The economy, real estate and Pacaso: Your questions, answered

This year has been incredible for Pacaso — 2024 brought major growth and exciting momentum, thanks to the amazing support from our community. Recently, we extended an exclusive opportunity to our community to join our mission of making vacation homes more accessible for more people through our growth round. Because of strong demand and substantial growth in the first half of the year, our share price will increase after For more information on Pacaso and how you can join the journey, please visit

Recent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve have spurred enthusiasm in the real estate market because even small changes can have a significant impact on real estate purchasing power.  The Fed cut rates .5% in September and .25% in November, lowering its benchmark borrowing rate by three quarters of a point in 2024. While the Federal Reserve does not directly set mortgage rates, the changes in its benchmark rate does influence real estate borrowing. With this lower benchmark target, first and second home buyers should have more purchasing power and the ability to capitalize on real estate purchases. For Pacaso clients, who purchase shares of a luxury vacation home through our co-ownership model, lower borrowing rates translate directly to more affordability, better financing options and a generally enhanced ownership experience. In general, a lower Federal Reserve benchmark rate means lower borrowing costs for real estate buyers. Pacaso’s model already excels at supercharging buying power, making high-end properties accessible by splitting the purchase price and ongoing costs among multiple co-owners.  The recent cuts amplify this affordability. For example, rather than buy 100% of a $10 million Aspen home that you might only use 1-2 months a year, Pacaso enables you to purchase ⅛ to ½ of that same home, for a fraction of the price. You get the same enjoyment of the home, without the large price tag, and Pacaso tackles all of the headaches associated with owning the home.  Additionally, buyers can finance their purchase. Lower borrowing rates lead to smaller monthly payments. And with direct financing, Pacaso is already offering great financing options. With lower rates, your potential savings extend over the life of the loan, translating to more luxury living for a smaller price tag.  Pacaso gives buyers Pacaso also offers financing directly in order to make the purchase, and your ownership, as seamless as possible. You may be able to find a loan with your bank to purchase a second home, but the rates you find through Pacaso will likely be even more competitive and affordable than a traditional loan.  This is in large part due to our lending partnerships, and our growing experience in financing hundreds of vacation home purchases. Plus, Pacaso closings can happen in as little as one day so you can start enjoying vacation home ownership right away. One of the biggest advantages of decreased interest rates is the reduction in monthly payments. This can make owning a share of a luxury property more cost-effective than ever before. Lower monthly expenses allow buyers to allocate more resources to other important priorities while still enjoying the benefits of ownership.  For example, let’s take a $500,000, 7-year loan. At 10%, the total interest for this simple loan would amount to about $197,000. At 9%, even just 1 percentage point lower, the same borrower would save about $22,000, a roughly 11% savings, over the course of the loan. This shows how even small changes in borrowing rates significantly impact the overall price of a loan.  Timing of these cuts presents an opportunity for those looking to enrich their lives. In a recent The value of spending time with family and friends in combination with dollar maximizing strategies position Pacaso to serve you and your goals. From reduced monthly costs to enhanced financing, your buying power is truly amplified, and the benefits are clear. Pacaso’s

Picture this: You’ve been researching Although the luxury real estate market continues to change due to economic factors like inflation and interest rates, your dream of owning a luxury home doesn’t have to. Read our guide to learn about the top eight luxury real estate trends of 2023. 1. Small homes are becoming more luxurious Smaller homes are becoming more popular among luxury home buyers, with small luxury houses selling Smaller homes may also be cheaper and easier to buy with cash. Downsizing into a smaller primary residence or 2. Luxury houses are in a seller's market The housing market as a whole has seen impressive growth over the last couple of years, but the luxury real estate market still managed to surpass the lower tiers. In May 2023, the luxury real estate market saw a sales ratio of One explanation for this growth is that wealthy Americans are less affected by volatile job markets. Being able to work remotely without interruptions to their income has put them in a prime position to take advantage of lower mortgage rates. 