What is considered a second home for tax purposes?

When you decide to sell a whole home, you might take a look at recent home sales in your area, check your home value on various real estate sites, decide on a price, list the home and wait for offers to roll in. When you own a Pacaso, the sales process includes some of those steps, but you’ll find it simpler and more streamlined. Here’s how it works. 1. Sell on your terms Any Pacaso owner can choose to sell their ownership interest, at any time.* Each owner has independent control over the sale of their share, which is a key benefit of our professionally managed LLC co-ownership model and a big advantage over timeshares. Once you’ve decided to sell, simply let us know, and we’ll provide you with a current comparative market analysis (CMA) for your ownership interest. The CMA is compiled using local market data, comps, trusted valuation models, and our knowledge of what active second home buyers are willing to pay. You’re in control of the final price, however. You can use the CMA in addition to guidance from Pacaso or your own research to decide what the sale price should be. 2. Take advantage of an existing marketplace Unlike a typical home sale, Pacaso has two ways to assist you in the sale process Second, many homes have a wait list of interested buyers. Our sales Crew will tap into our buyer pipeline when a share is up for resale and inform any buyers who may have missed out on the opportunity initially, as well as buyers who’ve indicated interest in similar homes in that area. Between current owners and Pacaso’s buyer marketplace, you may be able to sell your share without listing it.  3. Get the full marketing treatment While we make inquiries among our buyer pool, we’ll also prepare your share for broad exposure on the open market to ensure you have every opportunity for a sale. If we don’t have an offer right away, we’ll include the home as an active listing on our website, and our local partner agent will market the listing through their network.  4. Experience a seamless and transparent transaction Pacaso’s role in the sale is to help facilitate the transaction and find buyers. There’s no lengthy closing process, no due diligence period, and no need for a title and escrow company, because the title doesn’t change. The LLC membership interest is simply reassigned to the new owner at closing. If the buyer is paying cash, closing can be as soon as the next day. If the buyer is financing their purchase, closing is still much faster than a typical sale, often just 1-2 weeks.  Pacaso resale in the real world A ready pool of buyers and a streamlined sale. Sounds good in theory, but does it match the reality of the seller experience?  In a word, yes. Chief Revenue Officer Andreas Madsen pulled the resale data, and it confirms that Pacaso’s marketplace is operating as intended.  Pacaso’s first homes were in Napa Valley, and when they became available for resale in mid-2021, they provided a good test of the market. “Looking at Napa resale, the value has averaged between 12-15% equity on shares at the 12-month mark,” said Andreas. “One of our Napa Valley homes recently sold for about 13% over the original share price from a year ago. The owner proposed the sale price, and we felt it was reasonable based on the market and the fact that we had a waitlist for that particular home. We were able to facilitate the sale without ever listing it.”  Andreas said that scenario was not an outlier: “It’s common to have buyers ready and waiting. We just had two shares in Malibu sell in under two weeks. I don’t know of any easier way to transact in real estate today.” Looking across all resales, Other avenues for Pacaso owners Owner selldown If you decide your Pacaso isn’t a good fit, or if you purchased more ownership than you’re using, you have options beyond a traditional resale. Own 1/4 or 1/2 of a Pacaso, but only use it 1/8 of the time? You can right-size your ownership by selling a portion of your ownership interest. A selldown works the same way as a resale transaction, but you retain a share of the home.  Pacaso gives sellers an exceptional level of flexibility, control and peace of mind. Hear from Pacaso owners about the ease of their resale experience. Frequently asked questions Can the seller really choose any sale price? Pacaso recommends a price, but the seller makes the final call. If the price seems too high, we’ll share the information we have about the buyers in our pipeline, including what we know about their price ranges. But the seller can choose to proceed with the price they’ve set and see what the market will bear.   What happens if a share isn’t selling? Pacaso will actively market the share, which may include hosting open houses and promoting the listing through email or direct mail marketing. If we’re not seeing buyer interest despite these marketing efforts, we might recommend lowering the asking price. Can buyers negotiate on price?  Yes, we think of the resale marketplace as fluid and moving in line with the open market, so buyers are welcome to bring offers. The seller can choose to accept or decline any offer.   Are there closing costs, commissions or other transaction fees?  For sellers, a 6% commission fee is deducted from the final sale price. For buyers, there are no title, inspection or service fees. Buyers fund the first two months of their home’s operating expenses at closing, similar to property tax and insurance “prepaids” in a traditional sale. Buyers who choose to finance their purchase also pay a financing fee at closing.

