Timeshares

New Law By European Union To Curb Timeshares Abuses

Administrator — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:21:17 +0000

Customers of timeshares and recreation or holiday clubs will get several protections under a new law passed on 22nd October, 2008 by the European Union to control timeshare industry abuses. The new law provides a flexible right and some time for timeshare consumers to decide about the timeshare deal.

The important benefits the customers of timeshares will gain from the new law are :

The right to information – timeshare operators must provide required information to patrons about their particular offerings
According to the law, an extension of 2 weeks will be provided to consumers to decide whether to stay back or back out of timeshare contracts

A Brief Flashback :

Timeshare became popular in 1970s – especially among English and German tourists spending holiday trips in Spain, France and other countries like Italy. Timeshare operators usually sell the right to patrons to spend a week a year at their any of the properties.

Initiative – Taken By the EU :

As an initiative among some other measures, the European Union handled the problem with legislation in 1994 that made timeshare operators to increase their disclosure and defended them from allowing deposits from consumers.

According To the Officials of the EU :

Consumer Commissioner of the European Union, Meglena Kuneva says, “ the new rules will definitely protect the rights of consumers as well as it controls rogue operators who are exploiting loopholes in the law”.

According to some of the European Union officials, European regulation on timeshares is must because timeshare patrons and operators often come from various nations across the common market.

Timeshare Gambits – A Competition Among Top Timeshares

Administrator — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:01:08 +0000

Today, timeshares industry has reached a stage, where it does not need any free offers and discounts. If you think like that, you are mistaken. Yes, like every other industry, timeshares is also moving ahead to give some offers and discounts. Some of the top timeshares have initiated some promotional deals to catch the eyes as well as the wallets of the customers.

Trend in Timeshare Sales:

According to a survey conducted by Ernst & Young, timeshare sales reached $10.6 billion in 2007, up from just $6 billion in 2003. Along with fractional ownership properties, the total market hits $12 billion.

The Most Common Problem In 1960s – 1970s:

President of ARDA, American Resort Development Association, Howard Nusbaum, says, “in older days, i.e. in 1960s – 1970s, the deals were technically correct, but absolutely misleading”. He added, “They would offer you a discounted trip, but you would have to pay full amount. Because of that, the customers have lost faith on the offers that are given by timeshare companies”.

Top Timeshares – In Timeshare Gambits:

According to forbes.com, world’s most established hospitality brands such as Marriot, Disney, Wyndham, Hilton and Starwood are on top in timeshare gambits.

Marriot Timeshare:
Around the globe, Marriot Vacation Club has 40 locations. They offer variety of promotion deals based on the location. They charge you based on the package type.
Wyndham:
Wyndham offers various promotional deals at it’s 145 timeshare locations.
Grand Lodge:
Grand Lodge is also offering several promotional coupons like $100 worth of dining coupons
Starwood Timeshare:
Starwood also offers several promising promotional deals like a five-night stay at tropical locations for couples

How To Find A Timeshare For Sale

Administrator — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:03:49 +0000

Let us assume that while reading a news paper, you saw a page that shows pictures of a famous vacation spot. You saw an exotic beach and several scattered islands in front of that beach. White sand on the beach, clear and blue water and nicely planted coconut trees are defining your theme of the perfect vacation. You want to go to that location but you are in your office, dreaming about the place.

Maintenance Fee – A Big Burden:

If you want to go to that place, just take a vacation leave and get your dream vacation. It is very painful in terms of finances to maintain a vacation home throughout the year until it is vacation time. Not only in financial perspective, it is more impractical to maintain.

If you wish to acquire a timeshare by purchasing one, there are several ways of looking for timeshares that are ready for sale.

Tips To Find a Timeshare:

Check out in your local classified advertisements if any timeshare is there in your area for sale
Log on to internet and check out various classified directories and advertisements
The best way of finding a timeshare for sale is to consult a timeshare dealing agency.
Collect information from the members of the timeshares who will have the details of the latest timeshares for sale. You can also know about the best deals from them.

Considerations to Find the Perfect Timeshare:

Looking for variuos things to purchase a timeshare can avoid your future inconvenience. Usually, your first and foremost consideration would be the location of the timeshare. The second consideration would be the amenities of the property. And the last consideration is to check about the available ownership options such as fixed week, floating and rotating ownership.
Get the best deal that suits your wishes and budget.

Is It Your Turn To Invest In Vacation Timeshares?

Administrator — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:04:57 +0000

Timeshare – a rich property once upon a time. Today, it is very common to gift a timeshare for someone special to you. If you compare, nothing has changed, but timeshare has become available to a common man who earns a minimal amount.

