A timeshare contract is a legal agreement that gives an owner the right to use a certain type of vacation property for a set number of years. It comes in different forms, and each one has its own unique features and perks. It is also an extremely popular way for people to save money on their vacations.
Purchasing a timeshare is a good idea for many people, but it is important to understand your rights before you sign on the dotted line. These contracts can be complicated, and they can come with a lot of hidden fees and restrictions that are not mentioned during the initial sales presentation.
First, you need to understand how long your contract will last. This is important to keep in mind because it will affect your financial planning, and it can also be helpful when you decide to sell your timeshare.
The average timeshare contract is about a decade, but it can be longer or shorter depending on your individual circumstances. It is also important to know that you can change your contract if you want to, and you have a rescission period if you are not happy with your purchase.
If you don’t know what your options are, you may find it helpful to talk to a professional to help you understand what you are signing on for. A timeshare consultant can answer any questions you have and help you make an informed decision about your timeshare.
There are two main types of timeshares: deeded and non-deeded. The former is a traditional purchase contract, while the latter is more like a lease.
When you buy a deeded timeshare, you will actually own a piece of the property, and it will be registered with an official deed and bill of sale. You are able to sell or transfer your deeded timeshare, and you can even will it.
In addition to the timeshare purchase price, you’ll also have to pay annual maintenance fees for your timeshare. These fees cover the costs of maintaining and upgrading the property. They’re often quite hefty, so they need to be factored into your budget when deciding whether or not to purchase a timeshare.
The amount you pay for your yearly maintenance fee will depend on the type of timeshare you own. Some are very affordable, while others can cost thousands of dollars.
You’ll also have to pay an upfront purchase fee for your timeshare, which is usually in the range of $22,000. This is a big investment, and it’s best to plan ahead and make sure you have the money in your bank account before you sign on the dotted line.
Timeshare contracts typically have a rescission period, and it can be very short. Most rescission periods are only 3 to 15 days long.
When you cancel your timeshare, you can choose to have the company refund or credit your money, or you can ask the company to resale it in the secondary market. The resale option is much more lucrative for the timeshare company, and it’s a good option if you can’t afford to pay your maintenance fees or have decided not to use the timeshare after all.