What is considered a second home for tax purposes? | Pacaso (2024)

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• Paris, anyone? Owning an international vacation home is easy with PacasoSay bonjour to the City of Lights when you own a vacation home in Paris! Pacaso simplifies buying and owning in France and other global destinations. Co-ownership knocks down many of the hurdles traditionally associated with Clearing international real estate hurdles When buying abroad, you first need to consider local regulations. For the most part, U.S. citizens can purchase a vacation property in Paris without significant restrictions. However, it can be difficult to purchase on your own or work closely with a real estate agent who operates in a different time zone. When you co-own a Pacaso home, we are your trusted advisor throughout the buying process, helping you skip the mountain of preparation needed to buy property in Paris. Our local expertise and resources — combined with our innovative co-ownership model — make it easier to afford, buy and manage your home abroad. While there are no special restrictions on Americans buying property in France, there are many legal elements to real estate transactions. Pacaso helps you navigate these aspects, ensuring your purchase is compliant with local laws and requirements. We consult our go-to advisors, who provide on-the-ground knowledge of the local area. The real estate purchase process in France requires a notary, who makes sure all your legal documents are in order. Pacaso coordinates with local notaries to handle any administrative tasks on your behalf. American buyers must pay the same property taxes and stamp duty as French citizens. Pacaso provides clarity on these costs and can offer guidance to you and your tax professional. We also structure our LLC co-ownership model in a tax-advantageous manner, minimizing tax burdens and ensuring compliance. As a co-owner, you are responsible for only your specific pro-rata share of stamp duty and other taxes. Co-owning in Paris with Pacaso also allows you to benefit from lower operational expenses long-term due to reduced international property taxes compared to the United States. This means you can co-own a luxury property for less than the cost of staying in luxury accommodations throughout the year. When you buy a home abroad, you’ll of course have to furnish it. This means finding a designer and stores, and potentially dealing with language and cultural barriers. With Pacaso, we leverage our local network of vendors to fully furnish and design your home so that it is immediately stay-ready after purchase. Navigating remote property management While Pacaso’s buying process is faster than a traditional international purchase (which can take up to a year), owning a vacation home isn’t a sprint — it’s a long game. You’ll need to manage your vacation property in Paris from overseas, which can be challenging if you need to conduct regular maintenance and respond to any urgent issues. Pacaso’s fully managed co-ownership model takes the work off your hands by providing a dedicated local property manager. We communicate with local vendors across languages and time zones, ensuring things go smoothly both during your stay and when you’re not enjoying the home. This means your vacation home will be in top shape all year long, ready for your next visit. Exploring Pacaso’s international inventory Finding available Pacaso homes in Paris is a straightforward, user-friendly process, thanks to our tech-enabled marketplace. Here’s how you can get started and buy an international home In Paris, Pacaso currently has available inventory in the 7th Arrondissem*nt on the Rue du Bac, a scenic street just steps from the River Seine and the Louvre, along with other exciting co-ownership opportunities. We leverage our market expertise and local agent network to Experience the epitome of Parisian living in this elegant 1,410-square-foot pied-à-terre. This meticulously renovated 1,087-square-foot Located in the upscale 16th arrondissem*nt, this exceptional 2,260-square-foot Live your best life in the City of Light With Pacaso, making memories in Paris (or premier international destinations) is easy and stress-free. With streamlined purchasing and hassle-free management, Pacaso ensures that owning a vacation home in Paris is an enjoyable and seamless experience. By conducting Ready to find your vacation home? Contact our team to explore our Read
• Bring your whole family to this sophisticated Kiawah Island homeKiawah Island is an ideal destinations for families, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities and a strong sense of community. Located near Pacaso Sales Executive Erica Trent shares the type of vacation families can expect to enjoy on Kiawah Island, and how our latest trending Pacaso listing is the perfect home base. With amenities like a chef's kitchen, porch, pool, home gym, cruiser bike and exclusive club membership, this Kiawah Island retreat provides easy access to the best of the island. Kiawah Island's commitment to safety and environmental preservation also ensures a clean, secure environment for children to explore and play. Plus, vibrant community events in the area foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere for families to explore together. Want to co-own on Kiawah Island? Express interest in this trending listing now. Read
• 'Surprise and delight' moments: Meet the Pacaso home managersEnjoying family time should be easy. Part of what makes the Pacaso experience stand out is our dedicated team of home 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 a owner in Colorado, you’ll get to know Aaron Olthoff. He shares how he keeps every home in the Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen and Steamboat Springs region in top condition all year long. Want to experience the Pacaso lifestyle for yourself? Browse our Read
