How do I find out more about timeshare before buying?

Ask the Timeshare Crusader / June, 2012

I'd like to find out more about timesharing before I buy anything. There seems to be a lot of information out there, some of which is more than contradictory. What do you suggest?

Yes, it can be confusing to say the least. There is indeed a lot of information out there and it can be difficult to separate the myths from the truths and decide what information has been put out with a bias.

First of all, I highly recommend checking out the forums pages on RedWeek.com as they contain a good deal of information on a wide variety of timeshare issues and products. The magazine TimeSharing Today is also a great resource. You'll find lots of "bad news" about timeshare in both the forums and magazine, but most of the bad news will be able to help you make an informed choice; you'll want to stay away from resorts that have class action lawsuits against them for instance.

Timeshare owners groups such as the National Timeshare Owners Association and the Florida Timeshare Owners Group have meetings several times a year in various locations and can serve as a great resource.

I cannot recommend enough the benefits of renting at a few timeshare resorts before making a purchase. This is a wonderful way to both try it before you buy it, and have the opportunity to speak with other timeshare owners: at the pool, at events, and just around the resort. I've found that timeshare owners worldwide tend to be a very open, honest, and forthright bunch of people and your very best source of information.

Happy travels. Let us know what you decide to do!

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