The best websites for timeshare owners (part II)

October 15, 9:02 PMTimeshare ExaminerMark Silverman

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Monday’s column began to look at a number of websites representing a cross section of information resources available to help timeshare owners get the most out of their programs. In no particular order, here is the second half of that list.

Timeshare Users Group (Tug)  - The Timeshare Users Group is a terrific resource for information about resorts, programs, tips on buying and selling. Founded fifteen years ago, the content is by timeshare owners, for timeshare owners. The $15 first year fee is well worth the cost.

Timeshare Beat – A source of news and gossip for the real timeshare junkie, much of the reporting on The Timeshare Beat is for industry insiders. It takes a very realistic and candid view of the industry, both good and bad. It offers editorials, and has columns by some of the top professionals in the industry.

Timesharing Today – probably the most enduring source of industry news and user tips, a new issue of the magazine is mailed every other month on timeshare, and subscribers may also access the content online. Along with resort reviews and tips, Timesharing Today also offers exchange tips, resort reviews and a large classified ad section to buy or sell timeshare.

Timeshare Resale Companies – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, you do not need to pay an upfront free in order to sell your timeshare. Not an appraisal fee, not a web design fee, not even a fee to be included in a glossy magazine distributed outside the supermarket. You do not need to pay an upfront fee. While many brokers specialize in specific areas, whether types of properties or certain regions of the country, two of the best all-purpose resale companies are Timeshare Resales Worldwide and Preferred Timeshare Resales.

ARDA (American Resort Development Association) – ARDA is the trade association representing the vacation ownership industry in Washington. It’s goal is to promote the interests of the developers, seeking favorable legislation. It also promotes consumer protection and a professional code of ethics. Most countries have their own version of ARDA to help promote and regulate the industry.

VacationBetter.org is the new consumer-centric site created by ARDA, with an emphasis on promoting the industry, as well as educating potential buyers and current owners. In addition to emphasizing the importance of vacationing, the site offers tips on purchasing timeshare, selling timeshare and exchanging your resort.

The sites listed in these last couple of articles are a starting point for readers to continue their education on the options available for timeshare owners. They are not the only sources of information. Remember, the web, more so than many other resources is also home to misleading information, so take anything you read with a grain of salt.