How to Buy a Timeshare

A timeshare is one way you can secure a vacation place for your family in an area you love. If you're interested in buying a timeshare, you probably have a few questions about the process. First, compare types of timeshares and decide what kind you want. Once you've figured out what you want, pick a particular timeshare to review before deciding whether you want to purchase it for your new vacation spot.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Picking the Right Options for Your Lifestyle

  1. With this type of timeshare, you buy a certain time period each year in the vacation unit. You are actually part owner of the property, so you can rent it or even include it in your will to pass on to someone else. [1]
    • The downside is you can only use the unit at the specified time each year, unless you are able to trade with another timeshare holder.
  2. In this case, you buy a certain amount of time in a unit, such as the right to use it for 10 weeks a year for 10 years. You don't own the property (the resort does), but you do own the interest in the property. [2]
    • This type of timeshare can be set up in a few ways. You might buy a specific time period each year, or you may buy the right to a certain amount of time each year. You might also buy points that can be exchanged for staying at different resorts withing a group of resorts.
    • Generally, this type of timeshare is specified for a certain number of years.
    • While flexible options are nice, you still need to plan ahead, as rooms fill up quickly.
  3. When it comes to timeshares, "used" refers to buying a timeshare from another buyer, rather than from the resort. "New" refers to buying directly from the resort. [3]
    • Buying new is more expensive, but you're less likely to get scammed. Plus, you know the title is clean without any liens on it. A lien is when a creditor has the right to sell the property if the payment is not met; often, an owner doesn't have the right to sell a property with a lien on it without first talking to the creditor. You may also get added benefits, such as being able to trade dates.
    • Buying used can be much cheaper, as some people are desperate to unload their timeshares. You may even find timeshares as cheap as $1 USD. These deals may be perfectly above board, but you do need to do your homework first.
  4. Timeshares are not good as an investment option because they generally depreciate in value. If you're looking for a real estate investment, it's best to pick another option. [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Choosing and Evaluating a Timeshare

  1. [5] The first step in buying a timeshare is to pick a place you'd like to vacation most years. While some timeshares offer a point system where you can visit more than one location, most of the time, you'll be returning to the same place each year. Therefore, you need to pick somewhere that you enjoy going.
    • Of course, certain vacation spots will have more timeshares than other places, so you'll need to pick a place where you can find a timeshare.
    • Some popular timeshare in the US locations include Hawaii, Vail, CO, Aspen, CO, Florida Keys, and Lake Tahoe, CA.
  2. Whether your buying new or used, choose a company with a good reputation. it's important to visit the resort and view the property, as well as talk to other timeshare owners if possible. You can also look for complaints about the company online. [6]
  3. If you can manage it, try renting from the property first. Staying for a week gives you a better idea of what the company is like than just visiting. Plus, it helps you decide if you really like the location. [7]
  4. It's good to know ahead of time what the company's policy is on maintenance. For instance, you should know how quickly you can expect repairs to be carried out. It's also a good idea to ask about the average cost of maintenance fees per year. [8]
    • Ask for a written copy of the maintenance policy. That way, you have something to refer to, as well as a document to use if you need to turn to legal recourse.
  5. If you don't know much about real estate contracts, it's a good idea to have someone who is knowledgeable look over your contract. That way, you can sign it with confidence that you're not getting scammed. [9]
  6. If you're buying a used timeshare, it's important to make sure it's above board. Hire a title search company to perform a title search on the timeshare, which can tell you if the title has old liens and will assure if the owner actually is the person you're buying from. [10]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Paying for Your Timeshare

  1. The interest rates for a timeshare are typically pretty high, often 12 to 18 percent. If you buy it with a loan, you'll end up paying a lot more than you would if you just paid cash. [11] Plus, if you ever want to sell it, it can be difficult to get a buyer to pay enough to cover the loan. [12]
  2. When it comes to buying a timeshare, the initial price isn't all you need to worry about. You'll be responsible for annual maintenance fees, which can run as much as $1,000 USD or more. Also, you may be hit with "assessment" fees some years, which can run in the thousands. [13]
  3. Because buying a timeshare is often done on impulse, many states give you a week or so to take the offer back. In fact, Florida gives you a week and a half. If you're having second thoughts, see if you can rescind the contract where you are. [14]
    • If you want to rescind, send the request in writing by certified mail, so you can guarantee the company received it. [15]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How much does it cost to buy a timeshare?
    Nathan Miller
    Property Management Specialist
    Nathan Miller is an entrepreneur, landlord, and real estate investor. In 2009, he founded Rentec Direct, a cloud-based property management company. Today, Rentec Direct works with over 16,000 landlords and property managers across the United States, helping them manage their rentals efficiently.
    Nathan Miller
    Property Management Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It will vary depending on the location, but you will usually want to pay the full cost upfront since they usually have high interest rates.
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      Warnings

      • Timeshares are not for everyone. While some timeshare owners are happy that they have property that they can use at the location they desire, others end up regretting this financial decision.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0073-timeshares-and-vacation-plans
      2. ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0073-timeshares-and-vacation-plans
      3. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/travel/consider-a-secondhand-timeshare-for-sale/
      4. ↑ http://www.marketwatch.com/story/6-things-to-know-before-you-buy-a-timeshare-2015-02-17
      5. ↑ Nathan Miller. Property Management Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 October 2018.
      6. ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0073-timeshares-and-vacation-plans
      7. ↑ https://www.realtor.com/advice/rent/how-to-rent-a-timeshare/
      8. ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0073-timeshares-and-vacation-plans
      9. ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0073-timeshares-and-vacation-plans
      1. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/travel/consider-a-secondhand-timeshare-for-sale/
      2. ↑ Nathan Miller. Property Management Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 October 2018.
      3. ↑ https://www.moneytalksnews.com/how-to-buy-and-sell-timeshares-the-right-way/
      4. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2014/09/16/buying-a-timeshare-the-pros-and-cons/2/#6017de817c32
      5. ↑ http://www.marketwatch.com/story/6-things-to-know-before-you-buy-a-timeshare-2015-02-17
      6. ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0073-timeshares-and-vacation-plans

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To buy a timeshare, start by looking for a property in a location where you’d like to vacation often, like Hawaii or Vail. Make sure to avoid buying a timeshare as an investment, since they generally depreciate in value. Then, try renting a property first to get an idea of what the location is like. Once you find a company selling timeshares, ask about maintenance costs, which you’ll have to pay after purchasing the timeshare. Before you finalize the deal, consider having a lawyer look over the agreement to make sure you're not getting scammed. To learn more, including how to back out of a purchase, read on!

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