How to Be an Informed Timeshare Consumer

If you are currently an owner of a timeshare interval that you wish to sell or if you are considering the purchase of a timeshare resale or vacation club, you may be concerned about some of the negative publicity regarding timeshare resales. While trust is possibly the most important aspect of any monetary transaction, it is especially important when a consumer is involved in the process of buying a timeshare interval which can be a major financial decision.

Following you will find a basic guideline to consider before buying a timeshare resale or selling a timeshare:

Start with trust. The best way to assure yourself that you are dealing with a reputable timeshare company (whether buying or selling) is to visit the Better Business Bureau website at bbb.org. This is where you have the opportunity to check out the BBB Business Review for any company you are considering doing business with.
As you are aware with any transaction involving money, read the fine print of any contract - whether you are buying or selling a timeshare.
You should not pay any upfront fees in order to sell your timeshare. Any related closing costs or fees to purchase a timeshare will be handled at the closing.
Even though you may have heard it before, it's worth repeating: "get it in writing". You should request all the information regarding the buying or selling of a timeshare in writing - this way you can take your time in reviewing the information.
While this may seem obvious, you should never wire cash to anyone - for any reason.
Check the license of the business you are in contact with and ask for referrals.
Always remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is!

For your protection, if you have been contacted by phone asking if you are interested in selling your timeshare and you did not initiate the contact, ask the person calling the following:

How they got your phone numberAsk for the name of the company and their addressThe name of the person callingThe phone number so you can call them back at a convenient time for you

If it is a reputable company, there should be no hesitation on their part to provide all the above information.

There are a number of organizations dedicated to keeping current timeshare owners and potential timeshare consumers informed and up to date on developments and news in the timeshare industry.

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is a trade association which represents the vacation ownership and resort development industries (timeshares) and promotes the growth and development of the timeshare industry.

Timeshare Users Group (TUG) is an online community forum for timeshare owners to share their personal knowledge, observations and experiences within the timeshare community of owners.

The Licensed Timeshare Resale Brokers Association (LTRBA) is an advocate for timeshare consumer protection.

The State of Florida recently passed one of the first timeshare consumer protection laws in the United States. There are several other states currently involved in creating similar legislation to protect the timeshare consumer.

While timeshare should never be purchased as a financial investment, vacation ownership is an investment in quality vacations in the future for your family and loved ones.

Advantage Vacation is a licensed timeshare resale brokerage which has been in the timeshare industry for over 30 years and is an Accredited Member of the BBB with an A+ rating.
We specialize in name brand timeshare resales in Hawaii and the United States such as Westin, Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott's.
To learn more about timeshares click this link. http://advantagevacation.com/information-on-attendingtimeshare-and-vacation-club-presentations-and-tours/

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