It's Time to Sell My Timeshare

The economy sucks!

I know. I know. This is not new news. (I’ve just always been one to point out the obvious) People are scrambling to find ways to put a little extra something in their pockets or to cut down on how much is going out of their pockets. So, if you have a timeshare, you might be thinking to yourself, “I need to sell my timeshare… but how?”

I think it’s important to go into this with realistic expectations. Because the demand for timeshares is so small, it’s difficult to sell and making a profit off of reselling a timeshare is rare. If you go into this prepared, you’re less likely to get frustrated.

If you’ve decided it’s time to sell, there are several things to consider. Although it can seem like a daunting task, with the right research and by taking the time to be thorough, you can take some of the worry out of your “how to sell my timeshare” stress.

Start out by doing some research online. By searching “selling my timeshare” or “how do I sell my timeshare” you’ll see there are a number of options of which you can take advantage.

First, there are resale companies that specialize in timeshares. But be careful. You don’t want to go with the first company you find. You need to make sure these are legitimate companies. Sometimes they can be scam artists.

There are numerous avenues you can take to look into these companies. Many people blog about their own experiences with different companies. Also check out timeshare owner clubs. They often have forums you can join with a vibrant community of owners happy to share their own tales of success or woes. You don’t want to sign any contracts until you feel confident with the company you’ve chosen.

Also, because there are often upfront fees to use these services, it’s always best to shop around for the best price. Just don’t let price be your only deciding factor.

If you’re in a big hurry to sell, consider a timeshare broker. Again, make sure to research anyone you find. There are a number scam artists dying to take your money banking on the fact that you aren’t doing the necessary research. One downfall to using a broker is the high fees they charge. You might be able to negotiate a smaller fee or even a commission only plan but don’t count on it.

Another option is contacting the developer for the property. Unless they are busy courting new sellers, they may have resale programs from which you can benefit.

And of course, you can always do it yourself. If you’re looking to save some money, you’re in no hurry and you’re not afraid of a little work, this may be the way to go.

You need to know the market before you can think about listing your timeshare. Check out places like eBay or Craigslist. Look for units and locations similar to your own and see what they are or have gone for in the past. Look at both the listing price and past selling prices to make an educated guess as to what you should price your timeshare.

Try to reach a targeted market with classified ads. I mentioned before the timeshare owner clubs to do a little research but you’ll also find they have classified ads. No matter what your budget for advertising, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

If your timeshare is a fixed unit and time, chances are other owners are in the same situation. If that’s the case, see if you can find out who has the weeks before or after yours. They may be interested in extending their own time with yours.

As you can see, there are many options when you decide it’s time to sell your timeshare. And armed with a little research, you can make a smart, informed decision. Whether you decide to use a professional or go it alone, with the right mindset, you’re sure to sell your timeshare.