The Timeshare Industry by Bill Paxton at 1:12 AM

The timeshare industry is fast becoming one of the most popular industries in the entire world. Today, millions of Americans look into timeshares and vacation ownership, and this number is only increasing with time. The timeshare business or industry has been around for quite some time. It was in the 1970s that a Frenchman sold timeshares in his hotel rather than trying to rent specific rooms. It was in this Alps hotel that the timeshare idea took hold and a lucrative and popular industry got its start. Since the start of this business, the industry has seen a surge in sales, especially during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. Today, the economy may be weakened, but people of all ages and backgrounds are still making the time to save for a timeshare in some of the most exotic properties in the entire world.

So, what exactly is a timeshare? Basically, people invest in a property so that they can visit this place at either a fixed or predetermined time each year or a certain number of weeks each year. People can buy timeshares for locations around the world: everywhere from New Orleans to the Bahamas. This way, a person can take the time to visit a new or exotic location but in an affordable manner.

The price of a timeshare depends upon the location of the property and the time of year you want to visit this place. If you wanted to visit a popular vacation space during a peak time - think Rocky Mountains during the winter months - you may have to pay up to $12-13,000 for a week of such prime time. Thus, there are peak, shoulder, and off peak seasons so that people can distinguish between different times. If you have a timeshare deed, you can use the property during your specified time for an indefinite period of time, and if you do not have a deed, one's timeshare will eventually expire.

When it comes to a timeshare, you should expect to pay a maintenance fee so that your property is taken care of even if you are not around to care for it yourself. Also, since many folks may be using a property, it is normal for there to be some basic wear and tear. This fee can cover such situations. If you have a flexible timeshare in place, you can visit your property at various times of year and can sometimes even trade properties so that you can visit a number of places and change your destinations. There are some timeshare plans out there that allow folks to save up their weeks and to use them all at once.

It is normal for large organizations to manage or organize large groups of timeshare properties so that people can trade time and move around the world. Two such organizations are the international group, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), and the Washington DC-based American Resort Development Association (ARDA). The latter group is one that not only offers timeshare opportunities to people but works to support the industry with lobbying and legislative work. The RCI enables folks to travel the world when it comes to their timeshare.

At the start of the timeshare industry, there were sometimes a negative perception of the practice because there were organizations and businessmen who sold timeshares to spaces that never ended up being built. This eventually changed because world-famous groups like Hilton and Disney entered into the timeshare industry. Once such powerhouse players entered into the business, timeshares became that much more popular. Once the industry gained respect, resale brokers entered the industry to make ownership easier and less of a risk if the owner decided to ever sell the space.

The timeshare industry experiences both its ups and downs. There are times when the economy is doing well and it is easy to sell one's timeshare, and there are times when the economy is less than stellar and folks have less disposable income to invest in such ownership. Thus, when the economy is down, you may want to consider donating your timeshare to a non-profit so that you can do something good and can receive a much-needed tax break or dedication. If you are trying to sell your timeshare, you should be aware that you will still be responsible for any and all maintenance fees on the property.

Timeshares are great for folks who want to travel as much as possible, want to see the world, and want to get away to some of the most beautiful places in the entire world. If you invest in timeshares with reputable organizations like ARDA and RCI, you can be sure that you will be investing in real timeshares from which you will surely get your money's worth.