Thoughts On Buying A Timeshare

[GrampaTim]

Many years ago, when we purchased our very first timeshare ( from the developer ), there was no resale market. Fortunately, we met with a very ethical salesman, with a no pressure presentation, and a company that really focused on making timesharing a positive experience.

One piece of advice stood out above all others for us. "Although you may trade your week sometimes, we suggest you make your purchase where you will want to go each year to vacation."

That is exactly what we did. A few years later, we exchanged that one for a larger unit down the road, and then added a couple of units for the same week as the family grew.

Every August we head down the road to Carlsbad where our kids, and their kids, join us for a week of memories. One of our weeks is deposited in RCI points, and we've enjoyed many other locations over the years ( in addition to our summer week ). Each year when I see the MF bill come in, and think maybe it's time to consider unloading one or two, the "cousins" start talking about their plans to be together for the week, and all the memories we have made there. To me, the MF fees are high ( but not by comparison ) but then I realize the cost of maintaining an ocean front property is high, and they do an excellent job of staying on top of everything and making it a very pleasant week.

Many people here often ask about the "good deals" when shopping, and see it as an investment. I harken back to the words of our original salesperson, and focus on the real value of a timeshare: The Vacation. Will it be a place that really relaxes you ? Can you make the deal "stress free". Will you have years of wonderful memories ? To me, those are the important questions. Getting a good deal is nice, but not if the purchase places you somewhere you will not enjoy year after year.

My point ? Before investing in any timeshare, be sure you know the property. Is this a place you will want to visit regularly ? Will it continue to meet your interests in the years to come ? Then do your due dilligence. Check out the staff ( attitudes, attention to detail, management ), and especially the financial status of the property. Forget about any promises and lofty plans they may present. Look at the history. Be sure this will be a place where you can be happy vacationing year after year. It worked well for us.

 

[dagger1]

Many years ago, when we purchased our very first timeshare ( from the developer ), there was no resale market. Fortunately, we met with a very ethical salesman, with a no pressure presentation, and a company that really focused on making timesharing a positive experience.

One piece of advice stood out above all others for us. "Although you may trade your week sometimes, we suggest you make your purchase where you will want to go each year to vacation."

That is exactly what we did. A few years later, we exchanged that one for a larger unit down the road, and then added a couple of units for the same week as the family grew.

Every August we head down the road to Carlsbad where our kids, and their kids, join us for a week of memories. One of our weeks is deposited in RCI points, and we've enjoyed many other locations over the years ( in addition to our summer week ). Each year when I see the MF bill come in, and think maybe it's time to consider unloading one or two, the "cousins" start talking about their plans to be together for the week, and all the memories we have made there. To me, the MF fees are high ( but not by comparison ) but then I realize the cost of maintaining an ocean front property is high, and they do an excellent job of staying on top of everything and making it a very pleasant week.

Many people here often ask about the "good deals" when shopping, and see it as an investment. I harken back to the words of our original salesperson, and focus on the real value of a timeshare: The Vacation. Will it be a place that really relaxes you ? Can you make the deal "stress free". Will you have years of wonderful memories ? To me, those are the important questions. Getting a good deal is nice, but not if the purchase places you somewhere you will not enjoy year after year.

My point ? Before investing in any timeshare, be sure you know the property. Is this a place you will want to visit regularly ? Will it continue to meet your interests in the years to come ? Then do your due dilligence. Check out the staff ( attitudes, attention to detail, management ), and especially the financial status of the property. Forget about any promises and lofty plans they may present. Look at the history. Be sure this will be a place where you can be happy vacationing year after year. It worked well for us.

Thank you, and well said. Needless to say, I agree with everything you said and, though several years behind you, am doing everything you recommended.

 

[LannyPC]

My point ? Before investing in any timeshare, be sure you know the property. Is this a place you will want to visit regularly ? Will it continue to meet your interests in the years to come ? Then do your due dilligence. Check out the staff ( attitudes, attention to detail, management ), and especially the financial status of the property. Forget about any promises and lofty plans they may present. Look at the history. Be sure this will be a place where you can be happy vacationing year after year.

Pretty much every TUGger will echo what you said. The problem lies with the many new ones who come on here after going to one of those sales presentations and getting conned and pressured into buying something they don't need with money they don't have. True, they have to accept their fair share of responsibility and the blame, but hey, we all know how these sales presentations work and that they don't give buyers time to research.

 

[CPNY]

My first timeshare was purchased at a resort I loved. Unfortunately I was priced out by high maint fee costs.

 

[JudiZ]

Wow, Tim, you are living the dream that timeshares have to offer and that salespeople are supposed to sell honestly. Sadly, however, the days of ethical sales seem a distant memory and, as LannyPC stated, they sell timeshares with duplicity. The beauty of shared vacations is invaluable and you have given your extended family the gist of memories. How lucky you all are! Thank you for sharing such a lovely story.

Judi