What's New

More In
Home & Decor

Are Timeshares and Vacation Clubs Worth It?

Gabrielle Karol
Gabrielle Karol
Posted on August 10, 2011

Are Timeshares And Vacation Clubs Worth It?Sandy beaches, warm waves and a cool sea breeze are (relatively) easy to come by during the summer, but they’re the stuff of wind-blistered midwinter fantasies.

If you’d like to own a little bit of paradise to escape to during the worst of winter, you’re a perfect target for timeshare agents.

Timeshares and vacation clubs tout the opportunity to become a part-owner of a resort (often including access to benefits like scuba diving, horseback riding, wine tastings, etc). The ability to return yearly comes with a certain sense of security; your next vacation is always just around the corner.

Despite the security of a guaranteed vacation, timeshares can be expensive propositions with unforeseen restrictions. So, we ask: Does a timeshare or a vacation club membership ever make sense?

What Is a Timeshare?

Timeshare ownership entails payment of an upfront sum plus yearly maintenance fees. Depending on the timeshare arrangement, owners either own the rights to a specific, fixed week (say, January 1-7 every year) or the rights to a floating arrangement, where you can visit for a week within a period of time each year (say, one week between the months of June and August every year).

Fixed and floating timeshare arrangements can either be deeded or non-deeded (also known as right-to-use). Deeded timeshares are considered real property that can be sold or passed on to the next generation. Non-deeded or right-to-use timeshares function more like leases, where an owner can use the unit for a specified number of years.

What Is a Vacation Club?

Vacation clubs are a newer variation on the timeshare model. Instead of purchasing the rights to a specific unit, as with a timeshare, vacation club “members” pay an upfront sum to purchase a number of “points” which can be redeemed for different vacations each year. Yearly maintenance fees still apply.

The number of points can translate to very different vacations based on the desirability of the resort’s location and the time of year. The Marriott Vacation Club, for example, has a three-tiered point system. At the cheapest level, one example of a vacation option is a seven-night stay in a studio in Palm Beach, Florida at any time except during the peak winter season. In contrast, the highest tier of points will give you the opportunity to stay for seven nights in a one-bedroom villa in Oahu, Hawaii at any time during the year.

A Cost-Effective Vacation?

Both timeshares and vacation club memberships limit you in terms of the types of vacation you take—and when you take them. If you are considering a fixed-week timeshare, you need to be willing to commit to the Bahamas the first week of February every year, for example. While vacation club memberships offer more flexibility, you are still restricted by your number of points and are still committed to paying yearly maintenance fees. A normal vacationer might be able to save up over two or three years to afford a particularly luxurious vacation; as a vacation club member, you are tied to the same type of vacation year after year.

Owning a timeshare at a hotel is a little bit like owning a car—it depreciates the second you buy it. So try renting a timeshare instead.

Because of the high upfront cost, timeshares and vacation club memberships make the most financial sense in the long term. An example: Let’s say you pay $200 a night for a week in a hotel. Over ten years, you would have shelled out $14,000 to take a one-week vacation each year. A timeshare at the same property might cost $8,000 upfront, with annual maintenance fees of $550. After ten years, you’d have paid $13,500—only $500 less than it would have cost you to pay for normal vacations. Over 30 years, however, the timeshare becomes a much better deal: At the end of that period, you’d have paid only $24,500 for your yearly vacations at a timeshare, as compared to $42,000 if staying at the hotel.

Are Timeshares and Vacation Clubs Good Investments?

The Federal Trade Commission warns against buying timeshares as financial investments. Why? The value generally decreases sharply after purchasing. Despite the real estate adage of “Location, location, location,” ownership of a timeshare in Mexico or Aruba declines in value over time because of the sheer number of timeshares available as well as the ever-growing number of hotels around the world with timeshare options.

Additionally, hotels and resorts are more desirable when they’re first built, and their facilities and amenities are brand-new; they become increasingly less desirable. Simply put, supply exceeds demand, making your investment less valuable over time. In this way, owning a timeshare at a hotel is a little bit like owning a car: You may get a lot of use out of it over the course of twenty years, but it won’t be worth much once you try to sell it. Additionally, there’s no cap on yearly maintenance fees, so the amount you pay every year will most likely increase.

