Expert Advice from Timeshare Junkies

Steven and Marilyn are self-confessed “timeshare junkies”. They own 24 weeks of timeshare and they use them all every year. It all started in 1983 when the couple was invited to a brunch while vacationing in San Francisco. They always enjoyed staying at the Fairmont Hotel and decided to purchase their first timeshare at San Francisco Suites, located about one block away. In 1985, Steven and Marilyn took another tour while on vacation in Hawaii. They soon decided to buy a timeshare on the Island of Kauai. After this second purchase from a developer, the savvy couple learned the most important lesson in buying timeshares: ALWAYS BUY ON THE RESALE MARKET FROM A REPUTABLE COMPANY LIKE PARADISE TIMESHARE RESALE. You will save 40 to 80% off the developer price! Steven and Marilyn visited the Paradise office during their current vacation in Lake Tahoe. “We found the Paradise employees to be very accommodating and they went out of their way to please us. We have already recommended Paradise to our friends.”

This friendly couple found they really liked the affordability and high quality vacations their timeshares provided at five-star resorts. They quickly added three more weeks in Hawaii so they could have a fixed vacation to celebrate the holidays with family and friends every December and January. They soon purchased more weeks in Hawaii along with timeshares in Lake Tahoe, Pacific Grove, Del Mar and Las Vegas. Now that Steve is retired, they spend a full 12 weeks in Hawaii every winter. In the summertime, you can find them relaxing in a lakefront cabin on the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe. It is truly a first-class lifestyle. How much does all this luxury cost? “Our maintenance fees are $13,000 per year which works out to about $77 per day. We feel this is a fair price to stay in the finest suites with all the comforts of home plus the amenities of the best resorts.”

Steven and Marilyn were happy to share the knowledge gained during their 22 years as timeshare owners. “The number one rule is to only buy what you are going to use. Second, purchase only high demand weeks in prime season at the finest resorts. This is extremely important when it comes time to exchange. The exchange companies are calling us constantly for our weeks!” Steven and Marilyn recommend that you stay at a resort before you buy. “This way you really get a feel for the property, the staff and all the facilities. We like to play tourist and try all of the activities.” Be sure to learn about day use privileges and cleaning policies. They often exchange a week to a new resort and if they like it, they find the best deal on the resale market and make a purchase. In fact, they have done such a good job researching the resorts they own, they have never sold one of their timeshares! Steven and Marilyn like to buy deeded timeshares versus leasehold timeshares. They definitely do not like owning points. “It practically takes an Act of Congress to book a partial week with points.”

These timeshare junkies recommend that you get to know the manager and staff at your resort. “Remember that a few dollars tip can go a long way.” They both agree that the biggest problem with owning a timeshare is making the reservations. “When the developers tell you that you will always be able to get your preferred week or book at the last minute, don't believe them. You have to become an expert at this game to make sure you get the desired weeks.” They prefer resorts that handle their own reservations and like to make advance reservations while staying on the property if possible. “Make sure you mark the calendar to call on the first day that you can reserve the week that you want.” Thanks to Steven and Marilyn for sharing their expertise.