FAQ: Buying a Timeshare

Timeshares in the US tend to not have all-inclusive packages. Most timeshares outside of the US do have some sort of all-inclusive package. As an owner, you are not required to purchase an all-inclusive package, unless the resort is mandatory all-inclusive even for members. There are only a handful of resorts that make all-inclusive a requirement.

Typically bonus time is a direct purchase perk, however many resorts do offer bonus time and day usage even to resale purchasers. We recommend asking the resort/club directly or inquiring with the seller in regards to the bonus time.

Most weekly timeshares require the maintenance fees to be paid at the beginning of the year. Points timeshares such as Wyndham, Worldmark, and Diamond Resorts allow their owners to pay monthly maintenance fees. We recommend checking with the seller in regards to the maintenance fee payment schedule as each resort/club is different.

Yes, typically if the resort decides to purchase the unit back under the same terms you offered you would receive a 100% refund. We recommend putting this information in your purchase agreement so there is no confusion if the resort decides to exercise on their right of first refusal.

Most timeshares that are deeded in the USA are perpetual. They do not expire. Most timeshares outside of the US are considered right to use or membership type ownerships and these typically have an expiration date. Each contract is different so we recommend contacting the seller with this particular question.

No, a traditional timeshare is for 7 nights. If you try to stay longer they will evict you or continue to charge you the public rate. When using points you can make reservations for shorter or longer stays, depending on how many points you have and use.

Each unit has a limit to the number of people that can stay. A studio typically has an occupancy of two to four people, a 1 bedroom typically sleeps 4, a two bedroom typically sleeps 6-8, etc. You are not charged based on the number of people in the unit. However, if you go over the occupancy of the room you may be required to pay additional fees or be forced to vacate the unit. We don’t recommend trying to fit more people in a unit than it is designed for. Why ruin a nice vacation.

Mostly. Many resorts and systems allow you to ‘increase’ your ownership with a resale purchase. Some resorts and systems take away certain benefits when purchasing resale. We recommend checking with your members' services about how a resale purchase will be added to what you currently own.

Yes, you can deposit and exchange a timeshare purchased on the resale market through a third party exchange company. Both RCI and II allow resale purchasers to join even if the resort/club has a corporate exchange account?

Some resorts and clubs come with an exchange membership that is included in the maintenance fees each owner pays. Typically this is only for owners who purchased directly from the resort/club. However, some resorts and clubs do not restrict this on a resale purchase. It is advisable to check with the resort or club about their exchange membership restrictions on resale purchases.

Each point system is different and some allow rollover, some don’t, and some require a fee to do so. We advise checking with the seller as they would have the best information on their particular ownership.

Yes, as an owner you can let someone else go in your place or rent out your week/reservation. You just need to let your resort know you are sending someone else in your place. They may charge a fee to put a guest on the reservation. Each resort is different so we recommend asking the seller if there is a guest fee.

Typically the annual maintenance fees and taxes do increase each year. This increase is on par with the increase in the cost of living. In some cases, maintenance fees are increased a higher percentage to cover additional expenses or reserves. When compared to the increase in hotel and motel costs, timeshares typically increase less.

You can follow the links on the resort page to view the resorts website and additional pictures through a Google search. A list of amenities can be usually found on the resort's website, RCI.COM, or IntervalWorld.com.

Yes, please fill in this form and you will be notified via email when a new listing is posted. You may also be contacted by one of our staff to inquire further about what you are a looking for.

A biennial ownership is an ownership that is only available on every other year. Biennial Odd would mean you can use the timeshare every odd year. Biennial Even would be available every even year. A triennial ownership receives usage every third year. Depending on the resort you may only pay maintenance fees on the biennial year, or the resort may split it over two years and you would pay annually. Each resort/developer is different so it is important to ask the seller what their total maintenance fee is when inquiring about purchasing.

Very few resorts require a credit check to purchase. Having a less than stellar credit score is not a problem for purchasing a resale timeshare. However, timeshares require the prompt payment of maintenance fees and it is not advisable to purchase a timeshare if you can not afford the ongoing maintenance fee responsibility.

Typically the maintenance fees cover all the fees and taxes to use your timeshare. Currently, the only additional Occupancy taxes in the U.S. are in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Resorts in the Caribbean tend to also have transient occupancy taxes as well. We advise inquiring with the seller as they would have the most up to date information on their particular ownership.

No, not all timeshares are perpetual. Most deeded timeshares in the US are perpetually deeded and most timeshares outside of the US are a Right To Use or Membership that expires at a certain date.

The ability to add a new purchase to a current ownership depends on what you currently own. Each resort and developer is different and treat resale purchases differently. Please check our FAQs for your resort or club for more information.

The listing information is input by the timeshare owner themselves so the information may vary from listing to listing. You can always request the owner verify the maintenance fee amount, and you can order an estoppel (Account Verification) during the closing to verify the ownership was listed correctly.