventory is extremely limited in Jackson Hole, largely due to building limitations designed to protect natural wildlife areas and ecosystems. Its proximity to world-class national parks and packed peak-season travel also makes it challenging to find consistent housing without a substantial investment.  Big Sky vs. Jackson Hole: Which should you choose? Living in Big Sky vs Jackson Hole comes down to your personal preferences. If you want the slow pace of a close-knit community on a rural stretch of paradise, Big Sky is best. If you want immersion into nature with access to amenities, Jackson Hole is more aligned to your lifestyle.  If you’ve dreamed of

Nearly every region of the United States has a mountain range that’s a fitting backdrop for your next mountain getaway — or, better yet, a mountain getaway that doubles as your To help narrow your search, we’ve selected 27 of the best mountain getaways (in no particular order), including where, when and why to visit each. 1. Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee) Second home buyers looking for a charming mountain town that has it all cannot afford to skip over Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Enjoy strolling Gatlinburg’s Parkway, riding the trolley or checking out the quaint shops and bustling nightlife amidst the Smokies. 2. Sangre de Cristo Mountains (New Mexico) Considering a second home in the mountains? Taos, New Mexico, offers optimal views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and everything that an art lover could desire: sculpting workshops, galleries and indigenous culture museums.  3. Rocky Mountains (Colorado) If you’re looking for a luxury mountain getaway with world-class skiing, upscale shopping, and cozy après-ski lounges, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains deliver all that and more. It’s a dream destination for those seeking both skiing adventures and tranquil sights. And it’s also home to some of Pacaso’s most sought-after second homes. 4. Blue Ridge Mountains (North Carolina) The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina are an ideal pick for second home seekers who want easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This stretch of scenic highway is known for its sweeping overlooks, quiet picnic spots, and some of the best fall colors in the country.  5. Sierra Nevada (California) 6. Chugach Mountains (Alaska) Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, with plenty of attractions for second home buyers who want to enjoy a snowy retreat for the whole family to enjoy. 7. Mount Rainier (Washington) When the mountain is “out,” it’s cause for celebration all around the Seattle-Tacoma area. Mount Rainier is an active volcano, but the last major eruption was in 1894. The mountain boasts wildflower meadows and ancient forests.  8. Cascades (Oregon) If your ideal mountain getaway includes craft breweries, stunning views, and outdoor adventure, the Cascades in Oregon should be on your radar. With access to snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes and endless trails, this region is a year-round haven for nature lovers. 9. Adirondack Mountains (New York) Visitors and second home buyers with kids will fall in love with the weeklong 10. Catskill Mountains (New York) Those hailing from the New York and New Jersey area can breathe easy in the fresh air of the Catskill Mountains. 11. Laguna Mountains (California) Not ready to say goodbye to city comforts? Then you’ll like the close proximity of the Laguna Mountains to urban hubs like 12. San Bernardino (California) A mountain getaway that’s close to L.A. but worlds away from the hustle may just be paradise. The San Bernardino Mountains offer a peaceful, elevated retreat perfect for couples and families alike. 13. McDowell Mountains (Arizona) If you prefer desert sunshine with your mountain views, the McDowell Mountains in Arizona offer a unique and luxurious alternative to the snowy cliffs. Its Sonoran allure can impress anyone. And, you can enjoy outdoor activities year-round without the cold.  14. Ko’olau Range (O’ahu, Hawai’i) The east side of the island of O’ahu is home to some of the most 15. Olympic Mountains (Washington) Families will revel in the abundance of adventures on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, a half-day of travel from the hubs of Tacoma and Seattle. 16. Mount Shasta (California) Mt. Shasta is a tiny town at the foot of majestic Mount Shasta, a potentially active volcano in the southern end of the Cascade Range. It tops out at 14,179 feet.  17. Black Hills (South Dakota) Nature lovers and history buffs searching for a second home won’t want to miss Keystone, South Dakota. It’s full of historic charm and is dotted with wood sculptures of Bigfoot, Smokey Bear and other whimsical creatures that kids will love.  18. Haleakalā (Maui, Hawai’i) Maui is home to some of the most 19. Pocono Mountains (Pennsylvania) Residents of Philadelphia and New York City can enjoy owning a second home near the Pocono Mountains. Perfect for a fall getaway, the Poconos area is dotted with tiny towns that make for charming day trips. 20. White Mountains (New Hampshire) Consider opting for a second home in 21. Grand Tetons (Wyoming) Teton Village and Jackson, Wyoming, offer stunning views of the Grand Tetons and nearby Yellowstone National Park, making this second home mountain getaway ideal for any nature lover. 22. Wasatch Mountains (Utah) The Wasatch Mountains combine epic terrain with a lively mountain-town energy, making them a top pick for luxury second homes. It’s a fantastic destination year-round, offering both hiking and beautiful, relaxing views. 23. Bighorn Mountains (Wyoming) Sheridan, Wyoming, is the ultimate in quaint mountain towns, rich in history and charm. Families and friends can relax in the great outdoors when they call the Bighorn region their home away from home. 24. Sierra la Laguna (Mexico) The Sierra de la Laguna mountains, tucked into the southern Baja California peninsula, offer a truly unique landscape. Mountain trails meet sun-drenched beaches to charm explorers with tropical warmth. 25. French Alps (France) The French Alps are the gold standard for European mountain getaways. With majestic peaks, Michelin-starred cuisine and picturesque Alpine villages, this region offers a romantic blend of adventure and elegance. 26. Dolomites (Italy) Italy’s Dolomite Mountains offer a storybook setting for those looking to combine natural beauty with Old World charm. Think alpine trails, historic villages, and panoramic views with the quintessential Italian flair. 27. Canadian Rockies Rugged, vast and wildly beautiful, the Canadian Rockies are a bucket-list destination for second home seekers who crave the great outdoors. Discover your dream mountain vacation home with Pacaso Whether you’re seeking romantic mountain getaways, looking to explore the Rocky Mountains, or dreaming of a tranquil retreat in the French Alps, you can find your own perfect mountain escape. With Pacaso’s professionally managed LLC co-ownership model, owning a luxury second home in your favorite destination is easier to achieve than ever. From Steamboat Springs to Scottsdale, and even Tuscany, our listings offer mountain getaways for couples, families and adventurers alike. Browse

