Timeshare Resale Buyer FAQ

What is a Timeshare?

Timeshares are a unique and fantastic way to vacation. Instead of staying in a cramped hotel, you get to stay in a luxury resort where you are an owner. The concept was invented in Europe as a way for vacationers to essentially own the hotels they stayed in. Since then it has blossomed into a worldwide industry with over 5,000 resorts located from Branson, Missouri to Goa, India. There are many options but the basic idea remains the same.

Instead of purchasing an entire vacation home you'll only use once or twice a year, you only pay for the time that you will use that vacation property. This relatively simple concept has transformed the entire travel industry. You will forever have rights to that property during your time period. You share membership with other owners throughout the year. This concept can save you thousands of dollars on vacation every year because once you pay for your property, you only need pay a small annual maintenance fee to continually enjoy great vacations. There's no worrying about proper upkeep or shuttering your property when you're not there. Instead, you'll rest assured knowing as soon as you turn your key in the door you're in for a great vacation.

Factors to think about when buying a timeshare include:

• Time of year you want to vacation in
• Location you'd like to stay
• Resort Brand you'd like to purchase
• Amenities included with your purchase
• Size of the suite you'd like to buy

When you buy timeshare resales, you're guaranteeing yourself a substantial savings over purchasing retail. Maybe you could use that money to upgrade your suite? One thing's for sure, by essentially purchasing all your future vacations today - you'll never have to worry about the inflation rate affecting your next vacation.

Why Not Just Book a Hotel?

Hotels are fine for overnight stays but to really enjoy your vacation, why wouldn't you want to stay in a suite that's your own home away from home? With a timeshare resort you'll usually enjoy more luxurious appointments, more room to stretch out in, and more on-site amenities. That's because you are an owner who needs to be catered to, not a guest to be endured, never to return again. Normal features of a timeshare suite that you won't find in most hotels include:

• Fully-applianced kitchens
• Living rooms with pull-out sofas
• Master Suites
• TVs equipped with DVD/VCR players
• Recreational areas/fitness areas
• Swimming pools (even water parks), spas, championship golf courses, and ski-in/ski-out locations

Additionally, most resort staff act as concierges to direct you to your best bets for tour guides, dive instructors, restaurants, or whatever you like to do. Some resorts even offer kids clubs with professional nannies to entertain your children, leaving you free for a night out.

Are Timeshares a Good Investment?

Timeshares are not like your traditional real estate investment. In fact, if you're interested in flipping properties, timeshares aren't for you. But if you want to lock in a lifetime of vacations at today's prices, then buying a timeshare is ideal.

Keep in mind that when you buy timeshare, you are buying property. You'll own it. That means you can gift it, will it, or sell it if you should so choose.

What if I Don't Want to Stay in the Same Place Each Year?

Timeshare owners said they wanted flexibility and the timeshare industry listened. If you purchase at a large resort, it is often possible to exchange within the network for a like suite. Other resorts offer this same privilege with affiliated resorts.

Or, you could purchase a membership in an exchange program such as Interval International or RCI. Check with your resort to see which they are affiliated with. Once you are a member you will be able to exchange your suite each year if you like for resorts located literally all over the world.

What are Fixed and Floating Weeks?

When you purchase a timeshare, you'll probably be confronted by a number of choices including whether you'd like fixed, floating, annual, biennial or even triennial timeshares. This is simply a personal choice reflecting your vacation style. When you purchase a fixed week you can look forward to planning your vacation during the same time each year. A floating week means you are able to choose a different week each year, usually during a fixed time period or "season." You can also elect to buy a resort property to use every year, every other year, or once every three years. You see, ownership really does come with flexible options to suit you.

What Do the Colors Red, Yellow, Silver, and Green Mean?

Colors are simply a way for resorts to measure demand. For example, school winter vacation week in an Aspen lodge is probably in high demand - therefore it may be in the Platinum Season - or Red Season - which translates to a higher price. Check the timeshare calendar at your resort.

What are Points?

Some resorts offer you the option of purchasing points instead of a physical resort suite. The more you buy, the more options you have when you travel. For instance, 100,000 points may garner you a two-bedroom suite in a Maine timeshare but those same points may not be enough to reserve a studio in Hawaii. It all depends on the demand for your resort.

The point system gives you the option to use some of your points toward a one-night or weekend stay or up to the full number of weeks purchased. Everything is based on availability. Timeshare points are also available on the resale market.

Deeded, Leased, and Licensed Properties

The main types of ownership are deeded, leased, and licensed. Most U.S. properties are deeded, meaning you hold the deed on the property until you will it or sell it. Some resorts in the U.S. and the majority of resorts in other countries are leased. Leased means you have the right to use the property for a certain number of years, usually ranging from 20 to 99 years. When you are purchasing timeshare resale it is important to find out how long is left on the right to use lease.

Lastly, a licensed timeshare involves membership in a vacation club. As long as you are in good standing, you have the right to use the club and all of its amenities.

While all this seems like a lot of information, the basic premise is simple, you purchase time at a resort once and then can look forward to a lifetime of great vacations. Call our knowledgeable representatives if you have any questions or would like to start looking for your dream vacation right now!