Timeshares on Sale

How to find a bargain in the most popular locations.

By Jessica Anderson
From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, October 2007

Bruce and Nancy Robinson were on vacation in Hawaii in 1992 when they attended a timeshare presentation in exchange for luau tickets. By the end of the pitch, the Huntsville, Ala., couple had agreed to pay $16,000 for one week in a two-bedroom unit at the Kona Coast resort that they could trade for properties around the globe.

Then, five years ago, while scanning timeshare listings on eBay, they noticed a highly desirable week for sale in a Key West resort that they had unsuccessfully tried to trade into in the past. The asking price was more than $20,000, but the bidding had stalled at less than a third of that. They ended up buying the week for just $6,000.

The Robinsons have made good use of both timeshares — trading them for other units and renting them out when they’re unable to go themselves. But the Key West deal was definitely the better value. “Knowing what I know now,” says Bruce, “the only way to buy is resale.”

When you can buy a resale timeshare at a discount of 50% or more to the developer’s price — and without sitting through a high-pressure sales presentation — you have to wonder why more people aren’t buying this way. [Read More]
Do you have a particular timeshare destination in mind? Check out Holiday’s resale selection and save from 60% to 80% off retail prices.

At Ease! Timeshare Webinar Invites Consumers to Boot Camp

SEATTLE — Holiday Resales, a division of Holiday Group, is preparing for its fourth virtual seminar, “Timeshare Boot Camp 101,” which promises to get timeshare consumers in shape by training participants on the basics of timeshare. Push-ups are optional.The seminar will take place at 5:30 p.m. PDT on Thursday, September 27, 2007. Participation will be open to the public. Please visit here for information on registration.
The Timeshare Boot Camp 101 webinar will feature vacation lifestyle expert and writer, Lisa Ann Schreier. “If you’ve shied away from timeshare sales pitches, or have ever wondered why someone is selling their timeshare on eBay for five dollars, this webinar is for you,” said Schreier, author of “Timeshare Vacations For Dummies.”
Web seminars, popularly referred to as webinars, are a convenient alternative to traditional seminars, allowing people to participate via their personal computers from work or in the comfort of their homes. Attendees can both see and hear the seminar as it’s in progress, and can interact with questions or comments of their own.

“This seminar isn’t about sales hype,” Schreier said. “We’re not pushing timeshare on anyone, but I will be giving consumers the relevant information they need in order to make educated choices about timeshare. It’s just a start to what we have planned in the future to provide consumers with in-depth basic training. I’m excited about this venture.”

Holiday’s Director of Sales, Gail Bennett, will host the webinar. “This is Holiday’s fourth webinar, and our audience continues to grow,” Bennett said. “I think it’s because of the knowledge we’ve been able to give them about how timeshare works, so that it’s no longer a mystery. If people feel they’ve learned something of value, then we’ve achieved our goal and it benefits the whole industry.”

Holiday’s webinars offer real-world knowledge about timesharing in a low-pressure, consumer-friendly environment. The Timeshare Boot Camp 101 webinar will last about 30 minutes and be followed by a question and answer session.

“When I was a salesperson,” Schreier noted, “I observed salespeople inadvertently confusing consumers simply by the way they interacted with them about timeshare. After all, it was familiar territory to us. I want to clear all of that out and just talk with people in a way they can understand.”

Related Information
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2007
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PDT
Webinar registration
Email: webinars@holidaygroup.com
Webinar home page

About Lisa Ann Schreier

Lisa Ann Schreier a/k/a “The Timeshare Crusader” is the founder of Timeshare Insights, an independent consulting firm. She is the author of both “Surviving A Timeshare Presentation…Confessions From The Sales Table,” and “Timeshare Vacations For Dummies.” In addition to contributing to more than 175 major media outlets in the past few years, she is a sought-after speaker for convention groups. Timeshare Insights does not rent, buy, broker, or sell any timeshares, choosing to focus on consumer education, and in turn forcing positive changes within the timeshare industry.

About Holiday Group

Holiday’s online timeshare business connects thousands of vacation buyers with discount timeshares every year. Founded in 1992, Holiday was one of the first timeshare companies to host a comprehensive Web site. Holiday is headquartered in sunny Seattle. Please visit http://www.holidaygroup.com for more information.
Link

Wisconsin Dells: Wyndham Announces Wyndham Vacation Resorts at Glacier Canyon

THE DELLS: Wyndham Vacation Ownership announced Sept. 11 the opening of Wyndham Vacation Resorts at Glacier Canyon in Wisconsin Dells. The new, 102-unit resort is the only vacation ownership property located within the complex. It will operate in the company’s Wyndham Vacation Resorts portfolio (formerly Fairfield Resorts).

