Pacaso’s revolutionary co-ownership model makes it easier and more affordable for people to enjoy second home ownership. Still, some myths persist—particularly when it comes to scheduling. If you’re wondering whether you’ll be fighting tooth and nail for time in your home, the truth may surprise you.

​Let’s debunk the top 5 Pacaso scheduling myths—straight from the experiences of real owners and insights from Pacaso CEO Austin Allison.

Many people assume that co-owning a home with others means long email chains and arguments over dates.

Not with Pacaso.

Thanks to Pacaso’s SmartStay™ scheduling system, owners can book their time easily through the Pacaso app. There are two types of stays: general stays (planned in advance) and short-notice stays (booked within 2 to 7 days before arrival). The app shows availability in real time, and booking takes just a few taps.

Gayle, a Pacaso owner, says: “The app is so ridiculously easy. You can do your scheduling, you can cancel and change — it’s really flexible, and if there are extra nights you can just book it on the spot.”

Holidays are a hot commodity, right? Surprisingly, they’re not as competitive as you might think.

Every 1/8 owner is guaranteed one “special date” per year (such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the 4th of July). And with a 24-month rolling calendar, you can even lock in holiday dates well in advance. If you miss your top choice one year, you have priority in the next.

​Austin Allison explains: ​“Almost every single person who hears about Pacaso for the first time asks, ‘Isn’t everybody going to want to use the home on the 4th of July?’ But we haven’t seen that happen. Owners have different preferences and lifestyles.”

Let's be clear: Pacaso is not a timeshare.

Unlike traditional timeshares that assign fixed weeks or use rotating priority lists, Pacaso’s SmartStay system is dynamic. Owners get equitable access across the calendar, with flexibility to book trips ahead of time or spontaneously.

Elizabeth, owner: “I think the app is super easy to use, and I can just look and see what’s available and we plan our trips around it.”

Dan, owner: “The rolling scheduling gives me the flexibility and opportunity to book ahead.”

Also, keep in mind: Pacaso limits ownership to just 8 people per home. 

It’s important to understand the difference between co-ownership and timeshare. With Pacaso, there are only eight co-owners—people who return to the same home throughout the year. Rentals are not allowed, which means your co-owners are just as invested in maintaining the home's comfort and quality as you are.

Compare that to timeshares, where a unit can have up to 52 owners. What’s more, these units aren’t always occupied by their owners—only about 50% of timeshare occupancy is by the members; the rest is rentals and exchanges. This often leads to booking difficulties and less connection to the home. Pacaso offers something very different: real ownership with real pride of place—so the home stays well-cared-for and truly feels like yours.

With only up to 8 co-owners per home, competition is limited. Owners use their homes proportionally to their share—about 6 to 7 weeklong stays per year on average for a 1/8 share.

SmartStay is designed to ensure fair access, especially during peak seasons. The system ensures every owner gets a shot at a peak season stay before anyone can book a second one.

George, owner: “One of the most positive aspects is how well Pacaso thought about the app — when owners can get access, how much time they can schedule, how equitable it is. We look at the calendar and know what we can plan, and it's been pretty awesome.”

Austin Allison adds: “SmartStay’s equitable system means everyone gets a fair bite of the apple.”

Think co-ownership means you have to plan months ahead? Think again.

Owners can book short-notice stays just two days in advance if the home is available. That means spontaneous getaways are always an option—and they don’t count against your general stay allotment!

Dan, owner: “I think the ability to look far to the future but also have the flexibility for last-minute stays is really awesome with the app, because it enables you to make the most of the time you have and really enjoy the property.”
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​Bottom Line: Pacaso’s SmartStay system was built to make scheduling easy, equitable, and flexible—whether you’re planning a summer holiday or a last-minute escape.

​Your second home should feel like a true getaway, not a scheduling headache. With Pacaso, it really is that simple.
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