Don’t Blow It!

Find out how to stick to your budget when you’re on vacation
CLICK HERE

Rent, Don’t Buy

Still, timeshares can be appealing because they provide a home-away-from-home feeling. If you are interested in this sort of set-up, but don’t want to commit to a timeshare, take our insider tip: Rent a timeshare.

Here’s why: Because the resale value of timeshares is so low, many timeshare owners rent out their units. Renting instead of buying allows you to remain flexible (rather than being married to the same location) while reaping the desirable benefits of a timeshare unit.

Additionally, renting a timeshare property can garner incredible deals: A seven night stay at the luxurious Omni Hotel in Cancun, Mexico will cost you $219 per night for four adults. Renting a timeshare property at the same hotel for the same time period for six adults only cost $129 per night when LearnVest checked. That’s a steep difference!

To find a timeshare to rent, check out Ebay and RedWeek, a site devoted to timeshare rentals. Because you’ll be dealing with an individual timeshare or vacation club owner rather than a hotel, be extra cautious to ensure that the deal is legitimate. Call up the hotel ahead of time to verify that the owner in question does, in fact, own a timeshare at the property. Additionally, ask the timeshare owner for references from previous satisfied renters.

How to Travel for Less

Find the cheapest airline tickets for your summer getaway. See your options now.
Learn how to continue saving on travel even after you’ve booked and paid for a vacation. Read this.
See which chic destinations are only a hop away from your doorstep. Click here.

Posted in: , , , , , , , ,
  • http://senseofcents.blogspot.com/ Michelle

    I agree, I would rent a timeshare instead of buying one.  I rented one this summer for 4 days and loved it!

  • http://senseofcents.blogspot.com/ Michelle

    I agree, I would rent a timeshare instead of buying one.  I rented one this summer for 4 days and loved it!

  • http://senseofcents.blogspot.com/ Michelle

    I agree, I would rent a timeshare instead of buying one.  I rented one this summer for 4 days and loved it!

  • Anonymous

    We own two timeshares, but we bought them at rock-bottom prices on eBay (less than the cost of one year’s maintenance fee each). We have been approached to buy units from the resorts for exorbitant prices; once they hear how we purchased ours, the time-share sellers are not interested in talking any more! We go to our FL timeshare each year, but are able to trade it for a small fee if we choose. We have traded our ME timeshare for a beautiful place in NV, as well as for a different resort farther north in ME. All in all, we have had an excellent experience!

    • Segerfan65

      We bought a time share through a private sale. It is in Bethel, ME. We traded through RCI for the first few years and were able to take our kids to the Grand Canyon and Florida. However, we have not been able to use it for the last several years, and are still paying maintenance fees and taxes. We would love to sell it and move on, but have no idea where to start. I now feel trapped and it kills me to have to write those checks  each year for nothing.

    • Segerfan65

      We bought a time share through a private sale. It is in Bethel, ME. We traded through RCI for the first few years and were able to take our kids to the Grand Canyon and Florida. However, we have not been able to use it for the last several years, and are still paying maintenance fees and taxes. We would love to sell it and move on, but have no idea where to start. I now feel trapped and it kills me to have to write those checks  each year for nothing.

    • Segerfan65

      We bought a time share through a private sale. It is in Bethel, ME. We traded through RCI for the first few years and were able to take our kids to the Grand Canyon and Florida. However, we have not been able to use it for the last several years, and are still paying maintenance fees and taxes. We would love to sell it and move on, but have no idea where to start. I now feel trapped and it kills me to have to write those checks  each year for nothing.

    • Segerfan65

      We bought a time share through a private sale. It is in Bethel, ME. We traded through RCI for the first few years and were able to take our kids to the Grand Canyon and Florida. However, we have not been able to use it for the last several years, and are still paying maintenance fees and taxes. We would love to sell it and move on, but have no idea where to start. I now feel trapped and it kills me to have to write those checks  each year for nothing.

