Ability to exchange
Though exchange is an attractive reason for purchasing a timeshare, your "trading power" and the trade opportunities available to you, will depend on what you buy. Read more about how the timeshare exchange system works.
There is also a cost consideration here - if you're buying a timeshare for exchange ability, you'll want to pay close attention to these as well. Most exchange companies have annual membership fees + exchange fees involved when you actually do the exchange. There might also be fees for allowing someone else to use your unit.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
In depth review of Con #2 of Buying a Timeshare FLEXIBILITY
Flexibility
Although there are timeshare plans that afford more flexibility than others, some people feel nothing is quite as flexible as being able to decide when and where you go each year, in the more traditional methods of travel planning. If you want a holiday week, you may not be able to trade your timeshare for it, because there are many timeshare owners hoping for the same week. You also may not be able to decide last minute that you want to use your timeshare in a certain location.
If you buy a floating week timeshare, you will have more flexibility in when you use the timeshare, but availability is given on a first-come, first-served basis. So, planning farther in advance serves you better.
SRC="http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/KonaLibInline.js">
Although there are timeshare plans that afford more flexibility than others, some people feel nothing is quite as flexible as being able to decide when and where you go each year, in the more traditional methods of travel planning. If you want a holiday week, you may not be able to trade your timeshare for it, because there are many timeshare owners hoping for the same week. You also may not be able to decide last minute that you want to use your timeshare in a certain location.
If you buy a floating week timeshare, you will have more flexibility in when you use the timeshare, but availability is given on a first-come, first-served basis. So, planning farther in advance serves you better.
SRC="http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/KonaLibInline.js">
Sunday, December 23, 2007
In depth review of Cons of Buying a Timeshare
Reputation of unethical players and scams
Most of the major industry players value their brand's reputation more than the sale, and many have committed to standards of ethics in recent years. An organization to which we belong, ARDA (American Resort Development Association) includes most major timeshare businesses today and members subscribe to a set of consumer-friendly ethics rules. However, timeshare has an unfortunate reputation of being associated with hard sales pitches and sneaky sales techniques similar to the notoriety of used car sales. While these horror stories are few and far between these days, as with any industry, there occasionally still are unethical salespeople trying to do whatever it takes to bring home their commission. That is why it is important to do the homework you are doing right now.
Before walking into a situation where you know there will be a pitch, educate yourself on timeshare and go into it with an understanding of the pros and cons and what makes financial sense for your family's lifestyle. Research the resort and management company to be aware of any outstanding complaints. If you end up changing your mind after the purchase, most states have "rescission period" laws that allow you to cancel the sale within two or three days.
Most of the major industry players value their brand's reputation more than the sale, and many have committed to standards of ethics in recent years. An organization to which we belong, ARDA (American Resort Development Association) includes most major timeshare businesses today and members subscribe to a set of consumer-friendly ethics rules. However, timeshare has an unfortunate reputation of being associated with hard sales pitches and sneaky sales techniques similar to the notoriety of used car sales. While these horror stories are few and far between these days, as with any industry, there occasionally still are unethical salespeople trying to do whatever it takes to bring home their commission. That is why it is important to do the homework you are doing right now.
Before walking into a situation where you know there will be a pitch, educate yourself on timeshare and go into it with an understanding of the pros and cons and what makes financial sense for your family's lifestyle. Research the resort and management company to be aware of any outstanding complaints. If you end up changing your mind after the purchase, most states have "rescission period" laws that allow you to cancel the sale within two or three days.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
In depth review of Benefit #6 of Buying a Timeshare
Less maintenance than a vacation home
If you're trying to decide between purchasing a vacation home or a timeshare, there are some important characteristics of timesharing that you will want to consider:
Pay only for the time you use. If you only plan to use a few weeks a year, why keep an expensive vacation home vacant during the time you're not there? Timeshare is most frequently sold in one week intervals, but there are more options now than ever before, like "fractional," allowing you some flexibility if you prefer longer vacations.
Lower upfront costs. While vacation homes can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, timeshares are much more reasonable. Many timeshares can be found on the internet for a few thousand dollars.
Lower maintenance costs on an annual basis. With a timeshare, you are literally sharing time with other travelers. As such, the maintenance fees are also shared and obviously will be much less than keeping a vacation home year-round.
