Does anyone own a time share. Where did you inquire it? The good, the bad and the ugly? My parents actually own and they bought directly from the place. But I think that is not the best way to do it these days. I know resale is really cheap sometimes. I thought I reacalled someone on here talking about it awhile back. Just looking for some insight.

By Debbie on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 01:55 pm:

I don't own one, but my Uncle does. He bought from someone, not directly from the place. I would suggest doing a lot of research before you invest in one. My Uncle made the mistake of not really checking things our before he did. You want to ask about maintance fees and how often they go up. His have gone up significantly the last few years. Also, my Uncle wished he had asked about trading out with other timeshares. The place where he purchased(somewhere on the beach) is not requested often, so it is hard for him to trade his week and go somewhere else. He has gotten tired of going there and would really like to trade his week out with another time share somewhere else, but you have to have someone that is willing to go to yours. My Uncle got a great deal on his, but he wished he had done more research and possibly bought somewhere else. We did stay at a timeshare at Disney a few years ago. We were talking to several people by the pool that were owners. They really loved it. I am sure there are some great deals, just make sure you do your homework.

By Bea on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 04:36 pm:

We own four weeks with Marriot and Fairfield. We love it, and bought ours new. Resale is fine, but you'll get what you pay for. The older or poorly managed resorts are up for resale at very cheap prices, but you wouldn't want to stay there, nor are they worth anything with the trading companies like RCI and II. Marriot is an expensive timeshare, but their resorts are first class. We could sell our weeks for more than double what we paid for them several years ago. Do your homework. Most places offer cheap or free stays to promote sales. Remember that the sale's pitch will be very high pressured. Don't buy that day. Research the company and go back. You will always be able to buy if they have open weeks.

By Breann on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 07:24 pm:

We own a timeshare with a resort in Park City, Utah. We bought it new just over a year ago. I have no idea what resell would be on it now. My DH would probably know more.
We bought direct. We did just what Bea said, listened to several different pitches and then researched and chose the one that is best for us.
Ours is fairly flexible, which is nice. We make it out there about 3 weeks per year. It was nice this past year knowing that we already had lodging
Research, research, research. Ask lots of questions. Don't sign right away, even if it sounds good. And, you should have so many days to back out after you do sign if you find any new, negative info or you just don't feel good about it. (my inlaws recently backed out after signing for one in Vegas....it was really high pressure)