3. The luxury real estate market becomes more globalized Due to a strong U.S. dollar, international real estate purchases are expected to increase in 2023. In fact, Meanwhile, foreign investors are taking an interest in states like Texas, California and Florida. China was the biggest investor, purchasing over 4. Large market luxury home median prices are increasing Metropolises like Los Angeles and Austin are experiencing higher median prices for their luxury listings in 2023. In fact, over 24% of Austin homes are being listed at The increase in luxury home prices is redefining what the luxury market will look like in desirable locations across the United States. For example, the small luxury market of East Honolulu may lack the volume of buyers that big cities have, but 5. Buyers are paying for luxury homes in cash All-cash sales comprised 26% of transactions in November 2022, up from 24% a year earlier, according to Since luxury real estate is a highly desirable and competitive market where buyers often face multiple offers and bidding wars, paying in cash can give them an edge over other buyers who need to finance their purchase with a mortgage.  This, coupled with recent 6. Rising interest rates are causing fear in the luxury real estate market The current state of the economy is causing some buyers to hold off on their luxury home prices, with Over 7. Luxury second home ownership is on the rise Many people have avoided Now that more people aren’t tied to one specific location for work, they feel they can get the most out of their money with a second home. In fact, The luxury home market is also seeing gains in And with a 8. Investors are adding to their portfolio In 2022, there was a Luxury real estate has the tendency to be less volatile and more resilient than other types of real estate, especially during economic downturns. Investors can also create a cash flow opportunity from these properties by turning them into luxury vacation rentals. High-end real estate often appreciates faster and higher than average properties, due to their scarcity, exclusivity and desirability. Investors can benefit from capital gains and equity growth over time. The luxury real estate market is no stranger to change, and 2023 has a lot in store for high-end home seekers. Whether you're searching for a new primary or secondary residence, our insights can help you find the

Pacaso's H1 2024 Earnings Call will provide an in-depth look at the company's financial performance and investment opportunities. Join Co-Founder and CEO Austin Allison, alongside CFO Alvaro Cortes. During this session, they’ll unveil key H1 performance metrics, share insights into Pacaso’s plans for growth, and explain how you can participate in our mission to make second home ownership more accessible. For more information on Pacaso and how you can join the journey, please visit

On Presidents Day, many across the U.S. celebrate the nation’s past, present and future leaders with a restful day off. It's no secret that our commanders-in-chief, too, enjoy their own vacation time. From small towns in Texas to multi-generational coastal compounds, presidents across history have retreated to unique destinations for some R&R — many spending their time in a second home. In honor of the holiday, we analyzed seven second home destinations where U.S. presidents vacationed before, during, and after their time in office. Since history shows that So, which president chose the getaway spot with the greatest price appreciation? Hint: He was the 40th president of the United States. Key takeaways 1. Goleta, California (Ronald Reagan) Six presidential getaway destinations saw more than 17% growth in median second home price from last year — with the biggest growth being 20.55% in Santa Barbara County. The average luxury home value in this California county almost doubled from $776,767 to $1,247,645 over a five year period. Santa Barbara County is not only home to the popular cities of Santa Barbara and Montecito, but also the chosen getaway destination for Los Angeles city dwellers and, previously, the Reagans. The famed Rancho del Cielo where President Ronald Reagan retreated with his family, also known as the “Western White House” is located in Goleta, California. The presidential ranch is situated atop the Santa Ynez Mountain overlooking "The Good Land," a breathtaking 10-mile stretch of beautiful coastal and agricultural land. 2. Hyannis, Massachusetts (John F. Kennedy) Barnstable County, Massachusetts recorded the next largest growth in second home price year over year with 19.73% increase. Barnstable County is home to the popular coastal community of Cape Cod and its associated islands. The picturesque seaside town has a rich history with the Kennedy family, which began in 1928 when President John F. Kennedy’s parents purchased a vacation home in Hyannis Port. JFK, his brother Ted and his sister Eunice later purchased the neighboring homes to bring to life the Kennedy Compound, a  three-house, six-acre waterfront property along Nantucket Sound. "With serene beaches, quaint villages, colorful seafood shacks and lighthouses, the Cape embodies the best of New England charm and has long been a popular destination for second home owners and seasonal travelers," said Pacaso Co-Founder and CEO Austin Allison. 