So You Want to Sell Your Timeshare

You are the owner of a timeshare and have decided the time has come to part ways. You may be interested in another timeshare or have decided a timeshare isn't for you. Whatever your reason may be, a timeshare is a piece of real estate and you should place as much thought and planning into selling a timeshare as you would any other piece of real estate. Many agencies exist that will assist you in selling your timeshare or buy it outright. However, just as any situation where money is involved, there are many agencies that will successfully take your money and your timeshare, leaving you with a small percent of your profit. Of course, legitimate agencies exist that will assist you selling your timeshare in a completely professional manner. Weeding the legitimate agencies from the scam artists will save you a lot of time, frustration, and money.

The best scam detector you have in your arsenal is your common sense. Before placing your money and property in someone else's hands, it would be a good idea to do some research on that agency. Ask questions, check out their references, and contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the agency. Remember the golden rule of buying and selling: if it's too good to be true, then it probably is! Do not decide on a whim. Spontaneity may be a good quality in other aspects of life, but not when dealing with anything to do with money. Your goal isn't to line someone else's pockets. Your goal is to sell your timeshare for its full market value. Beware of companies who require a fee before the sale of your timeshare has transpired. Even if they claim this fee is refundable once the sale is made, the best thing to do is turn on your heels and leave. Remember the basic relationship between a company and a client. Pay only after the desired result is achieved. Once the agency has your money, you have taken away their incentive to work.

Selling a timeshare can be a difficult task since there are many factors that are involved. Not only are you selling a specific time during the year, you are also selling a location and a resort. These factors make finding a buyer a bit more difficult, since someone may be interested in the time and location, but not the resort or vice versa. In order to provide the buyer with the best timeshare option, you need to price the timeshare realistically. Find out the going market value for other timeshares in your area or during your allotted time. To find this information, contact the resort for their current selling prices or check out the real estate records for your area. Another way to obtain a price is through an appraisal of your timeshare. An appraisal company will charge a fee for their service and can readily be found in the telephone book or by contacting an appraiser's association, such as the Appraisal Foundation.

Keep in mind, your goal is to sell your timeshare. Making a profit on your timeshare is a totally different matter. Remember, the key word to pricing is "realistic." The realistic pricing for your timeshare may be considerably less than the original selling price. Keep in mind, you have used the timeshare for the length of your ownership and probably have fond memories attached to your time on vacation. If the price is less than you were hoping for, remember these good times and think of the difference in price as vacation costs.

After pricing your timeshare appropriately, you can choose an agent to sell your timeshare or sell it yourself. If you opt to sell your timeshare yourself, start by advertising. Take advantage of any local newspapers where your timeshare is based. A great tool is the Timeshare User's Group at www.tug2.net. This website has great information on owning and selling a timeshare and is an excellent resource. Also check into advertising at the resort itself. Many resorts have publications, newsletters, or bulletin boards.

To learn more about selling your timeshare, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.atimesharesz.com/sellingtimeshares to do a thorough search. However you choose to sell your timeshare, making well-planned decisions will ensure you will succeed in selling your timeshare and having the best possible experience.

� Copyright 2005 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.

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Looking for information about timeshares? Go to http://www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory. Visit http://www.atimesharesz.com/getaways.htm for featured low-priced vacation getaways at popular destinations across the U.S.

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