Steeped in Southern hospitality and boasting stunning natural beauty, North Carolina is a magnet for full-time residents and vacationers. But like any great place, the Tar Heel State has its share of drawbacks that prospective second home owners should know.  Let’s explore the 17 most significant pros and cons of living in North Carolina to help you determine if it's your North Carolina 101 North Carolina is celebrated for its diverse geography, rich cultural roots, and a booming job market. It’s also a hot spot for vacationers and second-home seekers looking to own a slice of the Southeast without the full-time commitment. So, if you want a taste of their famous barbecue pork while on your road trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Outer Banks, take a chance and discover what this state is all about. Pros of living in North Carolina The benefits of living in North Carolina include diverse landscapes, a mild climate and a flourishing job market, all of which contribute to a high quality of life. 1. Low cost of living North Carolina has a lower cost of living compared to many other states, making it an attractive and 2. Outdoor activities ​​With stunning 3. Mild climate The state’s diverse geography creates a variety of climates. The mountains have cooler temperatures year-round, with distinct seasons and occasional snowfall in winter. The central Piedmont region experiences warm summers and mild winters. The coastal plain enjoys hot, humid summers and relatively warm winters. The state is home to 4. Food and dining options Savor the rich flavors of North Carolina's culinary scene, from classic Southern comfort food like fried chicken and biscuits to fresh seafood caught off the coast. Don't miss the chance to sample local favorites like hushpuppies and shrimp and grits. North Carolinian food is so popular that four restaurants rank among some of the 5. Rich history and culture Immerse yourself in North Carolina's fascinating history and vibrant culture. From exploring the mysterious Roanoke colony to celebrating the birthplace of aviation at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina provides fascinating glimpses into the past. Wander through towns like Asheville that overflow with 6. Job opportunities North Carolina's job market has grown at a steady 7. Thriving arts and culture scene From historic theaters to contemporary art galleries, there's something for everyone. Cities like Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte are home to world-class museums, live music venues and performing arts centers. Asheville, known as the Paris of the South, is a hub for independent artists, craft breweries and eclectic shops.  8. Great educational opportunities  North Carolina is home to a strong network of public and private universities, community colleges and technical schools. Renowned institutions like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina State University attract top-tier faculty and students from around the world. Together, th​​ey create The Research Triangle, a hub for academics, businesses and startups. 9. Air travel North Carolina offers excellent air travel access thanks to two major airports: Cons of living in North Carolina Although the state is known as an affordable, 1. Natural disasters Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and severe thunderstorms are common occurrences in North Carolina. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, while inland regions face the threat of tornadoes and flash floods. Keep this in mind if you’re eager to Residents can experience all four seasons, with hot, humid summers followed by crisp autumns, mild winters with occasional snowfall in the mountains and temperate spring weather. Be prepared for sudden downpours, especially during the summer months, which may occasionally delay your 2. Traffic While North Carolina can provide a slower pace of life than many other states, traffic congestion can be an issue in major urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro, especially during rush hour. Although North Carolina 3. Crime rates Crime rates in North Carolina vary significantly by region. Cities tend to have higher crime rates than rural areas. Researching specific neighborhoods is essential when considering relocation. Both property crime and violent crime are 4. Expensive healthcare North Carolinians pay some of the 5. Lack of public transportation While public transportation options are improving in major cities, many areas of North Carolina still rely heavily on personal vehicles. This can limit mobility for those without cars who want to explore the state's natural wonders. Despite a 6. Poor infrastructure North Carolina's infrastructure ranked 31st nationally in 2023, according to a 7. High pollen levels Due to its climate and abundant vegetation, North Carolina experiences high pollen levels, particularly in the spring and fall. Tree pollen (especially oak, hickory and ash) is a major culprit during the spring months, while ragweed pollen dominates in the fall. 8. Housing market inflation The state’s housing market has seen a surge in home prices in recent years. This can make it challenging — particularly for Popular places to live in North Carolina North Carolina offers diverse living experiences, from bustling cities to tiny mountain towns. Here are three of the most popular locations for residents and Asheville Asheville has emerged as a vibrant hub for arts, culture and outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city is known for its stunning natural beauty, a thriving craft beer scene and a relaxed mountain lifestyle. The city has quickly become known as an Instagram-worthy Charlotte Charlotte is North Carolina's largest city, offering a dynamic urban experience with a sophisticated Southern style. The Queen City boasts a thriving job market, a diverse culinary scene, and a growing arts and culture district. For second home owners, Charlotte has a balance of city amenities and proximity to outdoor attractions like Raleigh As the state capital, Raleigh blends a growing tech scene with the warmth of Southern hospitality. The city has a high quality of life, excellent schools and a vibrant downtown area. For second home owners, Raleigh provides access to cultural attractions, sporting events and 180 miles of greenways. Co-own in North Carolina with Pacaso After weighing the pros and cons of living in North Carolina, it's no wonder many aspire to own a piece of this captivating state. However, Pacaso co-ownership is the modern solution to this challenge. By co-owning a luxury Pacaso home in North Carolina, you can experience the joys of second home ownership without the burdens. You'll enjoy

