The drawbacks of timeshares you should know: a timeshare is a right to use a property for a specific week each year. This is different from a vacation rental, which is rented out to other travelers when you are not using it.
Timeshares are popular for families and people who want to be able to visit the same destination each year. However, they do come with a few drawbacks that you should know before making a purchase.
1. You Don’t Own the Property
Timeshares may seem like a good investment at first glance, but after the initial upfront costs and yearly maintenance fees, they can quickly become expensive. These fees typically include expenses for the property’s upkeep, and they tend to increase on a regular basis.
Depending on the type of timeshare you choose, you can either purchase a deeded or non-deeded ownership share. Deeded timeshares offer ownership in a property for a fixed week or a floating week each year, and they typically come with the right to sell or pass down your membership.
However, non-deeded timeshares only give you the right to use a vacation property via a lease or license. This makes them more affordable than deeded options, but they also don’t offer the same financial benefit. You may also have to pay extra for on-site amenities or activities. It’s important to read the fine print carefully when considering a non-deeded timeshare. This may restrict your flexibility when it comes to vacationing at a particular location.
2. You Have to Pay Maintenance Fees
Just like a car or a house, timeshares have maintenance fees. These fees are usually billed yearly and increase annually, and they can be a major financial burden for owners.
You’ll also have to pay a resort fee, which covers amenities, such as swimming pools and gyms. Alternatively, you may have to pay for extra services such as golfing and spa treatments.
Many owners receive friendly reminders just after Halloween that their annual timeshare maintenance fees are due on Jan. 1. Fortunately, you can avoid these feesselling your timeshare on the resale market. However, if you stop paying your maintenance fees, you’ll default on your ownership and could face legal action from the timeshare company. This is why it’s important to understand how timeshare maintenance fees work before buying one. Learn more about this topic here. Having full kitchens will reduce your vacation costsallowing you to prepare meals in-house, which will save on restaurant costs.
3. You Can’t Sell Your Timeshare
Timeshares aren’t usually considered a good investment. They tend to depreciate in value, and it’s often impossible to sell them for a profit. Many people regret their decision to buy a timeshare, citing expense, maintenance fees, and lack of use.
If you try to sell your timeshare, you’ll be facing high resale costs and a difficult market. In addition, if you sold your timeshare at a loss, you wouldn’t be able to claim that loss on your taxes like you would with other types of investments.
Also, beware of companies that ask you for thousands of dollars in up-front fees. These are often scams. If you’re not sure, always ask for references or do some research before putting money down on something so big. You can even ask questions on the TUG forums before investing your hard-earned cash! If you do decide to purchase a timeshare, look for a resale to avoid paying huge up-front fees.
4. You Can’t Cancel Your Membership
Timeshares have gotten quite a bad reputation. You might have heard Dave Ramsey rip them apart on TV, or maybe you’ve read about a horror story on a review site. So, it’s no wonder that so many people are looking for ways to get rid of their timeshare.
Some timeshare companies have in-house exit programs that are safe and legitimate for owners. These programs may include selling or transferring your shares, but you should always use caution when considering an option like this. Thousands of owners have felt scammedtimeshare cancellation companies that promise to help them get out of their contracts.
Also, it is important to note that if you stop paying your maintenance fees or dues, you are in breach of contract. It’s much like stopping paying your mortgage or property taxes. If you stop paying those bills, the company could foreclose on your property and even put it up for sale.