So you’ve done your research regarding timeshares.  You know that you can save money buying on the resale market instead of purchasing directly from a developer.  You have spent hours perusing timesharing forums and websites.  You are well-versed on the difference between points vs. weeks, and your friends have even started emailing you regarding their timesharing questions.  But before you take the plunge into timeshare ownership there is one more step I encourage you to take - try before you buy.
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It is no surprise that the depressed economy has started to effect the timeshare market.  Vacations are often among the first expenses to go in a climate of instability.  While it is still too early to tell what time share owners can expect from this most recent economic downturn, we can look at the positive and negative effects it could have on owners, and what you can do to prepare and/or take advantage of the present economic climate.
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If you attend a timeshare presentation at the Grandview at Las Vegas resort, and decide to purchase a timeshare, your price will be different depending on what stage of the sales pitch you ultimately gave in. If you decided to buy while you were still with the initial salesperson, you can expect to pay anywhere between $10-$30,000, depending on the size of the room, years you have the right to use (whether it is every year, every other, every third, etc.), and depending on your negotiation skills. If you held out until you were passed off to another, upper-level salesperson, you can probably get a timeshare for $5-$10,000, again depending on the room size and if you have the right to use the timeshare each year. And finally, if you are able to hold out until the last person, the one who is supposed to give you your show tickets/check and send you on your merry way, you may be able to get out of there with a timeshare for under $7,000. Is it worth it?
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There is no doubt that you can save thousands of dollars buying foreclosed properties. In most instances, foreclosed properties can be purchased at a public auction for just a fraction of what they are worth. If you are considering timeshare, buying a foreclosed vacation property may sound alluring, but there are many hazards and pitfalls that can make it more of a headache than it is worth.
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