February 2009 Q & A
February 4, 2009
Filed under Lisa Ann Schreier
Q: Greetings. I was wondering whether I should purchase a deeded timeshare or a non-deeded timeshare. I went to a presentation that was selling deeded timeshares and they said that’s the way to go. What are the differences between the two kinds and which you recommend? Thank you. –Greg in Charlotte
Greg, great question. While I hesitate to make blanket endorsements prior to knowing my clients’ individual needs and wants, I would say that deeded is the way to go for most people out there. Deeded timeshare is more often than not, deeded in perpetuity, meaning you own it forever and have a full “bundle of rights” with that timeshare. What that means is that you can sell it, rent it and will it, in much the same way you can with any deeded property. Of course the downside to the deeded type is the same thing–the forever part as it pertains to annual fees. In general though, I prefer deeded, as a non-deeded timeshare is nothing more than a long-term rental. Happy travels!
Q: We have friends who own at an “all inclusive” timeshare in Mexico and say they love it, but I’ve read that all inclusive is not always the ideal choice. Your thoughts? –M. in Oregon
M, all-inclusive timeshares can be great for some people. It really all depends on what you and your family want in a vacation and the costs involved. If you are going to use your all-inclusive timeshare most of the time, as opposed to exchanging or trading, it may be worth the extra money. However, the costs of an all-inclusive timeshare can be prohibitive and they often increase far more dramatically than the costs of other, non-all-inclusive properties. Check to see what the history of the all-inclusive fees has been over the past 5 years and then track your expenses over the same period to see if the property would make sense for you financially. Have terrific vacations!
Q: We’ve been looking into buying a timeshare, but need to “test drive” a few first to see how we like it. What’s the best and cheapest way to try out a timeshare without having to buy one first? –Sherri in Texas
Sherri, I would venture to say that you would enjoy staying in timeshares as opposed to hotels. The biggest thing to test drive is how easy it would be to actually use the timeshare, not stay there. That presents a problem because until you own a timeshare, you can’t know how easy or difficult it would be to use. By use, I mean make reservations, search for exchanges, make exchanges, etc.
Many resorts offer what are called “trial programs,” after you say no to the salesperson and sales managers at presentations. However, the cost of most of those programs is almost equal to what you can pick up a great timeshare for through Holiday. Drop me an e-mail and I’ll be happy to offer you a 50% discount on MODULE 2, which is designed to find the best type of timeshare for you. Armed with that information, you can then call Holiday and get a great deal. Looking forward to assisting!
Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader is the author of Surviving A Timeshare Presentation, and Timeshare Vacations For Dummies, and blogs for Holiday Group.
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