A Understanding property managers Owners typically hire a property manager to help them achieve their goal of building a steady investment income while reducing the burden of daily property operations.  Property managers specialize in all operational aspects of ownership Every property will come with unique needs, and the property manager’s responsibilities are outlined in their contract with the owner. Owners with multiple properties might seek out a property management firm to coordinate all operations and oversight.  Because property management involves adherence to housing laws, some states require a license to manage a property, either as a real estate broker or as a licensed property manager. Property managers enforce federal, state and local requirements dealing with screening tenants, evictions, lease terminations and handling deposits.  Takeaways Property managers share these characteristics: In more detail: There are three primary kinds of property managers: commercial, multi-family and single-family. Some property management firms work with a blend of property types. Commercial property management focuses on office buildings and industrial spaces.  Multi-family property managers specialize in spaces with many units, most commonly apartment complexes. Similarly, single-family property managers work in residential housing, but they focus on renting out single-family homes versus large-scale complexes.  Every property has different needs, but generally, property managers: No, property managers do not own the property they manage. Property owners outsource the daily operations to a property manager because they specialize in finding new tenants and know the legal specifics of leasing.  Most property managers work for a property management firm that coordinates the needs of several individual properties. In turn, the property firm works directly for the property owner.  Pacaso's in-house team of experienced, local property managers to handle the day-to-day needs of each home, including: With Pacaso, you own the home, and we manage everything — it’s that simple.

You’re thinking about becoming a homeowner but aren't sure you can afford to do it on your own. 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 is when an asset such as a home is jointly owned by two or more parties. 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 both a legal and financial partnership with the other buyers, as well as an agreement about property access. What is a co-owned home? A co-owned home is a property that was purchased and is 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 choose to buy a house with other buyers, you enter into a financial and legal partnership and a new living arrangement. Why is co-ownership on the rise? The practice of co-ownership has traditionally taken the form of a group of friends or family members coming together to buy a second home or a child who inherits a house from their parents or grandparents.  While co-ownership isn’t a new concept, it has become a more viable Understanding co-ownership of property There are different Tenancy in common A 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 rights of survivorship. 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 as well, so the property is considered to be owned by “one person.” Pros and cons of co-owning a home As an alternative to buying a whole second home, co-ownership offers owners a unique set of benefits for buyers — as well as things to consider: Pros Cons What’s needed to start a co-ownership agreement? Whether you are doing Common elements of a successful co-ownership agreement include: A co-ownership agreement should be drafted before you even purchase the home to ensure a smooth purchase experience. You might also consider consulting a real estate attorney. Co-ownership involves many moving parts, and an agreement should be adapted to fit the owner group over time.  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. Regardless of the co-owner, buying a home with other people is a major undertaking. Not only is 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. One of the advantages of co-ownership is that buyers can combine their income and debts to improve their chances of getting a larger loan. A solid credit score, however, is still essential, as many mortgage lenders will use the lowest credit score to determine qualifications. A key consideration for securing a co-ownership mortgage is payment risk. If one owner is unable to make their payments, the financial responsibility falls on the other co-owners. Otherwise, it results in penalties on the account and even foreclosure. If you are co-purchasing a home part of a TIC, you may be able to qualify for a fractional loan that reduces your financial responsibility to only your loan and not your co-owner’s. However, mortgage interest rates are usually higher for a fractional loan, and they are only offered in certain locations. Differences between a co-signer and co-buyer A co-buyer (or co-owner) is different from a co-signer as it relates to 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 a 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.  Co-ownership vs. fractional ownership While co-ownership and Here are the most important things you need to know about co-ownership: In more detail: How is co-ownership established? Co-ownership is established in a property deed and title, and you can also find details in your mortgage paperwork. If nothing is specified and you’re not married to the other tenant, the state will list the property as a tenancy in common or joint tenancy by default. What is probate, and why does it matter for co-ownership? After someone dies, probate is the legal process where debts are paid and the assets of the estate are allocated. Co-owned property with survivorship rights bypasses probate because there’s nothing for the court to decide — the owners are listed on the deed, which superseded the will.  How do you sell a shared ownership property?  It depends on the kind of co-ownership. A tenancy by the entirety is only valid while the owners are married, so a divorce or death dissolves the co-ownership. For a In most cases of co-ownership, individual shareholders can independently sell their shares to exit the property. What kind of co-ownership does Pacaso offer? Pacaso offers fully managed LLC co-ownership. Designed as a straightforward approach to co-owning a second home, Pacaso’s model allows up to eight owners to each have a 1/8 ownership interest in the LLC, and the LLC is the entity that is named as the owner on the deed. You own 1/8 to 1/2 of your Pacaso, with maintenance, management and day-to-day updates handled by our Crew. View our residential listings and

