|   |

Author:
David Chandler

A timeshare is the name given to piece of real estate where a number of individuals share ownership in a piece of property. By owning a timeshare, you have bought time and you share the vacation property. Most time-shares are condominiums at vacation resorts, but they may also be recreation vehicles and cabins aboard cruise ships. Chances are good that you will find a timeshare wherever you plan to vacation. If you buy a timeshare, you are getting tomorrow's luxury resort vacation at today's prices

The timeshare industry experts estimate that the majority of new time-shares depreciate immediately after purchase by at least 20 to 30 percent. However, the timeshare industry is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. Several highly regarded resort-hotel chains have gotten into the timeshare business. Vacation ownership has enjoyed substantial growth over the years with approximately 3.3 million timeshares sold since 1980.

When you buy timeshare on the resale market, you are already ahead of the game, as used properties are significantly less expensive than new ones. You also have the right to a brochure and written contract setting out basic information on the property in your own language. Ownership requires you to pay an initial purchase price and periodic maintenance fees. Should you decide that you cannot use your timeshare, you may be able to rent it to others. Terms such as these should be defined in your contract.

If you determine that purchasing a timeshare or vacation home makes sense, comparison-shopping is your next step. Consider whether you will be able to use a timeshare facility year after year. Never be pressured into purchasing by high-pressure sales people. Consider the vacation area and imagine what the area will be like several years later. If the area that your timeshare goes down, so will the price of your timeshare if you decide to sell.

About the author:

For more information about timeshare properties, visit Timeshare

|   |    Article Keywords: Timeshares

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Timeshares... Timeshares vs. Hotels Do you dread staying in cramped quarters on your holiday? Have you been disappointed with hotel rooms that are far less spectacular than promised? Does your family live like sardines for the entirety of your vacation because more spacious suites are outside of your budget? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, think about investing in a timeshare. Instead of tiny hotel rooms that lack amenities, imagine spending your vacation in a spacious timeshare with all the comforts of home! If you think owning a timeshare is expensive and far outside of your budget, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn timeshares are more economical than your traditional hotel room. Many vacationers prefer staying in a timeshare—even a smaller two room timeshare—than spend the night in a hotel. Those traveling with children or with large groups especially enjoy the timeshare experience due to the spacious accommodations. Additionally, most timeshares come with many of the conveniences of home, including kitchens or kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators. For those budget-conscious travelers, this option is perfect since money can be saved by preparing meals in house verses eating every meal at a restaurant. If you plan to enjoy vacation to the fullest and not venture into a kitchen, these conveniences are still excellent, since drinks and snacks can be stored in the refrigerator and hungry vacationers will enjoy the quick cooking abilities of a microwave. These conveniences of home may especially appeal to families with children as an attractive reason to invest in a timeshare. Timeshares also allow vacationers to spread out a bit instead of being clumped together in a hotel room. Whereas you would have to shell out hundreds of dollars per night to stay in a hotel suite...