Already decorated and furnished. Timeshares come fully furnished, saving you thousands of dollars on the furnishings and decor you would need to purchase for a vacation home. They typically come with appliances; both large and small (think toasters, coffee makers, blenders). They also have almost all of the cooking utensils, plates, glasses, cups, and silverware needed for a normal home-like vacation.
Location flexibility.
Unless your vacation home is an RV, you will get more location flexibility with a timeshare using exchange options.
Resort facilities. With a timeshare resort, you have access to amenities you may not have otherwise been able to afford, such as gyms, pools, spas, on-site restaurants and bars, tennis courts, child care and activities, golf, and so on.
If you're trying to decide between purchasing a vacation home or a timeshare, there are some important characteristics of timesharing that you will want to consider:
Pay only for the time you use. If you only plan to use a few weeks a year, why keep an expensive vacation home vacant during the time you're not there? Timeshare is most frequently sold in one week intervals, but there are more options now than ever before, like "fractional," allowing you some flexibility if you prefer longer vacations.
Lower upfront costs. While vacation homes can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, timeshares are much more reasonable. Many timeshares can be found on the internet for a few thousand dollars.
Lower maintenance costs on an annual basis. With a timeshare, you are literally sharing time with other travelers. As such, the maintenance fees are also shared and obviously will be much less than keeping a vacation home year-round.
Already decorated and furnished. Timeshares come fully furnished, saving you thousands of dollars on the furnishings and decor you would need to purchase for a vacation home. They typically come with appliances; both large and small (think toasters, coffee makers, blenders). They also have almost all of the cooking utensils, plates, glasses, cups, and silverware needed for a normal home-like vacation.
Location flexibility.
Unless your vacation home is an RV, you will get more location flexibility with a timeshare using exchange options.
Resort facilities. With a timeshare resort, you have access to amenities you may not have otherwise been able to afford, such as gyms, pools, spas, on-site restaurants and bars, tennis courts, child care and activities, golf, and so on.
In depth review of Benefit #5 of Buying a Timeshare
Timeshare vacation Flexibility
If unexpected circumstances arise, or you simply cannot take your vacation one year, timeshares afford other options. You can bank your timeshare with one of the timeshare exchange companies (each of which requires memberships to do so). Keep in mind there may be restrictions on how long you can push your vacation off before you lose your week altogether and there are fees associated with doing so.
Timeshare newsletter
If unexpected circumstances arise, or you simply cannot take your vacation one year, timeshares afford other options. You can bank your timeshare with one of the timeshare exchange companies (each of which requires memberships to do so). Keep in mind there may be restrictions on how long you can push your vacation off before you lose your week altogether and there are fees associated with doing so.
Timeshare newsletter
In depth review of Benefit #4 of Buying a Timeshare
Guaranteed Vacations
Americans are notorious for giving up vacation time. Americans get a meager amount of vacation time, they also tend not to use it all, Unsurprisingly, Americans got the least amount of vacation days per year among the countries surveyed, earning only 14 days vs. 24 days in Great Britain, 26 days in Germany, 30 days in Spain and 36 days in France. So take a vacationWhen you buy a timeshare, you're making a significant upfront investment and may be more motivated to take valuable time with your family annually. If you buy an annual fixed week, you are guaranteed that same week each year at a resort you are familiar with, and don't have the hassle of vacation planning year after year. It is a fact that timeshare owners are more likely to use their vacations than those who don't own. Again... a lifestyle decision to build memories with your family and friends.
Take a Family Vacation
Americans are notorious for giving up vacation time. Americans get a meager amount of vacation time, they also tend not to use it all, Unsurprisingly, Americans got the least amount of vacation days per year among the countries surveyed, earning only 14 days vs. 24 days in Great Britain, 26 days in Germany, 30 days in Spain and 36 days in France. So take a vacationWhen you buy a timeshare, you're making a significant upfront investment and may be more motivated to take valuable time with your family annually. If you buy an annual fixed week, you are guaranteed that same week each year at a resort you are familiar with, and don't have the hassle of vacation planning year after year. It is a fact that timeshare owners are more likely to use their vacations than those who don't own. Again... a lifestyle decision to build memories with your family and friends.
