Vacation Packages

Buying a timeshare for the first time can be confusing for a beginner. Is it better to buy directly from the timeshare resort or its developer, or is the smart move to buy on the resale market? Each way has advantages and disadvantages, so the decision can be difficult. Purchasing timeshares in the resale market, such as on auction websites or through classified ads, is a new concept compared to buying directly from developers, which is how it has been done since the beginning. The Internet has brought everything to people’s doorsteps and has also benefited the timeshare market. Websites like eBay.com, redweek.com and bidshare.com give potential buyers more information about the timeshare property and provide a variety of purchasing options.

The situation was completely different ten years ago, when people purchased timeshares through presentations given by developers. Decisions to buy a timeshare unit were often based on impulse instead of research and analysis. Now, with the advent of Internet auction sites, a prospective buyer who is going to attend a timeshare presentation has powerful tools to research prices before the presentation. Buyers today are able to make a more informed choice than in the past.

Buying through the resale market also enables a buyer to avoid the stress of sitting through a tedious timeshare presentation. Some of these presentations go on for ninety minutes or more. At the end of the presentation, buyers who attended because of the promised free gift are subjected to high pressure selling techniques, often causing them to sign the paperwork and buy a timeshare.

As far cost is concerned, the price of a unit purchased through a developer includes the cost of the presentation, the free gifts and the advertising. These costs add up to being a huge 40% of the total price of the unit, and sometimes exceed the entire price of a resale. A person buying a timeshare through the resale market can buy it for 30% to 50% less. Buying a resale also offers more choices and the freedom to select the desired unit while also knowing you are getting the best price. Buying a resale timeshare can save you thousands of dollars, so it is definitely worth it.

Also buying through a resale market offers you more choice and freedom to select your desired unit and you know that you are getting the best price. It is definitely worth saving thousands of dollars by buying a resale. But there are good reasons to buy from a developer. There are many reputed companies that have ventured into timeshare business like Marriot, Disney, and Hilton etc. When you are buying through a resale market there is a margin of doubt whether your investment is secured or not and the trust factor is low. Where as the timeshare developers spend fortunes in the development of timeshares and have great reputation and thus can be easily trusted. They give you the best and the latest amenities which you can never get from a resale unless it’s a relatively new unit.

Another advantage of buying directly through a developer is the incentives and bonuses they offer their customers. These incentives can include bonus weeks, discounts on car rentals and discounted tickets to attractions, among others. Those types of added benefits may not be available to you if you buy a resale timeshare because many developers do not permit resale units to have the same amenities as the units bought directly from them. Developers also typically offer many financing options that you might not have if you buy on the resale market.

Since you are interested in timeshare ownership and desire to discover more, you need to visit a Timeshare Network, and check out WeOwnTimeshares. Find and connect with timeshare owners on this Timeshare Social Network and owners forum. It is free to join and you can create your own profile in minutes. Share tips and reviews of different timeshares and start asking questions in the forum. Visit today.