How to Sell a Time Share

When selling a time-share property, remember that price is the driving factor in making a successful sale. Even attractive units with in-season timing will usually sell for just 30 to 55 percent of the original purchase price. If the unit you are selling has off-season timing, is very small or isn't in a great location, expect to get less. Here are six steps to a successful sale.

Instructions

1. Get a handle on exactly what it is you are selling. This would be information like whether you have a Right to Use or a deeded ownership, tax records and mortgage details. To make a quick sale you should be able to answer the buyers' questions easily. The less confusing it is for your potential buyers, the more likely it is that they won't give up on pursuing the deal.

2. Check into the developer resale program at the development, if one exists. You will want to compare the fees to other methods of selling your unit before making a deal. Some developers will be more motivated to sell new units than to sell your old unit.

3. Ask the people who own the time-share for the weeks before and after you if they are interested in extending their time.

4. Place a classified ad with the local paper or your time-share owners club. This may be a free service if you belong to the club.

5. Try listing your time-share sale on eBay or similar online auction website. You can also use these sites as a tool to research prices.

6. Use a real estate agent. Shop around to find an agency that offers the best service for the best price. Don't be afraid to ask exactly how the agent plans to market your time-share unit and even have her put it in writing. Fees for the time-share transaction will likely be higher than for a regular property sale so if you have the time, you may want to take this step only if you haven't been successful in finding a buyer on your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to pay off what you owe on the time-share when selling. Very few time-share buyers will want to take over your loan payments.

• Watch out for scams. Any entity who makes unreasonable promises about getting your unit sold is probably not legitimate.