Do you want to know the advantages of owning timeshares? Ask the salesperson when you take that timeshare tour. Then ask them the disadvantages. Don’t expect much of an answer.

Even though you will not realize it at the time of purchase, maintenance fees are a big disadvantage. Do they ever go down? These fees are essential to the property but there comes a time for many owners when it’s just too much. And the housekeepers are still underpaid! Watch out for those special assessment fees also.

Be especially careful when you buy a pre-sell where they are selling weeks before the resort starts construction. You may pay a small amount and then it jumps to a much larger amount in 2 or 3 years.

Another disadvantage is exchanging. Millions of weeks are exchanged each year. In fact, exchanging is also an advantage but many owners end up at their 3rd choice resort just because they want to use their week. Some resorts are almost impossible to get even when it is an “internal exchange”. Here’s a tip: if the week you want at your desired resort is not available through your internal exchange, check the external exchange company that you are a member of.

The biggest disadvantage is the price. Every week that you buy from a developer is overpriced. Try buying a resale like those listed on eBay. Keep in mind that you will still pay the same maintenance fees like everyone else. The only time it may make sense to buy from the developer is when a new resort is first offered for sale. It will be hard to find resales for those for a few years. And the resale price could actually be higher than the pre-sell price.

Some people may want to consider buying a condo-hotel. Many are being built especially in Orlando. You may also consider a travel or membership club. These operate differently and are associated with different resorts, including many timeshare resorts. One that is very popular now has a reasonable lifetime membership fee and no maintenance fees. After the membership fee, you still have to pay a small amount for each vacation. However, the savings can be significant.

A disadvantage that should also be mentioned is the pushy salespersons and their managers. Some companies have a good reputation for top sales people who treat the tour with respect but the fact is, they have to sell and even the nicest ones, will get aggressive when their jobs are on the line. If you have to buy from a developer, then deal with those that have a “telesales” department where the you control the process. This way you don’t have to rush into a purchase.

Owning is timeshare is beneficial is many waysbut there are too many disadvantages. There are better alternatives such as membership clubs.