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Ignorance of their legal rights is one of the main reasons people fall into the traps of scams and frauds. When signing a contract or agreement, is is always crucial to be aware of your rights, and the timeshare industry is certainly no exception. This industry, like any other, is subject to unscrupulous tactics. In fact, examples are plentiful of people being tricked into the purchase of a timeshare only to find that the property is below the standard that they were led to expect. In some situations, the property might even be nonexistent. In this article, you will find tips to remember when shopping for a timeshare.

We must first understand the different types of timeshare plans. There are basically two types. A deeded and titled timeshare and the second one are right-to-use (also as called license-to-use timeshares). A deeded and titled timeshare means the buyer owns the timeshare and acquires a specific facility for a specified length of time each year, for a specified number of years (generally 40 years) and a deed. A right-to-use timeshare means the buyer has the right to acquire all the above mentioned things except the deed (i.e., title). A deeded timeshare is inheritable whereas a right-to-use timeshare is like a lease which expires after certain number of years.

The timeshare industry has also acquired the reputation of the used car industry in terms of the selling tactics they employ. It often begins with an invitation to a presentation offering you an expensive gift. When you actually attend, it turns out to be a high-pressure sales session reminiscent of a used car dealer who doesn't want you to walk out the door unless you sign a paper. And the "expensive gift" often turns out to be a mere gimmick. And people have to go through the trauma of sitting through the presentation which goes on for two hours. But as per the law, people are supposed to be informed about the length of the time they have to sit before receiving a free gift. Also, they must be informed about the physical condition of the facility. The timeshare companies are also legally prohibited from misrepresenting the market value of the timeshare property. They are also not to misinform you about the resale or exchange potential of the timeshare property.

Timeshare companies are not allowed, when the contract is written, to omit promises made orally before the property was purchased. They also may not include fees that were not originally discussed. Each state has different rules. There are also states which have a "cooling-off" period (typically two weeks) that give you time to change your mind and cancel your contract if you wish to do so.

Apart from these rights, one should also consider things such as do you really want to buy this particular timeshare? Did you personally check out the facility or at least have someone go and check it out for you? Did you contact the Better Business Bureau to learn if any complaints had been filed? Did you talk to existing owners in the timeshare property? Do you plan to rent it? Do you plan on reselling it? Do you plan on exchanging vacation sites frequently? The answers of all these questions should be discovered before making a final decision about buying a timeshare. Only then you will know if the unit in question truly is your dream vacation destination.