It's Not Your Father's Timeshare: Why Generation X/Y Will Buy Timeshare Resale
Published
It never ceases to amaze me that timeshare is not sold primarily as a financial planning product. After all, the first timeshare sales pitch on record was 'stop renting the room and buy the hotel - it's cheaper!' Saving money is why timeshare exists. Anyone who vacations 7 days or more, at least every 2 years, should buy a timeshare right now and start saving real money. Often, I think most of us would, were it not for the fashion in which resort developers sell the product:
Maybe I'm just a jaded member of Generation X, but to me timeshare presentations rank right up there with multi-level marketing conferences in terms of suckiness! From the 'free gifts' for attendance, to the first-day incentives only good now, and the strong-arm closing tactics at the table, who wouldn't question the product's legitimacy? Sadly, even buyers that wanted to purchase, and love their timeshares, often leave the sales floor feeling punch-drunk.
It should surprise no one that new timeshare sales are down, and it's not all about the economy. Those of us under 40 just aren't falling for the free breakfast routine. We won't be pressured into buying something that costs $16,000 in the time it takes to watch a Tarantino film. We shop online, we want photos, prices, features & benefits, but most of all, we don't want sleazy. Does this mean younger Americans are not meant to experience the many wonders of timeshare? Not in the least.
With timeshare resale, you can now shop online and look at thousands of timeshare properties for sale and rent. Most sites won't require you to register or give your personal information, and the prices are listed right there on the website. Resale timeshares are no different than ones bought at a resort. Instead of negotiating with a slick salesman (behold the gold nugget watch) you'll be dealing with the owner: an ordinary person just like you. Once you find a resort you like, consider renting a timeshare week and staying as an 'owner-guest' before deciding to become an owner.
Owning timeshare protects you from inflation, and other economic factors. A recent ARDA release indicates timeshare occupancy is 20% higher than hotel occupancy, as timeshare owners have much lower travel expenses. While there may be low-cost travel available today, the huge discounts won't last long. If history is any indicator, hotel room prices will continue to rise, inflation is all but inevitable, and if you plan on taking regular vacations timeshare is a product that can save you thousands plus give you better accommodations. But please don't take my word for it - do the math. If timeshare makes sense for you, the numbers will add up.
Interested in owning or visiting a timeshare? Start your online search today:
Rethink timeshare resale.™
