TIMESHARE
FOR SALE ON THE VACATION REAL ESTATE MARKET
ABOUT THE TIMESHARE
The Timeshare Industry
Because timeshare property is the fastest growing division of the
hospitality/lodging industry, vacation real estate is now accessible to
travelers all around the globe. Timeshare property is unique in its
ability to provide accommodations to people traveling for various
reasons.
Timeshare rentals are a quick and easy route to obtaining luxury
lodging; booking a suite at an urban timeshare such as the Manhattan
Club will provide satisfactory amenities for a business trip or
convention.
Timeshare sales present a more permanent vacation
opportunity. Resorts featuring
timeshare real estate are located
literally everywhere on the planet. The properties themselves are as
diverse as the places they are located in. Everything from
seaside studio condos to 4 bedroom villas amongst snowy peaks are
available at cost-effective rates. Some potential buyers are intrigued
by popular locales such as units overlooking the Las Vegas strip. Others
seek the peace and serenity of a harborside cottage in remote Bali. No
matter where the destination, it is available to every vacationer
because of the popularity of timesharing. However, purchasing property
in a specific area does not
imply that you must always vacation there. Exchange companies and
multi-destination resort chains allow owners to change or trade their
home resorts. It is clear that timeshares differ from conventional
hospitality options. To further explore the changes timeshares have
effected in the hospitality and lodging industry we must consider what
sets the two concepts apart.
Vacation Real Estate
Timeshare property offers several options for ownership, among these are
deeded and right-to-use contracts. A deeded timeshare is owned outright,
whereas a right-to-use property is a leasehold arrangement. The benefit
of having this choice becomes prevalent when individuals weigh their
vacation real estate options. Some people would rather buy, other would
rather rent.
The outcome of this debate is largely dependent on personal
predilection, though since timeshares are established all around the
world, local laws are a contributing factor.
Typically, owning a property outright is advantageous to individuals who
want to capitalize on escalations in market and property value. Many
people buy vacation real estate with the expectation that a property
will prove lucrative on the resale market. However with timeshares, this
a dubious proposition. Resort marketing expenses inflate the price of
new timeshares for sale, so much that these properties depreciate almost
immediately after
purchase. Right-to-use ownership is roughly equivalent to a lease. This
type of ownership allows the lessee to avoid the responsibility of true
deeded ownership, but also has its own limitations – for example,
leasehold timeshare is only valid during the timeframe specified in the
contract, ie: 20 years, 99 years, etc.
The same conditions which cause timeshares to depreciate in value are
responsible for a resale climate which strongly favors the buyer. A
great number of sellers are competing with one another, each trying to
advertise
timeshare for sale, making it difficult to sell most
properties. However, the burgeoning timeshare resale industry also
allows the owner to sell his/her own property without the services of a
real estate agency or broker.
Tremendous debate exists as to whether it is best for a timeshare owner
to pay an upfront advertising fee or to pay a commission once the sale
is complete. While this kind of service should never be bought
sight-unseen, a number of owners have had success advertising their
timeshare for sale with a variety of online agencies. Timeshare resale
advertising is creating abundant jobs in this sector, and employs
marketers, IT professionals, web developers, graphic designers, sales
specialists, real estate brokers and
agents.
Conclusion
Timeshare is a unique product which encompasses the real estate,
hospitality/lodging and travel/tourism industries. Timeshare property
may arguably be the most integral product in vacation real estate today.
As such, it has brought changes to the entire hospitality and lodging
industry. While travel-centric businesses were reeling from the events
of September 11, 2001, the timeshare industry reported record gains, and
still continues
this pattern of robust growth. To those interested in pursuing a career
in real estate, the timeshare industry offers a unique path, a
challenging and exciting livelihood, and a remarkably solid foundation
for future successes.