Adjacent to the Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort, the property offers owners a chance to experience the exciting indoor and outdoor activities found in this popular vacation destination. Due to high owner interest for the area, Wyndham Vacation Ownership already planned for a 99-unit expansion at the resort. Construction of the expansion began in summer 2007. [Read More]

Timeshare Blog Puts Consumers First

Press Release
Thursday September 6, 7:00 am ET
SEATTLE, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Holiday Resales, a division of the Holiday Group, announced today the launch of its new timeshare blog, an in- depth news and vacation lifestyle resource for timeshare owners. Please visit http://timeshare.holidaygroup.com to view the blog.

Timesharing is more popular today than ever. Currently, over four million Americans enjoy vacation ownership, with nearly three million more international owners. But the world of timeshare can be a confusing place to navigate for new owners. Even seasoned timesharers find it difficult to stay current with all the news and changes that occur daily in the timeshare and travel industries.

In keeping with its focus on customer service and innovative consumer education, Holiday’s blog provides timeshare enthusiasts with a central information resource, and gives them the tools they need to get the most out of their vacations.

“We’ve been busy working on the blog, fine tuning, and getting it ready for prime time,” said Holiday’s Marketing Director, Geoff Klein. “We want to not only make it entertaining, but educational as well, so that our readers stay informed on timeshare trends and products. I’m excited about the new categories and features we plan to add over the next few weeks.”

Topics covered by the blog will not only relate to timesharing, but also to anything of interest having to do with travel, including current timeshare news stories, travel tips, destination guides, resort reviews, and travel gadgets and accessories. It will also feature a question-and-answer column and guest articles by timeshare experts, such as Lisa Ann Schreier, author of “Timeshare Vacations for Dummies” (http://www.timeshareinsights.com).

“It’s nice to have a source where you can find current information that relates specifically to timeshare owners, not just the industry,” said Klein. “In other words, how will the news and events of the day affect the ways that people use timeshare?”

Given the profusion of content available on the Internet, Holiday’s timeshare blog lets readers view the information that is most pertinent to their interests and concerns, without having to sift through pages of irrelevant material to find it.

“We don’t want to take creative liberties as some other blogs might do, when they find ways to use news stories that have nothing to do with timeshare,” said Klein. “The blog will be fun to read, but also relevant. The bottom line is we want it to relate to timesharing as a lifestyle.”

Related Links:

http://timeshare.holidaygroup.com/

About Holiday:

Holiday Group was founded in 1992. Its headquarters are in sunny Seattle, Washington. Holiday was a pioneer in online travel services, and was one of the first timeshare companies to host a comprehensive Web site. Holiday’s online timeshare business connects thousands of vacation buyers with discount timeshares every year. Please visit Holiday’s Web site at http://www.holidaygroup.com for more information.
Link

Timeshare Webinar Takes Owners to the Max

Holiday Resales has concluded its third webinar, “Using Your Timeshare to the Max.” The virtual seminar featured timeshare expert Lisa Ann Schreier. The webinar was followed by an extensive question and answer session.
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) August 13, 2007 — Holiday Resales, a division of Holiday Group, just concluded its third webinar, “Using Your Timeshare to the Max.” The virtual seminar featured timeshare expert Lisa Ann Schreier, author of “Timeshare Vacations for Dummies,” who discussed how timeshare owners can get maximum use from their timeshares.
Web seminars, popularly referred to as webinars, are a convenient alternative to traditional seminars, allowing people to participate via their computers from home or work. Attendees can both see and hear the seminar as it’s in progress, and can even interact with questions or comments of their own.

The webinar was hosted from Holiday’s Seattle headquarters by Gail Bennett, Holiday’s Director of Sales, who has over 12 years of administrative experience working for timeshare resorts.

“I thought that people found it helpful to have both of us there,” said Ms. Schreier. “I’m a former timeshare salesperson, and Gail is a former timeshare administrator. It made for a nice mixture.”

“We were able to cover quite a bit of information,” noted Bennett. “What impressed me most was the participation level of our attendees. We received so many great questions that it really added depth to the webinar.”