Looking for the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year? Across the world, you’ll find larger-than-life celebrations and meaningful cultural traditions that will usher in the new year in the most memorable ways. Add in your own family rituals, and you’ll have a New Year’s Eve celebration that feels personal, festive, and unforgettable. 1. Extravagant celebrations —London, England London sets the global standard for New Year’s Eve grandeur. The legendary fireworks show over the Thames, complete with choreographed music and lights, is nothing short of spectacular. Visitors and residents can celebrate with river cruises, West End parties, and Michelin-star dining, for a truly 2. Iconic views — Paris, France Paris glows even brighter on New Year’s Eve and consistently ranks among the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The Champs-Élysées transforms into a festive promenade, complete with light projections on the Arc de Triomphe and celebrations that spill into neighborhood cafés, wine bars, and riverfront parties. For a magical midnight moment, fireworks illuminate the sky around the Eiffel Tower, creating a dazzling display against one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. 3. Warm-weather escape — Hawaii If beach days and tropical breezes are your ideal way to greet the New Year, Hawaii is hard to beat. Pleasantly warm temperatures pair with beachfront fireworks, festive luaus, and countdowns set to island time. Many resorts host elevated NYE dinners and live music, making it a favorite for both families and couples seeking a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere. 4. Off the beaten path — Florida Keys, Florida The Florida Keys bring a relaxed, come-as-you-are energy to any New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy sunset cruises, oceanfront fireworks, fresh seafood feasts, and quirky local traditions like the famous 5. Cultural traditions — Tokyo, Japan Tokyo blends modern festivities with deeply rooted cultural traditions on New Year’s Eve. Fireworks aren’t as common here, but instead, visitors will be met with countdown concerts, illuminated cityscapes, and vibrant neighborhood celebrations. At midnight, many locals head to temples for bell-ringing ceremonies or visit shrines for 6. World-famous countdown — New York City, New York Few places are as synonymous with New Year’s Eve as New York City. At the center of the celebration is the Times Square ball drop, a global spectacle known for celebrity appearances, confetti showers, and millions tuning in worldwide. If crowds aren’t your thing, the city has endless things to do on New Year’s Eve — harbor fireworks, rooftop parties, swanky lounges, and culinary experiences. 7. Music lovers’ celebration — New Orleans, Louisiana For travelers who want rhythm, soul, and authentic community energy, New Orleans fits the bill. Live jazz pours from every corner, and the riverfront fireworks illuminate the French Quarter. Festivities in Jackson Square, street performances, and local celebrations create a lively, joy-filled welcome to the year ahead — perfect for those who want music to set the tone for midnight. 8. Epic fireworks display — Sydney, Australia Consistently topping lists of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Sydney is one of the first major cities to welcome the New Year — and it does so with unforgettable style. The city hosts one of the world’s biggest fireworks shows over Sydney Harbour, a true once-in-a-lifetime sight. With the Harbour Bridge and Opera House as dramatic backdrops and warm summer weather inviting outdoor festivities, harbor cruises and waterfront gatherings make the celebration even more spectacular. 9. Elevated party scene — Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 10. Family-friendly festivities — Jackson Hole, Wyoming Jackson Hole offers a warm, welcoming way to ring in the New Year — complete with snowy mountain charm. Festive New Year’s Eve traditions like fireworks at Teton Village, torchlight parades, cozy lodges, and lively après-ski gatherings create an atmosphere that’s just as exciting for every member of the family. It’s a magical winter destination with Best places to celebrate new year’s eve in 2026 Snowy mountains, lively cities, and sunny coastlines each bring something special to New Year’s celebrations. You might spend the evening exploring local culture, enjoying the great outdoors, or watching fireworks light up the sky. With a second home in your favorite destination, you can start your own New Year’s Eve traditions and create memories that carry on through the years.  Pacaso makes it easy to own a share of a fully managed luxury property, so you can celebrate the holidays in style without the stress of full-time ownership, turning every New Year’s Eve into a moment you and your loved ones will look forward to year after year.

Not a skier? No problem. Vail may be famous for its legendary powder days, but there’s plenty of things to do in Vail for non-skiers. Winter here offers just as much magic off the slopes as it does on. From cozy corners with gourmet fare to serene backcountry adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your snow-covered getaway. Things to do in Vail for non-skiers Snowmobiling in the backcountry Trade skis for horsepower. Glide through miles of pristine terrain with companies like Relax & restore with a spa day If your ideal winter adventure involves plush robes and heated pools, you’re in luck. Book a treatment at the Explore Vail Village & Lionshead Village These two pedestrian-friendly villages feel straight out of a European ski town. Stroll cobblestone walkways, browse upscale boutiques and art galleries, and cozy up in a café or a patio for a quick bite or drink. Even without skis, you get all the charm of an alpine winter holiday. Winter fly fishing or ice fishing For one of the more serene things to do in Vail in the winter, try winter fly fishing or ice fishing with Enjoy Vail’s après ski scene You don’t have to hit the slopes to enjoy one of the most iconic things to do in Vail in the winter. Grab a drink, sit by a fire pit, and take in the gorgeous views of the snow-dusted peaks. Some of the best bars in Vail include: Where to eat in Vail Things to do in Vail with kids Ice skating Vail offers several ice rinks for a playful and festive excursion that makes you feel like you’ve stepped inside a snow globe. Snow tubing Fast, fun, and great for all ages, snow tubing is one of the easiest winter activities for families and one of the best things to do in Vail for non-skiers who still want the thrill of soaring down the slopes. Glide down groomed lanes on an inflatable tube, then hop back on the magic carpet for another run — no equipment or experience needed. Ride the gondola Admire breathtaking views without ever stepping onto a ski slope. Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the top, where you can explore scenic overlooks, grab a drink or meal at Bistro Fourteen, and soak in the winter scenery that feels miles away from the village below.  Horse-drawn sleigh rides Glide through snowy meadows wrapped in warm blankets while horses lead the way. Some sleigh rides end with a gourmet dinner or fireside treats. It’s one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vail with kids. Beyond the slopes Vail offers endless ways to enjoy the season without ever clipping into skis. Cozy spa retreats, mountain-view dining, backcountry adventures, and quaint villages create a winter experience filled with charm and variety. With so many things to do in Vail for non-skiers, every visitor can enjoy a getaway that feels festive, relaxing, and utterly magical.

