Friday, July 20, 2012

Oh The Timeshare Vacation You're Going To Take

By Burt Hayden


As a travel lover you may have considered investigating a time share for your vacations. There are so many different ways to go. Is it better to buy or rent? Which is best for your family? This is one area where it really pays to investigate before you make a decision so that you find the best time share arrangement for your lifestyle. Before you know it you'll be having a ball on your time share vacation.

A time share rental is vacation property that is rented for an allotted amount of time. This is a good option for those who need more flexibility about where they travel and when. Since you don't own the property you don't have an asset you can sell, but you won't have to deal with upkeep and maintenance. The down side of renting a time share is that it might be difficult to book during popular vacation times such as spring break and holidays. You will also have to compete for the more desirable tropical locations. But if you've got a family these accommodations are usually much roomier than a traditional hotel and often have nice amenities, such as a pool. Check out a timeshare listing site to see what's available. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Another option is to purchase a time share, which means that you have common ownership of a specific property along with other vacationers. Each owner has a specified time when they can use the property each year. For those who are sure they want to spend vacations in the same spot over a long period of time this is a really good idea. With condos you can take advantage of the kitchen to eat in and save money. But those savings could be offset by HOA dues maintenance fees. In today's economic climate it can also be difficult to secure a loan to pay for a time share. Do the math to make sure you will spend less over the life of the loan than if you had traveled to the same location. Since you own the property you can rent or sell it when are unable to use it. Be aware that time share resale values can be extremely low and you probably won't recoup your investment.

Whether you buy or rent a time share, you need to be fully aware of all the details including any hidden costs. Particularly in the resale market, it is important to make sure that your purchase includes all the benefits enjoyed by the original owner. In recent years developers have started to restrict amenities for use only the original owners. As with any big purchase, if you feel pressured to make a decision on-the-spot you can be sure it isn't a good deal. Always keep the fact that this is a real estate deal clear in your mind. Before spending any money take the time to thoroughly evaluate your vacation needs. Will you get sick of going the same place twice a year or is it close to family you want to visit? Before signing any papers or writing a check make sure you've done your homework.

Time shares remain a very popular way to spend vacations. Just like everything else in life, there buying and renting each have their pluses and minuses. You definitely want to take advantage of the great deals available, but make sure you know all the details and hidden costs. There are many, many people who love their time share vacations. But there are just as many who have fallen victim to scams or who just aren't satisfied. You can avoid that fate by honestly assessing all your options. Your family will enjoy your time share for many years to come.




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