Offered a timeshare in Europe as a gift

[Lucky Larry]

Can you give me advice about taking as a gift from someone I don't know the gifr of a timeshare in Austria for which I will be responsible for only paying the transfer fee.

It is and odd year usage and supposedly a good trader but I have no way to know. The timeshare is St. Johann im Pongau & Alpenland Sporthotel. It is in II (Code alr) and I'm not familiar with II. It is also a timeshare where the unit does not have a kitchen.

I know the maintenance fees have been going up over seas due to the weak dollar.


many thanks
larry

 

[LisaH]

Do you know the week/season of this timeshare? Size of the unit? If it's in peak season and it's 1BR or larger, then maybe if the M/F is not too much ($500 or less). if it's low season, I would not buy it even it's free. Sounds like it's a hotel/studio unit since it does not have a kitchen. II is very strict about exchanging for similar size...

 

[Lucky Larry]

Its a studio and I've been told it can be upgraded to a 1 bedroom ($125) to trade.

The Maintenance fee is 716 but before the $ weakening it was in 520.

Is there anything else I should look out for?

 

[yumdrey]

I have seen the same units/resorts on ebay couple times (6-7 times), and those were sold for $1 - $100, and some of the sellers paid the transfer fee and closing cost to encourage buyers. If you decide to get rid of it later, maybe you have to do the same thing (pay transfer fee and closing cost for buyer), you should consider it. It is just my two cents of words.

 

[Patri]

I'd pass. It is not one you would likely ever, or more than once, use. The mf will be erratic with the economy. Hotel units aren't great and most people like a kitchen of some sort. If you want a free timeshare (or very low cost), keep watching eBay while you research timeshares in general. Sometimes free isn't a bargain.

 

[Lucky Larry]

That's what I thought and I just needed someone to confirm it.

thanks

 

[jimbiggs]

I didn't read all the responses, but I don't think anyone mentioned that you might get screwed on the transfer fee. Somebody is trying to get something out of this.

 

[pwrshift]

The lowest cost of this free TS might be its maintenance bill ... as the big cost will be getting there! In addition, while it may be a wonderful place for a one-time visit, would you want to go there all the time when there's so much to see in Europe? Timeshares are hard to sell which means the owner might just want to get out of the financial obligation and pass it on to someone else. I looked at it on II and I'm always suspicious of a place that doesn't show the rooms -- only the grounds and dining.

Brian

 

[Jim C]

Larry, Looks like you have received some good advice. did I read your original post correctly? You were offered this timeshare as a gift from someone you don't know? How do you think that happened? Just curious.