Take a Family Vacation
Benefit #3 of Buying a Timeshare
Ability to exchange
Exchange is consistently a top reason people buy into timeshare. When you own a timeshare, you have the ability to exchange for another resort. You can also buy a membership with one or both of the more traditional exchange companies, Resort Condominiums International (RCI) and Interval International (II), if your resort has an affiliation. To be fair, this Pro also made our Cons list below.
Although this has provided our family the opportunity to travel and stay in luxurious accomodations we otherwise wouldnot have been a ble to afford
http://www.sellmytimeshare.org/
Exchange is consistently a top reason people buy into timeshare. When you own a timeshare, you have the ability to exchange for another resort. You can also buy a membership with one or both of the more traditional exchange companies, Resort Condominiums International (RCI) and Interval International (II), if your resort has an affiliation. To be fair, this Pro also made our Cons list below.
Although this has provided our family the opportunity to travel and stay in luxurious accomodations we otherwise wouldnot have been a ble to afford
http://www.sellmytimeshare.org/
In depth review of Benefit #2 of Buying a Timeshare
Home-like accommodations
Most timeshare units have floor plans that closely resemble two bedroom, two bathroom condos or apartments, usually with an additional sleeper sofa in the living room. Timeshare unit sizes vary from studios to four bedrooms, allowing plenty of room for families.
Anyone who has been on a vacation with children or groups of friends can tell you that hotel accommodations are not ideal. There are some hotel chains that offer suites, but they are often difficult to find, and two or more bedrooms are hard to come-by. Adjoining hotel rooms are often much more expensive, and usually lack the living, dining, kitchen, and laundry amenities that make your vacation more convenient and affordable. In addition, timeshares come stocked with kitchen utensils, dishes, silverware, etc.. But, unlike your typical rental home, no need to pack sheets and towels.
See more differences between hotel and timeshare condo accommodations »
Real property ownership
If you buy a "deeded" timeshare, you are buying real property. You can give it away, will it to your heirs, rent it, sell it, and so on. Not all timeshares are sold today with deeds. You will need to look carefully at the contract you are offered.
Most timeshare units have floor plans that closely resemble two bedroom, two bathroom condos or apartments, usually with an additional sleeper sofa in the living room. Timeshare unit sizes vary from studios to four bedrooms, allowing plenty of room for families.
Anyone who has been on a vacation with children or groups of friends can tell you that hotel accommodations are not ideal. There are some hotel chains that offer suites, but they are often difficult to find, and two or more bedrooms are hard to come-by. Adjoining hotel rooms are often much more expensive, and usually lack the living, dining, kitchen, and laundry amenities that make your vacation more convenient and affordable. In addition, timeshares come stocked with kitchen utensils, dishes, silverware, etc.. But, unlike your typical rental home, no need to pack sheets and towels.
See more differences between hotel and timeshare condo accommodations »
Real property ownership
If you buy a "deeded" timeshare, you are buying real property. You can give it away, will it to your heirs, rent it, sell it, and so on. Not all timeshares are sold today with deeds. You will need to look carefully at the contract you are offered.
In depth Review : Benefits of Buying a Timeshare
Long-term savings over hotels
The basic timeshare concept is simple: you pay a one time purchase fee that entitles you to a week every year (or sometimes every other year) at a resort. Instead of renting your vacations, you now own them. Due to the upfront costs, and the fact that the majority of timeshares do not appreciate like normal real estate, the cost savings is in future vacations.
Here's an example:
$1,000
x 30
----------
$30,000
Your weekly cost for a hotel room*
Number of years of vacationing
Total cost in today's dollars**
* Assuming $200/night
** Before inflation
With a timeshare, let's assume you find a deal on for $4,000 with an annual maintenance fee of $600. Your equation becomes:
$600
x 30
----------
$18,000
+ 4,000
----------
$22,000
Your annual maintenance fee
Years of vacationing
Total maintenance fees*
Upfront purchase price
Total cost in today's dollars**
* Assuming maintenance fee remains constant
** Before inflation
Using this calculation, you could pay as much as $22,000 upfront for a timeshare and break even with comparable hotel vacation costs. This is more like the high end new sales prices of timeshares sold today.
