What is a timeshare? Know the Answer Before Investing
Timeshares have been around for a long time, and everyone seems to know that they’re used for vacations, but people still often ask the question, “‘What is a timeshare?” If you’re thinking of investing in a timeshare, you need to know the answer to this question before making a decision.
What is a Timeshare
A timeshare is a property which is owned by multiple people or parties. Typically resort condominium units, timeshares are owned by several parties with each party being entitled to use the property for an allotted period of time. This period varies, but it is generally one week, and in most all cases, it is for the same specific time period every year. A timeshare unit or property can be set up in a few ways including ownership, lease, or right to use.
Types of Ownership
What is a timeshare? When answering this question, you need to know more than just what it is. You also need to know the types of usage agreements associated with this particular type of real estate. Timeshares can be tricky business, so it pays to know exactly what’s what.
- Deeded: This is a timeshare agreement in which you own a portion of the property. Typically, the right to use the property is divided into week-long stretches which are sold as a fractional ownership of real property. Owners can use this week anyway they see fit, whether it be using, renting, giving it away, or willing it to family. It is a real ownership of real property.
- Right to Use: This one is important to remember when asking, “What is a timeshare”, because some people get this confused with a deeded agreement. They are completely different, however. Right to use means exactly that. You are paying for the right to use the timeshare facility for a number of years. You don’t own the property, and at some point, the contract will end. You are essentially renting a block of time.
Knowledge is Power
What is a timeshare? It’s a confusing thing if you don’t know the answer. A timeshare is a real estate labyrinth, and we only scratched the surface here. Keep an eye out for another article which will cover the pros and cons of timeshare ownership.
Do you own a timeshare? Have you ever considered it?