Right-To-Use Timeshare: Secrets They Don't Want You To Know!

Ignorance of their legal rights is one of the main reasons people fall into the traps of scams and frauds. When signing a contract or agreement, is is always crucial to be aware of your rights, and the timeshare industry is certainly no exception. This industry, like any other, is subject to unscrupulous tactics. In fact, examples are plentiful of people being tricked into the purchase of a timeshare only to find that the property is below the standard that they were led to expect. In some situations, the property might even be nonexistent. In this article, you will find tips to remember when shopping for a timeshare.

Of primary concern for potential buyers is an awareness of the different kinds of timeshare plans. Basically, there are two types. The first is the deeded and titled timeshare, and the second is the right-to-use (also known as license-to-use) timeshare. A deeded and titled timeshare is one that is owned by a buyer, who acquires a deed and a specific property for a specified period of time annually, for a set number of years (usually 40). The other type, the right-to-use timeshare, gives the purchaser the right to all the features of the deeded and titled timeshare with the exception of the deed (that is, the title). A deeded timeshare can be passed on in the owner's estate, but a right-to-use timeshare is similar to a leased property which expires after a specified number of years.

People working in the timeshare industry have taken to employing shady tactics in order to hook prospective clients so that they can give them the full whammy of their sales pitch. As a consumer, your first experience with this type of a salesperson might arrive in your mail as an exclusive invitation to a presentation about timeshares. You are told that those who attend will receive an expensive gift. Of course, the minute you accept the invitation and attend the presentation, you'll be swept into a high-powered sales pitch much like you'd expect from a car salesman who is pushing you to buy. This presentation may go on for as long as two hours in sometimes pretty horrific surroundings, during which time you'll be pummeled and harassed every way possible to try and coerce you to buy. People endure the trauma because of the promised gift. Unfortunately, the gift turns out to be nothing but a gimmick, and you'll have listened to all the sales spiel to receive junk. There are laws governing such presentation which include notifying you in advance of the length of time you'll be expected to stay and the physical condition of the building where the presentation is being held. Timeshare companies are also prohibited by law from misleading you about the market value of the timeshare or the potential for resale or exchange.

The law also prohibits timeshare companies from omitting any oral promises that were made before the purchase of the property in the written contract. Likewise, they may not include any kind of fees that were never mentioned orally. The rules may vary from state to state. Some states also have a "cool-off period" (usually of two weeks) to allow you to cancel your contract should you change your mind.

Apart from these rights, one should also consider things such as do you really want to buy this particular timeshare? Did you personally check out the facility or at least have someone go and check it out for you? Did you contact the Better Business Bureau to learn if any complaints had been filed? Did you talk to existing owners in the timeshare property? Do you plan to rent it? Do you plan on reselling it? Do you plan on exchanging vacation sites frequently? The answers of all these questions should be discovered before making a final decision about buying a timeshare. Only then you will know if the unit in question truly is your dream vacation destination.