July 1, 2009

The 3 Worst Timeshare Resorts

You cannot discuss the best timeshare resorts without mentioning the worst ones. This is not done out of malice. Nor is this done out of a desire to besmirch any businesses. It is done to alert potential buyers or renters about problematic resorts. Hopefully, this will nudge some of the underperforming resorts to get their act together. Note: this is not a comprehensive list. It is a brief overview of three resorts known for not delivering on their promises.

Hollywood Beach Tower, Hollywood, Florida – The major recurring complain here is neglect. There seems to be a problem with keeping the units clean and in order.

When you read about the complaints centering on the prevalence of garbage and trash, you know the resort is quite problematic. Hollywood, FL is a wonderful vacation area. Hopefully, the Hollywood Beach Tower will improve its service.

Westgate Timeshare Resort - Some reviews on this resort is so bad you would assume they are creative works of fiction. If there were a few bad reports here, this might really be the case. However, the sheer numbers of complaints about poor customer service, bad accommodations, are too much to ignore. While no one wants to be overly cautious, to ignore such voluminous complaints would be equally unwise.

Sheraton Buganvillas in Puerto Viarta – This is another resort that has a reputation for neglect. Mainly, repairs and upkeep are lacking. This can make for a very unpleasant vacation. No one wants to go on vacation and be thoroughly unhappy with the accommodations. So, why book a resort that perpetuates this?

There are a number of great resorts out there. So, there is no reason to book accommodations with problematic resorts. That is why it is best to stick with those resorts that acquire good marks. They rarely disappoint.

June 15, 2009

Buy Timeshare for Cents on the Dollar

Is it possible to buy a timeshare for cents on the dollar? Yes, it is possible although for some it can be elusive as well. However, if you perform the necessary research you will discover these amazing deals. But, where are these deals located?

The best spot to look for deals of this nature would be on the resale market. There are tremendous savings to be found in this market. It is not uncommon to uncover deals at fifty cents or even fifty cents on the dollar. Yes, when the right factors align, a seller can put their unit up on the market for rock bottom prices.

One reason is the item may have depreciated in value. The real estate market is most definitely a cyclical one. Values go up and down. This is true of all forms of real estate. If you are entering into a purchase when it is a buyer’s market, you have the potential to take advantage of a number of great deals. Best of all, the cyclical nature infers prices may rise significantly. That means you could possibly gain a huge equity with your purchase.

It is also important to avoid developers. They simply will not provide a rock bottom price because they would lose their shirts if they did. New properties, in general, will not come at rock bottom prices. That is why it is critical to stick with the resale market. It is simply the prime location for multitudes of deals.

While the resale market is not the only venue to acquire such deals, it is probably the best venue. That is why monitoring this market is advised for the deal conscious. Consistent skimming of the resale market will eventually yield a number of great deals. So, stay on top of the offers and acquiring a timeshare for cents on the dollar will be realized.

June 1, 2009

Timeshare Promotions: How They Work, What to Watch Out For

Everyone wants a good deal. Buyers want to purchase a good offer. Sellers are more than willing to provide a good deal. Of course, there are a number of forms a deal can take. Discounts and specials are probably the most common. Then, there are those can’t miss promotions that grab a person’s attention almost immediately. Those in the market for a timeshare have surely come across one or two promotions like this. Some promotions are more enticing than others and all of them attract attention.

In general, a promotion is a way of pulling you in so you are more susceptible for a deal. This may seem sneaky on the surface, but it really isn't. With the property is excellent and the deal provides the perfect price, can you really complain about a promotion? If it was not for promotions most people would remain completely unaware of numerous excellent deals. It is important, however, to understand that a promotion is an enticement. You do not want to let your guard down and jump too much into the fray.

In there was one thing to watch out for during a promotional offer it would be a hard and quick sell. In someone is trying to sell you something quickly it is because they do not want you to change your mind. Even if the property is a solid one, you should never be pressured into making any deals. Jumping into an acceptance to quickly will lead to buyer's remorse down the road. You want to be happy with your purchase, not disappointed.

Consider a promotion and invitation to an inquiry. Do not allow any sales hyperbole make rush into buying. Stay calm and collected. You decisions should be deliberate. This will save you from a ton of problems. Browse wisely and purchase in an even wiser manner.

May 15, 2009

Top 5 Pitfalls of Timeshare Rentals

Renting a timeshare is 99% enjoyable. If renting a timeshare wasn’t an overall positive experience, the industry would collapse. So, there is no reason to worry too much when renting.

Yes, this is a positive way to launch an article on the top five pitfalls to of timeshare renting! Of course, positive does not necessarily mean that no problems exist. So, consider the admission that there are pitfalls out there a friendly heads up.

1.) As the name implies, timeshares involve sharing a unit with others. When you step inside the unit, you may discover the previous occupant has left a number of problems. These could include a messy home, damages, etc. Granted, there are ways to deal with such a situation but there is no way to avoid these problems with certain owners.

2.) Renting without a written agreement. Never ever rent from or rent to anyone without a written rental agreement! If there is no agreement in writing, there may as well be no terms, conditions, or rules with the rental. This would clearly be a disaster waiting to happen!

3.) Renting to someone that is a poor payer would be a disaster. This is why it is important to perform a credit and rental history check. To do otherwise creates a number of question marks that may evolve into problems.

4.) Don’t rent a timeshare located in a less than desirable location. If the location is congested, crowded, far from stores and shops, the experience will not be a positive one. As with any other real estate deal, location is often everything. So, never overlook where the property is located.

5.) Know all the costs. Some overlook the additional fees associated with timeshare rentals. This leads to eventually problems and disappointment. Itemize what the rental will cost prior to making any decisions. This will avoid a ton of problems.

May 1, 2009

What to Watch for When Selling Disney Timeshare

Does anyone remember the old Sunday night television program “The Wonderful World of Disney”? The name was just about perfect. For most viewers, Disney was a magical land where life is easy. Similarly, Disney resorts are wonderful for forgetting about life’s problems. That is why Disney timeshares are so popular. But, if you are selling a Disney timeshare, do not assume the rules of “Never Never Land” apply. So, always approach a Disney transaction with proper business acumen.

The first thing to understand is that Disney is a huge conglomerate. Any time you are working with a giant company personal treatment can be limited. No, you will not be treated like refuse. However, you will find corporate policies limit flexibility. Rules are rules and must be adhered to. Representatives you deal with might not be able to modify rules. Keep this in mind prior to dealing with Disney.

Disney also follows a point system. Understanding the point system will determine how positive your experience is. Many people rush in without understanding the point system. This proves to be disastrous one time comes to sell the property. Instead, educate yourself as much as possible on the point system. Let the point system work in your favor and not in opposition to your deals.

Actually, investing a lot of time researching the entire process will eliminate many problems. Don’t skip this necessary step prior to entering into an agreement. Deliberate planning and careful action will reduce problems. This is true with Disney as well as any other company.

Buying through resale may limit the ability to book a room. No, this is not the case in every instance. However, it has occurred enough that many have raised the issue. So, keep it in mind when skimming the resale market.

In general, Disney provides a solid and reliable timeshare rental/purchasing division. However, it is not perfect and you need to keep your eye wide open for potential problems. That is the best advice one can offer.

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