    • Segerfan65

      We bought a time share through a private sale. It is in Bethel, ME. We traded through RCI for the first few years and were able to take our kids to the Grand Canyon and Florida. However, we have not been able to use it for the last several years, and are still paying maintenance fees and taxes. We would love to sell it and move on, but have no idea where to start. I now feel trapped and it kills me to have to write those checks  each year for nothing.

    • Segerfan65

      We bought a time share through a private sale. It is in Bethel, ME. We traded through RCI for the first few years and were able to take our kids to the Grand Canyon and Florida. However, we have not been able to use it for the last several years, and are still paying maintenance fees and taxes. We would love to sell it and move on, but have no idea where to start. I now feel trapped and it kills me to have to write those checks  each year for nothing.

    • Segerfan65

      We bought a time share through a private sale. It is in Bethel, ME. We traded through RCI for the first few years and were able to take our kids to the Grand Canyon and Florida. However, we have not been able to use it for the last several years, and are still paying maintenance fees and taxes. We would love to sell it and move on, but have no idea where to start. I now feel trapped and it kills me to have to write those checks  each year for nothing.

    • Segerfan65

      We bought a time share through a private sale. It is in Bethel, ME. We traded through RCI for the first few years and were able to take our kids to the Grand Canyon and Florida. However, we have not been able to use it for the last several years, and are still paying maintenance fees and taxes. We would love to sell it and move on, but have no idea where to start. I now feel trapped and it kills me to have to write those checks  each year for nothing.

    • Segerfan65

      We bought a time share through a private sale. It is in Bethel, ME. We traded through RCI for the first few years and were able to take our kids to the Grand Canyon and Florida. However, we have not been able to use it for the last several years, and are still paying maintenance fees and taxes. We would love to sell it and move on, but have no idea where to start. I now feel trapped and it kills me to have to write those checks  each year for nothing.

    • Segerfan65

      We bought a time share through a private sale. It is in Bethel, ME. We traded through RCI for the first few years and were able to take our kids to the Grand Canyon and Florida. However, we have not been able to use it for the last several years, and are still paying maintenance fees and taxes. We would love to sell it and move on, but have no idea where to start. I now feel trapped and it kills me to have to write those checks  each year for nothing.

    • Kim

      Hi – Would you be able to tell me any information you can about the ad and how buying it worked for you on ebay. My mother and I both own timeshares and are not able to use them for various reasons. Would love to learn more including how much below cost, what was the ad like – how it interested you, etc. THANK YOU so much for any information that might help my mother and I. I appreciate it.

    • Kim

      Hi – Would you be able to tell me any information you can about the ad and how buying it worked for you on ebay. My mother and I both own timeshares and are not able to use them for various reasons. Would love to learn more including how much below cost, what was the ad like – how it interested you, etc. THANK YOU so much for any information that might help my mother and I. I appreciate it.

    • Kim

      Hi – Would you be able to tell me any information you can about the ad and how buying it worked for you on ebay. My mother and I both own timeshares and are not able to use them for various reasons. Would love to learn more including how much below cost, what was the ad like – how it interested you, etc. THANK YOU so much for any information that might help my mother and I. I appreciate it.

    • Marianne

      Great to know this. I also wish Learnvest would write an article of the pros and cons of Interval International; there are lots of hidden costs not only in timeshare ownership but in trading them, so advice on weighing the benefits of these costs  would be extremely appreciated!

  • Anonymous

    We own two timeshares, but we bought them at rock-bottom prices on eBay (less than the cost of one year’s maintenance fee each). We have been approached to buy units from the resorts for exorbitant prices; once they hear how we purchased ours, the time-share sellers are not interested in talking any more! We go to our FL timeshare each year, but are able to trade it for a small fee if we choose. We have traded our ME timeshare for a beautiful place in NV, as well as for a different resort farther north in ME. All in all, we have had an excellent experience!

