One of the most pressing issues in the residential real estate industry is the ongoing housing affordability crisis. It’s true that the U.S. government has recently promised to do something about it.  In the meantime, according to a recent report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median home price has surged to record levels, making homeownership increasingly out of reach for many Americans (Source:National Association of Realtors, “Housing Affordability Index,” May 2025).

The Housing Affordability Crisis

The NAR’s Housing Affordability Index indicates that the affordability of homes has dropped significantly over the past few years. Factors contributing to this crisis include rising interest rates, stagnant wage growth, and a persistent shortage of housing inventory. As a result, the dream of owning a home, particularly in desirable vacation destinations, has become increasingly elusive for many families and individuals.  If you have that dream, I have a solution – and it’s a proven one!  I call it “indy-co”.  It’s short for “independent co-ownership”.  Yes, co-ownership!  I will personally nurture and guide that dream to reality.  And I may even be your equal partner in co-ownership! 

Introducing “indy-co” by divieight.

Let me tell you how divieight has emerged as a viable solution to that “affordability” crisis.  In reducing the financial barrier when purchasing, our method allows potential buyers to purchase a share in a vacation home.  Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you buy from an inventory of properties I already own. I’m suggesting that, together, we choose from the entire inventory of real estate throughout the whole country.  You see, I’m not a real estate agent.  So, just tell me where your dream location is.  Meanwhile, here’s how co-ownership addresses the current housing affordability issues:

• Lower Entry Costs: With divieight, buyers can acquire a 1/8th share in a vacation home, making the initial investment far more manageable. For instance, if a vacation home is valued at $1 million, a buyer would only need to invest $125,000 to own a share. This approach contrasts sharply with the traditional model, where a buyer would need a substantial down payment and qualify for a large mortgage.
• Shared Financial Responsibility: Co-ownership spreads the financial burden of owning and maintaining a vacation home across multiple parties. This includes not only the purchase price but also ongoing costs such as utilities, taxes, and maintenance. By sharing these costs, co-owners can enjoy the benefits of a vacation home without the full financial strain.
• Access to Desirable Markets: The affordability crisis is particularly acute in popular vacation destinations where demand is high and inventory is low. Co-ownership allows buyers to enter these markets at a fraction of the cost, making it possible to own a vacation home in areas that would otherwise be unaffordable.
• Flexibility and Control: Unlike timeshares or residence clubs, co-ownership through divieight provides actual title to the property. This means co-owners have control over their investment and can benefit from any potential appreciation in property value. Additionally, co-owners can set their own annual operating budgets, offering flexibility that other models lack.

Case Study: divieight in Action

We put our experience to work in guiding the entire process both before and after the closing.  Consider the example of a family that dreams of owning a vacation home in a sought-after beach community. With traditional home prices out of reach, they turn to divieight. Through our platform, they connect with seven other like-minded individuals and purchase a share in a $800,000 beach house for $100,000. Not only do they achieve their dream of vacation home ownership, but they also enjoy the property throughout the year, with all costs shared among the group.

Conclusion

The housing affordability crisis of 2025 presents a significant challenge, but co-ownership offers a promising solution. For more information on how divieight can help you navigate the current real estate landscape, visit our website and join one of our informative webinars.