What is a timeshare and how does it work?

Hosting loved ones should be joyful, not stressful. But most hosting tips barely scratch the surface when it comes to managing the entire event and still enjoying yourself. Between planning the food for a holiday party, coordinating travel, navigating family dynamics, and keeping the kids entertained, the holidays can quickly shift from festive to frantic. Beyond side dish recipes and seating charts, these holiday hosting tips will help make your holiday party feel easy, enjoyable, and truly memorable. How to host like a pro 1. Plan ahead Set your holiday party up for success by giving yourself the gift of time. Create a simple timeline for shopping, cooking, and setting up so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Double-check that you have all the essentials, from tableware and linens to serving dishes, napkins, and that all-important wine opener, so when guests arrive, you’re relaxed, present, and ready to mingle. 2. Create an impressive (but manageable) menu Don’t rely solely on family favorites or untested online recipes. Choose a menu that feels special yet manageable, with dishes that can be prepped or finished ahead of time. Food for a holiday party 3. Leave room for guests to contribute Hosting a holiday party doesn’t mean doing it all yourself. Encourage guests to bring something special to share — a favorite side dish, dessert, or bottle of wine — which lets them feel part of the celebration. Even if you tell them their presence is enough, many will still want to contribute. Make sure to leave a dedicated space in the kitchen or on the dining table to showcase their thoughtful additions. 4. Set the mood Décor, music, and lighting do more than fill a room, they create an atmosphere that makes your guests feel instantly welcome. A curated playlist, a few candles, and fresh florals can transform any space into a warm, inviting setting. It’s one of those simple hosting tips that delivers the biggest impact with the least effort. 5. Create cozy gathering spots Beyond the dining table, set up inviting spaces where guests can gather before and after the meal — on the patio, around the fire pit, or in a cozy corner with plush chairs and blankets. These little retreats encourage conversation, laughter, and connection, helping your holiday party feel relaxed, warm, and welcoming. 6. Keep the little ones entertained Often overlooked, this simple hosting tip 7. Keep the fun going Once the meal is done, consider adding a light game or activity if the mood strikes. A simple trivia round, a festive card game, or a conversation starter can spark laughter and friendly competition, keeping energy high and the evening memorable for everyone. The most important hosting tip Once everything is in motion, take a deep breath and be present. The best holiday party gatherings aren’t about perfection — they’re about connection, laughter, and creating memories that last long after the last guest has gone. When you co-own with Pacaso, hosting a holiday party is easy. Beyond spacious and beautifully designed interiors are

If you’re thinking about investing in real estate, you might be considering forming a real estate LLC. A property investment company with this structure could help you diversify your portfolio with tax benefits and asset protections.  A limited liability company (LLC) is a private, limited company made up of individual members who have the advantage of personal liability protections, tax benefits and adaptable management options. A real estate LLC will have pros and cons, so let’s explore all of them below.  What is an LLC in real estate? An LLC formed for real estate, also called a real estate holding company, is an entity created to purchase, own and manage property. A single LLC can own one property or several.  Just like any other LLC, a How does an LLC work? Say you’re renting out an investment property, and the tenant files a lawsuit because a pipe broke and damaged their furniture. If your LLC owns the rental home, there’s a buffer between your assets and what’s at risk. If you personally own the property, your own assets are up for grabs — including your primary residence.  Pacaso provides the safety and ease of co-ownership through a professionally managed LLC, so you get the As the manager of your home’s LLC, Pacaso will assume financial responsibility if an owner defaults on payments, which means each individual owner is protected. This is one of the benefits of What are the pros and cons of real estate LLCs? Real estate LLCs have been around for years because of the benefits they bring to buyers. Investment in property through a real estate LLC provides the protection of an outside entity — you can buy and sell property with the assurance of avoiding significant personal liability. And yet there are both pros and cons of real estate LLCs — let’s look at the main ones. The benefits of an LLC for real estate Starting a real estate LLC can provide you with some serious benefits, protections and flexibility. Here’s an overview: Potential real estate LLC drawbacks to consider Despite all its pros, there are also some disadvantages of an LLC for a rental property. Here’s what to be aware of: How to start a real estate LLC in 9 steps So, how do you start a real estate investment company? We’ll walk you through each basic step. 1. Pick a business name Decide on a distinct, unique name for your LLC. Do some research on your state’s business name directory and make sure yours is unique. Also, if you create a website for your business, make sure the domain name is available.  2. Register with the state Next, you’ll need to register with your state’s relevant agency, which will involve paperwork and fees. You’ll also need a registered or statutory agent — someone you designate to be available during regular business hours to conduct business in the state.  3. File the articles of organization When you register with your state, you’ll file the articles of organization for your LLC. This is a legal document that overviews your business. You must fill out the articles of organization, which include your business name, starting date, business address and all members of the LLC.  4. Create an operating agreement An 5. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) An Employer Identification Number (EIN) serves as a Social Security number for an LLC, and it’s crucial for tax purposes. You will need to get an EIN to file taxes and open a business bank account. Apply for an EIN online through the IRS. 6. Open a business bank account Open a business bank account to keep business finances separate from your personal finances. Along with maintaining limited liability protections, a business bank account will help you keep clear records of your business’s finances. 7. Transfer property title to the LLC Legally transfer the property title from your name to the new LLC’s name. This will make sure that the legal liability protection is activated and the LLC is the legal owner of the property. 8. Get proper insurance Once you’ve transferred the property title, you’ll need to update your insurance. You may need a commercial insurance policy to protect the real estate LLC against potential lawsuits.  9. Maintain compliance After setting up a real estate LLC, it’s important to maintain compliance with your state’s regulations. Keep detailed records, renew required permits and licenses and file the necessary annual reports. Your state’s government website can keep you updated on maintaining compliance.

