Learn More

It can be confusing for a starter to decide from where to buy his first timeshare: from the resale market or directly from a timeshare resort or a developer? It can be a hard decision to make with both having its own advantages and disadvantages.

Timeshares were once bought from their developers, but a recent concept hitting the market is buying them from the resale market, such as auctions or classifieds. The internet is benefiting the timeshare market, just as it has the rest of the market. Auction websites for timeshares provide buyers with specific information regarding the property, and a variety of buying options.

The timeshare market was completely different just ten years ago. Buyers used to buy timeshares based on impulse invoked by timeshare presentations, which were hosted by the developers. With advent of internet and auction sites for timeshares, the buyer has powerful research tools at their disposal, even if they decide to attend a presentation. The internet allows the buyer to make more informed choices than he or she could a decade ago.

Another nice thing about participating in the resale market is that it avoids the nightmare of a droning timeshare talk. The unfortunate herded into such evenings are guaranteed to be locked up for at least an hour and a half. Once the pitch is completed, the individuals who were promised a "free gift" are subjected to the nastiest of hard sells. Far too often, people sign an agreement just to escape from the evening.

Consider the cost comparison: a developer's timeshare offer includes the cost of advertisement, presentation, free gifts etc. which is whopping 40% of the cost of the timeshare and sometimes this exceeds the cost of the timeshare resale. On the other hand, if one buys a timeshare through a resale market, one can buy the timeshare 30% to 50% cheaper. Also buying through a resale market offers you more choice and freedom to select your desired unit. You know that you are getting the best price. It is definitely worth saving thousands of dollars by buying a resale.

There are however, a number of reasons why buying from a developer is a good idea. Many well known companies have become involved in the business of timeshare. These include Marriot, Disney and Hilton. If you choose to buy through a resale market there is always a chance that your investment might not be secure. Timeshare developers spend an enormous amount of money creating timeshares and so have worked hard to build a good reputation in order to turn a profit. Not only this, they make sure to provide the latest and greatest amenities, something unheard of in the resale market unless the unit you choose to buy is of fairly new construction. Developers also often offer incentives in order to gain potential customers such as free weeks, car rentals and even ticket discounts. These benefits are also never seen in the resale market. Lastly, developers offer a variety of financing options that you may not be able to get if you choose to buy in a resale market.

If you do opt to buy from a developer, they often feature their listing on the same auction website as timeshare resales, so you can review all your options at one place.

Find timeshare resales as well as timeshare resorts around the world at Buy-Timeshare-Online.com.