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There are many thieves and parasites in and around the timeshare industry.... (by Mary D.):

While I generally agree with Ken, My feelings about buying from the developer are a bit different. I've read too many rants from people who may have bought cheap on the resale market but know nothing about what they got or how to use it. We may have paid through the nose for developer points but we DO know how they work and use them with great success and pleasure. (If all else fails, read the directions.)

Timesharing is a life style choice, not a financial investment with the idea of making big money from renting etc. although we do indeed rent some out ourselves. Yes, if there is someplace you want to go year after year, you might as well buy there, but the ability to exchange when you want to is certainly a plus. Buying from (or into) a company with many locations around the country is also useful and, in most cases, these "internal exchange" do not have any extra fees.

Consider renting a timeshare that you think you might enjoy so that you can sample the experience. Do "the tour" and pick brains with every questions you can think of. If this all still makes sense to you, consider buying a small package (if we are talking about a points system resort group) from the developer or resale, but be aware that resale will usually not get you some of the VIP benefits you will hear about.

That may still make economic sense but don't expect to get off cheap and still have all the little extras such as free up-grades, reduced point cost for late reservations, free guest certificates, etc. Obviously, what these are will depend upon which company you are buying into. VIP perks may or may not be enough to tip the scales in your opinion.

Oh, yeah. Whether you buy from the developer or resale makes no difference in the amount you will pay annually for maintenance fees. KNOW what these will be for your proposed purchase, realize that they will go up just as everything else does, and decide realistically whether you can afford these costs AND have the time to take full advantage of your purchase. If you buy something but fail to make use of it, don't blame the seller. MD