Original Message:
Re: New to timeshare renting and Redweek. Need some info and insights (by R P.):
There are some very good rental deals out there now with this bad economy as people are not vacationing nearly as much so they're putting their owned weeks up for rent.
As far as renting from an ad owner on Redweek, a rental agreement should be sent to you by the ad owner with all the details outlined. Also, ask for some verification that the lister owns the week/unit (ie; copy of paid maitenance fees, abbreviated version of owner contract etc.) I would also ask for the owner's telephone number so that I could talk to him/her directly. This helps to set up a better form of trust between you and the owner than just a written rental contract.
Redweek is the most respected timeshare ad site on the entire internet and scams are few and far between, BECAUSE one has to become a member in order to get owner email addresses to ask for information. This is why Redweek charges the fee.
I think, after the first time you successfully rent from an owner, that you will neve go back to paying rack rates for a mere hotel room. A timeshare is much more than a hotel room, it's a entire condo. Good luck, and don't be afraid if you follow the advice I gave above.