African Americans – Making It Big:

With African-American travel rates of personal trips having risen 15% more than the overall market of America, it seems it is the right time to invest in a vacation timeshare.

Top 5 Most Preferable Cities for Vacation Timeshares in the U.S:

According to one of the top web portals of timeshare industry, in United States of America, African Americans like to spend their most of the time in the cities like Atlanta, LasVegas, Washington, Orlando and Houston.

1960’s to 2000’s:

In 1960’s, when the era of timeshare has started, it is pretty impossible for most people to afford a full-time vacation home. But, now the trend has changed a lot and any person with moderate income can own a timeshare.

Is Vacation Timeshare Affordable?

Yes, it is. Today, no one thinks much to stay in a vacation timeshare which does n’t need owning a timeshare or paying a high condo rental price. When you purchase a timeshare you buy time and share a vacation condo or home or boat. Just with the price you pay to stay in a normal hotel room, you can own a vacation timeshare condo.

Benefits of Timeshares:

Timeshares allow you to return to a familiar vacation spot year after year
Timeshares allow you to trade vacation facilities with other timeshare property owners or companies.

So, don’t let your time to go. Go and invest in timeshares.

Is This The Good Time To Sell Your Timeshare?

Administrator — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:52:16 +0000

Do you own any timeshare? Do you want to sell that? Are you waiting for the right time to sell? Obviously, no doubt, you should think. Some people may feel this is the exact time to sell but, some others may not agree with this point. Before planning to sell, just get suggestions from experts, research on internet and consult any timeshare consultant.

According to many sources, this is the pretty good time to sell your timeshare.

Analysis Report Says:

An analysis report released this year on approximately 700 resorts throughout the United States of America, clearly showed sales being up by nearly 70 percent in 5 years i.e since 2003. Along with the sales, an average timeshare resort size development is also up about 30 percent.

Trend Indicates:

Till January 1, 2007, the U.S has 1,641 resort developments all over. Since 2007, there is a substantial growth in the number of the timeshare owners as well as the resort developments.
The ARDA president and CEO, Howard Nusbaum said, “the considerable progress of the timeshare industry in this time’s economy is an absolute stamp of complete customer satisfaction and demand. With its flexibility and spacious accommodations, vacation timeshare ownership continues to be the ultimate travel preference for American families.”

Timeshare Resale – Next Generation of Timeshare Industry:

Today, people are curious to learn more about the pre-owned timeshare or timeshare resales. If you buy a timeshare from an owner, you can save up to 60 percent on your timeshare unit. Though, people sell their timeshare due to many reasons, getting the best deal can be very easy. Only because of this single reason, timeshare resale have also scored well and increased considerably.

Timeshare resale market has every potential and capability to become the next generation of the timeshare industry.

Effect of Global Warming on Timeshare Industry

Administrator — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:01:50 +0000

Timeshare industry – tourism with commercial ethics and eternal natural essence. Some areas in the world are desperately depended on the timeshare industry. Definitely, the nature conditions may vary widely – beach resort areas, pool or river-side areas, hill stations, urban development centers, sports and recreational clubs.

But, since climate change has come on to the scene it’s not worthy saying that timeshare industry is blessed with natural essence. Several reasons are listed below which represent the effect of global warming on timeshare industry.

Reasons that represent the effect of global warming on timeshares:

Nine of the past ten years have been recorded as hottest:
Hottest weather conditions may affect the snow industry and skiing resorts very badly. If the environment is very hot, it is pretty difficult for snow making.

Carbon emissions:
The rising carbon emissions may harm timeshares. If the trend continues, the sea level will rise by 2 to 3 feet by the end of the century. No scientific prediction is there from the scientists to explain the future of the beach resorts.

Electricity and Transportation:
In the U.S, nationwide, the production of the electricity is the bigger contributor to greenhouse gasses’ emission; but, in New England, transportation takes the position.

Researchers have been striving hard to set a check for carbon emission. They are very confident that carbon emissions can be cut down to half by 2050, using technologies that already exist. But, the technology need to be put into the place. The solution must include natural resources or altenate energy sources like solar power and wind power because the problem is so huge and so pervasive.

President and CEO of an American online timeshare web portal, said, “We should make some simple lifestyle changes that will have drastic effects on global warming. We should keep our awareness updated to protect our environment from this kind of hazardous impact.”

While explaining the initiative steps taken by the timeshare companies, President of a resort management company of the U.S said, “Timeshare companies are trying very hard to employ those simple but effective changes in resort areas. We made our environment green with landscapes, started utilizing solar energy and wind energy as an alternate resource for electricity, and eco-friendly bulbs and lamps.”

