Timeshares: why do people get these?

First, you need to talk to your friends and get all the facts. Everything you stated about timeshares is false. The details for my timeshare include:

1. An ANNUAL 350 dollar fee for a week every year nearly any where in the world.

2. In most cases the trip must be booked ahead of time and in some very rare cases up to a year ahead of time.

3. Almost all times shares are far nicer than hotels and can sleep up to 8 people, they have kitchens, and discounts for activities such as lift tickets at ski resorts.

4. One of the greatest benefits to owning a time share is the option of get aways. This is when you can book a weekend or a week somewhere on a whim and stay for dirt cheap. For example, I stayed at a five star resort in Phoenix for 350 bucks for the week. I couldn't stay at Motel 6 for that.

The negatives for a time share:

1. You do not ever want to buy a timeshare from the resort that is selling it. Always buy a timeshare from some that wants to sell theirs because they don't use it. (I paid $400 dollars for my timeshare in Cave Creek, Arizona).

2. If you do not use your time share it will be a waste of money (paying the maintenance fee on something you don't use).

If you use the network to the full extent, and they don't go bankrupt, and they maintain the facilities.....its a good deal

But their breakeven hurdles are so high, its usually unlikely they can be worth it.

Some programs, like Marriott, are ok, especially if you have kids. But there, they are targeting a niche that wants a little extra but is price sensitive. If it doesn't work out at a particular location, the executive suites can still be sold at the rack rate. In addition, they are an existing business where the timeshare program augments existing facilities.

Its a scam - rent. Buying a vacation home is idiotic, unless it is so cheap as to be negligible, and close enough that you'll use it regularly.

Don't do it. It's a clear violation of the Rule Against Perpetuities, and could result in serious damage to your reputation, credit report, and future employment opportunities.

Both of you are correct.

Timeshares can be a waste of money if you do not know what you are getting into. Sadly a lot of people who buy just go for the free gift and 2 hours later end up spending 10 - 30k on something they do not understand.

For a lot of people timeshares are a good thing as it can save people a lot of money, allow them to stay in better places or even just forces them to take an annual vacation.

Keep in mind:

-know 100% what you are getting into

-never finance a timeshare

-you may have trouble selling it for even a $1

-fees always goes up

-everyone wants the holiday/summer weeks

-there is a lot more costs to going to a timeshare then just the annual fees

-best to buy in a place you want to go most years and can drive to

-not as flexible as other options

It is possible to rent timeshares for less than the annual fees.

I operate

www.renting-resorts.com

which has great deals in Florida, Las Vegas and Atlantic City. There are many others people doing the same thing.

Hopefully, this and the other posts will save people from wasting tens of thousands but I gurantee there will be people reading this post that will fall victim to buying.

ts are for people who want the same vacation every time. because that\'s what you get. even at multiple location shares it\'s the same cookie cutter deal. like the mlb, nfl, nhl, nba franchises, very small differences. some people have to have the same safe adventure. it\'s o.k. it\'s a matter of preference.

canned packages wrote:

ts are for people who want the same vacation every time. because that's what you get. even at multiple location shares it's the same cookie cutter deal. like the mlb, nfl, nhl, nba franchises, very small differences. some people have to have the same safe adventure. it's o.k. it's a matter of preference.

its not the same place every time - you can trade your "week" and stay anywhere in the world. i own a timeshare in ft. lauderdale and have never stayed there. i trade it and travel elsewhere any time of the year.

People get wrapped up on the sales pitch and don't want to make the salesperson feel bad.

You can go to E-bay and buy a timeshare from a normal joe. Do not ever buy one from someone who knows the business.