What Is a Timeshare?

In recent years, timesharing (also known as vacation ownership) has become one of the most popular ways to vacation, yet many travelers still don't know a lot about timeshares or how they work. If you are one of these individuals who would like to know what makes a timeshare vacation so different from any other vacation, you have arrived at the right web page. Click here to jump to our Timeshare Guide.

Are you interested in buying a timeshare for a lifetime of vacations? Or are you looking for a timeshare rental for your next getaway? Browse our extensive inventory below and see how you can get more out of a timeshare vacation.

timeshares for sale timeshare rentals
contact a timeshare resale specialist

We will protect your personal information as stated in our Privacy Policy. By submitting you authorize SellMyTimeshareNow and its affiliates to contact you, send you emails, and use predictive dialers and automated text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition to purchase our services.

What is a
Timeshare?
Timeshares vs. hotels –
is there a difference?
Is a timeshare a
cost-effective purchase?
Types of
Timeshares

What is a Timeshare?

A timeshare, in simplified terms, refers to an arrangement in which several joint owners have the right to use a vacation property during an allotted period of time (often the same week every year). Timeshares are most often specific units, condos, or villas located on at a specific “home” resort property.

When you own a vacation home, you are the sole owner of a physical property that you can visit at your leisure, 365 days a year, but you also pay for the full value of the home as well as the cost of year-round maintenance. With a timeshare, you own an allotted amount of “time” during which you have access to your resort accommodations, and the amount you pay for ownership and maintenance is proportionally less. For instance, you might own a two-bedroom timeshare at a Las Vegas resort for the first week of March that you can use every year. Because you own this timeshare unit, your vacation accommodations are guaranteed every year.

Timeshare weeks are available in various timeshare seasons. There are also points-based ownerships and fractional ownerships for those looking for different ways to vacation. There are also different types of timeshare contracts, based on how long you wish to own.

Timesharing works for many travelers, because you get the benefits of a high-end vacation home without the high cost of expenses and upkeep. Most timeshare ownership programs also now offer the option to exchange your timeshare for a vacation at a different resort in a different location—so you are not tied down to the same spot year after year.

Timeshares vs. Hotels

There are many things that set a vacation timeshare resort apart from the average hotel, but the main difference is the quality of the actual rooms available.

Compared to traditional hotel rooms, vacation timeshares are far more deluxe and can range in size from studio units to suites with three or more bedrooms that can often sleep ten or more guests. Here is a head to head comparison of common features you will find in most hotel rooms and those you will find in most timeshares.

As you can see from the list, timesharing offers additional conveniences and comforts not available to travelers who stay exclusively in hotels. In addition to the in-suite amenities listed above, timeshare resorts also provide an extensive range of on-site activities and amenities. Many resorts offer championship golf courses, ski mountain access, equestrian centers, water complexes, world-class spas and even five-star restaurants.

Is Timeshare Ownership Cost-Effective?

The abbreviated answer is yes. But here are some of the main reasons that vacation timeshares are a savvy option for sophisticated but frugal travelers:

  • Timeshares only cost a fraction of what a vacation home or condo would cost outright.
  • Maintenance fees and incidental expenses are divided among multiple owners, keeping your costs down.
  • Your accommodations are prepaid, so inflation can’t impact your ability to vacation.

Want to know how to make timeshare ownership even more cost-effective?

As you may already know, timeshares are commonly purchased on the spot following a sales presentation at a timeshare resort. Less commonly known is the option to buy a timeshare from an individual owner on the secondary market.

There are benefits to both methods--by attending a timeshare presentation you get to experience the resort first hand before purchasing, but if you buy on the resale market, you’ll enjoy these additional benefits:

  • There’s no pressure to buy when you can search online from the comfort of your own home (timeshare sales presentations utilize notoriously aggressive sales tactics).
  • You can compare multiple resorts and/or destinations at the same time to determine what option and type of timeshare best fits your needs.
  • When you buy from a current owner through SellMyTimeshareNow.com, you can often save up to 70% off the retail value (the price at which the same ownership is sold by the resort).

Types of Timeshares

Many do not know that there is more than one type of timeshare ownership. When you are shopping for a timeshare resale, you'll find that there are different ownership types and styles. With this flexibility, you can pick the type of timeshare that works for you.