The basic timeshare concept is simple: you pay a one time purchase fee that entitles you to a week every year (or sometimes every other year) at a resort. Instead of renting your vacations, you now own them. Due to the upfront costs, and the fact that the majority of timeshares do not appreciate like normal real estate, the cost savings is in future vacations.
Here's an example:
$1,000
x 30
----------
$30,000
Your weekly cost for a hotel room*
Number of years of vacationing
Total cost in today's dollars**
* Assuming $200/night
** Before inflation
With a timeshare, let's assume you find a deal on for $4,000 with an annual maintenance fee of $600. Your equation becomes:
$600
x 30
----------
$18,000
+ 4,000
----------
$22,000
Your annual maintenance fee
Years of vacationing
Total maintenance fees*
Upfront purchase price
Total cost in today's dollars**
* Assuming maintenance fee remains constant
** Before inflation
Using this calculation, you could pay as much as $22,000 upfront for a timeshare and break even with comparable hotel vacation costs. This is more like the high end new sales prices of timeshares sold today.
Positives and Negatives of owning a Tineshare
Timeshare Pros and Cons
As with anything in life, buying a timeshare has its pros and cons. One should not make a purchase without fully understanding both sides of the story. Timeshare ownership may not be best for your lifestyle. The material below may help you decide.
Timeshare Pros:
Long-term savings over hotels
Home-like accommodations
Real property ownership
Ability to exchange
Guaranteed vacations
Flexibility
Less maintenance than a vacation home
Timeshare Cons:
Reputation of unethical players and scams
Flexibility
Ability to exchange
Cash flow
Timeshares do not appreciate
May be difficult to resell
Maintenance fees and special assessments
As with anything in life, buying a timeshare has its pros and cons. One should not make a purchase without fully understanding both sides of the story. Timeshare ownership may not be best for your lifestyle. The material below may help you decide.
Timeshare Pros:
Long-term savings over hotels
Home-like accommodations
Real property ownership
Ability to exchange
Guaranteed vacations
Flexibility
Less maintenance than a vacation home
Timeshare Cons:
Reputation of unethical players and scams
Flexibility
Ability to exchange
Cash flow
Timeshares do not appreciate
May be difficult to resell
Maintenance fees and special assessments
Friday, December 14, 2007
Additional Timeshare Scams
The Overpayment Scam
The essence of this scam is that a purported renter or buyer sends you a cashier's check for more than you agreed on and has you wire the difference back. Some time later, however, the bank discovers the check was counterfeit and holds you responsible for the entire amount.
U.S. Postal Service tips:
Be skeptical of anyone asking you to wire money to overseas bank accounts, or to cash money orders or checks, on their behalf.
Know who you're dealing with—never give out personal or financial information to anyone you don't know.
Familiarize yourself with postal money order security features.
Never accept money orders or checks for more than the selling price.
Never agree to wire funds to a buyer—legitimate buyers won't pressure you to do so, and you have limited recourse if there's a problem.
Never wire funds to anyone unless you're sure the money order or check they gave you was cleared by your bank and the funds released
The essence of this scam is that a purported renter or buyer sends you a cashier's check for more than you agreed on and has you wire the difference back. Some time later, however, the bank discovers the check was counterfeit and holds you responsible for the entire amount.
U.S. Postal Service tips:
Be skeptical of anyone asking you to wire money to overseas bank accounts, or to cash money orders or checks, on their behalf.
Know who you're dealing with—never give out personal or financial information to anyone you don't know.
Familiarize yourself with postal money order security features.
Never accept money orders or checks for more than the selling price.
Never agree to wire funds to a buyer—legitimate buyers won't pressure you to do so, and you have limited recourse if there's a problem.