  • Anonymous

    We own two timeshares, but we bought them at rock-bottom prices on eBay (less than the cost of one year’s maintenance fee each). We have been approached to buy units from the resorts for exorbitant prices; once they hear how we purchased ours, the time-share sellers are not interested in talking any more! We go to our FL timeshare each year, but are able to trade it for a small fee if we choose. We have traded our ME timeshare for a beautiful place in NV, as well as for a different resort farther north in ME. All in all, we have had an excellent experience!

  • Anonymous

    We own two timeshares, but we bought them at rock-bottom prices on eBay (less than the cost of one year’s maintenance fee each). We have been approached to buy units from the resorts for exorbitant prices; once they hear how we purchased ours, the time-share sellers are not interested in talking any more! We go to our FL timeshare each year, but are able to trade it for a small fee if we choose. We have traded our ME timeshare for a beautiful place in NV, as well as for a different resort farther north in ME. All in all, we have had an excellent experience!

  • Anonymous

    We own two timeshares, but we bought them at rock-bottom prices on eBay (less than the cost of one year’s maintenance fee each). We have been approached to buy units from the resorts for exorbitant prices; once they hear how we purchased ours, the time-share sellers are not interested in talking any more! We go to our FL timeshare each year, but are able to trade it for a small fee if we choose. We have traded our ME timeshare for a beautiful place in NV, as well as for a different resort farther north in ME. All in all, we have had an excellent experience!

  • http://www.acecashexpress.com/payday-loan-news Ritu Mehta

    In my mind it doesn’t make sense.  It is not an investment and it ties you down to yet another payment which may or may not make money.  In fact it is not a cost effective way of  vacationing.  Why not have teh freedom of going whereever you want and not tied to your vacation investment?

  • http://neatfreakwannabe.blogspot.com Jenna

    I’ve never thought to look into renting a timeshare for vacation accommodations.  Thanks for the tip; I’ll look into this option when planning my next trip!

  • Jennifer

     I can’t tell you the number of timeshares my office forecloses on each year. To my knowledge, in the last  six years, as the economy sinks further and further, the number has grown. I’d highly recommend against buying a timeshare, because although it’s an “up front” cost, you can still take out a mortgage to get it, and it’s just not worth your credit going down the drain for.  Another great way to take vacations all over the world is to use a website called airbnb.com.  I recently used them for the first time, and they were awesome. Owners are basically renting out rooms or entire homes, condos, etc. as if they are a bed and breakfast. You can look for places to stay based on any number of criteria in a certain area. Hosts post information about their rooms/apartments/homes such as location and what amenities are available, and they post photographs as well so you can see where you’re staying. Guests who have previously stayed with a host review their stay afterward. Additionally, the host reviews the guest after the visit as well. Airbnb was great to me when my first choice host cancelled our reservation; they discounted me $50, and we really enjoyed our stay. We stayed for far less than a hotel and had our own little apartment.

    • http://senseofcents.blogspot.com/ Michelle

      I love Airbnb! I used it on my last vacation and it was great.

  • Cindy

    I’ve owned a timeshare for about 15 years and have never used it.  Can’t tell you how sick I get when I have to write that maintenance check or an extra check for some other issues that have come up with the timeshare.  My husband has talked to several companies over the years that claim they will sell your timeshare (for a lot of money), but they all want money up front.  I say, if you’re a realtor looking to sell my timeshare, why do I have to pay you?  You should get your commission at closing.  I’d lover to find a realtor that doesn’t charge you up front to put your timeshare on the market.

    • http://senseofcents.blogspot.com/ Michelle

      This is exactly what I’m afraid of what it comes to timeshares.

    • one who also knows

      TIMESHARES ONLY is the same way, they want the money up front in order to advertise to sell your property.

  • Gentile Elena

    My parents bought a 2 week timeshare in florida in 1982. It was a deeded timeshare (which are getting hard to find) I bought one week from my parents to help with the maintenance fees. we usually maintain a membership with RCI and deposit our weeks if we’re not planning on using them. It was how I went on spring break all through college as well as travelling to places like Greece and the Canary Islands. If you know how to work the system it’s not a bad deal. Also, if you own and can’t use and aren’t a member of RCI or something similar you can always list it for rent on various websites. I know a lot of owners who will list their units for just the cost of the maintenance fees (ie they just want to break even cost wise) For example, we’ve rented our unit in the past for a week in florida on the beach for $800.

