You are probably wondering about the most cost-effective vacation option to explore. In your search for the smartest way to use your travel funds, you might have heard of timeshares. You might also have heard that timeshares are the smart vacation home alternative but do not know what they are and how they work. What are the pros and the cons? Worry no more, as this article outlines all the crucial details you need to know about timeshares.
What is a timeshare?
A timeshare refers to a real estate program for residential property at a vacation destination in simplified terms. Here, multiple owners share the vacation property cost so that each owner secures the right to stay in the property for a certain period. For example, if you purchase a 1/52nd share of a unit, be it a room, a suite of rooms, or even a condominium, you will often stay in the residence for one week each year. A week per year is the standard amount of time, although there are possibilities of buying larger or smaller annual time blocks.
How does timeshare purchasing work?
Now that you know what timeshare is, it is time to understand how the arrangement is made, its pros and cons. The two contracts for timeshare purchasing are deeded and non-deeded. The deeded contract, also known as a fee-simple contract, is similar to buying a house where you get a share of the ownership. This means you can resell or rent your timeshare at will. You may also pass it down to your children.
The non-deeded contract, also known as right-to-use contracts, is similar to signing a lease. As the name suggests, the agreement allows you to buy the right to use the property for a certain period without outright ownership. When the lease term is over, ownership reverts to the owner of the property.
What does the timeshare cost?
By now, you have already decided whether you want to enter into a deeded or non-deeded agreement. Either way, there are two fixed costs. You pay a certain fee upfront and pay a maintenance fee annually. The prices of a timeshare will vary depending on factors such as location, the unit size, and condition of the property, and the timing of your stay.
Research shows that maintenance fee is the most demanding financial obligation for most timeshare owners. For example, if you buy a deeded timeshare, you will always pay a maintenance fee even if you are not using the property often. Yet, the fees might rise with inflation.
Buying and Exiting a Timeshare!
Timeshare will work most conveniently if you have a traveling pattern you love visiting the same destination each year. Hence, you can lock in your annual holiday ski trip or beach vacation. This will also help you know the price in advance for proper planning. With time, you will get to spend less on your timeshare. You will also get to make the most out of your timeshare if you commit to annual trips.
It is important to know the option you have when selling the timeshare or exit. There are resort companies that offer take-back, resale, and exit programs. You can also seek advice from a timeshare exit company like Wesley Financial Group to understand better the times of exit programs. This will save you money, time and the hassle when it comes to the process of exiting from an agreement with the manager or the owner of the timeshare.
To-dos before buying any timeshare
Before buying a timeshare, you should commit time to do a few things. First, investigate the unit before you buy it. Visit the resort where you hope to buy the timeshare. Assess the quality of the space and the amenities available. Please speak to the manager and other timeshare owners who have been there before to hear their experience. Also, find out from the state’s attorney general if there have been complaints against them before.
Planning is also relatively healthy. Remember, timeshares will only save you money if you will consistently use them. Hence, it is advisable to book your vacation as early as possible, probably a year in advance.
Final word
A timeshare can be a great option for vacation. However, you should keep your eye open to know how you can save money with a timeshare. You should also understand the terms you want to engage in before signing a contract. Doing due diligence will save you time, money and frustrations. You can also seek help from a timeshare exit company if you want to get rid of one.