3. Rancho Mirage, California (Henry Ford) Coming in third is Riverside County, California, where the 38th President Gerald Ford retreated at one time. The county saw a 19.61% price appreciation in its luxury home prices from 2021 to 2022. Most interesting is chance in price appreciation prior, during and following the pandemic — second home prices were up 4.24% year over year in 2020 but skyrocketed to a 20.66% growth in 2021, showcasing the demand surge for second homes after the onset of the pandemic. Nestled in Rancho Mirage between Palm Springs and Palm Desert, Ford’s home sat on the 13th hole of the iconic Thunderbird Country Club. The popular desert city is home nearly 300 days of California sun and great golf, and has long been a popular getaway for Hollywood and influential celebrities alike including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball, and of course, Gerald and Betty Ford. 4. Crawford, Texas (George W. Bush) Perhaps the smallest town on this list of presidential second homes is Crawford, Texas in McClennan County, and the home away from home of Laura and George W. Bush. While Crawford’s population is less than 1,000 people strong, the central Texas county saw a 18.98% increase in the value of luxury homes from 2021 to 2022, perhaps due to the charming county seat of Waco. Waco is approximately 35 miles east of the "Bush Ranch" and offers plenty for locals and visitors alike to do and explore, from Baylor University and Cameron Park to delicious barbecue, unique boutiques and more. The stars of popular home show "Fixer Upper" and owners of Magnolia, Chip and Joanna Gaines call Waco home and have also attracted fans to the central Lone Star state town who visit the Magnolia Market & Silos. The luxury home price in McClennan County is the lowest on the list with a $512,931 average. 5. Rehoboth, Delaware (Joe Biden) Sussex County, Delaware saw an 18.27% year-pver-year increase in the value of luxury homes year over year. Sussex County is home to numerous seaside resorts and popular beach towns such as Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, Fenwick Island, Lewes, and Rehoboth Beach.  Properly nicknamed “The Nation’s Summer Capital” due to its popularity amongst politicians and its proximity to Washington, D.C., Rehoboth is the current escape for POTUS Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. The Delaware-native had been vacationing to Rehoboth for decades prior to purchasing his second home in 2017.  During Biden’s presidency, he and the First Lady have been seen in perusing Browseabout Books, grabbing an ice cream scoop at Double Dippers and strolling on Gordons Pond Trail, amongst others. 6. Kennebunkport, Maine ( The value of luxury homes in Maine's York County increased 17.16% from 2021 to 2022. The southern Maine county is home to the charming coastal city of Kennebunkport, widely known as one of New England's most popular tourist destinations.  President George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, inherited a "Summer White House" retreat in the town of Kennebunkport, rightfully named "Walker's Point Estate." Similar to JFK’s Massachusetts compound, Walker’s Point Estate consists of three family-owned properties and has long served as a multi-generational getaway destination for the Bush family. 7. Edgartown, Massachusetts ( Dukes County, Massachusetts saw an 11.11% increase in the value of luxury homes from 2021 to 2022. The county consists of the island of Martha's Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands, the island of Nomans Land and other islets. While the entire county only has a population of about 20,600, the largest island in the county is Martha’s Vineyard, which has long been a popular vacation home destination. The island is famous for its miles of public beaches, quaint shops and restaurants.  In 2019, Barack and Michelle Obama bought a slice of Martha’s Vineyard by way of a 29-acre, seven-bedroom and eight-and-a-half-bath estate for $11.25 million. Despite having the lowest value increase year over year of the seven presidential second home destinations we analyzed, Dukes County has an average home price of $2,590,922 — the highest priced real estate of these markets. Methodology To compile this report, Pacaso analyzed luxury real estate activity in counties where U.S. Presidents owned second homes and examined average values of homes in the top 20% of those markets and the year-over-year percentage changes. Home price data was provided by Zillow, MLS data sources, and real estate analytics firm

