The timeshare resale market is an online marketplace that benefits both buyers seeking incredible deals and sellers looking to exit their ownership. By shopping the resale market, buyers can get timeshares from well-known vacation brands for a significantly lower cost than buying directly. On the other hand, the resale market is where current owners can safely sell their timeshare when it no longer fits their lifestyle. Whether you’re thinking about buying a timeshare or advertising one for sale, understanding how the resale market works can help you make a confident and informed decision.
Understanding What Timeshares Are
Before we dive into the details of the timeshare resale market, it helps to get a better understanding of what a timeshare is and why it is such a popular way to vacation. A timeshare is a form of vacation ownership that gives owners access to a resort for a set period each year. This can be either the same week each year under a fixed-week system or a more flexible, point-based system. Many owners appreciate that their timeshare provides more space and better amenities than the average hotel. Features like full kitchens, in-room laundry, and on-site convenience stores can make longer annual vacations easy.
Within fixed-week and point-based systems, there are some different types of timeshares to be aware of. Some timeshares are deeded, meaning you own in perpetuity and can pass it down to family. Others are right-to-use, which means the contract lasts for a set number of years. While you should never consider a timeshare a financial investment, it offers great value if you use it consistently over many years.
It is also important to note that most owners are happy with their timeshare. According to ARDA, the governing body for the timeshare industry, 90% of owners are happy with the product. However, we understand that sometimes life changes and owners are ready to move on. That is where the resale market comes in! The timeshare resale market allows owners to sell their timeshares while giving buyers the opportunity to find great deals.
What is the Timeshare Resale Market?
The timeshare resale market works a little differently from buying directly from a resort. Instead of buying from a timeshare company, you are taking over an ownership that someone is ready to pass on. Owners may sell for a variety of reasons, but the prices that they offer are almost always lower than buying direct.
For prospective buyers, one of the best perks of shopping on online platforms is being able to compare ads. With resale, you can choose from more than just a single property. You can compare similar timeshares in your ideal location or with your ideal brand to get the best deal. Interested buyers can also view high-quality photos and detailed descriptions of the units, all without attending a timeshare presentation. Similar properties also drive prices, which is why timeshare resale options are much lower than the original price.
For sellers, this is the same reason it is important to think strategically when setting your ad’s price. By understanding how your ownership compares to others’, you can set a realistic price and increase your chances of attracting buyers.
Benefits of Buying Through the Secondary Market Versus Buying Directly
- Lower upfront cost
- Ability to compare timeshare advertisements
- Being able to take your time to make an informed decision
- Option to negotiate with the seller
- Access to a resort that may be sold out by the developer
Potential Buyers: How to Buy Off the Timeshare Resale Market
Buying a timeshare through a resale company is a flexible process that lets you take your time and explore your options. Potential buyers usually start by browsing a trustworthy marketplace website, like Timeshares Only. By looking at a wide range of properties, you can get a good feel for what is out there. From here, you can narrow down your options based on location, brand, and type of timeshare.
If you have any questions throughout the buying process, Timeshares Only’s experts are happy to assist.
How to Navigate the Resale Market as a Timeshare Owner
Vacation ownership might be a fantastic fit for your lifestyle for many years, but it doesn’t always fit forever. And that’s okay! Whether you no longer want to pay maintenance fees or yearly vacations are no longer feasible, selling on the timeshare resale market is a safe and straightforward way to move on from your ownership. You can start the process by working with a trusted company like Timeshares Only to create an advertisement for your ownership. From here, your timeshare will be marketed to interested buyers. It is important to be patient, but when the right buyer comes along, you will be able to negotiate directly with them.
The time it takes to sell your timeshare depends on factors such as pricing and the details of your ownership. There is no set timeline, but having exposure to interested buyers is certainly helpful. Some sellers also offer incentives to make their ad stand out from similar timeshares. Incentives may include offering to cover closing costs or any administrative fees associated with the transfer. In the meantime, some owners rent out their timeshare to help offset costs.
Understanding Resale Value in Comparison to the Original Purchase Price
When setting the price for your timeshare, it is important to understand that it will not likely sell for what you originally paid. Timeshares are luxury products that are meant to be enjoyed long-term. You should never think of them as a financial investment, since they almost never increase in value. Instead, you can compare them to other luxury products, such as cars or boats. These kinds of products begin to depreciate as soon as you buy them. With that being said, you can still recoup some of what you spent by selling on the timeshare resale market, but it won’t likely be as much as you paid.
Why Working with a Reputable Timeshare Resale Marketplace Matters
When navigating the timeshare resale marketplace, working with a reputable resale company can make all the difference. A trusted resale marketplace helps you ensure you are reaching the right audience and connecting with real buyers. It also helps you move forward with confidence, which is especially important in the timeshare industry. Timeshare exit scams do exist, and you can avoid them by working with a trusted company. Checking whether a company is BBB-accredited and ARDA-recognized is a good way to determine whether you can trust them. With over 30 years of experience, an A+ BBB rating and ARDA recognition, Timeshares Only is a name you can trust.
How Timeshare Resale Experts Can Guide You Through the Resale Process
There are two different kinds of timeshare resale market companies. Both come with their own advantages, so which one to work with depends on your preferences. Timeshare real estate brokerages work with licensed real estate agents to set a price and list your timeshare. However, timeshare advertising companies let you set your own price and take care of advertising the timeshare for sale on your behalf. Once you find a buyer, you can control negotiations and the closing process more effectively. Keep in mind that reputable advertising companies, like Timeshares Only, will connect you with trusted partners to guide you through the ins and outs of the transaction. With timeshare advertising companies, you are paying for the advertising services that expose your timeshare to real buyers.
Sell with Timeshares Only
Working with Timeshares Only to advertise your timeshare is easy! Gather your ownership details to start the process. This can include information like the resort you own with, the number of points or week number, unit size, and more. If you have any difficulty locating this information, our team can help guide you in the right direction. Next, we will post your timeshare on our marketplace, where buyers worldwide can see it. Once you have received offers on your timeshare, you have full control over which offer to accept. Once you have accepted an offer, our recommended resale brokerage, Fidelity Real Estate, will help you with the closing process. Don’t hesitate to call or email us with any questions. We are happy to help!
