The Patio Expert Pages

For a starter, it can be confusing to decide if they should purchase their first timeshare from the resale market or directly from a timeshare resort or developer. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Buying timeshares in the resale market like auction websites or advertising through classifieds is a recent concept compared to buying from developers which has been there since its inception. Internet has brought everything to the doorsteps of the people and thus benefiting the timeshare market also. Timeshare auction websites provide prospective buyers with more information on the property and also wide variety of buying options.

The timeshare market was completely different just ten years ago. Buyers used to buy timeshares based on impulse invoked by timeshare presentations, which were hosted by the developers. With advent of internet and auction sites for timeshares, the buyer has powerful research tools at their disposal, even if they decide to attend a presentation. The internet allows the buyer to make more informed choices than he or she could a decade ago.

Buyers can also avoid the trauma of sitting through a timeshare presentation by buying through the timeshare resale market. The presentations sometimes take ninety minutes and can go even longer. At the end of the presentation, the buyers who were brought in on the pretext of a free gift are subjected to high-pressure selling techniques, and this yields to signing a paper and buying a timeshare.

Consider the cost comparison: a developer's timeshare offer includes the cost of advertisement, presentation, free gifts etc. which is whopping 40% of the cost of the timeshare and sometimes this exceeds the cost of the timeshare resale. On the other hand, if one buys a timeshare through a resale market, one can buy the timeshare 30% to 50% cheaper. Also buying through a resale market offers you more choice and freedom to select your desired unit. You know that you are getting the best price. It is definitely worth saving thousands of dollars by buying a resale.

There are however, a number of reasons why buying from a developer is a good idea. Many well known companies have become involved in the business of timeshare. These include Marriot, Disney and Hilton. If you choose to buy through a resale market there is always a chance that your investment might not be secure. Timeshare developers spend an enormous amount of money creating timeshares and so have worked hard to build a good reputation in order to turn a profit. Not only this, they make sure to provide the latest and greatest amenities, something unheard of in the resale market unless the unit you choose to buy is of fairly new construction. Developers also often offer incentives in order to gain potential customers such as free weeks, car rentals and even ticket discounts. These benefits are also never seen in the resale market. Lastly, developers offer a variety of financing options that you may not be able to get if you choose to buy in a resale market.

If you decide to buy from a developer, their listings are usually featured on the same auction website as timeshare resales, so all the options you will want to review are located in one place.