If you are considering buying a timeshare resort property, it is imperative to do your research first and make an informed decision.
In the long run, this will save you a ton of money and spare you the regrets of getting into a contract you cannot get out of.
A lot of unsuspecting folks purchase their timeshares directly from the resorts after long-winded, high-pressure sales presentations, usually not understanding what they got themselves into until they come home from their euphoric vacation and reality hits.
This is usually because they made an emotional purchase decision (often quickly) in a high-pressure environment.
To avoid this gut-wrenching mistake the following steps should be taken before any timeshare purchase: 1.
Rent several timeshare weeks first.
If you're considering a particular resort property to buy into long-term, why not rent a week first to make sure you like the place? Or better yet, rent a week at several different locations and do a comparative analysis before jumping into a decision.
2.
Talk to other owners.
When you rent a week, be sure to do your homework and ask other owners at the property about their experience.
Questions like, "What would you do differently?" will often unearth a wealth of information for the savvy timeshare buyer.
3.
Buy A Resale.
Always.
Unless you like the idea of paying as much as $20,000 extra for the same property, always buy on the resale market (from individuals who are selling their timeshare).
Because of all the high-pressure sales tactics Timeshare Resorts use to sell their timeshares, there are always more people looking to unload their property than those looking to buy a property.
Because of this, you can often buy a resale for half or even a third of what it would cost you if you bought from the resort directly.
Of course, this isn't a great situation for the person selling, but it is for you! These precautions will go a long way in helping to buy a timeshare property you love without the hassle and heartache of making a bad decision that will haunt you the rest of your life.