There are several considerations that you need to make if you are in the market to invest in a timeshare property. Often times it is cheaper and less hassle to buy a used timeshare than to buy a new one. You won’t generally have to listen to a sales presentation or visit the resort that you want to make a purchase in, however you should be familiar with where you want to go and then research the market in that area, find out about the fees and taxes that are due for it and then make your decision.

If you are in the market to make a purchase with a timeshare resales company, here are a few considerations before deciding which location and which company you should purchase through.

• First, you want to make sure that you are getting a good value. Check with the resort about what a new timeshare unit will cost you. You also want to check on what the maintenance fees are for that location. Find out if there are any taxes and when they are due. Also, what all is included in the price of the timeshare, such as housekeeping, simple maintenance items and any assessments that can be made on it.
• Research different avenues of buying a used timeshare in the location that you desire. For example, if you want an Orlando timeshare, can you find one cheaper on eBay or with one of numerous companies versus buying directly from the resort? Check classified ads in the local newspaper as well as you can find great deals this way.
• Find out if the property is deeded to you or has restrictions on pets or the number of people that can stay with you. You want to make sure that you plan ahead for the future of your family or your vacations if you want to bring other couples with you.
• What fees are required for closing on the property? Who pays any back taxes, closing costs and filing costs for the property? Since you are buying, or investing in real estate, all things are negotiable in most cases.
• Make sure you know what you are buying. Have you visited the resort or area before? Do you know which way the unit faces? Is it well maintained and easy to find and get into the resort area? What all is around it as far as grocery stores, attractions? What does the resort itself have to offer for entertainment?
• The best bet is to never agree to anything on the phone with a resales company. Have them send you the documents that you will be signing and have them reviewed by someone that is familiar with timeshares or real estate, such as an attorney, before you sign anything. This can often times save you hidden fees or other headaches down the road.

There are so many different companies that specialize in timeshares these days that your best bet is to shop around amongst them and compare prices. Be sure to find out all fees, closing costs, taxes and everything you can both about the property and the reseller company before you sign anything. Knowing and taking a little time to research the property yourself can make you a more informed consumer and purchaser.

Many timeshares can be bought and sold through classified ads, eBay or other methods, however these companies are making a name for themselves with the selections available and prices that you can save money when you purchase. One of the major reasons you should consider using a reseller company is that they can save you up to 75 percent of the cost of a purchase when you buy a used timeshare.  The main reason that so many of the new timeshares are so expensive is due to the amount of advertising money that is spent on obtaining new clients.  When you are in the market for purchasing a timeshare, using a reseller can save you thousands of dollars over the cost of a new timeshare in the same resort or location.

One of the biggest problems that you might encounter when considering a location for a timeshare is what is it really like?  Don’t rely just upon the word of mouth of the reseller company representative.  You should visit the location or seek an unbiased opinion on how the resort or location really is.  Does is live up to what you want?  How is the area around it?  What are the costs, problems and issues that other owners have experienced there before you?  A timeshare is an investment and if you should ever decide to sell it, you want to make sure that it is in a great and prime location to get the most back out of it in the future.

The floor plan is another big option that should be considered.  What is in the most demand?  Is a single bedroom best, or is it more of a family location where you will want a two or three bedroom unit?  Is it close to a beach or other attraction?  How accessible is it for someone with special needs?  You will want to make sure that the unit you are looking at purchasing has been well maintained, clean and free from bedbugs or other pests.

If you find a price that seems to good to be true, you might want to explore why that location is so much cheaper.  Are the fees and taxes higher?  Has there been issues with the management company in the past?  Is the current owner paid in full with all fees, or are there liens on the property?  You need to find a balance between cost of the unit, maintenance fees and taxes in order to make sure that you are getting what you paid for.

When you use a timeshare reseller, you want to make sure that they company is reputable and licensed.  Since you are actually buying a deeded property, there are special considerations when it comes to real estate in each location that you need to make sure that you are comfortable with.  Don’t hesitate to ask for license information or referrals also. Many timeshare resales companies are licensed in only specific states or areas, so be sure yours is licensed to do business in the location you are searching for.

Another consideration is to shop around.  Don’t go with the first company you find and shop around for prices, fees charged for the sale or purchase and negotiate!  Remember, you are the buyer, and negotiation is key to getting the best price possible.