• Unlock resort-style lakefront living in Texas Hill CountryLago Escondido | $1,574,000* for 1/4 ownership They say life is better at the lake, and that’s certainly true in Lago Escondidio. Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country on the coveted Lago Escondido peninsula, Pacaso's Lake views don’t get better than this Set on a third of an acre, this 4,600-square-foot residence epitomizes luxurious open-plan living. The great room, with its soaring 12-foot ceilings and stone-clad fireplace, serves as the heart of the home. A wall of glass doors extends the living space onto a covered patio, complete with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and gas fireplace. The infinity pool and spa, set against the backdrop of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson's endless vistas, provide a resort-like experience right in your backyard. On sunny days, you can retreat to the comfort of your patio with the push of a button, thanks to the fully automated shade system. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this space is designed to maximize comfort and style. Every amenity checked on your wish list The kitchen in Lago Escondido is a chef's dream. Featuring a SubZero refrigerator, a six-burner Wolf stove and a spacious quartz island, it is both stylish and functional. An additional back kitchen makes entertaining a breeze, offering extra prep space and storage. The adjacent dining area, complete with a wet bar and wine fridge, ensures that every meal is a special occasion. The resort experience continues into the private suites. The primary suite on the main floor is a true sanctuary, with a spa-like en suite bathroom featuring a soaking tub, dual vanities and a rain shower. Additionally, the main floor includes a dedicated office and exercise room. Friends and family will feel right at home in the private guest suite, which boasts its own entry from the front courtyard. Upstairs, a floating staircase leads to a game room with a wet bar and two more guest suites, each offering stunning lake views from a private balcony. Exclusive perks are at your fingertips One of the standout features of this home is its membership to the Escondido Lake and Golf Club. Just five minutes away, the club offers a host of amenities including a world-class golf course, fine dining and recreational activities. The home also comes with a nearby deeded boat slip, making it easy to enjoy all the water activities Lake Lyndon B. Johnson has to offer. All other privileges and amenities are included in ownership (a $125,000 value), including: Future plans for Escondido include additional amenities such as tennis and pickleball courts, and a playground. Welcome home to a world-class community Lago Escondido is an exclusive gated neighborhood comprising of 29 expansive lakefront and lake-view homesites. These homes merge unparalleled lake and hill country vistas with direct lake access. Lago Escondido is established on the shores of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, one of the few and most desirable constant-level lakes in Texas. Lago Escondido is more than just a home — it's a lifestyle. With luxurious living spaces, state-of-the-art amenities and stunning surrounding scenery, this property offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of lake life. Want to co-own this home? The more interest the listing receives, the faster we’ll make it available for co-ownership. Go the listing page or get in touch with us to submit your interest.Read
• Designing luxury: from vision to reality with Adam Hunter Spencer and Adam delve into insights on luxury interior design, celebrity clients, designing abroad, new trends, and even tease a new project on the horizon for At Pacaso, we believe that owning a second home should be a dream, not a hassle. We handle all aspects of the design process for our owners, ensuring their properties are beautifully curated and move-in ready. This worry-free design experience allows owners to simply show up and relax, enjoying their luxury home without any of the typical stresses of ownership.Read
• Unlock luxury cottage-style living in South Carolina’s LowcountryAugust Lane | $1,574,000* for 1/4 ownership Nestled in the serene Palmetto Bluff community, Southern charm meets luxury Spanning over 3,600 square feet, this South Carolina home exudes elegance in every room. Lap siding, louvered shutters, oyster tabby stucco and vaulted ceilings create an airy interior, while flickering gas lights, brick detailing and a covered front porch give you that classic Southern welcome. But August Lane is not just all style. Upscale appliances and gas cooktop in the chef’s kitchen deliver modern comfort. You’ll find a cozy fireplace in the grand room and a finished Carolina room (a quintessential feature), both serving as perfect spaces for entertaining your loved ones. French doors in the room open to a beautiful screened porch, where you’ll be treated to green views, oak trees and gentle breezes all year long. Room and privacy for everyone With 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms (including a luxurious primary suite), August Lane offers ample space for both family and guests. The primary bedroom boasts a private screened porch — a tranquil retreat for morning coffees, afternoon reading and evening conversations. The en suite bathroom — with its dual vanities, walk-in shower and soaking tub — offers spa-like relaxation after the end of day making memories. Beyond the main home is a detached carriage house, offering additional space for your whole crew. Exclusive benefits, all included The allure of August Lane extends beyond its walls. As part of the Montage Residences neighborhood, this home includes access to the prestigious Palmetto Bluff Club, which offers first-class amenities. Whether you’re a golf pro, a tennis junkie, casual hiker, fitness buff or learning fisherman, you’ll find what you need at the club’s many trails and amenities. Plus, owners enjoy privileges at Montage Hotels and Resorts for perks like a personal concierge, priority spa and dining reservations, and enticing discounts at local businesses, giving you access to the best this community has to offer. August Lane is currently undergoing Pacaso onboarding and a design refresh. It will have all new furniture and be professionally decorated. Want to co-own this home? The more interest the listing receives, the faster we’ll make it available for co-ownership. Get in touch with us to submit your interest and take the next step.Read