  • Deeded vs. Non-Deeded Timeshares – Deeded timeshares are vacation ownership properties that are purchased similarly to real estate. This means, once you buy the timeshare, you have it for life unless you choose to sell it. Non-deeded timeshares, often known as Right To Use (RTU) timeshares, are purchased for a set number of years. With this style of ownership, you sign a contract that gives you the right to visit the resort during a set period of time until your contract expires.
  • Fixed-Week Timeshares – Fixed-week timeshares are the most traditional form of timeshare ownership. With a fixed week, owners visit their timeshare resort on a specific week every year. This can be beneficial if you want to travel during a holiday or school vacation week. It also allows you to plan ahead with your vacation and not have to worry about reserving your week.
  • Floating-Week Timeshares – Floating-week timeshares have some more flexibility in terms of when you vacation. With this style of ownership, owners can book their vacation week within your season of ownership. Different brands and resorts have their own seasons, so be sure to learn about the different options for the timeshare you want. As an owner of a floating-week timeshare, you can book any week within your season of ownership. This gives you the opportunity to travel around the same time every year with some wiggle room to book the week that works best for your travel plans.
  • Point-Based Systems – Point-based timeshares offer owners complete flexibility within their timeshare ownership. Simply put, owners can use points like currency to book timeshare accommodations at any in network resort and at any point during the year. The more points you have, the more vacation options you have. Points can be used to book week-long vacations or you can book multiple shorter trips throughout the year. Many vacation clubs have adopted the points-based system to allow travelers to book within their resort networks easily.

Benefits & Risks of a Timeshare

When entering into a timeshare agreement, there are plenty of benefits and risks to consider. Buying a timeshare is a big decision that is not to be taken lightly. Some of the benefits include:

  • Guaranteed annual vacations – enjoy the opportunity to travel more and make a lifetime of family memories
  • Access to quality accommodations – timeshares offer spacious and well-equipped units with homey amenities like kitchens, private bedrooms, and large living areas.
  • Easy exchange opportunities – take advantage of internal and external exchange opportunities to visit incredible resorts in top destinations worldwide.
  • Affordable travel lifestyle – buying resale saves you thousands on a lifetime of amazing vacations, perfect for the frequent travelers.

Some of the risks include:

  • Depreciation – timeshares are not investment properties. Unfortunately, timeshares tend to depreciate in value and can only be sold for less than you paid.
  • Extra Expenses – beyond the initial cost of a timeshare, you will have to pay annual maintenance fees that can increase over time. Be sure to include that in your budget when you consider buying.
  • Potential scams – be aware of timeshare scams when looking to buy a timeshare on the resale market. Stay away from companies that say a buyer is waiting, offer money-back guarantees, or ask for untraceable forms of payment.

How Much Does a Timeshare Cost?

Upfront Costs and Initial Investment

If you choose to buy a timeshare property on the resale market, you can feel confident that you'll save thousands of dollars on the upfront cost. Developers tack on hefty sales commissions, taxes, and other hidden fees that make the initial timeshare investment quite substantial. On the resale market, owners advertise their timeshares for prices that reflect their actual worth. Sometimes even lower, if the seller is especially motivated. This results in savings upwards of 70% off the developer rate.


Annual Maintenance Fees

It's important to consider annual maintenance fees when you go to buy a timeshare. Beyond the upfront costs, you will be responsible for paying these yearly dues. Maintenance fees cover regular resort upkeep, upgrades, taxes, and more. These fees vary by resort and ownership type, so it is important to research what you will be paying. Plus, these fees tend to inflate as the years go on, so you want to be sure you factor them into your budget for your annual vacations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! You can get financing for a timeshare purchase. This could be through the resort developer, a personal loan, or a third-party lender.

This answer varies based on what you own. Timeshare ownership can be annual, biannual, biennial, quadannual, and even quadrennial. You could be visiting your timeshare every other year or up to four times a year. Traditional week ownership is usually limited to once a year or every other year. Whereas a points-based timeshare or fractional ownership often allows you to visit your timeshare more than once a year.

Yes, it is possible. After purchasing a timeshare, there is a short window known as the "rescission period," which is between three and 15 days. Within this timeframe, you can cancel your purchase. This window varies by state, so be sure to read the contract carefully upon purchasing.

Yes, on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in selling your timeshare, you first should contact your resort to see if they want to exercise their Right of First Refusal (ROFR). While this is rare, it's worth checking that avenue first before exploring other selling options.

Timeshare Vacations

from SellMyTimeshareNow.com

Stop throwing away your money on hotels and start actually enjoying your vacations - try a timeshare today.

Purchasing or renting through SellMyTimeshareNow.com makes timesharing even more economical and affordable with extremely discounted prices and the ability to negotiate directly with the owners of the properties to secure great deals. Our knowledgeable staff specializes in timeshares, so don't hesitate to call us with any questions at 1-877-815-4227 .

Contact Us Browse Resorts