There's so much good news in here about ownership--does anyone have any insight on the disadvantages?

Thanks!

Going on a 7 day vacation to new, exciting places every year! That's the biggest problem

The real answer probably depends on "you" and how you view your ownership and the property you own.

If you own a great timeshare property (and can trade it) and like to vacation, you probably don't view any issue as negative or disadvantage. The only thing I can think of might be the maintenance fee... but its like any fee --- divide it by 52 weeks and its not much to go on a 7 day vacation.

I've got friends how complain or say this/that... but when you think about it... it comes down to liking your timeshare property. (because I don't have the complaint's they had).

PS. I own in Maui and Vail.

So in a nutshell, Larry, if you actually like your property - generally you shouldn't have any problems with the ownership issue, right?

Conversely, would there be any ADVANTAGES to choosing a non-ownership route?

rambutan

My wife and I have had trouble using RCI for 4 years now. We bought in to Club Regina at a Gold Crown level. We now live part in Asia and part in USA. For these 4 years we have not had one successful attempt at booking a week. this is due to our inconsistent travel schedule. It is hard for us to say that we can use a week more than about 2 months in advance.

There really are no downfalls. If you have the time and money to use your vacation timeshare the way it's meant to be used , their wonderful. Especially if you buy one on the timeshare resale market!!!!

Timeshare is a great thing to own if you have the time and abilty to use them. Your best option is to sell yours if you own one and rent them you can get a better vacation at a better price. and not have to worry about banking fees, Mant's Fees or any other of the issues that this unit gives you.

Shawn

GCBell, your story scares me! I am debating buying vs renting right now, probably will go with rent to own. I travel irregularly myself and like to see new places each time. It seems like buying is great if you are totally in love with a resort, but it definitely seems as if all the red tape associated with trying to rent your property (or for that matter sell it if you get sick of it)! is too much of a headache.

The best way to weigh the pros and cons of timeshare ownership is to get involved just rent a unit and go too the show they offer and make a educated decision but you can get what your looking at for a better price on the resale market. As for selling or renting the amount of "RED TAPE" You deal with really depends on where you buy at.

Shawn

Owning one is not necessary anymore. Buy the use of what you need. We now only own 1 week and want to sell it. After several years of RCI only having rentals available, we dropped our membership.

When I bought my timeshare in Key West I didn't plan on exchanging. I knew that I wanted to be in Key West every year for our annual family fishing vacation. I purchased because I had trouble finding rentals that met my needs and my budget. Now it is set up every year and the cost of ownership is very low compared to the high priced rentals in the area, if you can find one. For me, owning locks in my yearly vacation at a fixed price and gurantees me I'll be were I want to be! No exchange company can do that every year and the price surely goes up for rentals.