The worries have been growing for timeshare managers with risisng floods and hurricanes. People won’t get interested to rent a timeshare condo, if there is a possibility of flood. The timeshare owners are the most awaiting persons who wish a genuine solution for global warming.

Tips to Choose the Best Hawaii Condo

Administrator — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:55:55 +0000

Hawaii – as you know, is an exotic destination for vacation lovers. Planning your vacation in Hawaii is the most perfect thing. If you want to save money in Hawaii, the best way is to stay in a condo. Within the price of a hotel room rent, in a high-end resort you will be able to cook your own meals and without any risk fit in a few more bodies. But all condos will not provide you the best facilities and financial encouragement.

Before you book the pleasant sounding rental – whether through one of the Hawaii’s reputed resort managers or any online sellers – make sure to use this checklist in getting the perfect.

A Five-point Checklist to choose your best condo:

Area:

Area matters – if you got more than two persons to stay in a house

Good and spacious area is usually a key feature for condos over hotels

But it is not good to rely on the number of bedrooms and baths as a unit of area; condo developers may build some pretty smaller units in some condos

Large Vs small units: The larger units can establish a good atmosphere in a condo than a condo with smaller units

Research on internet: Be sure to observe all these things and use the internet as much as possible. You may have a sense of its sprawl on Google Maps

Facilities:

Decoration: usually, most condo units are individually decorated. Professional condo management companies normally need furnishings to meet a specified standard. But the individual owners who rent their condo units are under no such types of obligations

For you, If the look and feel of the decor is important, then watch the photos of your condo unit and ask for more if necessary

Coming to the kitchen, check twice that it should have all the basic cookware, plates, appliances serving utensils, mats and napkins.

Kitchen cabinet should be pretty clean.

Central air is very common in newly developed condos but, in case of older condos you need to check thoroughly.

Exotic Beach Access:

Why resort hotels charge high rates? It is because of their location – right on the ocean and on a pleasant beach. Their enticing swimming pools also influence the rate of a condo.

These are often lavishly landscaped and make you forgot the small hotel room

The ideal condos should match these features or should come close

Food:

You may sure that you will cook. But, where you can get the stuff to cook? How much you need to pay for the stuff needed to cook? Can you rely on resort market place, where your all earnings will be eaten up? As expected, you are all sounding ‘NO’.

Make sure you know the nearest grocery store and plan your shopping trip on the way to your condo, which will save some money for you.

Fees and Fringes:

You can see these fees and fringe benefits from two sides.

On the Losing side: Most of the earnings of the condo may be taken away by the cleaning fees charged. Although, the discounts on long stays will be very nominal. Make sure that the charges of the condo cleaning is not more than a hotel room’s cleaning fee.

On the Gaining side: Many condo development companies organize some cultural activities such as hula lessons or lei making, low-cost entertainment, fitness halls and Internet access. Some property management companies arrange some events with rented cars and golf courses.

The most predominant thing about booking a condo is to know what is important to you and what is not. While choosing a condo, make sure that the whole checklist is verified at least twice.

Pros and Cons of Timeshares

Administrator — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:58:36 +0000

Everything in our life has pros and cons. You, me and everyone will lead our lives in a proper manner by following certain pros and cons. However, procedures may be essential to some of us and cons to some. In this timeshare industry, it depends on yourself, how you estimate the benefits and advantages of buying a timeshare with your lifestyle and financial circumstances.
For some people, timeshare investment may be a smaller portion of their wealth but for some it can be hard earned savings of their whole life. In either case, a smart thinking person always looks into the procedures and conditions before investing money in timeshares.

Pros of Timeshares:
Let us discuss about the pros first. Starting with timeshare properties, they are more affordable compared to purchasing a real estate property for life and only using it once a year. Analyze this with purchasing a property for lifetime for $250,000 with timeshare which may be only $15,000 plus annual maintenance fee of $500 for the lifetime. Let us assume the lifetime span of 35 years, then the calculation will be as follows:

$15,000+35 years x 500 = $32,500 for the lifetime

Compare it with purchasing a real estate property for lifetime you can save $217,500. Don’t you think it is a lot of money? Is there any other reason to invest that much of extra money for once a year use? As expected, most of you say ‘no’ wisely.

Now, we will compare it with the cost of hotel. For example, you spend $1,500 every year on a hotel, lets us estimate the cost for 35 years:

$1,500 x 35 years = $52,000 which is still more than $32,500 you pay for timeshare for the lifetime.

