Hi projectleader,

Well, timeshare ownership, while not for everyone, can be an excellent way to vacation for many others. Those who may not favor or be able to utilize timeshare ownership can still enjoy the luxury, comfort and benefits a timeshare unit offers by renting one from an owner of a timeshare when the owner is unable to use the timeshare or has more vacation time than they can use. I recently read an article at About.com that addressed this exact question:

The article was composed by Sharon O'Brien, licensed psychotherapist and freelance writer and the the answer was quoted by Diamond Resorts International(formerly Sunterra) Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Lucas.

So, due to recent regulations and the versatility timeshare ownership offer now compared to what was offered in decades past has caused a positive shift in the perception of timeshare.

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Interesting. I can definitely say that the flexibility timeshares offer today with point or credits and the exchange possibilities are better than having a certain week that is the same each year at the same place.

Thanks for the info!

My wife and I have been through several timeshare and vacation membership presentations during the past 30 years. We've bought and sold timeshare and have kept our Fairfield, now known as Wyndham because of it's flexibility. Anytime I've sat through a 'vacation membership club' type presentation it's not been as appealing as what we've got with our DEEDED Wyndham timeshare. We have been able to travel the world and one day plan on giving it over to our kids or grandchildren.

I'm with you 'ohmyback'...We really enjoy our timeshare, but have have a few occasion when we have not been able to use it and Bluegreen used to offer a timeshare rental program to help us rent-out our points when we were unable to vacation, but they have done away with that program. Now we're using Timeshare Adventures to do the rental thing, but I hear about so many people that are not happy with the timeshares thy have and we really like ours and as long as we can rent it out when we dont use it, we plan on keeping it!

Most of the people who buy timeshares don't think about what they are doing. The sales people use different tricks to get you excited to buy. Think about it...You put down $500 to $1,500 on a piece of property. Right from the get go you have a monthly payment. Each year you have to pay taxes on a deeded piece of property and you have to pay for room service. The next year you make your trip. By this time you might have already paid $5,000 for nothing but a hotel room. Does this make sense? Let's suppose your about to make your trip and something comes up. Guess what you're SOL. Now they make a big deal that now you get to buy the property and you have a deed. You still have taxes to pay and room service. These fees an be $700 to $1,000 a year.
I should know because I got one of these deeded pieces of property. I never went and finally got a quit deed on the property.
This timeshare crap was created by the property owners. They can have 200 rooms and sell them 52 times each. Let's say they get $12,000 for a room. Folks that $624,000 for one room. I've met three people that had timeshares. They all sold them back at a lose. I would say the the percentage of people that sell them back would be 65%. You buy a room for $12,000 and sell it to someone on ebay for $6,000 if you're lucky. You just lost $6,000 and you'll have people who handle the paperwork take more so You'll end up with $5,000.
I've talked with a couple people that go to these timeshare gatherings. They sit there and listen to the jibber jabber from the sales person. They tell them they aren't interested and they take their free trip or spend a week at a resort at a very nicely reduced rate. These people win in this game. Take my advice. Before you go decide before you even arrive you aren't buying crap and tell them as soon as they come around. You aren't buying anything, They see you can see leave and you take your free trip or stay at a resort for a reduced rate. But doon't be a fool and buy this crap. It isn't something you've needed. I've told people before they go to not buy this stuff, but some do anyway. The people who build these resorts could sell a room for $100,000 x 200 = $20,000,000. Instead they sell a room 52 times= $624,000 x 200 rooms =$124,800,000. These don't do it for your benefit. So don't be just another fool. They say you can exchange your time for another resort, but you'll not get a favorable time. Sure you can easily get a room in Miami in July, but that's no god. Or a ski resort in April. Trust me this stuff is a ripoff. By the time you pay off the $12,000 with interest and let's say you pay the taxes and room service for 30 years, you might have paid $50,000. Your best bet would be to buy a hotel room with 2 or 3 people. People in the family or friends and take turns staying there. This means no rooms service fee and times you aren't there you could rent it out.
If you take vacations just head to where you want to go and get a motel. If it's busy time of year just get your room well in advance and save yourself a lot money and trouble.

Some of the timeshare resort packages aren't what they are supposed to be but many resorts provide an affordable way for a middle or lower income families to own a luxury vacation at a location that they consider a dream. Timeshares are only getting better and better for consumers who choose wisely and get the facts in writing before they purchase. In every aspect of life you have good and bad companies so to bash all timeshares is foolish. If they are so bad as you say then why does the industry keep growing so fast? Because of fraud? No, because consumers have demanded more and they are getting it. Maybe if you bought a timeshare resale (not buying from the timeshare resort) you would be happier with the value of your purchase compared to a new timeshare purchase at a resort. Why buy a timeshare if your not going to use it? Timeshares are meant to be used and enjoyed.

Parker

Hi truthsoothsayer,

Thank you for participating in our forum. You make a lot of excellent points that are right on target in terms of how much the resort developer charges versus what each unit of a large timeshare resort actually costs. Not to mention that many timeshare resort developers have switched to a points-based system as opposed to deeded weeks, which can benefit the timeshare owner by offering flexibility, but can also enable the timeshare resort developer to oversell their vacation ownership programs. The sales presentation can be rather annoying at some resorts, but there are others that have an ethical presentation and tend not to turn the screws as tightly as other timeshare sales presentations(Marriott Vacation Club for example).

So, while you make some valid points, you're missing the reason Timeshare Adventures is here; to assist timeshare owners with an advertising outlet to sell their unwanted timeshares or to rent-out their weeks or points when they don't use them.

Also, the saving offered on the timeshare resale market can be substantial! This IS THE PLACE to obtain timeshare vacation ownership at amazing discounts when compared to what the resort is selling an identical unit for new. You also make mention of a motel room being comparable to a timeshare unit when there is NO COMPARISON! Most timeshare units are nearly identical to a condominium, complete with separate living and sleeping quarters, full kitchens with all the necessary flatware, etc. Some even have washers and dryers! Plus, visitors enjoy the full-service luxury offered at any top-notch resort hotel.

The bottom line is that while timeshare ownership may not be for everyone, there are many who thoroughly enjoy and utilize their timeshare to it's maximum extent and buying a timeshare on the resale market is the best way to go.

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