• Pacaso is expanding! Here’s how you can select our new homesTo meet the But there’s more to this expansion just than new homes to look at. Pacaso.com is more interactive than ever before: Buyers can now Want to learn more? Hear from Pacaso’s Chief Marketing Officer Whitney Curry, Chief Technology Officer Daivak Shah and Chief Investment Officer Joe Maehler as they discuss: Watch the webinar below: “I became a first-hand believer in the Pacaso experience when our family bought our very first Pacaso in Lake Tahoe area," Daivak shared. "One aspect that I’ve connected with is the rituals that we create with our family in the home, and the time we spend together. It enables you to create these rituals and memories with your loved ones." Ready to find your dream vacation home? Explore our latest Read
• Steps to buying and owning a vacation home with PacasoYou’ve dreamed about If you’re unfamiliar with co-ownership, you may be wondering how the buying process differs from a typical whole home purchase. In some respects, it’s similar — but when you buy with Pacaso, it can also be faster and easier. Here are 11 steps to buying and owning a Pacaso. 1. Find a home you love Dream big! All of our Listings that have an “Unlock” action and/or marked “Hot” are curated, third-party listings under consideration for purchase. These listings meet Pacaso’s highly selective property selection criteria. If there’s enough buyer interest in the home, we’ll conduct our You might also see properties marked “Under Contract” — these listings are being inspected as part of our multistep due diligence processes just before we close on the home. If you’re serious about buying one of these listings, you can express interest by making a $1,000 refundable reservation. If you don’t see your perfect match among our listings, let us know what you’re looking for, and we can help guide you! We also offer 2. Talk to us We’re excited to share all the details about our homes. If you’re not sure which one is best for your needs, we’ll go through each home’s unique attributes and location to help you decide. You can easily schedule a time to talk with one of our Crew members from any listing details page, or if you have general questions about co-ownership, you’re welcome to get in touch via our 3. Take a tour We’ll give you all the information we have about the home, but seeing is believing. While you’re on the call with our Crew member, they can arrange a time for you to tour the home. Buyers can schedule a virtual tour or in-person tour or 4. Say yes! You talked, you toured, you fell in love — you’re ready to buy your vacation home! We’ll walk you through the purchase process and paperwork, and our Crew will make sure you understand all the terminology related to co-ownership, such as: We want you to feel confident in the process, so ask as many questions as you’d like. Once you’re ready to proceed, you’ll reserve your share with a 10% deposit. 5. Secure financing If you’re interested in 6. Close on your new home Once you’ve had a chance to go through the paperwork, we’ll schedule a call to review the documents and answer any remaining questions. You’ll sign, wire the funds to complete your purchase, and you’re done! 7. Get ready for vacation home bliss Congratulations, you own a Pacaso! Our commitment to owners doesn’t end at closing. We assign a home management team to each home, and they’ll schedule an onboarding session to ensure you have the Pacaso app, which you’ll use to book stays, and answer any questions. Your Home Manager will be your point of contact throughout your ownership, and they are available to provide support whenever you need it. 8. Book your stays You can begin 9. Experience the ease of managed ownership One of the best things about owning a whole vacation home? It’s all yours! One of the worst things? It’s all your responsibility. The hassles of vacation home ownership can take a lot of joy out of the experience. Pacaso’s 10. Flex your ownership muscles Pacaso’s management services are designed to make your ownership experience easier — but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a voice. In fact, you and your property’s co-owners have 100% ownership of the property once all shares are sold, which means your co-ownership group has decision-making authority. Here’s how this works in practice: Owners can bring major issues about their property to a vote of the co-ownership group, and every share owned holds one vote. A major issue might be a costly property upgrade, like the installation of a hot tub. To call for a vote, you would get in touch with your home management teamRoutine maintenance and necessary repairs (such as replacing a broken dishwasher) are handled by Pacaso and do not require a vote. 11. Feel confident if it’s time to move on We think you’ll love your Pacaso for years to come, but at some point, your needs may change. After 12 months of ownership, you are free to sell at any time, and you set the sale price. We'll work with you to facilitate a fast and streamlined resale. Unlike a Our goal at Pacaso is to make vacation home ownership simpler, more enjoyable and attainable for more buyers. We’ll help you every step of the way, but the first step is yours — so Read