    • Kim

      Hi – Could you refer me to the sites that they use to rent their timeshares? My mother and I both would rather sell ours, but would love to look into this in the meantime. And, if you have any information about successful ways to sell. Thanks in advance for any and all info. My best, Kim

  • Gentile Elena

    My parents bought a 2 week timeshare in florida in 1982. It was a deeded timeshare (which are getting hard to find) I bought one week from my parents to help with the maintenance fees. we usually maintain a membership with RCI and deposit our weeks if we’re not planning on using them. It was how I went on spring break all through college as well as travelling to places like Greece and the Canary Islands. If you know how to work the system it’s not a bad deal. Also, if you own and can’t use and aren’t a member of RCI or something similar you can always list it for rent on various websites. I know a lot of owners who will list their units for just the cost of the maintenance fees (ie they just want to break even cost wise) For example, we’ve rented our unit in the past for a week in florida on the beach for $800.

  • Gentile Elena

    My parents bought a 2 week timeshare in florida in 1982. It was a deeded timeshare (which are getting hard to find) I bought one week from my parents to help with the maintenance fees. we usually maintain a membership with RCI and deposit our weeks if we’re not planning on using them. It was how I went on spring break all through college as well as travelling to places like Greece and the Canary Islands. If you know how to work the system it’s not a bad deal. Also, if you own and can’t use and aren’t a member of RCI or something similar you can always list it for rent on various websites. I know a lot of owners who will list their units for just the cost of the maintenance fees (ie they just want to break even cost wise) For example, we’ve rented our unit in the past for a week in florida on the beach for $800.

  • Gentile Elena

    My parents bought a 2 week timeshare in florida in 1982. It was a deeded timeshare (which are getting hard to find) I bought one week from my parents to help with the maintenance fees. we usually maintain a membership with RCI and deposit our weeks if we’re not planning on using them. It was how I went on spring break all through college as well as travelling to places like Greece and the Canary Islands. If you know how to work the system it’s not a bad deal. Also, if you own and can’t use and aren’t a member of RCI or something similar you can always list it for rent on various websites. I know a lot of owners who will list their units for just the cost of the maintenance fees (ie they just want to break even cost wise) For example, we’ve rented our unit in the past for a week in florida on the beach for $800.

  • Beth Anne Saves

    Th thing that is nice about it and that they are “lifetime” so after 10 years it’s still useful where like when you buy a car lots of times by the time you pay it off…you need to buy a new car.

    We recently purchased more points through holiday inn vacation club and yeah it’s probably not that good of a deal if your just going to say Florida..but if your in a points system you can go to Europe, hawaii, australia…all those SUPER expensive places that aren’t going to be that doable Out of Pocket. Well thats my 2 cents at least…

  • Beth Anne Saves

    Th thing that is nice about it and that they are “lifetime” so after 10 years it’s still useful where like when you buy a car lots of times by the time you pay it off…you need to buy a new car.

    We recently purchased more points through holiday inn vacation club and yeah it’s probably not that good of a deal if your just going to say Florida..but if your in a points system you can go to Europe, hawaii, australia…all those SUPER expensive places that aren’t going to be that doable Out of Pocket. Well thats my 2 cents at least…

  • Beth Anne Saves

    Th thing that is nice about it and that they are “lifetime” so after 10 years it’s still useful where like when you buy a car lots of times by the time you pay it off…you need to buy a new car.