Tuscan style homes shaping coastal California life Old-world forms meet modern comfort along California’s wine country and coast. Tuscan style homes in Sonoma, Carmel and Santa Barbara borrow from centuries-old Mediterranean cues and translate them for sun, views and entertaining. Expect terracotta-tiled roofs, stucco or stone walls, arched openings, wrought-iron details and courtyards that extend living outdoors, all adapted for today’s open plans and indoor-outdoor flow typical of Mediterranean luxury homes. Tuscan style homes in Sonoma In Sonoma, vineyard views meet rustic refinement in Tuscan style homes. Architecture often pairs stonework and plaster with timbered ceilings, arched portals and symmetrically planned outdoor spaces. Recent architect-led estates in the area show wine cellars with barrel-vaulted ceilings, terraces framed by pocket doors, pavilions around pools and amenities like bocce courts, all designed for relaxed hosting between tastings. Set along West Dry Creek Road, At Hollow, pool-centric outdoor rooms are a natural fit for wine country days. For more inspiration on outdoor water features and entertaining, explore our guide to Carmel’s coastal take on Mediterranean luxury homes Carmel-by-the-Sea favors light stucco walls in sun-washed tones, red clay roofs and arched openings balanced with clean, contemporary plans. Wrought-iron balconies and garden courtyards feel right at home just a short walk from the shoreline, while larger windows and open kitchens keep the vibe airy for beach-to-dinner living. In the Golden Rectangle, Pacaso home Design lovers can dive deeper into architectural style across markets with our feature on Santa Barbara’s refined Mediterranean luxury homes Santa Barbara leans into hillside vistas and ocean air with stucco walls, clay tile roofs, arched windows and lush courtyards. You will often see fountains at the heart of the plan, wrought-iron balconies that frame In Montecito, If views are a priority, explore how outlooks shape floor plans and outdoor spaces in our guide, Make this lifestyle your own with Pacaso Pacaso ownership lets you spend more time enjoying the best of Mediterranean luxury homes and less time dealing with logistics. Explore Pacaso homes in wine country or by the coast and choose the setting that fits how you host, relax and gather. Start with Sonoma’s vineyard settings at

There are far better vacation options, including: Let’s explore each alternative and explain how it differs from the typical reasons not to 1. Second home co-ownership  Second home co-ownership is when a property is jointly owned by multiple people. Buying a vacation home is a greater upfront expense than a timeshare, but you don’t have to be the sole owner. With this timeshare and Whether you’re buying with a group of friends or buying a Pacaso second home, you still have true real estate property ownership. You’re not just buying the right to use a hotel or condo-sized space for a set period. Timeshares are notoriously difficult to sell due to the many rules and limitations owners must abide by. The timeshare is also one of many identical units, creating an imbalance between supply and demand. On the other hand, unique homes attract buyers who must compete against each other in the whole housing market.   Browse a plethora of luxury co-ownership options all over the world with Pacaso’s 2. Vacation rentals Vacation rentals are furnished spaces that are rented out on a short-term basis. Airbnb is as popular as ever, with 265 million users and over 7.7 million listings, according to Lighthouse. People choose vacation rentals because renting a property from a private owner is often cheaper than comparable hotel rooms, and they often give travelers added perks like kitchens and convenient locations. However, vacation rentals can come with charges like cleaning fees, sometimes making them even more expensive than hotels.  Vacation rentals are considered preferable alternatives to timeshares because they give greater flexibility in where and when you can vacation. You’re only paying for specific days, so you aren’t on the hook for yearly fees on top of the purchase price of a timeshare.   Timeshare owners often sell their timeshare days when they can’t use them, giving vacationers the option to visit the same timeshare facility without the long-term commitment.  3. Hotels Although Hotels often provide discounts to certain groups (like the military and AAA) or offer discounted rates throughout the year, making them even more affordable. Some hotel chains offer rewards programs, so the more you stay there, the more you get back. 4. Hostels  A hostel is a budget-friendly alternative to hotels with dormitory-style rooms and communal areas. They’re ideal for backpackers and young travelers seeking a social vacation where they might meet people from all walks of life.  Hostels are typically sparse in accommodations compared to timeshares, but the trade-off is worth it for people who enjoy different locations every year. You can find various types of hostels on apps and sites like Booking.com. In a budget hostel, you may stay in a room with six or more people. A boutique or luxury hostel may offer more upscale vibes and cleaner amenities, while party hostels host social activities and late active hours.  5. Resorts Resorts offer an all-inclusive appeal of many of the best timeshares, such as private beach access, live entertainment, gourmet food and guided tours. You’ll spend less time planning all the details of your vacation, leading to less stress and more time enjoying your break.  Just like hotels, resorts give you the flexibility to stay for longer or shorter durations than a timeshare. You won’t be boxed into traveling at predetermined times of year, and you can visit whenever you want. One example of a famous luxury resort is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii, which boasts many amenities like spas, pools, beach access, multiple restaurants and exceptional customer service. 6. Travel clubs Travel clubs offer group travel rates to various destinations. Travel clubs operate similarly to timeshares and vacation clubs, while being slightly more affordable. Travel clubs require yearly membership fees, and some clubs also charge maintenance fees. These combined costs are often lower than those of vacation clubs. The benefit of travel clubs is that they arrange for group rates, making your stay cheaper while giving you the benefit of travel companions. Oftentimes, the club is centered around a shared trait, like a hobby or age group.  Aside from the social aspect of travel groups, travel clubs also free you from long-term commitments. Even the cost of an inexpensive timeshare begins to add up over the years if you aren’t able to sell it. Since membership in a travel club is yearly, you’ll only lose what you’ve already spent.  7. Vacation home ownership One big draw of owning a timeshare is the dependability of returning to the same destination year after year while avoiding the rising costs of accommodations. Buying a second home in a vacation destination gives you those same benefits and more.  Unlike a timeshare, buying a vacation home gives you real equity in the property, so you have the potential to recoup the money you put into it over the years. Timeshares rarely appreciate in value, and due to the many When you have your own vacation home, you have the freedom to use it as much as you want. In contrast, most timeshare options only allow you to use them once per year and have fixed scheduling limitations.  8. Vacation clubs Vacation clubs are travel services that offer members access to different vacation locations and amenities within their network of affiliated properties. For example, a Holiday Inn Club membership works by purchasing credits. However, many clubs have blackout dates that restrict your ability to travel unless you pay more money. Depending on the club you join, it could cost more per year than even luxury timeshares, but you’ll have easier access to multiple destinations. 9. Fractional ownership Fractional ownership is a collaborative investment where multiple parties share ownership of a vacation property. Each investor maintains specific ownership rights and entitlements to the asset based on their contribution. Fractional ownership is similar to vacation home co-ownership in that you can schedule specific usage times and/or access to different parts of the property.  Splitting the costs of a vacation home comes with benefits like owning a home in a luxury location that you might not otherwise be able to afford. You also share upkeep and maintenance costs. However, it also means all major decisions must go through all ownership partners. You’re also splitting benefits, leading to potential disagreements between owners. How to resell your timeshare?  As you browse timeshare exit vacation alternatives, you may wonder how to best get out of a timeshare. Though it can be difficult, there are a few ways to resell your timeshare. Here are some options: Consider second home co-ownership These timeshare alternatives may help you avoid a major scam and stick to your original goal of enjoying a beautiful vacation with your loved ones.  Unlike a timeshare,