Holiday’s third webinar focused on what owners can do to get the most value from their timeshares. “One of the most important things is to pay attention to reservation windows, particularly if you own RCI Points,” said Schreier. “There are some fantastic opportunities at great resorts for a very small number of points. Also, to get the best locations, make your reservations as far in advance as possible — a year or more. And be sure to take advantage of the deals offered by exchange companies. Both RCI and Interval International offer specials that can give you extra weeks and great bargain prices.”

Just as important to address, noted Schreier, are the misconceptions that prospective buyers and even many owners have about timesharing. “A common one is that you have to attend a presentation to buy a timeshare. You don’t. You can skip the presentation and the high prices by purchasing a resale timeshare. Another misconception is that you’re limited to just one week or one vacation a year. They didn’t know about the benefits that can extend their usage, so we educated them about that in the webinar.”

The webinar was followed by an extensive question and answer session. Audience questions ranged from the differences between RCI and Interval International, to retail versus resale timeshares. “People were also interested in how to trade timeshare for cruises,” Schreier said.

“A majority of our listeners felt the presentation was informative and unbiased, which makes me feel good as a company,” said Bennett. “Based on the questions we received, it’s obvious that timeshare consumers need more education. The more information we can provide them, the more they can enjoy their timeshare product. That’s why we’ll be offering these webinars on an on-going basis.”

Holiday’s free webinars are hosted by experts in the timesharing community, and are open to the public. They are designed to educate timeshare owners as well as those who are considering buying. Visit http://www.holidaygroup.com/webinar/ for information on past and future timeshare webinars, or email webinars@holidaygroup.com to be informed directly of upcoming webinar dates and topics.

About Lisa Ann Schreier

Lisa Ann Schreier a/k/a “The Timeshare Crusader” is the founder of Timeshare Insights (www.timeshareinsights.com) an independent consulting firm. She is the author of both “Surviving A Timeshare Presentation . . . Confessions From The Sales Table,” and “Timeshare Vacations For Dummies.” In addition to contributing to more than 175 major media outlets in the past few years, she is a sought-after speaker for convention groups. Timeshare Insights does not rent, buy, broker, or sell any timeshares, choosing to focus on consumer education, and in turn forcing positive changes within the timeshare industry.

About Holiday Group

Holiday’s online timeshare business connects thousands of vacation buyers with discount timeshares every year. Founded in 1992, Holiday was one of the first timeshare companies to host a comprehensive Web site. Holiday is headquartered in sunny Seattle. Please visit http://www.holidaygroup.com for more information.

Contact:
Geoff Klein
(800) 597-9345
Link

Shell Vacations’ Vegas Resort Completes Renovation

Las Vegas, NV – August 2007 – Shell Vacations’ Las Vegas resort is nearing completion of a $17,000,000 renovation that saw its transformation from a budget suite motel into a high quality vacation ownership property, receiving an industry award for its design and high marks for customer service during the nearly four year construction process. [read more]

Wyndham revenue rises on timeshare sales

“Timeshare is going like gangbusters”
Wyndham Worldwide Corp. reported Wednesday its second quarter income was up 28 percent to $96 million, or 52 cents per share, from $75 million, or 37 cents per share, during the same period a year ago.

Wyndham, which operates 10 hotel brands including Ramada and Days Inn, says revenue rose 15 percent to $1.1 billion, in line with analysts’ estimates.

Wyndham CEO Stephen Holmes told Reuters, “Timeshare is going like gangbusters.” Its Orlando-based vacation ownership division reported a 21 percent increase in revenue to $629 million. The company credited its marketing, a strong performance by the sales staff and continued strength in transaction pricing. Timeshare sales were worth $523 million, a 21 percent increase over last year. [read more]

Author Lisa Ann Schreier to Host Holiday Webinar July 25

Use Your Timeshare to the Max!

Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Time: 5:30 p.m to 6:00 p.m. PDT
Where: At your personal computer!

Want to get the most out of your timeshare? This FREE timeshare Webinar will show you how. And you’ll learn from the comfort of your home! Join Lisa Ann Schreier, author of “Timeshare Vacations for Dummies,” on Wednesday, July 25th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST.

Topics will include:

• Extra Vacations Available To RCI and I.I. Members
• Last-Minute Vacations Can Mean BIG Savings
• Trading Timeshares For Cruises–Is This a Good Idea?
• How And When To Stay At Your Home Resort
• Referral Programs–Yes, They DO Work!

