Articles

Many prospective buyers are stuck when it comes to deciding what important factors that one should consider when buying a timeshare. The buyers today are much more informed than the buyers of few years back. They are more knowledgeable about what they are buying and have done their homework before taking a major step.

If you plan to buy timeshare via a broker, ensure that he is licensed and make an attempt to discover his reputation. Be sure to ask good questions that are relevant to the timeshare. Here's a few good questions to start with:

* What is the maintenance fee of the resort and do they keep raising it every year. If yes, how much? * What are the chances of getting a best timeshares like in a desired week? * By what date you should make the reservation at the earliest? * Are there any extra benefits accompanying your timeshare? * Do the timeshare company has bonus week program? * Can you exchange or trade your timeshare without joining an exchange company?

Be sure to ask about the point system. You may have to pay more if they have a points system. Ask the broker if this works out to be reasonable or if you would be better off just buying a resale timeshare. The price may be higher if certain factors are at work. Is it for a particular week that is in high demand? Is the location in high demand? Is it a larger unit? Also, the reputation of the timeshare resort is often a factor.

Try to go see the unit in person before buying. Sometimes the description is not the reality. Or, if you can't go see it, try to have a friend or family member who may live near the unit go see it. Also, try to get references from the neighbors. Ask what they think of the management and amenities. You may also want to ask them:

* How about the maintenance fees and other fees? Do they have a good record or they raise it too frequently? * Time since they have been vacationing in this resort? * Are dates easy get without much problems? * Is the management company good and are they satisfied? * Is it easy to make reservations and exchanges? * Are developers planning on improving the property in near future? * What they think of the resort?

Online auction sites can help you do your homework and find out the prices in the area you are looking at buying.

Remember, resale timeshare units should be half as much as new one sold through a timeshare company. Always read everything...all the fine print...carefully before signing contracts. Ask the seller why they are selling...it may turn up problems you need to be aware of. And ensure there are no past due fees on maintenance or property taxes. If you take all these factors into consideration when buying a timeshare, you should end up with a vacation destination you'll enjoy for years to come!