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Timeshares as "investment"... (by KC):

This topic probably doesn't actually belong here in the "Timeshare Exchanges" forum in the first place, but since it was initially placed here instead of in the more appropriate "Buying, Renting & Selling" forum, I'd like to reply in specific regard to the post above by "clifforddw".

I agree with much of the statement by "clifforddw" above; viewed solely from a FINANCIAL investment perspective (i.e., seeking a monetary "return on investment"), timeshares are certainly a very poor choice indeed. I would note, however, that when viewed instead from the perspective of guaranteed vacation reservations at chosen desirable locations, timeshare ownership certainly has an intrinsic value; one which differs considerably from one person to the next. Busy people who have neither the time nor the inclination to "vacation shop" can (...and do) just pack and go to their guaranteed, pre-scheduled vacation. Buying at low prices in the resale market, at the right locations and seasons (...and avoiding developer-direct price gouging) can (...and does) provide access to great vacations at good value. That said, however, there may be a point in the future at which maintenance fees could increase to approach (even potentially exceed) the cost of rental without ownership. I have certainly not yet seen anything even remotely close to that development occuring yet in any of my particular timeshare ownerships, but that day could certainly arrive at some point.

My real point in responding to the post above by "clifforddw" is that I am truly puzzled by the multiple references to "travel agencies" within that particular post. I've owned several timeshare weeks for several decades now. Never once has any "travel agency" ever figured into or been in any way connected with, involved with, or associated in way with any of my timeshare ownerships (or my usage of same). If I may ask, what exactly leads you to state an apparent belief that "travel agencies" actually have anything whatsoever to do with timeshares and/or timeshare ownership or timeshare use?