This free 30-minute Webinar also includes an extended Q & A session, so you’ll have an opportunity to ask Lisa all your timeshare questions.

Bonus: Webinar attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Lisa’s “Timeshare Vacations for Dummies” book! Must attend webinar to receive.

Space is limited, so sign up today!

Holiday Resales Timeshare Exchange Webinar Uncovers Secrets

Thursday July 12, 7:00 am ET
SEATTLE, July 12 /PRNewswire/ — Holiday Resales, a division of Holiday Group, just concluded its Secrets to Timeshare Exchange virtual seminar, the second one it has hosted live on the Web. Web seminars, popularly referred to as webinars, are a convenient alternative to traditional seminars, allowing people to participate via their personal computers.
The Secrets to Timeshare Exchange webinar was hosted from the company’s Seattle headquarters by Holiday’s reservation specialist, Maria Martinez. “She makes more timeshare exchanges in a week than most people do in a lifetime,” said Gail Bennett, Director of Sales for Holiday. “If anyone knows the tricks of timeshare exchange, it’s Maria.”

While resort exchanges are one of the most important tools owners can use to maximize their vacation enjoyment (80% of purchases are with this intention), exchanges are also among the least understood aspects of timesharing. “I wanted to lay out the steps for making successful exchanges,” said Martinez. “This is especially important for new owners to understand, since they’re the ones most likely to be confused by the process.”

Holiday’s free webinars are hosted by experts in the timesharing community, and are open to the public. They are designed to educate timeshare owners as well as those who are considering buying. “We feel that the more consumers understand about how timeshare works, the better it is for the whole industry,” noted Bennett. Visit http://www.holidaygroup.com/webinar/ for more information, or simply email webinars@holidaygroup.com.

The Secrets to Timeshare Exchange webinar concluded with an extended question and answer session. “Most people wanted to know how to make the best exchanges, of course,” Martinez said. “I would say the most important thing is to have realistic expectations. Don’t expect to exchange a blue week for a red week, or a less popular destination for one that’s really popular. It’s also important to be flexible about what you want. And be sure to be patient when you’re doing your searches.”

Holiday’s next webinar, Use Your Timeshare To the Max, occurs on Wednesday, July 25 from 5:30 p.m to 6:00 p.m. PDT, and will be hosted by Lisa Schreier, author of Timeshare Vacations For Dummies. People interested in participating can go to https://www.gotomeeting.com/register/952751513?jmid=995494607 for registration information.

About Holiday Group

Holiday’s online timeshare business connects thousands of vacation buyers with discount timeshares every year. Founded in 1992, Holiday was one of the first timeshare companies to host a comprehensive Web site. Holiday is headquartered in sunny Seattle. Please visit http://www.holidaygroup.com for more information.
Link

Marriott International Reports 2007 Second Quarter Results

July 12, 2007: 06:30 AM EST
WASHINGTON, July 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Marriott International, Inc. today reported second quarter 2007 adjusted net income of $229 million, an increase of 26 percent, and adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.57, an increase of 36 percent.
. . . Timeshare sales and services revenue increased 22 percent in the 2007 second quarter, primarily driven by the company’s Maui, Las Vegas and Frenchman’s Reef resorts, which reached higher reportability thresholds in the quarter. The new resort in St. Kitts also reported strong sales. Timeshare revenues also include $45 million of mortgage note sale gains, $5 million higher than the year ago quarter.

Timeshare sales and services revenue, net of direct expenses, increased 49 percent, to $122 million, reflecting higher note sale gains and higher financial reportability of sales.

Contract sales for the company’s timeshare, fractional and whole ownership projects, including sales made by joint venture projects, decreased 24 percent, reflecting tough comparisons to a highly successful launch of the Ritz-Carlton’s whole ownership projects in Kapalua Bay and San Francisco in the 2006 second quarter. In addition, the newly introduced Marriott Vacation Club resort in Maui benefited from considerable trade-up from existing owners in the 2006 quarter. Excluding these three projects, contract sales increased nearly 5 percent in the 2007 second quarter.

The company began sales at a timeshare resort in Marco Island in the 2007 second quarter and expects to begin sales at the Ritz-Carlton whole ownership project in Kauai, Hawaii in the second half of 2007. [more]

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