Here is a list of 8 important things to keep in mind when purchasing a timeshare:

1. Do not be pressured into signing at the initial presentation - you can take a little bit to think about making such a huge commitment. Being aware of the different tactics employed by timeshare sales associates will help with this.
2. Be informed about the different type of seasons at timeshare resorts. RCI uses red during seasons of high demand, yellow during seasons of moderate demand, and green meaning off season or low demand.
3. Make sure your week offered is in a good season so you’ll have more bargaining power. Use Web Directory - Offering quality website and resource listings as a research tool.
4. Ask if they offer the points system - points members have a lot more options than week members.
5. Ask what other costs are involved, i.e. maintenance fees, taxes, closing costs, admin fees, membership fees, exchange fees, and anything else they may put in there until you see the contract.
6. If you decide to buy a timeshare, make sure it is in a place you actually want to go back to. This is especially important if you are buying into a weeks program because changing locations can be more difficult.
7. Buy a timeshare because you want to vacation. Selling unused timeshare weeks is difficult and timeshares do not make good investments - they rarely appreciate in value and resales usually yield about 60% of the purchase value.
8. Use a timeshare sales company that has a solid reputation, read about industry warnings, and use a good closing company to complete your property transaction.