Inflation has reached its highest level since 1981 as the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 9.1% in June. In addition, mortgage rates in April surpassed 5% for the first time in over a decade and have remained elevated since. This is the first time in recent history that inflation is meaningfully higher than mortgage rates. As the cost of consumer goods in the U.S. rises faster than mortgage rates, there are financial decisions consumers should consider to hedge against inflation. Many advocate putting money into long-term assets such as real estate, including second homes, as a way to hedge against inflation. Although mortgage rates have nearly doubled since the start of 2021, it is important to remember that rates are still well below historical norms. For the past 50 years, 30-year fixed mortgage rates have averaged approximately 8%, even crossing above a staggering 18% in the early 1980s.  Inflation has reached levels we have not seen in over 40 years. Many economists believe that the CPI will remain elevated for the rest of this year and may hold up into 2024. As inflation rises, the cost of everything goes up, including real estate. However, when the CPI growth rate is higher than the current 30-year fixed mortgage rates, homeowners’ will be spending the same monthly amount but with inflated dollars. As a result, smart home shoppers tend to be less concerned about the current levels of mortgage rates when inflation is high. This could provide home buyers with a rare opportunity to make a stable-value investment and take advantage of the growing rate of depreciation of money. In an inflationary environment, consumers want to park their money somewhere that will lose the least amount of value. For that reason, real estate is often considered one of the best ways to hedge against — or beat — inflation. 

I’m Austin, CEO and co-founder of The housing market is picking up steam well into the spring home buying season. Although fewer homes than usual are being sold this spring, buyers are quickly snatching up those that are on the market — even when mortgage rates may be fluctuating. An uptick in mortgage applications indicates that people are optimistic about the market. Some things we’re seeing: 1. Sellers staying put, inventory hits pre-pandemic low According to 2. Fierce competition for desirable homes The current state of the real estate market continues to be highly competitive, as evidenced by the fact that almost half (48%) of the homes sold in the four weeks ending on April 30th were under contract within two weeks according by This spring, the scarcity of inventory is resulting in fewer homes being sold, but those that are 3. Home prices rise for third consecutive month According to a report originally 3. Homebuyers keep a watchful eye on fluctuating mortgage rates According to Meanwhile, the We'll continue to check in with updates, and encourage you to contact us with any questions about a market of interest.

Second home buyer trends: Key takeaways Sales of luxury second homes increased nearly 25% year-over-year during the second quarter of 2022 and approximately 235% compared to Q1 2020, prior to the pandemic intensifying in the U.S.* What’s motivating these second home buyers and more is captured in the This report uses data from a July 2022 survey conducted online among more than 1,000 current and aspiring second homeowners with household incomes equivalent to or above $150,000 in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. The findings shared in this report are specific to the U.S. “The newfound flexibility many Americans are afforded has made demand for second homeownership stronger than ever as people look to put quality of life front-and-center in their lifestyle,” said Pacaso CEO and Co-Founder Austin Allison. “When you buy a second home, you’re unlocking a new chapter in life, becoming a part of the fabric of the community, and above all else, finding a special place to spend time with friends and family.” “Existing second homeowners have experienced firsthand the life enriching possibilities of second homeownership and thus we expect to have more realistic responses as they have a peak under the hood of how often they use their home as opposed to dreamers who haven’t yet seen their preferred usage,” said Allison. “Our data shows that only  29% of people plan to visit their second home, more than 7x per year. This stat further cements co-ownership as a more efficient and sustainable option, as buyers have the power to own only what they will use. Owning 100% of a home you barely use is wasteful and antiquated.” Location, Price, and Size Drive Second Home Buying Decision  For both existing second homeowners and aspiring second homeowners, location (67% vs. 70%), price (49% vs. 66%) and home size (44% vs. 48%) are the top three most important considerations in purchasing decisions for their families when buying a second home.    