In a hotel you may get only one suit. But, a typical condo will have two or three bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, a kitchen and a dining room. In a timeshare apart from saving a lot of bucks you can enjoy the homely atmosphere.

Cons of Timeshares:

The timeshare industry has become an avenue for many scams and frauds. Read the documents carefully, especially, the fine prints before signing any agreements

Research the timeshare company and know their reputation from existing and previous customers of that timeshare company. If any one is selling ask him/ her why he/ she wants to sell his or her timeshare

Timeshare doesn’t make you feel good if you have taken a loan for investing in it. You can’t offer any interest for your huge money

One of the major cons is the appreciation. The timshare can’t appreciate much. They may be stagnant and depreciate with time

Another major con is timeshares may not be flexible enough for you to enjoy it every year at specific time. Some companies may offer flexible timeshares but it is only on first come first serve basis

Understand and analyze the pros and cons of timeshares and make your vacation memorable.

New Options For Online Travelers and Timeshare Owners

Administrator — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:52:48 +0000

What is travel planning? Do you know how to plan your travel? You should know how to plan a travel or vacation to make your trip successful. Travel planning consists of activities such as gathering information on destinations, checking prices and schedules. It makes you precautious about the weather condition, socio-culture and food of that particular region to where you are planning to go.

Online Travelers Are On Site:
The Travel Industry Association of America reports that approximately 60 million American adults have used the internet to make their travel plans in 2007. As online travel increases, the options for travelers are also getting increased. Travel is an explosive and exponential growth industry. Observing the trend that many people are interested in travel, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) indicates that as of 2007, approximately 4.5 million households owned one or more United States timeshare weekly intervals or points equivalents.

Timeshare Awareness:
If you want a luxury travel, timeshares require an initial purchase, and then the owner has the opportunity for week-long condo vacation. Most of the families that opt for this choice want to guarantee travel savings for a number of vacations. On her familiarity of timeshares, an executive of an online timeshares medium commented, “Timeshares have a huge market share, but it’s basically all about customer awareness. My hubby and I had bought a timeshare eight years ago, but I wish I would have known then what I know today”.

What Is Wholesale Vacation Membership?
Wholesale vacation membership provides similar result for customer, but gives quite a few more good options to their member. For example, the highest price range for a wholesale vacation membership is $20,000. The points that are awarded, allow for access to up to 70 weeks of timeshare week vacations. The price $20,000 is similar in price to an average timeshare cost. However, the points that are gained in wholesale vacation membership can be used for other hotel stays and in getting discounts for international flight travel.

Other Benefits for Wholesale Vacation Members:
There are more options for wholesale vacation members and the points can be used as their own wish. The membership gives an instant schedule for a vacation. Unlike a timeshare, the members should not pay any maintenance fees. They simply pay a nominal annual renewal fee.

Timeshares: Creating Employment

Administrator — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:25:32 +0000

Governments and organizations are encouraging industries to create and grow employment. They are way forward to provide all infrastructure that industries need to establish companies. Without expecting anything from governments, timeshare industry is creating employment opportunities.

The timeshare industry has every potential to employ the youth with enthusiasm and courage to face the challenges. Every timeshare resort has hundreds of employees to serve their customers. In fact, timeshare industry is facing some challenges to find the efficient people. The C.E.O of one of the well-known timeshare resort said, “We are unable to find the efficient employees and some posts are vacant for few years”, and he recommended the youth to join timeshare industry which will take them to the heights.

Action Plan To Face This Trend:

US, Canada and UK timeshare industries are suffering from the lack of good employees. These industries are taking every action to set this problem right

Some resorts are conducting ‘earn while learn’ programs in which the student can earn while his study

Well-known timeshare organizations are running educational institutes for the students who are interested to join travel studies

Human Resource Officer of a resort in the US says, “Students are not aware of the professional travel studies and they are ignoring the sector”. He continued, “We offer best salary packages that are very high compared to that of the other sectors are providing”.

Is It Necessary To Study Travel?
An educational Consultant from UK recommended the students and youth to shape up their future in timeshare and travel industry. He says, “The youth with enthusiasm, innovative thoughts can find their career in the travel industry, particularly in timeshares. But, they need some knowledge about the industry and some practical experience to do their jobs efficiently”. “It is not compulsory to have an academic background in travel studies, but it will help them to be professionals”, he concluded.

Who Are Eligible:
People with good hospitality nature, understanding ability and enthusiastic approach can make a big difference in timeshare industry. Youth, come on! find your career in the most exotic and lucrative field of hospitality.