Location, location, location! Whether you are buying a timeshare, buying a home, or even renting a property, the location is very important. Keep in mind that "hot spots", such as major tourist destinations, can come with a hefty price tag. By expanding your options and moving just outside the center of the city's attractions you can save a lot of money.
Understand how your timeshare works. Most timeshares have terms when it comes to when you can visit your destination such as fixed weeks, floating weeks and flex weeks. Fixed weeks are when you can only visit your timeshare on a set week of the year. Floating weeks require you to contact your timeshare resort to choose the week you'd like to stay and is typically based on availability. Flex weeks require you to choose your reservation based on a block of the year such as a season. In addition, there are typically resort fees, such as maintenance, in addition to the price of your timeshare.
Avoid using a real estate agent if possible. By finding timeshare resellers you can avoid commission fees that real estate agents charge. This can save you a great deal in the end. Plus, by working directly with timeshare resellers you don't have to worry about high-pressure sales tactics.
Do your homework. Find out everything you can about the timeshare you are interested in. Compare the price with other timeshares to make sure you won't be paying more than you should. Make sure your timeshare offers you accommodations in vacation spots you actually want to visit. Learn about all the fees associated with your timeshare so you aren't surprised on the day you sign.
Beware of timeshare scams. First of all, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for timeshare companies promising lavish gifts just for attending their timeshare seminar. These seminars tend to be very lengthy and if there is a prize, it's often not what was originally promised and may even come with a fee just to receive it. The timeshare brokers also may use hard-sell tactics to get you to purchase something you really don't want.