For many of your second home clients, co-ownership will be a new concept. They may be asking, “What is Pacaso?”, “How does Pacaso work?”, Here’s a helpful reference you can use to explain the benefits of Pacaso’s fully managed LLC co-ownership to your clients What is Pacaso? Founded by former Zillow executives, Pacaso is a technology-enabled marketplace that modernizes real estate co-ownership, enabling families to effortlessly own a luxury vacation home and travel with confidence. Pacaso buys extraordinary homes in top locations and creates an LLC for each home. Buyers purchase the amount of ownership that meets their needs, starting at one-eighth. Each home has a maximum of eight owners, and when the home has been fully sold, Pacaso does not retain any ownership. Pacaso professionally manages the home, handling home design, turnover services, maintenance, bill payment, repairs, LLC oversight, taxes, and more. Owners use the company’s equitable SmartStay™ scheduling system to book stays in their turnkey home anywhere from two days to two years in advance. How Pacaso compares to other co-ownership models Co-ownership and fractional ownership are not new ideas, but Pacaso has modernized the concept for those buying a second home. Unlike traditional fractional ownership or timeshares, which often involve resort-style properties or limited usage rights, Pacaso focuses on true property ownership in high-end, single-family homes in premier destinations. Here’s how Pacaso stands apart: In short, while other co-ownership models may offer shared access, Pacaso offers shared ownership with all the benefits of real estate investment, and none of the stress. Understanding these key differences can help you confidently present Pacaso as the best solution for clients buying a second home. Answers to clients' commonly asked questions: Pacaso is a real estate service that allows buyers to co-own luxury second homes through an LLC. Owners purchase a share that fits their needs, from 1/8 to 1/2 of the home, while Pacaso handles maintenance, scheduling, and management. This approach lets buyers enjoy a turnkey, fully furnished home for less cost and hassle than full ownership, while still building potential equity. No. Pacaso is LLC Yes. The legal forms and closing process will be largely the same as a standard home purchase. Local agents (like me) partner with Pacaso and receive commission when our buyers close on a sale of a Pacaso. Yes. Pacaso offers buyers access to a competitive-rate mortgage for up to 70% of their home’s purchase price. Buyers can also use other funding sources such as a HELOC, credit line or cash. Owners book stays using the Pacaso app, designed to make scheduling easy and equitable based on your amount of ownership. You can schedule stays throughout the year, anywhere from 2 days to 24 months in advance, and there are no fixed selection periods. Selling your Pacaso share is simple and streamlined. You set your own price with guidance from Pacaso, and our marketplace connects you with interested buyers, including other co-owners. Because you’re transferring an LLC interest rather than the property itself, the process is fast and hassle-free. Many owners also benefit from potential equity gains, with Pacaso shares historically selling at an average 10% increase. If your clients have additional questions, you can direct them to our

