There are several reasons why you may be selling a timeshare; maybe you find travelling a bit more difficult now or you may need to release some capital. Then again, perhaps you have had a positive experience but wish to move on to a different timeshare deal. As with most things, there is more than one way to reach an objective and perhaps not surprisingly, there is more than one way to sell a timeshare.
With timeshares, you options are limited. You may be required to pay a deposit should you use a broker before they will do anything at all. There may also be other fees that are payable after the sale. This of course means that care is essential when choosing a broker. To avoid some of these additional costs, selling a timeshare on your own may be the best way if you have the time and the knowledge you need.
The first thing you should know about selling a timeshare is that you should not rush the process, particularly as you are likely to be dealing with the laws of another country. Your first port-of-call should be the resort where you have your timeshare. It is wise to ask the resort owners as they will be familiar with their marketplace in their own country, and are the most likely to have a genuine interest in the sale for their own reasons. They may even have a waiting list of prospects they can put you in touch with.
It's worth considering using the same legal service you did initially if you were happy with them, as they will already be familiar with you and your market.
The Internet is also a very useful tool and you will be able to get a few ballpark estimates of the value of your timeshare based on the details you enter. Of course such estimates may vary widely, but they will give you a range at which to pitch your sale. In general terms, you will get interest if you pitch your price too high, but get it below market value and you'll get floods of people hammering down your door! Obviously you want to get as much money as possible, but try to aim at a figure that will get a few interested, but be mindful, they may try to beat the price down so know your base figure!
A further benefit of the Internet is of course advertising. Find all the free ad sites, and put as much information and photographs as you can in your advert. Don't forget to give an email address where you can be contacted. It may be an idea to create a new email account just for this. This will avoid you getting a load of spam coming into your personal mailbox!
Lastly, get yourself a good book on selling a timeshare yourself and read it carefully. If you know someone who has already been through the process, all the better. The bottom line is of course, be cautious, and do not part company with any capital unless you are completely aware of the consequences and you will have a successful sale of your worldwide timeshare.