What is fractional ownership? For instance, if you invest in a fractional ownership of a holiday home, you're essentially purchasing the right to use that property for a predetermined number of days or weeks annually. This approach allows individuals to enjoy the benefits of owning premium assets without bearing the full financial burden alone. In this post, you’ll learn what fractional ownership is, explore its pros and cons, and get answers to some frequently asked questions. Understanding fractional ownership You’ll typically find fractional ownership for real estate like vacation homes. However, fractional ownership can also come into play for art, stocks and fashion items. When owners purchase real estate assets with fractional ownership, they are issued deeds representing their fraction of the property.  Fractional ownership is a great way to buy and own a property or another asset without purchasing it alone. It means all owners of an asset have divided percentage shares of a specific item or property. While families sometimes share ownership, fractional property owners can be unrelated. Types of fractional ownership There are two main types of fractional ownership structures:  Fractional ownership through an entity Some properties split ownership by using a structural entity like an Tenancy in common (TIC) means each tenant holds an individual deed for a fraction or percentage of a commercial or residential property. However, no one person or company is in charge. With a TIC, individuals can own different percentages of the property but share it equally. Some TIC agreements are self-managed. Fractional ownership vs. timeshares Fractional ownership Timeshares may be shared by as many as 52 owners (one person or group for every week of the year) while fractionally owned properties can have as few as two owners.  Fractional ownership advantages There are several advantages to owning a property through fractional ownership. Expanded opportunity to own Fractional investments allow you to own a portion of Deeded ownership Unlike a timeshare, fractional ownership gives you a deed to a fraction of the property itself (sometimes called a fractional interest). This means that the value of your share in the property increases or decreases in line with the property's real estate value. Any increase in value is divided equally and becomes gained equity for all fractional owners. Usage rights Unlike short-term Shared upkeep and maintenance costs Using the fractional ownership model, you're also responsible for only a fraction of the upkeep and Lower upkeep and maintenance burden Most fractional ownership agreements include provisions for long-term property management, with owners deciding how to handle any issues. Maintenance of When you have fractional vacation home ownership through an entity, it will include preventative and routine maintenance, cleaning and property management in its Potential rental income A fractionally owned property can be rented out as a long- or Fractional ownership cons Though fractional ownership has its advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider as well. Fewer financing options Fewer banks provide mortgages for those looking to buy properties fractionally. You may need to shop around or consider other ways to finance your fractional ownership property, like special Less flexibility and freedom All decisions about maintenance, repairs and decor must go through all ownership partners, which Some fractional ownership clubs also require you to maintain an agreement with the club or property management company associated with the home, with no option for self-management or management outside the company.  Limited travel opportunities While it's not unheard of to own shares in multiple fractional ownership properties in different locations, investing in fractional ownership also means investing in the location you’re going to revisit. Of course, you can still vacation elsewhere, but it's something to factor into your travel plans and budget.  An alternative to fractional ownership Where fractional ownership falls short, Pacaso steps up. Pacaso's professionally managed LLC co-ownership model gives you all the perks and lower co-ownership costs with key differences that set it apart from fractional ownership resort clubs.  Unlike fractional ownership resorts, Pacaso offers LLC

Getting to your vacation destination is only part of the journey. When it comes to traveling with family and friends, you have a few options for accommodations: a hotel, a For a smart way to spend time away, however, consider co-owning a Pacaso second home. Here are a few of the reasons owning a Pacaso is the smarter alternative to a vacation rental. The cost of luxury vacation rentals Vacation If you want to make better use of your money, Pacaso might be for you. Pacaso vs. vacation rental  With Pacaso, you co-own a luxury second home where you can create memories today and build possible equity for tomorrow. This is how Pacaso differs from a short-term vacation rental. Owning a Pacaso instead of booking a rental is similar to owning a home instead of renting an apartment. Rather than paying someone else’s mortgage, you’re investing in a home where you’ll make lifelong memories. You can easily book stays in a familiar home  in a destination you love, all while reaping the benefits of home ownership.  Why Pacaso is smarter than a vacation rental You might be asking: Is now a good time to buy real estate? Real estate has proven to be And if you're not crazy about being responsible for a whole property but still want to own a luxury vacation home, Pacaso’s fully managed co-ownership model is ideal. You choose the amount of ownership that’s right for you at a fraction of the cost. Plus, Pacaso takes it up a notch with unique benefits: 1. Pacaso delivers a consistent experience While short-term rentals are varied, you can expect your Pacaso to be fully appointed, 2. You have a dedicated home manager Another Pacaso perk is that you own the home, and we manage everything. Your home is taken care of by a — 3. Your home is never rented out As a Pacaso owner, you enjoy all the rewards of home ownership. Your Pacaso is a real estate asset that will move in line with the whole home market. You can build equity and enjoy the home for personal use, and if you decide to sell your second home, Pacaso has an established marketplace of interested buyers. 4. No renters are allowed in your home As a co-owned home, each Pacaso is reserved for use only by owners and their guests. Pacaso vets owners, who agree to a 5. You spend less time planning Because you own, you spend your time enjoying your second home, not searching for a rental. And with Co-ownership done right On top of being a smarter choice than vacation rentals, Pacaso is the leading global brand in co-ownership. With a $1 billion real estate portfolio, high customer satisfaction scores and over 1,000 Pacaso homes sold, Pacaso is well positioned to deliver on service, value, satisfaction and trust for years to come.

