Timeshare FAQ’s
Why is my request always “not available“?
Timeshare developers seem to have two geese that lay golden eggs; the timeshare owner and the public renter. The difference is that one lays golden eggs willingly, while the other is expected to keep producing no matter the cost, regardless of securing a reservation.
Is the contract I signed forever?
1: Timeshare contracts are IN PERPETUITY
One of the most misunderstood aspects of timeshare ownership is the Deed in perpetuity. Unlike many other purchases, a deeded timeshare often has no natural expiration date. Instead, ownership continues indefinitely and typically becomes the responsibility of the owner until it is legally transferred or otherwise terminated. Along with that ownership comes the ongoing obligation to pay annual maintenance fees, special assessments, and other costs that can increase over time. In many cases, these obligations may even become part of an owner’s estate, potentially leaving heirs with the responsibility of dealing with the ownership after the original purchaser has passed away. While a perpetual deed may have once been marketed as a way to create lasting vacation memories, many owners eventually discover that it also creates a long-term financial commitment that can be difficult to use, expensive and in most cases, nearly impossible to exit.
Are timeshares an investment?
2: Timeshares have no value as an investment strategy
Timeshare contracts are difficult to get out of and contain so many hidden costs and liabilities that they are being listed for free on the internet. The investment that cost them more than $20,000 are listed for $1 for anyone who wants to take over the mandatory 4-digit maintenance fee. Many consumers purchase a timeshare believing it will appreciate in value or generate rental income, only to find themselves locked into rising maintenance fees with few realistic exit options.
Have timeshare salesmen been caught lying?
3: Timeshare contracts permit the sales staff to LIE to you
Timeshares are sold by salesmen who are empowered to say whatever they can in order to sell you a Deed. The contracts have a clause that exonerates the real property owners from all misrepresentation by the sales staff selling you the vacation property, even to the extent of misrepresenting the return on investment, cost of additional fees you might encounter or the availability trying to access your resort. The difference between the sales pitch and the reality of timeshare ownership has left millions of owners feeling misled, frustrated, and searching for a way out.