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Author:
Aaron Vaughn

A great vacation getaway location that you own, but don't have all the responsibility for. What a concept! It used to be that timeshares were considered a fad. Some even thought them a scam. But now, years after their first introduction, thousands and thousands of timeshare owners are loving their investment not only for the great locations that are available, but also the financial benefits they can provide.

Those who invest in timeshares technically own a piece of the property with a lot of other investors. However, just like regular real estate, the values can go up - a lot. And, there are other financial benefits as well.

Timeshares tend to be located in some of the best vacation locations in the world. From the metro areas of Europe to the beaches of Florida, California and beyond, timeshares are generally found in the big tourist areas. They also come in a variety of sizes from regular hotel room type set ups to full condos, complete with kitchens, living areas and more. The flexibility on choice is simply amazing.

Investing in a timeshare brings financial benefits both to those who actually use their timeshares for their vacations and those who don't. Let's take a look at both.

Investors who use their timeshares can reap these financial rewards:
* Avoidance of hotel fees while on vacation. Since the property is already paid for through its monthly payments, a vacation location is guaranteed.
* Possible avoidance of exorbitant meal fees. Since a lot of timeshares come with their own full-size kitchens, many who use them can avoid the high cost of eating out. Of course, they might have to do the dishes, but the cost savings can be incredible.
* Resale value. Depending on the location and the timeshare's condition, the value on these properties can really skyrocket. In areas like Florida where the housing market is going insane, property values are holding and getting better all the time.

For those who don't use their timeshares for personal use, there are these advantages:
* Regular income from rental fees. Timeshares, of course, come with an allotted time each year (or several) where the owner can take advantage of the condo or room's use. Owners who don't use them, tend to rent them out. This can cover payment costs and sometimes even exceed it. If the timeshare is paid off, the benefit is cold, hard cash in the pocket.
* Trade value. Timeshare weeks can be traded with others. So, if you happen to own a timeshare in Florida and you'd like to spend a week in the Caribbean, it's possible you can swap out with another owner for free.
* Resale value. As it is for the owner who takes advantage of their vacation time, the resale values can be quite high. The initial investment is generally returned and then some.

Timeshares are more than a passing fad. They're the way thousands and thousands the world over now enjoy the benefits of "owning" their own vacation property without having to deal with all the hassles of upkeep and maintenance. Getting in on a timeshare can also bring with it some real financial benefits, as well.

Copyright (c) 2006

Aaron Vaughn writes about Timeshares and you can find more news and information about timeshares at the website Timeshare Spaces.

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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... Would You Like To Timeshare? Timeshares are a large part of the vacation travel industry. Travelers who cannot afford to own a home abroad, or who don't want the worries associated with exclusive ownership, often see timeshares as an affordable alternative. However, unscrupulous salespeople, poorly maintained properties and unexpected hidden costs have brought a lot of bad publicity to the industry. A well-informed consumer can avoid the common pitfalls. It is always risky to buy property sight unseen, but many people do this when they purchase timeshares. If you purchase in an area where you wish to vacation, you may be unpleasantly surprised when you arrive at your destination. However, many timeshares are purchased with the intent of trading them for others in different locations, and in this case the location of the property is a bargaining chip, not the actual physical property. Timeshares in prime locations such as Hawaii are easier to trade than others. Recently, big corporations such as Disney, Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt have entered the timeshare market, and their properties are of a uniform standard around the world. First, you should know that if you buy a new unit directly from a timeshare company, it may cost up to 60% more than if you purchased from the resale market. Buying from a time-share company is more expensive primarily because of the company's marketing costs, which include free trips, meals and vacation activities for prospective buyers. Most customers of these timeshare companies buy on impulse, without any intent to purchase when they first walked into the timeshare seminar. Hard-sell tactics and "Buy-it-NOW-one-time-only-offers!!!" are the rule, and to avoid being pressured into a bad deal, the best tactic is to...