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

Fractional ownership allows multiple individuals to purchase property together and share usage rights. It’s a common practice among people buying big-ticket items like second homes, Because each party is only responsible for a portion of the full purchase price, Unlike timeshares, fractional ownership provides you with the benefits of actual real estate property ownership. If the value of your second home appreciates over time, your share appreciates proportionately to your ownership stake. Plus, you'll share expenses like repairs, insurance and taxes with the other owners.   While a lot of factors go into deciding if fractional ownership is right for you, one of the most important considerations is how you’ll pay for it. Here are a few options for financing fractional ownership of a second home.  Types of fractional ownership financing Cash Of course, paying for your second home in cash is the most straightforward option — there's no financing application, no contingencies and, best of all, no monthly mortgage payment or interest charges. However, not all buyers have the amount of cash required to purchase shares in a property without Mortgage While not every bank or credit union offers mortgages for fractional ownership purchases, an increasing number do. It’s important to note that qualifying for a second home mortgage can be more difficult than qualifying for your first mortgage. You may need a higher credit score, longer employment history and a down payment of 20% or higher.  If you’re buying in a new vacation community, the property developer may offer financing through a banking partner as a way to encourage purchases.  Home equity  If you already own a home and have a significant amount of equity, you may be able to tap into it to purchase your second home. There are three different ways to do this. Be sure to explore your options with your financial advisor, mortgage broker or accountant.  Financing a Pacaso second home Pacaso is a popular choice for fractional ownership of a vacation home. Our unique co-ownership model allows you to buy a ⅛ share or more of a fully furnished and professionally decorated second home in your Buyers can pay for their co-ownership share in a Want to find your dream vacation home? Explore our

The median home price in the United States is $439,716, which is a 5% increase compared to the same time last year, according to This approach to property acquisition allows you to But before diving in, weighing the pros and cons is crucial. Let's explore how shared ownership works, its advantages and potential drawbacks before deciding if it's the right path for you. How shared ownership works In Some programs even allow you to gradually increase your ownership percentage over time, known as “staircasing.” This can give you more control and potentially greater equity growth. The type that’s best for you will depend on your goals, financial situation and desired structure with your co-owners. Always talk through your options with an attorney. Joint tenancy One downside to joint tenancy is that you can’t choose anyone outside your co-owners to inherit your share in the property. It’s also worth knowing that if your co-owner has unpaid debts, a creditor can force a sale, which will also affect your share. Tenancy in common With You can also sell your shares without the consent of other tenants. But remember that if another co-owner passes away or chooses to sell, you may be stuck sharing ownership with an unfamiliar new co-owner. Limited liability corporation (LLC) When you form a LLCs have been used primarily for investment purposes, but companies like Pacaso now use co-ownership LLCs to make purchasing second homes easier. The only downsides of an LLC are that you can’t deduct your property taxes or mortgage interest on your Shared ownership pros and cons Weighing the pros and cons of home ownership and Benefits of shared ownership Shared ownership offers a unique path to property ownership, especially for those facing challenges with traditional affordability hurdles. Here's a breakdown of the key advantages: The lower upfront costs, shared expenses, and potential for equity growth make shared ownership compelling. However, it’s also crucial to carefully consider your financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. Cons of shared ownership While shared ownership offers an attractive entry point, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks before deciding: The limitations on control, challenges in finding compatible co-owners, and complexities associated with exiting the scheme require careful consideration.  Reasons to try shared ownership homes There are multiple reasons why you may want to Here are a few reasons why people choose shared ownership in a primary or secondary home. Reduce the purchase price  The most common reason to share ownership in a home is to reduce the financial burden on the owners. Two or more individuals can apply for a joint mortgage and share the payments. The lender will consider every applicant’s income, credit score and debt-to-income ratio. If some of the applicants are stronger financially in areas where others are weaker, this can benefit all parties involved. Make a purchase possible when one party has poor credit If one person’s credit could negatively impact a mortgage application, they might not want to pursue a joint mortgage. In this case, they might supply the down payment on the home and let the other parties with better credit hold the mortgage in their name. Depending on their agreement, they may leave it at that, or the person with poor credit may continue to pay a portion of the mortgage payment each month to increase their share in the home over time.  Relieve a financial burden on an existing property If an individual faces financial hardship but has owned their first or Achieve vacation home ownership Owning a vacation home can be a dream come true. However, traditional Co-own a vacation home with Pacaso Shared ownership presents a compelling option for those seeking a foothold on the property ladder or a more affordable route to If you value flexibility and affordability — and are comfortable with shared responsibility — shared ownership could be your gateway to property ownership. Mitigate the