Pacaso is a real estate platform revolutionizing luxury vacation home ownership through a co-ownership model. Founded in 2020 by former Zillow executives Austin Allison and Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso allows buyers to purchase fractional shares of high-end properties in over 40 markets worldwide, including Malibu, Aspen, Paris, and Cabo. The company manages all aspects of ownership, from interior design and furnishings to maintenance and scheduling, enabling owners to enjoy a hassle-free vacation home experience. Pacaso’s tech-enabled marketplace streamlines the buying, financing, and reselling process, making luxury second homes accessible to a broader audience.
What is Pacaso?
Pacaso is a real estate platform that simplifies luxury vacation home ownership through a co-ownership model. It allows buyers to purchase fractional shares of high-end properties in sought-after destinations like Malibu, Aspen, Paris, and Cabo. Pacaso manages every detail such as curated interior design, maintenance, scheduling, and resale. It offers a hassle-free experience for owners to enjoy elite vacation homes without the burdens of full ownership. It uses SmartStay technology for seamless stay scheduling and supports global home-swapping for added travel flexibility.
Key Features of Pacaso
- Fractional Ownership: Purchase 1/8 to 1/2 of a luxury home, reducing costs while retaining true real estate ownership via a property-specific LLC.
- SmartStay Scheduling: App-based system for equitable booking of advance (8 days–24 months) and short-notice stays, tailored to ownership share.
- Professional Design and Management: Homes are fully furnished by luxury interior designers featured in Architectural Digest, with ongoing maintenance handled by Pacaso.
- Integrated Financing: Up to 70% financing available, simplifying the purchase process.
- Global Home Swapping: Owners can swap stays with other Pacaso properties worldwide, enhancing travel flexibility.
- Resale Flexibility: Pacaso homes appreciate at 10% annually, with a streamlined resale process averaging 12 days.
- High Occupancy: Pacaso homes achieve 89% occupancy, boosting local economies through increased spending.
Use Cases for Pacaso
- High-Net-Worth Families: Co-own luxury homes in destinations like Malibu or Paris for family vacations without full ownership burdens.
- Frequent Travelers: Swap stays across Pacaso’s global portfolio for diverse vacation experiences.
- Real Estate Investors: Purchase shares for potential 10% annual appreciation and streamlined resale.
- Celebrities and Professionals: Chef Charlie Palmer and Hollywood producers use Pacaso for low-maintenance luxury homes.
- Retirees: Enjoy vacation homes with minimal upkeep, ideal for seasonal getaways.
Pros of Pacaso
- Hassle-Free Ownership: Pacaso manages design, maintenance, and scheduling, allowing owners to focus on enjoyment.
- Cost-Effective Luxury: Fractional ownership lowers buy-in costs for high-end properties.
- Global Portfolio: Access to 40+ markets, including Malibu, Aspen, and Paris.
- Strong Appreciation: Homes appreciate at 10% annually, double the rate of traditional vacation homes.
- User-Friendly Technology: SmartStay and the mobile app simplify booking and management.
- High Occupancy Rates: 89% occupancy supports local economies and maximizes property use.
Cons of Pacaso
- High Fees: Monthly operating expenses may offset equity gains.
- Limited Customization: Owners cannot personalize interiors, as Pacaso controls design.
- Community Resistance: Some areas, like Sonoma County, oppose co-ownership models, citing community disruption.
- Scheduling Constraints: Booking flexibility depends on share size, potentially limiting peak-time access.
- Not a Timeshare Alternative: Despite clarifications, some confuse Pacaso with timeshares, leading to skepticism.
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Pacaso offers true real estate ownership through a property-specific LLC, allowing equity gains and resale flexibility. Timeshares provide only the right to use a property for a fixed time, with no ownership or appreciation.
SmartStay is an app-based system that equitably allocates stays based on ownership share. Owners can book advance stays (8 days–24 months) or short-notice stays, with priority for larger shares.
Costs include the purchase price, monthly operating expenses, and potential financing costs. Operating expenses cover taxes, maintenance, and utilities.
Yes, Pacaso streamlines resale, with homes selling in 12 days on average. Historical appreciation is 10% annually, though fees may reduce net gains.
Yes, Pacaso operates in over 40 markets, including international destinations like Paris, London, Cabo, and Punta Mita.
Pacaso uses reCAPTCHA and adheres to Google’s privacy policies. Owners’ contact information is protected, but detailed cybersecurity measures are not publicly disclosed.