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

Los Angeles and luxury real estate go hand-in-hand. And when the city’s A-list buyers want to Stars of Bravo’s long-running “Million Dollar Listing LA” reality series and co-owners of Josh and Matt worked with Zillow for years and had gotten to know Pacaso co-founder and former Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff. They had also met Pacaso co-founder and CEO Austin Allison, and the brothers knew Rascoff and Allison were real estate innovators.  So when the Pacaso founders approached the team to discuss their new venture, the brothers were intrigued. “Knowing their track record, we were interested, because these were guys who changed the business,” said Josh. Added Matt: “Josh and I jumped at the idea. It was an incredible concept and a product that I would use.” The Altmans, always on the lookout for innovations in real estate, were among Pacaso’s early agent partners. “We like to be the first to do new things. In order to stay on top, you really have to embrace change and technology, and understand how it can work to your benefit,” said Josh. But they had plenty of questions. “When Spencer and Austin presented their business idea to us, my initial reaction was, ‘How is it different from a timeshare, how do people sell their shares, how do they get financing’ — just like any buyer hearing about it for the first time,” said Josh. “Because it’s a new company, it takes a second for clients to wrap their heads around it, but after conversations with the Pacaso team, all our questions were answered.”   After going through the sale process with Pacaso, which Josh described as “seamless,” he was convinced. “I looked at my brother and said, ‘This is going to be really big. This is going to be game changing.’” Matt said it didn’t take long for their team at The Altman Brothers to embrace the concept as well. “I explained the benefits of the Pacaso model for both the homeowner and the buyers, and the team got it very quickly.”   More importantly, the brothers have found second home shoppers to be highly receptive. “The best selling point for buyers is you don’t have to take care of the house,” said Josh. “That’s why a lot of people shy away from second homes. With Pacaso, you get the best of both worlds but for a much lower cost. My clients like it because of the ease.”   For Matt, Pacaso’s fully managed model is a huge perk for buyers. “Owning a second home isn’t easy — you have maintenance, which is an issue no matter how new the home is, you’ve got upkeep. With a Pacaso, you just walk in with your toothbrush and your clothes. It’s a great feeling with no stress. It lets you enjoy a second home like you’re supposed to.”  Being able to tap into the luxury market at a lower price point is a win for buyers, said Josh. “Pacaso has really expanded the buyer pool for second home ownership. Most of the world cannot afford a second home, but Pacaso unlocks a whole group of buyers who weren’t there before.” Matt added, “What’s so special about the Pacaso model is it enables someone to own a real second home for a fraction of the price. A typical second home is empty half the time, which doesn’t make sense financially.” And for real estate agents? Josh thinks working with Pacaso is a “no-brainer.” He said, “Not only can you sell Pacaso the house, you can then sell it up to eight times to the individual buyers. You get commission on the sale of all those shares. Pacaso looks out for the agent and makes sure they get paid what they deserve.”  Matt described it as “an incredible opportunity for agents,” pointing to one of their early success stories in Malibu. The Altman Brothers found a desirable home that seemed like a perfect fit for Pacaso. “It was a hidden gem, a small property right on the beach. As soon as it was in escrow, all eight shares sold almost immediately.” Looking to the future of second home ownership, the brothers agree Pacaso is onto something big. “Pacaso is really changing second home ownership, and I think this is just the beginning. Five years from now, people are going to own multiple second homes for one-eighth the price, and that’s a game-changer,” said Josh.  Matt said he’s considering a Pacaso for his own family. “I see Pacaso becoming a household name in the next few years. I live in LA, and this winter I thought about buying a second home in Big Bear. But I’m only going to use it a portion of the time —  I’d much rather buy a Pacaso knowing I’m only going to use it part-time, but I still have ongoing access to the home. It’s a great product.”

Beautiful American cities attract big businesses, and big businesses pay well for top talent, making metropolitan areas flush with million-dollar homes. But which cities lead the high-priced real estate pack? A 1. San Jose, CA Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is the hotspot for 2. San Francisco, CA Just north of Silicon Valley, San Francisco has 42% of its homes valued at over $1 million. But the size of million-dollar homes in San Francisco varies widely depending on location and condition, with 700-square-foot condos in popular neighborhoods going for $1 million, and suburban homes with close to 3,000 square feet listed at the same price. The neighborhoods with the highest appreciation in San Francisco are just east of Lake Merced and bordering San Francisco State University.  3. Los Angeles, CA Are you starting to see a California trend? Los Angeles has long been known for pricey real estate, and its selection of million-dollar homes make up 19% of the market. The average size of million-dollar homes in the City of Angels is 1,720 square feet, with 92% of them built before 1999. The priciest neighborhoods include Bel Air, Brentwood, West Sunset Boulevard, and areas along the Pacific Coast Highway.  4. San Diego, CA San Diego continues the trend of expensive West Coast real estate, with 14% of the homes valued at over $1 million. Median home values in San Diego are around $665,000, with the majority of homes in the area priced between $596,000 and $894,000.  5. Seattle, WA Seattle’s 91% white-collar workforce is a contributing factor to having 11% of its homes valued at a million dollars or more. You’ll find the most expensive neighborhoods near Edgewater Park/Broadmoor, Laurelhurst, and East Roy Street at 24th Avenue East. Newer construction dominates the scene, with nearly 24% of all homes built since 2000.  6. New York, NY New York City is known for its expensive real estate, so it’s no surprise that the Big Apple made this list: 10% of homes are valued at a million dollars or more. But unlike many other urban areas in the U.S., New York’s dense population means that 95% of the city’s homes are apartments, not detached houses. One-bedroom apartments make up 39% of those units, and it’s rare to find a home with five bedrooms or more in the city.  7. Boston, MA In Boston 9% of the housing inventory is valued over $1 million. You’ll find Boston’s priciest real estate at Beacon Street near Fisher College and Boylston Street near Presidential Plaza. Boston is known for its history, and it’s not just monuments and museums — in fact, 50% of the city’s real estate was built before 1940. As a college town, Boston also has a high percentage of renters, with only 33% of homes occupied by owners. 8. Washington, D.C. Like Boston, Washington is a hotspot for American history, but with a larger inventory of newer construction homes: 34% of homes in the district were built before 1940. Million-dollar homes make up 7% of the D.C. real estate market, with Dupont Circle’s historic mansions, Georgetown and The Palisades among the city’s most expensive neighborhoods. Typical home values range from about $236,000 to $1.2 million, with no single price bracket cornering the D.C. market.  9. Miami, FL With glamorous mansions lining its waterways, million-dollar homes are part of Miami’s scenery, making up nearly 5% of the city’s homes. Miami also has some of the newest homes, with 27% of its housing constructed after 2000. Up-and-coming Miami neighborhoods include Buena Vista, City Center and Biscayne Boulevard at Miami Dade College.  10. Denver, CO The Rocky Mountain gem of Denver rounds out the list with 4% of its market consisting of million-dollar homes. Home values are pretty evenly distributed between $122,000 and $914,000, with 86% of them falling in this range. The city is also divided nearly equally between owners and renters, at 49% and 51%, respectively.

