Timeshare Companies - Do You Need One?

If you are thinking about buying a timeshare you may have encountered timeshare companies and wondered what they did. You will find that timeshare resale companies will differ in the way they operate. However, basically they act as the middle man between the buyer and the timeshare owner. The latter may be a resort or an existing owner).
A timeshare allows those who either can´t afford, or do not want the responsibility of their own holiday home to have the best of both worlds. A timeshare is a shared ownership in a vacation property that allows the purchaser to use that property at a specific time of the year. Taking your vacation at the same place and time every year is not ideal for everyone. However, it is also possible to exchange weeks with owners of other properties and/or buy a timeshare that includes flexible dates. Flexible timeshares are not offered by all timeshare resale companies, so make sure you ask.

You can not stress enough that you should always do some thorough research on the timeshare companies and the resort of interest.

The ownership of a timeshare is not always related to property in the traditional sense. Timeshare companies can also handle for you to obtain shares in cabins on cruise liners and even in vehicles such as camper vans. The timeshare horror stories you may have heard of in the past are not as likely now since the industry is now a more flexible industry that offers something for everyone.

Although you don´t have to pay a rental fee for a timeshare property during your specific week/s of use, you would be responsible with the other owners for maintenance and management costs. This may not be just restricted to the property but applies to the facilities (for example, swimming pools, tennis courts, sauna) as well. So do make sure you are aware of the costs before you buy. The better timeshare resale companies will have this sort of information readily to hand and should be included in any contract you sign.

You can find timeshare resale companies that run exchange programs as well. These will allow you get x amount of weeks every year in multiple resorts that participate in the program. Such programs may relate to resorts in one country or internationally.

So you see there is more to a timeshare than there used to be. Do not be put off by the bad press that you may have seen in the past, this is much improved but there are some bad eggs out there! Make sure you do your homework and remain vigilant and remember that a timeshare is a great way to vacation! Check out the timeshare companies and see what you can come up with.