    We recently purchased more points through holiday inn vacation club and yeah it’s probably not that good of a deal if your just going to say Florida..but if your in a points system you can go to Europe, hawaii, australia…all those SUPER expensive places that aren’t going to be that doable Out of Pocket. Well thats my 2 cents at least…

  • Dancewearandmore.com

    I bought a points-based timeshare with Wydham Resorts last year as a way for my daughter & I to go on vaca together. We can use it any time during the year and they have lots of properties to choose from or I can deposit the points with RCI for use at one of their resorts. When the salesman tried to close the deal my daughter noticed a property in Australia for 15000 points per week so in order to sway us he gave us 30000 extra points that are good for 5 years (we will go to Australia in 3 years after my daughter graduates high school), $1000 towards airfare and 3 free excursions! We went to the bahamas last year & are doing Punta Cana this year and I still have points left over if my boyfriend & I want to take a short trip.

    • http://senseofcents.blogspot.com/ Michelle

      Wow that sounds great!

  • Dancewearandmore.com

    I bought a points-based timeshare with Wydham Resorts last year as a way for my daughter & I to go on vaca together. We can use it any time during the year and they have lots of properties to choose from or I can deposit the points with RCI for use at one of their resorts. When the salesman tried to close the deal my daughter noticed a property in Australia for 15000 points per week so in order to sway us he gave us 30000 extra points that are good for 5 years (we will go to Australia in 3 years after my daughter graduates high school), $1000 towards airfare and 3 free excursions! We went to the bahamas last year & are doing Punta Cana this year and I still have points left over if my boyfriend & I want to take a short trip.

  • Dancewearandmore.com

    I bought a points-based timeshare with Wydham Resorts last year as a way for my daughter & I to go on vaca together. We can use it any time during the year and they have lots of properties to choose from or I can deposit the points with RCI for use at one of their resorts. When the salesman tried to close the deal my daughter noticed a property in Australia for 15000 points per week so in order to sway us he gave us 30000 extra points that are good for 5 years (we will go to Australia in 3 years after my daughter graduates high school), $1000 towards airfare and 3 free excursions! We went to the bahamas last year & are doing Punta Cana this year and I still have points left over if my boyfriend & I want to take a short trip.

  • Dancewearandmore.com

    I bought a points-based timeshare with Wydham Resorts last year as a way for my daughter & I to go on vaca together. We can use it any time during the year and they have lots of properties to choose from or I can deposit the points with RCI for use at one of their resorts. When the salesman tried to close the deal my daughter noticed a property in Australia for 15000 points per week so in order to sway us he gave us 30000 extra points that are good for 5 years (we will go to Australia in 3 years after my daughter graduates high school), $1000 towards airfare and 3 free excursions! We went to the bahamas last year & are doing Punta Cana this year and I still have points left over if my boyfriend & I want to take a short trip.

  • Dancewearandmore.com

    I bought a points-based timeshare with Wydham Resorts last year as a way for my daughter & I to go on vaca together. We can use it any time during the year and they have lots of properties to choose from or I can deposit the points with RCI for use at one of their resorts. When the salesman tried to close the deal my daughter noticed a property in Australia for 15000 points per week so in order to sway us he gave us 30000 extra points that are good for 5 years (we will go to Australia in 3 years after my daughter graduates high school), $1000 towards airfare and 3 free excursions! We went to the bahamas last year & are doing Punta Cana this year and I still have points left over if my boyfriend & I want to take a short trip.

  • Dancewearandmore.com

    I bought a points-based timeshare with Wydham Resorts last year as a way for my daughter & I to go on vaca together. We can use it any time during the year and they have lots of properties to choose from or I can deposit the points with RCI for use at one of their resorts. When the salesman tried to close the deal my daughter noticed a property in Australia for 15000 points per week so in order to sway us he gave us 30000 extra points that are good for 5 years (we will go to Australia in 3 years after my daughter graduates high school), $1000 towards airfare and 3 free excursions! We went to the bahamas last year & are doing Punta Cana this year and I still have points left over if my boyfriend & I want to take a short trip.

  • Dancewearandmore.com

    I bought a points-based timeshare with Wydham Resorts last year as a way for my daughter & I to go on vaca together. We can use it any time during the year and they have lots of properties to choose from or I can deposit the points with RCI for use at one of their resorts. When the salesman tried to close the deal my daughter noticed a property in Australia for 15000 points per week so in order to sway us he gave us 30000 extra points that are good for 5 years (we will go to Australia in 3 years after my daughter graduates high school), $1000 towards airfare and 3 free excursions! We went to the bahamas last year & are doing Punta Cana this year and I still have points left over if my boyfriend & I want to take a short trip.

