How do maintenance feels work? Is that a fee in addition to the cost of renting? And if so, I thought the TSA staff said it was cheaper than a hotel? Please explain.

Shelly,

I think just with any purchase, there will be inevitable fees. The key here, is to ensure your rental income will cover the costs of these fees, plus provide adequate income above that.

Here are a few tips to evaluate a property. Once you find out the cost of rentals and all maintenance fees, you will know, after evaluation, if you're getting your $$'s worth and saving vs. losing with the timeshare:

1. Establish prices of comparable vacation properties that have recently sold in the same area as the property you are considering. View data in the real estate sections of local newspapers or contact a local real estate agent to make sure the property is priced fairly.

2. Inspect the property or hire a home inspector to detect any defects or needed repairs.

3. Evaluate the condition, style, comfort and resale potential of the vacation home.

4. Ask local rental management companies about the typical rental and vacancy rates for high season and off-season.

5. Learn about all costs associated with the vacation home, such as insurance, utilities, private association dues, maintenance fees and municipal taxes.

6. Determine if there are nearby amenities such as snow skiing, beaches or national parks that will help the property to maintain its value and provide a constant source of potential buyers.

More tips:

Take the evaluation of your vacation home just as seriously as you would take the evaluation of a primary residence.

Rental income can help you offset the cost of buying and maintaining the property.

Vacancy rates in the area where you're buying will indicate the popularity and desirability of the region.

Ask at least five owners in the area if they are happy with their choice.

Hi Shelly,

If I understand your question correctly, the answer is no. If you simply want to rent a vacation property instead of owning one, you don't have to pay the maintenance fees. That is the owners responsibility and will have to be paid before a rental or usage is allowed for the corresponding year. Owners of timeshares generally receive a maintenance fees & taxes bill between December to January (once a year) from the resort.

TIMESHARE ADVENTURES 1-800-581-7330

Shelly, Rob is correct. What I usually do when I'm not using one of my weeks is to put it up for rent to at least cover my maintenance fees for the year. It even puts a little extra spending money in my pocket as well.