Never wire funds to anyone unless you're sure the money order or check they gave you was cleared by your bank and the funds released
Common Timeshare Scams
There are many different versions of timeshare scams that have been robbing innocent and trusting owners of their hard-earned money. The best way to protect yourself is to be educated about these fraudulent practices so you know when things aren't legit. One of the oldest scams in the resale business is making a return. Essentially, the owner receives a "cold call" from "Jim" who states that he has a buyer for the owner's timeshare at a slightly lower amount than the asking price. The owner agrees to sell through Jim. A few days later Jim calls saying a fee is due to cover "advertising" costs, and that "state regulations" require that the owner record a statement saying that the money to be paid is for advertising only. Months of ensuing excuses by Jim about why the sale isn't finalized result in the owner being told there is no buyer, a reminder that the money paid was for "advertising", and a quick exit by Jim
Tips for Renting Floating Weeks
For the most part, timeshare weeks come in two different types: fixed and floating. With a fixed week, the owner will have the same week each year (i.e. week 52 or week 35). Alternatively, the owner of a floating week may choose a week within a given season, dependent upon availability at the resort.
When renting a floating week, be sure to contact the owner to determine if there are any date restrictions (i.e. holiday weeks). Next, keep in mind that just because your desired week falls within the timeframe listed, it does not necessarily mean that the unit will be available. Ask the owner to contact the resort to verify that your preferred week is still available. Weeks fill up early, so it is best to attempt to book as far in advance as possible.
http://rcitimeshare.blogspot.com/
When renting a floating week, be sure to contact the owner to determine if there are any date restrictions (i.e. holiday weeks). Next, keep in mind that just because your desired week falls within the timeframe listed, it does not necessarily mean that the unit will be available. Ask the owner to contact the resort to verify that your preferred week is still available. Weeks fill up early, so it is best to attempt to book as far in advance as possible.
http://rcitimeshare.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
W Hotels Enters the Capital of Jordan, Aman
W Amman Marks the Fastest Growing Luxury Hotel Brand’s Fourth Hotel in the Middle East
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), today announced plans to debut a W Hotel in Amman, Jordan. Scheduled to open in 2011, this highly anticipated development is expected to become a vibrant destination in the heart of the captivating historic city of Amman while furthering the reach of the brand’s growing international footprint. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) entered into an agreement with Saraya, a real estate development and asset management company investing worldwide in the travel and tourism industry, to develop the first W hotel in Amman as part of Saraya’s new Headquarters. When it opens, the 280-room W Amman also plans to service additional luxury residences in the modern New Abdali Downtown. W Amman marks the brand’s fourth hotel in the Middle East following the announcements of W Doha, W Dubai-Festival City, and W Dubai-The Palm.
AdditionalInformation
http://www.rcitimeshare.blogspot.com/
Dubai Timeshares
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), today announced plans to debut a W Hotel in Amman, Jordan. Scheduled to open in 2011, this highly anticipated development is expected to become a vibrant destination in the heart of the captivating historic city of Amman while furthering the reach of the brand’s growing international footprint. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) entered into an agreement with Saraya, a real estate development and asset management company investing worldwide in the travel and tourism industry, to develop the first W hotel in Amman as part of Saraya’s new Headquarters. When it opens, the 280-room W Amman also plans to service additional luxury residences in the modern New Abdali Downtown. W Amman marks the brand’s fourth hotel in the Middle East following the announcements of W Doha, W Dubai-Festival City, and W Dubai-The Palm.
AdditionalInformation
http://www.rcitimeshare.blogspot.com/
Dubai Timeshares
Diamond Resorts International
Diamond Resorts International®, based in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the largest vacation ownership companies in the world with nearly 100 branded and affiliated resorts throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. Offering simplicity, choice and comfort to its more than 360,000 owners through the branded-service of more than 5,000 team members worldwide, Diamond Resorts International® is dedicated to providing its guests with effortless and relaxing vacation experiences every time, for a lifetime.
For additional information we suggest
RCItimeshares/
http://www.lasvegashotels.blogspot.com/
For additional information we suggest
RCItimeshares/
http://www.lasvegashotels.blogspot.com/
Monday, December 10, 2007
Welcome to Timeshare Watchdog
Where to Find the latest information on the Timeshare market
Covering the main strategies on how to
Maximize a Timeshare Presentation ans ownership
For additional information we suggest
http://www.rciblog.com/
http://www.lasvegashotels.blogspot.com/
Covering the main strategies on how to
Maximize a Timeshare Presentation ans ownership
For additional information we suggest
http://www.rciblog.com/
http://www.lasvegashotels.blogspot.com/
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