Timeshares can be a significant burden on your finances. They’re overpriced, lose their value quickly, and quite frankly, are not for everyone. But maybe you still bought one. Well … take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Many people buy timeshares they can’t afford or don’t want due to incentives or high-pressure sales pitches.
If you have a timeshare and are looking for a way out, selling is possible. You’ve probably heard the old wives’ tale that you can’t make any money back from selling timeshares. However, that’s just not true.
If you’re wondering how to sell your timeshare, there are valuable resources available that can help you decide what’s best for you. For example, reputable timeshare resellers offer comprehensive selling solutions to owners that no longer want, or use, their timeshare. You can also try finding a free market-value survey. These surveys can help you determine an accurate advertising price for your specific timeshare. Another smart alternative is to consult with a timeshare resale specialist. They have pricing recommendations that will help sell your timeshare in the most efficient way possible.
Of course, many people choose to go with a free general marketplace website such as Craigslist or eBay, but because these sites do not specialize in timeshares, the chances are it will take you much longer to sell it — if ever. On the other hand, if you choose to go with a specialized timeshare resale marketplace, you will have a full-page, personalized ad that highlights all the best details of your resort and unit style. The most reputable timeshare resale companies have features you won’t find elsewhere. For example, SellMyTimeshareNow.com will give you access to a convenient owner portal that allows you to contact customer support, request changes to your advertisement, and field any buyer offers that come through. This allows sellers to have total control when it comes to negotiating and accepting offers — that way, you can feel totally comfortable with the final sale!
The Bottom Line
Timeshares can work for people who enjoy annual or weekly getaways. They also make sense for those who prefer to visit the same resort or location. But if you’re not that kind of person, then it is clearly time to sell. The good news is, by taking your time and doing your research on the best company to sell your timeshare, you’ll be rid of it before you know it.
Photo Credit: Photography/Travel Blog
What is the upside to a time share? There isn’t one!
You spend money, you have to spend more money every year and are often locked in to a certain time period. The reason time share salespeople are so high pressure is that what they are selling is a very bad deal. Don’t be shy, go for the free meal, the free weekend, and JUST SAY NO.
Is it ever worth buying one on the secondary market? Any good stories out there?
I recently attended a presentation in the Gold Coast, Australia in order to get heavily discounted theme park tickets. (1.5 hours not too hard sell)
A very basic numbers check showed me it didn’t stack up for my lifestyle. But I just wonder if anyone has found buying one at 25-50c on the dollar worthwhile?
Thanks for sharing this article. Well said; there is always an option if you are not happy with your timeshare or out of need. Either sell or cancel.
We had a timeshare in Vermont for 22 years (2 weeks) and loved every minute of it. We used our summer week every single year and we exchanged our floater off season week sometimes to go elsewhere all over the country. I figured out the financials (we paid cash for it) and even with the maintenance fees and exchange fees we did better than break even. We had a guaranteed unit- the same one every year that we chose when we purchased (it was the model at the resort when we bought). It was a drive to as opposed to air travel- 6 hours away by car, so convenient. Made a lot of memories for our family. It was like having a second home without the hassle and expense. Made friends we would see each year there, Really great.
Years later we acquired a totally FREE week at another resort in New Hampshire.(Found it on Timeshare Nation). Now retired we live in New Hampshire and it is just one hour away and gives us a change of scenery from the Lakes Region where we live to the White Mountains every year so we still enjoy it.
The one in Vermont- we recently gave back to the resort as they had a program where they took back your timeshare if you no longer wanted it. Didn’t ‘t cost us anything to give it back. We had a good run there and will always cherish it.
Another way to get rid of your timeshare is to list it on TUG2.net. Great site for all things timeshare.
My sister still owns a timeshare in Florida that has been in the family for decades (she had it passed on to her by our parents). She or a family member uses it every year. It’s not my cup of tea, but they believe they get their money’s worth out of it.
I am curious about the timeshares listed on eBay. One can buy hundreds of thousands of points for next to nothing. What are the upsides, and the downsides?
Big upside: timeshares on the cheap. Big downside: expensive annual maintenance fees.