  • Dancewearandmore.com

    I bought a points-based timeshare with Wydham Resorts last year as a way for my daughter & I to go on vaca together. We can use it any time during the year and they have lots of properties to choose from or I can deposit the points with RCI for use at one of their resorts. When the salesman tried to close the deal my daughter noticed a property in Australia for 15000 points per week so in order to sway us he gave us 30000 extra points that are good for 5 years (we will go to Australia in 3 years after my daughter graduates high school), $1000 towards airfare and 3 free excursions! We went to the bahamas last year & are doing Punta Cana this year and I still have points left over if my boyfriend & I want to take a short trip.

  • Dancewearandmore.com

    I bought a points-based timeshare with Wydham Resorts last year as a way for my daughter & I to go on vaca together. We can use it any time during the year and they have lots of properties to choose from or I can deposit the points with RCI for use at one of their resorts. When the salesman tried to close the deal my daughter noticed a property in Australia for 15000 points per week so in order to sway us he gave us 30000 extra points that are good for 5 years (we will go to Australia in 3 years after my daughter graduates high school), $1000 towards airfare and 3 free excursions! We went to the bahamas last year & are doing Punta Cana this year and I still have points left over if my boyfriend & I want to take a short trip.

  • Kim

    If anyone has any suggestions. My mother and I both have timeshares – separately. I had a car accident several years ago and am making great progress, but not going to travel much. My mother is very much a senior and will not be traveling much. We have tried a couple different ways and avenues to sell them, so far unsuccessfully. I’m not sure that the companies we tried actually lived up to their promises. Does anyone know of successful ways/companies to sell timeshares? Or – would anyone be interested in buying likely lower than if bought directly from one of the timeshare companies? My timeshare points are with Wyndom and my mother’s are with Diamond Resorts? Thanks for any direction for successful resolution, exploring discussions, etc! Appreciate it.

  • Kim

    If anyone has any suggestions. My mother and I both have timeshares – separately. I had a car accident several years ago and am making great progress, but not going to travel much. My mother is very much a senior and will not be traveling much. We have tried a couple different ways and avenues to sell them, so far unsuccessfully. I’m not sure that the companies we tried actually lived up to their promises. Does anyone know of successful ways/companies to sell timeshares? Or – would anyone be interested in buying likely lower than if bought directly from one of the timeshare companies? My timeshare points are with Wyndom and my mother’s are with Diamond Resorts? Thanks for any direction for successful resolution, exploring discussions, etc! Appreciate it.

  • Kim

    If anyone has any suggestions. My mother and I both have timeshares – separately. I had a car accident several years ago and am making great progress, but not going to travel much. My mother is very much a senior and will not be traveling much. We have tried a couple different ways and avenues to sell them, so far unsuccessfully. I’m not sure that the companies we tried actually lived up to their promises. Does anyone know of successful ways/companies to sell timeshares? Or – would anyone be interested in buying likely lower than if bought directly from one of the timeshare companies? My timeshare points are with Wyndom and my mother’s are with Diamond Resorts? Thanks for any direction for successful resolution, exploring discussions, etc! Appreciate it.

  • Kim

    If anyone has any suggestions. My mother and I both have timeshares – separately. I had a car accident several years ago and am making great progress, but not going to travel much. My mother is very much a senior and will not be traveling much. We have tried a couple different ways and avenues to sell them, so far unsuccessfully. I’m not sure that the companies we tried actually lived up to their promises. Does anyone know of successful ways/companies to sell timeshares? Or – would anyone be interested in buying likely lower than if bought directly from one of the timeshare companies? My timeshare points are with Wyndom and my mother’s are with Diamond Resorts? Thanks for any direction for successful resolution, exploring discussions, etc! Appreciate it.