When you’re traveling, where you Enter another option: a Pacaso second home. Here’s why co-owning a second home is a better option for your vacations than a The unexpected value of a Pacaso People have compared Pacaso to a hotel, Airbnb or a While Pacaso offers a unique form of co-ownership through an LLC, traditional co-ownership models like But it's not just about these practical advantages. A Pacaso offers valuable benefits that can only be experienced as an owner. Here’s what our owners have to say.   1. You can just show up and enjoy your home While hotels and short-term rentals can vary widely in quality, you can expect your Pacaso to be fully appointed and pristine — every time you return. Your home is taken care of by a 2. It’s easy to host your favorite people Making memories with friends and family is one of the most life-enriching parts of a vacation. And with your Pacaso, it’s easy to do just that. From outdoor kitchens and al fresco gathering spaces to open grand rooms and game rooms, Pacaso has the space, features and details to help the ones you love feel comfortable and enjoy quality time together.  — 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

A property is viewed as a How the IRS defines a second home for tax purposes The IRS defines a second home based on how much you use it personally versus how much you rent it out. For a property to qualify, your personal use of it needs to be more than the greater of either 14 days or 10% of the days you rent it out at a fair market price.  While the tax rules are key, lenders also have their own requirements. They often look for things like the property being a single home (not a Here are other common characteristics of second homes: Tax implications when your second home is a personal residence Second homes come with a host of possible tax benefits from the IRS, but they depend on two key factors: whether you’re living in your second home more than you rent it out and how much money you’re taking in income from tenants. Let’s dive into the specifics: Mortgage interest deduction If you rent out your home for less than 15 days a year, it’s considered a personal residence and you’re eligible for itemized deductions like any other homeowner.  For properties purchased after December 15, 2017, you can deduct mortgage interest on up to $750,000 of qualifying home acquisition debt across both your primary and second homes. Under Home equity interest deduction In addition to deducting mortgage interest, you may also be able to write off interest paid on a This means you can't deduct interest on a home equity loan if you use the money for other purposes, like consolidating credit card debt or paying for a child's college tuition. This deduction is also subject to the same $750,000 combined mortgage debt limit that applies to your primary mortgage. Property tax deduction You can This limit, which was recently increased by H.R. 1, applies to the total of these taxes paid on all of your personal residences if you Tax implications when your second home is a rental property If you rent out your second home for more than 14 days per year, the property is considered a rental for tax purposes. This changes the tax rules significantly, as the property can no longer be classified as a personal residence. What about capital gains when selling? When you sell a second home, any profit you make from the sale is generally subject to capital gains tax on a second home. This is a key difference from selling a primary residence, which may qualify for a significant tax exclusion. Where the Pacaso model fits in The Once you understand the tax rules, it’s easy to maximize the financial benefits of your second home. Pacaso allows you to enjoy a luxury property and its tax benefits without the stress of managing it all on your own. Check out our

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

Wildfire resilience is one of the most urgent challenges facing Napa Valley, but solutions are taking root through collaboration and community action. In this webinar, Pacaso Co-founder and CEO Austin Allison and Napa Firewise CEO Joseph Nordlinger discuss the Valley Stewards Initiative. A groundbreaking program developed with Napa Communities Firewise Foundation and CAL FIRE that is already delivering insurance benefits for property owners. You’ll also hear how Pacaso supports resilience as both a founding donor of the initiative and a property manager, ensuring every home in our portfolio is thoughtfully maintained so owners can focus on enjoying their time in wine country. Watch the full conversation below to learn how stewardship, innovation, and community partnerships are shaping a safer future for Napa Valley. If you’d like to get involved or support these efforts, visit

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

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