The Dos and Don’ts of Buying a Timeshare

Have you ever thought, should I buy a timeshare? There are many reasons to consider timeshare ownership as a way to invest in a lifetime of memorable vacations. However, there is also a lot to think about when planning to make such a large purchase.

Is buying a timeshare worth it for you and your family? Do your research and take a closer look at all the dos and don’ts of buying a timeshare to make a smart and informed decision about ownership.

Don’t Buy a Timeshare on While on Vacation

It’s very common to be staying at a resort, having a great time, and getting sucked into a timeshare sales presentation. These lengthy, high-pressure sales pitches will not only try to convince you to buy a timeshare, but buy a timeshare impulsively and on the spot.

While you may be thoroughly enjoying the resort, it’s best not to make a quick decision on something you might completely regret. Avoid the presentations and sales booths altogether if possible, but if you find yourself in the middle of a pitch, be sure to stand your ground. You will be able to think much more clearly when you are home and can consider all your buying options on your own time.

Do Research Different Types of Ownership

When you think of timeshare ownership, you might think of the “old-fashioned” version with a set week at a set resort every year. But timeshare ownership has grown and changed as the needs of the modern traveler have changed.

Buying a timeshare today, you can enjoy much more flexibility with how you travel. There are a variety of types of ownership that you can take advantage of based on what works best for you and your traveling lifestyle. Choose a fixed or floating week or timeshare points. Fixed weeks secure your same vacation week every year, floating weeks can be reserved within a season, and points let you flexibility reserve vacations when, where, and how long you want.

There are also numerous vacation clubs you can buy into, including Disney Vacation Club, Marriott Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations Club, and many others. These clubs offer numerous benefits, including the option to exchange within the network to experience different resorts and locations under a trusted brand.

Don’t Forget to Consider Budgeting for Annual Fees

While buying a timeshare is a big expense in and of itself, you also have to consider the yearly dues and fees associated with vacation ownership. Marintenance fees are a part of ownership and something every timeshare owner has to pay. These annual dues cover taxes, regular resort maintenance, and any property updates. Think of these fees as what you would spend on yearly upgrades to a vacation home.

Annual maintenance fee amounts vary by property, and it is not uncommon for rates to go up every couple of years. So before you think, should I buy a timeshare, make sure you will be able to afford the dues and fees that come with the ownership.

Do Think About Renting Before You Buy

Another wonderful thing about modern timeshare ownership is that many owners will rent out their timeshare if they are unable to travel in any given year. This means, if there is a specific timeshare resort you are interested in, you can rent a timeshare at that property to try before you buy.

In addition to being able to experience timeshare accommodations and amenities firsthand, timeshare rentals are also incredibly affordable. Owners usually advertise their timeshares for rent to cover their annual maintenance fees, providing huge savings to the renter. As such, you can try out multiple timeshare properties by renting them to see which one you like best.

Shop our inventory of timeshares for rent, using the filters to search by resort, brand, locations, amenities, price point, and more.

Don’t Buy a Timeshare with Low Trade Value

Timeshare exchange is a big perk of timeshare ownership. The idea of buying a week or points at a specific resort and being able to trade it for a new destination each year is a great reason to buy a timeshare. However, be aware that the exchange process is not that simple.

Oftentimes, people will buy a cheaper timeshare in a less desirable location just so they can exchange it for a better vacation property. This is not how it works. Generally speaking, you are able to exchange your week for a timeshare vacation of equal or lesser value.

With points, the process is a little different. Points can be used as currency to book your vacation. This means the more point you have, the more options you have. Regardless, you can’t purchase a small number of points and hope to reserve a vacation at the most luxurious resort. Everyone has different travel needs and desires, but be sure to take yours into account before buying a timeshare week or points.

Do Shop the Resale Market

Is buying a timeshare worth it? If you decide it is, you can save upwards of 70% off developer prices when you shop the resale market. When you shop resale, you pay for what the timeshare is actually worth. This is because developers tack on taxes, hidden fees, and hefty sales commissions that drive up the price of the ownership.

Not only can you save a significant amount of money on your timeshare buying from the secondary market, but you also have the ability to shop around on your own time. As previously mentioned, we offer numerous helpful filters that aid you in narrowing down your options. Use the filters to see properties that you are interested in, and feel free to make an offer on a property. Many owners are eager to sell and will consider offers.

Take a look at our buyers guide to learn all of the in’s and out’s of buying a timeshare on the resale market. Then shop our extensive inventory of timeshares for sale and save thousands on the ownership of your dreams!