TimeShare Vacations
Vacations are something everyone enjoys and timeshares are a good way to get value for our dollars. We want the time we spend with our family and loved ones to be fun and memorable; timeshares can eliminate a lot of the aggravation and costs involved in planning our vacations.
The concept behind a timeshare is property that you own along with other investors, much like shares in a company. The difference is that instead of losing value as the market goes up and down you are building equity without the hassle and cost of maintaining a property. A timeshare can be a condominium, a beachfront bungalow or a suite or cottage that is part of a luxury resort. Instead of renting the property each year you actually own part of it along with the equity as it appreciates.
Owning a timeshare means that you have a certain amount of time per year when you have exclusive rights to use it. You can use it for a week’s vacation in the summer and another week in the winter if you like or take your vacation in one block of time. The amount of time you use the timeshare depends on the size of your share. And although there are other shareholders using the property, there will rarely be any conflict in usage.
A timeshare will save you money on travel, time, food, amenities and activities. Most timeshares have their own kitchens that you can use just the one in your home, saving you hundreds of dollars you would normally spend on meals in restaurants. You always know where you are staying and aren’t held hostage to fluctuations in prices—you can lock in your expenses at today’s prices.
If you purchase a timeshare at a resort you will have access to amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, spa treatments and other activities usually included in a guest’s stay. You may even have access to sports equipment that you would usually have to rent like sailboats, jet skis or cruisers. These activities can be quite costly when purchased separately!
Investing in a timeshare is a lot like buying a home. You should look for a timeshare as you would a home to find one that suits your needs, interests and requirements. Be sure that any timeshare you consider is a member of ARDA (American Resort Development Association), which imposes standards and ethics on their members. Make sure that it is well managed and examine its budget to assure that it is well maintained on a regular basis.
Another advantage of owning a timeshare is that it requires no time commitment on your part. If you don’t have the time to vacation when you expected to, you can rent it out or make a gift of that time to family or friends. You own that property in every way you would own any other property. There are many advantages to owning a timeshare rather than staying at a different location each time you vacation. Timeshares are a wise investment and a fun, economical way to share time with