Is a Timeshare Right for You?

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If you love vacationing at the same place every year you may consider investing in a timeshare property. This can often help control vacation costs and planning time. However, owning a timeshare home may not be not the right choice for everyone. It is important to understand that a timeshare is not like other real estate because you do not own the property yourself. Carefully consider what that means before signing a timeshare contract.

Should You Invest in a Timeshare?

Timeshare properties are homes that are co-owned. Similar to condominiums, the units usually have several rooms that allow more than one family to share the space at the same time. Each owner has the right to use the home for scheduled periods each year. If you are considering a timeshare investment, here are the advantages and disadvantages associated with owning such property. 

Advantages

• You have a vacation home every year: If you own a timeshare property, you save some vacation planning time each year. You won’t have to deal with booking hotel arrangements or spend time determining a destination.

• Scheduled time: If you vacation during the same timeframe every year, this is a great option because you won’t have to worry about having good accommodations available to you when you want to use them.

• Cost-efficient: When you calculate how much you spend on hotel bookings whenever you go on vacation, you may realize it is more cost-efficient to buy a timeshare property. 

Disadvantages

• Your vacation is restricted: Owning a timeshare property makes it difficult for you to vacation whenever and wherever you’d like. If you like to visit new destinations or vary your vacation weeks each year, a timeshare may not be the best fit. 

• Additional expense: If you opt to exchange the timing or destination of your timeshare stay, you may meet with considerable fees during the process. You may also be billed for routine maintenance, utilities, taxes, and other fees related to the timeshare complex itself. 

• Difficult to sell: It is often difficult to sell a timeshare if you decide you do not want it anymore. You might end up selling at a loss as timeshare value tends to depreciate over time.

Before investing in a timeshare home, weigh your cons against your pros to determine if it is the right decision for you. You might find it just as cost-effective to purchase a vacation home in your favorite location that you own outright. In some cases, you could even rent it out to other vacationers when you’re not using it to help pay for the mortgage. Contact your real estate agent for professional advice on buying the right vacation home for your situation.