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

Timeshares make sense in many ways. You have access to all the amenities that any other guest has such as golfing, tennis courts, swimming pools, saunas, spas and other activities the resort offers. You can save hundreds of dollars you would normally spend on food by cooking healthy, delicious meals in your own kitchen, an amenity included in most timeshares. Your property is like a home away from home, always clean and well maintained. You can even pass it on to your heirs with all the equity it builds over time.

Since the timeshare is your property for a certain amount of time per year, you can include guests or even gift all or part of the time to family or friends. Gone are the tensions of elaborate planning, decisions on where to stay and price comparisons or deciding which activities are the best buy. You’ve already chosen the property that is best suited to your family with access to all the activities and amenities that you enjoy the most!

Another advantage of owning a timeshare is that you are not restricted to the location you’ve chosen. Nearly all timeshares allow owners to exchange time with others; if you usually vacation at your timeshare in California you can exchange time with an owner in France or another country that you’d like to spend time in.

The costs of a timeshare are usually less than the costs involved in yearly vacations at different locations and accommodations. There will be an annual fee for maintenance, upkeep and refurbishing. Pricing is based on unit size, amenities, location and sometimes the season in which you use them. Most timeshares even offer you the chance to save up time and use it another year. These expenses are usually equal to or less than the cost of gasoline, wear to your vehicle, restaurant meals, hotel costs and all the other expenses involved with the typical vacation. Plus, you always know where you will be going and what to expect—and the price is always the same!

Many people hesitate to invest in timeshares because they worry that there will come a time when they are not able to use it or it no longer suits their needs. However, most timeshares offer a resale program managed by a licensed broker that will help you resell your investment. Investigate these programs carefully before you invest in a timeshare and make sure that the timeshare is a member of ARDA (American Resort Development Association), which imposes standards and ethics on their members.

A timeshare can be a fun and economical way to have luxury vacation without the luxury prices. Owning a vacation property like a timeshare is also a real investment in the future that can bring returns in addition to the wonderful memories you’ll share with your family and friends.