Location, location, location! As the desire to own a second home grows, the role of location in the buying decision does as well with 67% of current second homeowners and 70% of aspiring second homeowners choosing location as their number one consideration when thinking about purchasing a second home. However, existing second homeowners (45%) tend to value the appeal of the neighborhood more than non-owners (30%). An inability to afford the second home they want is holding non-second homeowners (66%). Of the people who desire to own a second home but don’t already, four in ten (42%) show concern about the associated costs and more than one-third (35%) are hesitant about the effort to maintain a second home.  Nearly half of all current (44%) and non-second homeowners (48%) consider the size of the property when buying their second home. Both value travel time and amenities as other important considerations. “Maintaining a home at a luxury level with contemporary design, high-end furnishings and decor, top-notch amenities and appliances, regular cleaning and maintenance, comes at high cost and a large time commitment as to care for the home properly,” said Allison. “These buyers are still in the process of considering their lifestyle and how they plan to use their home, how often, and who will take care of it when they’re not there. There are options outside of traditional second homeownership, like co-ownership, that mitigate some ownership issues and provide better value.” Second home dreamers and owners aren’t crazy about catching a plane to head to their second home, but love a road trip Nearly two-thirds of people (64%) commute or expect to commute to their second home in four hours or less and the majority (87%) want to drive. One exception is that current second homeowners are slightly more likely to have longer commutes than those intending to own a second home would expect, as 43% of existing second homeowners commute more than four hours to their second home, while only 31% of intenders expect to travel more than four hours. Without major differences between owners versus non-owners, people overwhelmingly expect to drive to their second home (approaching nine in ten) than those who expect to fly (three in ten) or commute by train (one in ten). How the pandemic changed the definition of second home destinations  The permanent shift toward work-from-home has forever changed the way people work and is giving second home buyers more flexibility to spend time away from their primary home and office. “Both existing second homeowners and aspiring owners prefer domestic second homes because they are more accessible, allowing them to visit more often. These owners and aspiring owners are attracted to a second home to share with their family and friends so they can live life to the fullest,” said Savanta Director Research, Insights and Consulting, Amit Sahni. For second home dreamers, their second home is on the water When asked about their desired location type for purchasing a second home, 61% of non-second homeowners want to be near the water. Non-second homeowners ranked a beach house (42%) at the top of their list, followed by lake (19%) and mountain (14%). More people want their second homes in domestic locales  91% of existing second homeowners own domestically and 15% own internationally, which is in alignment with the desires of non-second homeowners.  Second home owners visit their homes less frequently but stay for longer  Non-owners and existing owners feel nearly the same about the number of trips they make and expect to make to their second home each year with only 29% of people planning to visit their second home more than six times per year. More than half (59%) of existing and intending owners visit and expect to visit their homes more than four times per year, with nearly a third (29%) visiting more than six times per year.   Existing second homeowners (61%) are generally more likely to spend two or three plus weeks on vacation, while people who desire to own a second home are more likely to spend one week or less on vacation (58%). 65% of owners and buyers spend or expect to spend two or fewer weeks per stay. “People who intend to own a second home are daydreaming of a perfect place to run to for a quick escape or for occasional weekend getaways throughout the year,” said Allison. “Whereas people who are already second homeowners may be a bit more comfortable with working from their second home or going for two or more weeks at a time, but just less frequently.” Methodology  Pacaso commissioned market research firm Savanta is a fast-growing data, market research, and advisory company. Savanta informs and inspires clients through powerful data, empowering technology, and high-impact consulting, all designed to help clients make better decisions and achieve faster progress. *