The demand for second homes is growing, but so are the barriers. With limited inventory and rising prices, many buyers are hesitant to take on the full cost and responsibility of a second property. Others worry about leaving a home unused for much of the year or managing short-term renters. That’s where co-ownership comes in. This modern approach to second-home ownership gives agents a powerful way to meet evolving client needs, earn more through commissions and grow your business in a changing market. With co-ownership, buyers purchase a share of a private, high-value home alongside a small group of other vetted owners. It’s an ideal solution for clients seeking more flexibility and accessibility than traditional second-home ownership, with greater equity and control. With Pacaso, clients benefit from a professionally managed LLC co-ownership model that offers true real estate ownership. While DIY LLC ownership has existed for years, it’s often difficult to manage. Pacaso simplifies the process by handling the management, maintenance and scheduling so your clients can enjoy their home for several weeks a year, minus the typical headaches of ownership. Co-ownership isn’t just a smart option for buyers, it’s a business-builder for agents. Whether your clients are priced out of full ownership or simply want more flexibility, co-ownership allows you to expand your reach and offer more tailored solutions. No matter where you’re based or licensed, you can refer clients to thousands of homes nationwide and in select global markets and earn a Want to take your business to the next level? Our free Co-ownership isn’t just a trend, but a smart, strategic way to meet modern buyer needs.

As you browse Pacaso listings, you may notice this repeated phrase: “The home comes fully furnished and professionally decorated.”  One standout feature of a Pacaso is the But a Pacaso is more than just a pretty face! Beyond the visible design elements, our homes are supplied with all the necessities and special touches that make an owner’s stay relaxing and easy. And for families with children or grandchildren, we've made sure our Family-Friendly Second Homes™ are equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay — we want you to spend less time packing and more time having fun! Here’s a peek inside the cupboards and closets of our Pacaso homes.  Dining delights Whether your idea of a dream dinner is a homemade multicourse feast or takeout by the pool, we’ve got you covered. Kitchens are stocked with all the food-prep essentials and then some, including an array of high-end pots and pans, pizza stones, mixing and measuring sets, German cutlery, and all manner of bakeware. Plus, countertop appliances like multicookers, stand mixers, blenders and more make it fast and easy to whip up your favorite treats.  When you don’t feel like cooking, you can serve fresh bakery croissants or a charcuterie assortment in style, using our sophisticated white porcelain china and Portuguese flatware.  For your morning pick-me-up, choose from Nespresso or standard brew (or use the electric kettle for a spot of tea). When winding down, our barware collection caters to nearly every preference, whether you bring along red, white, bubbly or create a custom cocktail. Bed, bath and … BBQ Beds are fitted with quality linens, luxurious duvets and assorted pillows. Bathrooms are stocked with plenty of towels, hair dryers, a scale and magnifying mirror, and basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash and soap.  For homes with outdoor entertaining spaces, you’ll find gas barbecues, fire pits, outdoor drinkware and dinnerware and patio furniture. If the home has a pool, we even supply floaties for added fun, while Work and play If you need to catch up on work during your stay, you can count on high-speed internet throughout the home, a charging station and, in many homes, a dedicated work space. Once you’ve logged off for the day, sit down with the family to enjoy one of the provided games, like Jenga, backgammon or cards. If you’re looking for more modern forms of entertainment, never fear — all Pacasos have smart TVs and streaming services so you can catch a show, tune into your favorite sporting event or keep the kiddos entertained while you enjoy a quiet moment watching the sunset with a glass of wine. Speaking of little ones, our Family-Friendly Second Homes are equipped with kid-friendly dinnerware and cutlery, a high chair, booster seat and Pack ‘n Play. And homes in beachfront and warm climates come equipped with beach chairs and pool floaties for bonus fun in or by the water. Household necessities Need to clean up some spilled spaghetti sauce? Or change a light bulb in the hall? While we focus on luxury living, we’ve also prepared our homes for those less-than-glamorous aspects of daily life. Mops, brooms, cleaning supplies, extra light bulbs and batteries, an iron and steamer, and even a mini-toolkit are provided to ensure you have what you need, when you need it, to handle the little details of your stay.  See the full list of

More people are buying second homes than ever before. Although the pandemic-induced buying frenzy slowed in 2021, second homes purchases remain historically high. In popular vacation destinations across the country, demand continues to rise, as do prices, with nearly all top markets seeing To determine the “We know that the pandemic fueled a major surge in second home buying demand, and that national demand peaked in the Rural southeast counties had highest rates of growth In addition to revealing the top second home market in every state, the analysis also highlights the percentage of growth each market has seen over the past year. Perhaps surprisingly, Top 10 markets with biggest increases in share of second home rate locks in 2021 High-priced markets more likely to see declines in rate locks Some markets, despite their popularity, experienced significant declines in their share of second home sales. Dukes County, which includes Martha’s Vineyard and 10 other islands off the southeast coast of Massachusetts, is the top second home market in that state. Still, it saw the biggest year-over-year decline in second home share among all top 50 markets that made the list, down 19.4% from last year. With an average second home price of $1.6 million, Dukes County is also one of the most expensive markets.  Price increases and limited inventory may have contributed to the annual decrease, as well as the emergence of other, more affordable markets with more inventory. Teton County, Wyoming — home to the popular Jackson Hole ski resort — has the highest average second home sale price of all the markets on the list: $3.4 million. It also saw a moderate dip in the share of second home mortgage rate locks, down 7.9% from last year.  Find your second home with Pacaso With prices and demand for second homes continuing to rise in many areas, co-ownership offers a more accessible, simpler option for would-be buyers. Pacaso has co-ownership listings in destinations across the U.S. and in Spain, and is rapidly expanding to new markets. Methodology Pacaso identified the top second home market per state by selecting the county with the highest total percentage of second home mortgage rate locks between January 1 and October 13, 2021, in each state. Counties without at least 50 second home transactions in the period were excluded from the analysis.  Mortgage rate lock data is an indicator of second home buying activity. When applying for a mortgage rate lock, a home buyer must specify whether they are securing a mortgage rate for a primary home, secondary home or an investment property. Approximately 80% of mortgage rate locks result in home purchases. Mortgage rate lock data was provided by real estate analytics firm Optimal Blue and includes a sizable share of the market that is taken to be representative of the whole. Second home mortgage rate lock transactions and average second home purchase price data were sourced at the county level. 