  • one who knows

    one of the most annoying things about a timeshare: the hard sell. you go on vacation, only to have the folks wave a $75 giftcard or something like it “if you’ll only take our quick survey.” the quick survey turns lengthy (and you are wasting your own vacation time, which is worth way more than whatever prize they are “giving” you) and also pulls up a lot of your personal info that they oughtn’t be sharing or going into. and if you don’t accept the invitation initially, they will hound you all week. we finally took our room’s phone off the hook because they were calling daily and often. i never wanted a time-share but through family circumstances, i have one now, and sheesh, i would advise against it.

  • one who also knows

    We also have one and have yet to stay in it and we have had it over 2 years now.  Seems selling it will cost us $700. If we had that we wouldn’t worry about selling it. We were on our honeymoon when we got suckered into getting ours. It’s in a great place, Smoky Mountains, just wish we could sell it without having to put up more money to be rid of it. :( OUr timeshare is with WestGate Resorts.

  • one who also knows

    We also have one and have yet to stay in it and we have had it over 2 years now.  Seems selling it will cost us $700. If we had that we wouldn’t worry about selling it. We were on our honeymoon when we got suckered into getting ours. It’s in a great place, Smoky Mountains, just wish we could sell it without having to put up more money to be rid of it. :( OUr timeshare is with WestGate Resorts.

  • Deezya

    I also have a timeshare which is draining me financially. I need to get rid of it even if I take a loss. Is it better to let it go into foreclosure now since my credit is already poor?

  • Deezya

    I also have a timeshare which is draining me financially. I need to get rid of it even if I take a loss. Is it better to let it go into foreclosure now since my credit is already poor?

  • Deezya

    I also have a timeshare which is draining me financially. I need to get rid of it even if I take a loss. Is it better to let it go into foreclosure now since my credit is already poor?

  • HappyTraveler

    For all the people here who are trying to get rid of a timeshare — go to “Timeshare Users Group” and read the articles and comments about how to unload it.  Or you might find out how you can use your timeshare for a vacation that does not involve a week in a crummy location.  I own with Hilton and have been very happy with my purchase.

  • HappyTraveler

    For all the people here who are trying to get rid of a timeshare — go to “Timeshare Users Group” and read the articles and comments about how to unload it.  Or you might find out how you can use your timeshare for a vacation that does not involve a week in a crummy location.  I own with Hilton and have been very happy with my purchase.

  • Just sayin…..

    I bought my timeshare about 15 years ago and love it! I can travel there alone if I want to and still feel safe and feel I am at home. The resort is beautiful and very well kept at Gold Crown status every year. When I cannont use my week, I bank it or give it to someone who cannot afford to go on vacation, for example, one year I gave my week to a Pastor friend to take his wife to Hawaii for their anniversary. They stayed in a beautiful resort and had a wonderful experience they would not have been able to have. Instead of choosing to not utilize your time, bless someone’s day. You will complain less about the maintenance fee when you see the happy vacation photos from the family you have blessed!

  • http://www.libertyigloo.co.uk sell your home quickly

    Very nice, thanks for the information.
    sell your home quickly

  • http://www.mangomoney.com Mango Money

    I just came across this post in the LearnVest roundup you guys do every month, and I’m so glad I did! Timeshares and vacation homes can definitely be worth it– if you have enough people! I work for Mango Money and we recently did a post on the best ways to travel on a budget. Timeshares and vacation homes were high up on ways to save if you have a large group of people and you split the costs. If you are just going with a couple of friends or maybe your family, you’ll probably end up spending more than you’d like, though. You can check out the full post for other ideas on saving on vacations. Summer isn’t quiiiiiiiite over yet; there’s still time to squeeze in a last-minute vacation! http://www.mangomoney.com/blog/blog/mango’s-top-10-ways-to-save-on-summer-vacations

  • Nitaharvey

    I just completed 7 years of monthly payments at kings creek plantation, williamsburgs Va. was late paying my maint. fee
    and collections charges me additional  $200.to reinstate my benifits  they are cold, they don’t care about you they just want your money. Don’t buy it’ it’s not worth it.