| Seeking a vacation destination? Check classified ads | | | | away. |
| for ideas. A vacation rental is ideal for people requiring | | | | If you do, know that most states allow a cancellation |
| space, privacy and a preferred location. But a | | | | period. Use the extra time to check classified ads to |
| vacation rental home may be suitable. Perhaps the | | | | gauge the market and get a feel for prices. The first |
| cost has soured you. In that case time-sharing may | | | | thing that you'll notice is the price disparity between |
| be an ideal compromise. But buyer beware should be | | | | new and resales. There are motivated sellers at low |
| taken to heart. If you are already at a timeshare | | | | prices in any economic environment. Another reason, |
| resort then prepare for the dreaded timeshare | | | | contrary to what you may have been told, |
| promotion. There are many elements which make a | | | | timeshares are not investments. They will likely |
| purchase especially alluring. For one, you are relaxed | | | | depreciate in value because in good times more units |
| and pleased with the surroundings; also the staff is | | | | are built or converted; in bad times the market is |
| friendly. You are now a more vulnerable prospect. | | | | flooded with sellers. The advantage of checking local |
| Typically you will be invited to breakfast; bring your | | | | classified ads is the opportunity perhaps to speak |
| antacids and aspirins! Afterward a representative will | | | | with an actual person's vacation rental experiences. |
| approach you. With a hearty handshake and smile the | | | | And you will avoid commissions and other expenses. |
| "dance" has begun. This person is the "Fronter" who | | | | Also seek resort guests who may already be |
| will attempt to qualify you as the decision maker, | | | | owners-if not there then at another resort. This |
| time-sharing knowledge, and personal details. If you | | | | brings up the subject of trading weeks. Switching |
| exhibit any interest you will be greeted by a second | | | | time periods at your resort may mean different |
| person; this is the "Closer" who will attempt to sign | | | | accommodations each time. And if you buy in a less |
| you. Agreeable to purchasing time you may be | | | | than ideal location and/or buy in an undesirable time |
| visited by the "Loader". This person just happens to | | | | frame, your likelihood of trading to another resort is |
| know of another who, due to unforeseen | | | | diminished. |
| circumstances, has had to cancel and forfeit the | | | | At a fair price time-sharing represents value as a |
| deposit; more weeks are thus available at a discount. | | | | vacation rental. Who knows? One day you might |
| Worst case your original deal is cemented. Make sure | | | | want to rent out your unit or sell it. You'll find that |
| you've gotten full disclosure as to maintenance fees | | | | classified ads are a useful, personal tool for reaching |
| (usually equal to the cost of one night), and other | | | | motivated prospects! |
| acquisition costs. But it is best not to commit right | | | | |