TimeShare Living
Over 4 million people own timeshares and enjoy the convenience and savings they offer. There are over 5,000 resorts in almost 100 countries that offer timeshares in places ranging from Disney property to top notch hotels such as the Hilton. Owning a timeshare means that you are building equity in a real property and locking in your vacation expenses at today’s prices regardless of inflation.
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.