Timeshare Buyers have often found our Glossary of Terms to be a helpful tool in getting their questions answered. Here are some frequently asked questions buyers have asked:

What is a timeshare? Timeshares are fractional ownership interests in vacation condominiums, typically for one-week increments. The timeshare concept has gained popularity over recent years, due to the low cost to purchase and low maintenance costs in comparison to full second home ownership,

Is financing available for my timeshare purchase? Yes, we can recommend reputable timeshare lenders at the time you have found a timeshare to purchase on Timeshare Giant.

What is the difference between buying directly from the resort developer vs. buying from an existing owner? The main difference is price. When purchasing directly from the resort itself, the buyer will pay a much higher price, due to the cost of marketing, promotional gifts, sales staff, developer profit, and more. When buying on the resale market, the buyer is simply paying the market value of the timeshare. Buying directly from an existing owner offers the same major benefits as if you made your purchase directly from the resort, including the ability to exchange your timeshare to other resorts affiliated with your resort’s timeshare exchange company.

What do the annual maintenance fees include? Annual maintenance fees cover the costs involved in the operation and maintenance of your timeshare resort, including property insurance, staff salaries, etc.. Each year, the Board of Directors (a group of individuals elected by the timeshare owners) will hold a meeting, at which time the following year’s budget is determined. The amount of maintenance fees are billed proportionate to the resort’s amenities and features, and apportioned among all the owners at the resort.

Who are R.C.I. and Interval International? Both are timeshare exchange companies, which allow their members the ability to experience other resorts within their network of resorts. As a member of an exchange company, you, the owner, can ‘deposit’ your ‘home’ timeshare week, and ‘withdraw’ another week to use at a different resort. Although R.C.I. and Interval International are completely separate companies, both have adopted very similar procedures, practices, and features.

Am I automatically enrolled with an exchange company when I buy a timeshare? Although most timeshare owners love to have the ability to exchange their timeshare, membership is optional. There are no initiation fees to become a member. A nominal annual membership fee is charged. At the time an exchange is requested, a nominal administrative exchange fee is charged. Most timeshare exchange companies offer additional benefits, including discounted travel arrangements and more.

Are timeshare condos fully equipped? Yes, right down to the bed linens, towels, kitchenware, and more. Just set down your suitcase, and start enjoying your vacation condo.

What is the difference between Deeded timeshare, Right-To-Use timeshares, and memberships in perpetuity timeshares? Deeded ‘Fee Simple’ timeshares are ownership for an indefinite period of time, while Right-to-Use timeshares (also known as leasehold ownership) typically have a year in the future in which the timeshare ownership expires. Memberships in Perpetuity, while not deeded, are memberships for an indefinite period of time.