If you’re an avid vacationer looking to save money on future vacations, you’re in the right place! Timeshares are an excellent way to save big on future vacations, mark off bucket list destinations, and make everlasting memories with family and loved ones. And if you need help getting started or need guidance on how to buy a timeshare, we’re here to help! So, if you’re ready to ditch overpriced hotel rooms, continue reading to get the full scoop on how to obtain vacation ownership status and how to navigate the timeshare resale market.
What Is a Timeshare?
Before we dive into how to buy a timeshare, let’s start with the basics: “What is a timeshare?” Generally speaking, a timeshare is a type of vacation ownership that gives you the right to stay at a property or properties for some time. Furthermore, folks can choose from two different types of timeshares: weeks-based and points-based. Deciding which one works best for you depends on your vacation preferences.
Weeks-based: Week-based timeshares are your traditional vacation ownership. Owners have the right to use one specific week at a timeshare resort each year. This option is perfect for folks who love traveling to the same resort and destination each year.
Points-based: You might want to settle for a points-based timeshare for increased vacation flexibility. Owners can purchase and own a set number of points that they can utilize to book vacations at different resorts within their timeshare brand’s portfolio. Furthermore, owners receive an annual allotment of points that can be used to vacation under the brand’s portfolio when and wherever they want.
So, now that you have the gist of what timeshares are, let’s discuss whether or not they are worth it.
Are Timeshares Worth It?
Deciding whether a timeshare is worth it primarily depends on your vacation needs and preferences. It’s vital to decide if a timeshare is worth it before you buy a timeshare. However, vacation ownership is an excellent way to lock in vacations year after year, allowing for limitless vacation possibilities. Unlike a hotel, timeshares are typically in well-maintained luxurious resorts in sought-after vacation destinations with spacious villas or suite-type accommodations. If you’re tired of cramping your family into a small hotel room, a timeshare accommodation might be for you! In addition to spacious villas and suites, most timeshare resorts feature state-of-the-art amenities so you can stay busy all vacation long.
However, while these are pros to owning a timeshare, like most things, there are some downfalls. Owners are usually required to pay annual maintenance fees for the upkeep of their timeshare resort. Another downfall is that timeshares depreciate in value, so if you want to resell, you might not get what you initially paid for. Additionally, upfront costs may be a triggering factor for some. Continue to learn more about timeshare costs.
How Much Do Timeshares Cost?
A timeshare purchase price relies on several factors, including the resort’s location and popularity, timeshare units, week season, resort brand, amenities, and maintenance fees. With this, according to the 2024 State of the Industry Report by the American Resort Development Association, in 2023, buyers spent an average of $24,170 on a timeshare transaction. While this number may seem high, we suggest buying a timeshare from the resale market to help lower costs. Additionally, our friends at Vacation Club Loans are happy to help buyers set up the perfect financing plan for their timeshare!
So, now that you’ve received insight into what timeshares are, whether they are worth it, and how much they cost, let’s dive into the timeshare-buying process!
How To Buy a Timeshare
Buying a timeshare can be done in four easy steps: searching, making an offer, closing, and finally, owning! Continue reading to learn more about each step.
Search and Browse the Timeshare Resale Market
Browse the available inventory on the timeshare secondary market to find the perfect timeshare that suits your needs and wants. You can utilize our filtering mechanism to search by season, points, week, resort, and more. You can attend a timeshare presentation or tour if you’d like to learn more about a specific resort. However, if you’re touring on-property, they might provide you with a sales pitch to get you to buy directly from them, but we highly encourage shopping on the resale market!
Why Buy Resale?
We are pushing the secondary market to the forefront of your timeshare purchase decision because it will save you tons of money! Why pay more when you can own the same property for less? The only downfall to buying Resale over retail is the perks. Typically, all benefits are passed on to the new owner. However, there are a few that cannot be. These vary by brand. Click the button below to learn more about timeshare brands.
Make an Offer Before You Buy a Timeshare
Once you’ve selected a listing, you can make an offer on the vacation property with our online offer form. Of course, what you offer is ultimately up to you. Once the seller accepts the offer and conditions, the timeshare closing process will spring into action.
Timeshare Closing Process
After the seller has accepted the offer, we’ll recommend a trusted title company to assist in the final steps of the closing services. They will work to run a title check, prepare closing costs and statements, manage all funds and escrow monies, and finally, communicate with the buyer and seller to sign the necessary documents. Once both parties sign the timeshare contract, the timeshare ownership is officially transferred to the new owner.
Enjoy Enhanced Vacation Experiences
Now that the documents have been signed, you are the new timeshare owner! As a new owner, you’ll relish a lifetime of memorable vacations year after year. Whether you’re vacationing in the tropical oasis of Hawaii, near the world-famous theme parks in Orlando, or skiing the mountain slopes in Breckenridge, you’re sure to find comfort in your new timeshare!
If you’re ready to turn this vacationing dream into a reality, look no further than Timeshare Broker Associates!
Buy a Timeshare Resale With Timeshare Broker Associates
So, are you ready to become a timeshare owner? Now that you’ve learned how to buy a timeshare, it’s time to start searching! You can browse our vast timeshare resale market to find properties from major brands like Disney Vacation Club, Marriott Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, and many others!
Furthermore, at Timeshare Broker Associates, we have more than a decade of experience in the timeshare industry, with accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). So, if you’ve made it this far, consider visiting our marketplace to browse timeshare for sale today! If you need help refining a search or have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at (407) 917-8432. Happy searching!