According to second home mortgage rate lock data analyzed by Pacaso’s research team, sales of luxury second homes and “Overall, luxury real estate exceeded expectations and outperformed the rest of the second home category and the overall real estate market in Q2 2022,” said Pacaso Co-Founder and CEO Austin Allison. “Despite a rising interest rate environment and growing concerns of a recession, it is clear that demand for this type of asset remains strong.”   The last two years, particularly during the peak of the pandemic, the housing market experienced record growth. Home price appreciation seemingly peaked in April of 2022, when it was up 21% nationwide. Today, the market is beginning to normalize from those unprecedented levels. In May, home prices decelerated for the first time in five months, but were up double digits year-over-year for the 16th consecutive month. The deceleration was partially driven by rising interest rates, an uncertain economy and geopolitical unrest in the Ukraine. Contrary to some headlines, many economists believe that the housing market will continue to grow through 2022, albeit not at the same pace as 2020 and 2021. The current volatility in the stock market has impacted many consumers’ overall net worth in recent months. This in turn drives many to look to more stable asset classes, such as real estate. “Affluent consumers tend to be more insulated from the impacts of an economic downturn,” continued Allison. “Some consumers will look to real estate as a more stable place to park their money during times of increased market volatility. Although they may trim their budgets, this group is less likely to completely drop out of the market. As a result, demand for luxury real estate remains strong, but the acceleration of home price appreciation for this category will likely continue to slow as we saw during Q2 2022.”  While interest rates are rising compared to record low rates during the pandemic, the housing market is still experiencing very healthy demand, particularly in the luxury second home segment. Thirty-year fixed rates rose above 5% in April for the first time in more than a decade. In the second week of June, interest rates rose by 55 basis points, which was the largest one-week increase since 1987. However, for the past 50 years, 30-year fixed mortgage rates have averaged approximately 8%, even crossing above a staggering 18% in the early 1980s. With rates averaging around 5% today, they are still relatively low comparatively. It is important to note that the total share of second home mortgage rate locks was 2.7% in Q2 2022, dropping below the pre-pandemic national average of 3.5% (based on second home mortgage rate locks between 2015-2019). The luxury category makes up approximately 12% of all second home mortgage rate locks. The median price for all second home mortgage rate locks during Q2 2022 was $435,000, which was up 19% year-over-year. Looking specifically at the luxury category, the median price was approximately $1.4 million, which remained relatively flat on a year-over-year basis. However, when it comes to second homes, more than 50% of buyers pay in all cash*. For this reason, looking simply at second home mortgage rate lock data is not the best indicator of true second home sales in the U.S. The median-to-lower end of the housing market, which makes up approximately 88% of all second home mortgage rate locks is being hit particularly hard, thus driving down total second home mortgage rate lock growth on a year-over-basis. In fact, numerous discount brokerages and mortgage companies are reportedly laying off agents in mass due to decreasing demand for median to lower priced homes.  Second home buyers were focused on locally-relevant destinations that feature outdoor attractions, many located along waterfronts, as the peak summer travel season approached.  “For the past two years, premier second home destinations like Aspen, Malibu and Tahoe experienced strong buyer demand,” said Allison. “As inventories were constrained and prices accelerated in those markets, buyers began looking to more locally-relevant destinations for their second home. In those markets, buyers can get a lot more for their money without sacrificing on the quality of their home or proximity to outdoor activities.” Coeur d’Alene, ID and Williamson County, TN experienced the largest year-over-year increase in the median purchase price for luxury second homes of 52% and 42%, respectively. These destinations offer a wealth of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, making them optimal second home destinations. Situated along Washington’s Puget Sound, Kitsap County, WA, which boasts miles of beautiful shoreline, golf courses, water activities, and boat excursions, saw the median price of luxury second homes increase 39% year-over-year. Cape Cod, MA experienced the largest increase in second home rate lock transactions during Q2 2022 (+236% year-over-year). Located just south of Boston, Cape Cod offers a wealth of outdoor activities, pristine beaches, five star restaurants and some of the best mini golf courses in the nation for family-friendly fun. Beachfront counties dominated the top ten list of destinations by transaction count, including  St. Johns County, FL which saw a 220% increase. Sevier County, TN, which is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Clark County, NV, home to The Last Vegas Strip, also experienced strong growth in second home rate locks, up 147% and 108%, respectively. Pacaso identified the nation’s top second home markets by compiling census data on counties with a percentage of seasonal homes and median home values at or above the top 20th percentile, and by excluding those below the bottom 10th percentile of counties with the fewest households. Pacaso then analyzed real estate activity in the top second home markets by observing mortgage rate lock data, a leading indicator of second home buying activity. When applying for a mortgage rate lock, a home buyer must specify whether they are securing a mortgage rate for a primary home, secondary home or an investment property. Approximately 80% of mortgage rate locks result in home purchases. Mortgage rate lock data was provided by real estate analytics firm Optimal Blue and includes a sizable share of the market that is taken to be representative of the whole. For this analysis Pacaso’s research team looked at mortgage rate lock volume for both second homes and investment properties for Q2 2022 with a purchase price of greater than $1 million to focus on the luxury end of the second home and investment property category. Rate lock transactions and median purchase price data were sourced at the county level for counties that had a minimum of 5 second home transactions and aggregated quarterly, with Q2 representing the months of April through June 2022. * National Association of REALTORS®, June 2021

Many second home buyers are wary of high costs and ongoing maintenance, and worry they won’t have enough time to use their home. Pacaso is the best solution, according to San Francisco-based luxury real estate broker Roh Habibi of Sotheby’s International Realty. “Every complaint that I’ve gotten from my clients that own second and third homes in all these destinations — Pacaso has solved it,” said Roh, describing how Pacaso makes it easy for buyers to enjoy their second home. Plus, Pacaso handles the legwork, including tours, inspections and escrow. “For me as an agent, the Pacaso transactions are the easiest I will do all year.” Watch the video to learn more about co-ownership and the benefits of working with Pacaso, from easy in-person or virtual touring with clients to a generous and fast commission structure for agents.