Timeshare Examiner : The readers write

Mary C Question: are there timeshare resorts that cater to specific sub-group populations? For example, people who like gardening..people who like spaghetti, people who like kinky party games?

Response -  I don’t have listings for specific resorts that cater to gardening or cooking. Many resorts offer classes and workshops during the week. They could include gardening, cooking, crafts and more. They also may offer exercise classes, aerobics or yoga. Sometimes this is indicated in the Interval or RCI exchange directory, or the resorts web site.
Other niches are served. There are resorts in the US and other countries that cater to gay and lesbian couples. There is at least one “clothing optional” timeshare resort. There are timeshare properties that are pet-friendly.  If readers know of other niche properties I’d love to hear about them.

re: Timeshare, proposition 8 and threats

Mary - Bravo to you for speaking up! If people already own their timeshare there they'll have to trade. I wish boycotting travel could make a difference. But I think we just have to keep bringing up the obvious, all people deserve the right of matrimony. I think that right is guaranteed in our constitution and not to be taken away on the state level. I'm so proud our California gay community has protested and look forward to the court appeals. How will we know the difference of boycotting versus the bad economy?

Charles D - Regarding your editorial, the irony is that the least Mormon things in Utah are what you propose boycotting – Sundance, Park City, the Ski Industry in general.  It will be interesting to see how this gay shakedown plays out.

Kenji N (Rossmoor) - I read the series on Timeshares you wrote for the SF Examiner.  I have a friend who wants to simply walk away from his timeshare by not paying the annual Maintenance Fees.  Is there any legal ramification other than he loses the timeshare.  It is completely paid for ($21,000).  It is a Bluegreen Premier owner (21,000 points annually).
Thanks

Kenji,

Reply - Thanks for the question (and for reading the column).

It's a good question - I don't have a very definitive answer.

Walking away from the maintenance fees, and abandoning the deed is different than not making payments on the note. Both will ultimately lead to foreclosure, but the impact on the owners credit is harder to predict.

Their are better alternatives, especially if the deed is paid off - donating to charity being the easiest.

Selling it is always a possible, but do not pay significant upfront fees in order to do that. There are several reputable brokers where you pay no fee until it sells.