Locating a cheap, or even free timeshare
It never ceases to amaze us that many people considering a timeshare purchase don’t realize that the exact same timeshares they’re considering can be bought for 20% of retail price or less. Purchasing at such a discount is often as simple as making a quick bid on eBay.
Simply enough, the purchase price on a timeshare is almost always pure profit for the company and salesmen selling it. Purchase a timeshare on the secondary market and you can easily get a timeshare for a few hundred dollars. Some sellers are so motivated they will even pay the first year’s maintenance, or even pay you to take their timeshare.
If you must buy a timeshare, buy resale. Look at all your options, research well, and try to avoid getting locked onto one specific resort. Research well.
With just a little browsing you’ll quickly find hundreds of timeshares in the location you desire being sold cheap, and occasionally including payment for taking the timeshare off their hands.
Finding the best deal for you
Buy in a spot where you want to vacation at least half the time, or buy two timeshares that are every other year resorts – you could time it so one year you travel to the mountains and one you spend on the coast.
Purchase a One Bedroom unit, or get two bedrooms if you have a family. Two bedroom units generally exchange better. Aim for a popular week for the same reason. You’ll have trouble renting out otherwise.
Along that same line of thought, try to get a resort that rents well or is popular. Keep the resort within driving distance of home in case you can’t afford airfare one year. Make sure you understand eBay well. You’ll want to learn to use the advanced search functions. Be sure you understand what the maintenance fees are, and realize when they’re due each year. Usually it’s around Christmas time.
Know what you’re buying
There are tons of cheap and free timeshares out there. Realize that these are luxuries and only pay cash. If you can’t afford it you should save until you can. Make sure you understand the full cost as well, some timeshares being sold cheap are done so because of a large assessment that is due soon.
Finally, don’t buy expecting to be able to make a profit or exchange for some excellent vacations. Exchanging is often difficult at best. This is not an investment, and should be treated and purchased for what it is. A luxury with lots of maintenance fees.
