Most people know that when buying a timeshare, great care should be taken. However, even more care and research should be used when buying a timeshare resale. Timeshare resales cost much less than buying directly from a resort developer, but you should still keep your best interests at heart. Being informed about your timeshare will lead to a positive experience.

1. It is a very good idea to actually see the timeshare you are buying. Some timeshare resellers may “talk up” their timeshare. If the reseller says that the timeshare is in a beautiful place, be sure to check it out. A timeshare, even a resold timeshare, is a great investment. It is important to make sure that you are buying what you want.

2. Timeshare resales often have very appealing prices. Sometimes, these prices can cause the buyer to overlook crucial questions. Be sure to ask about maintenance fees and property taxes. If these have not been paid up-to-date, then the timeshare will cost significantly more than the base price. It is very important to know the whole cost before you decide to buy a timeshare.

3. Some timeshares are affiliated with an exchange company. If the timeshare you are purchasing is affiliated with an exchange company, make sure to find out if this membership can be transferred. Doing this can help you to avoid unnecessary hassles in the future. If the timeshare you are purchasing is a point-system timeshare, find out if the points are transferable. Finally, if there are any additional bonuses with the timeshare, find out if they can be transferred.

4. The seller often pays to advertise the timeshare, while the buyer is stuck with the closing costs. Be informed and find out all of the charges that you will be responsible for upon the closing of the sale. This is important because some buyers do not know how much they are paying when they decide to buy the timeshare.

5. Visiting the timeshare can solve this problem, but it is important to be aware of it. Timeshares can sometimes be located in a facility that has only been partially remodeled. Other timeshares have not been touched at all. Paying an extremely high price for an old, worn-out timeshare is never a good idea.

6. Timeshares have different times that they can be used. Knowing when you can use your timeshare is very important. Some timeshares are odd-or even-year-use timeshares. If you buy one of these timeshares, it may be another year or two before you can actually use the timeshare you purchased. If there is a lease on the property, make sure to find out how much time is left on the lease.

7. Last, but certainly not least, find out why the timeshare is being sold. Too many buyers simply overlook this crucial information. Some resellers don’t want it anymore, but other resellers may have discovered a problem with the timeshare, or an inconvenience. It is important to know these issues so you can decide whether or not you yourself want to deal with them. If the reseller tells you the negative aspects concerning the timeshare, and you are still fully confident in its success, then it will be a good investment.

Timeshare resales can be complicated business. It is important to be as informed as possible when purchasing a timeshare because it is often a very large investment. The more investigating you do, the more informed you will be. Being informed is the best way to ensure that you have a positive timeshare resale experience.

About the author: John McIver writes about many aspects of timeshares, but focuses on timeshare resale.