Like some other major purchases, the acquisition of a timeshare comes with several ongoing fees, above and beyond the purchase price.
Financial Commitments of Timeshare Ownership
For timeshare owners, this typically means being saddled with assessments and annual maintenance fees, for as long as the consumer possesses his or her interest.
What makes these additional ongoing costs fairly unique is that they tend to rise, year over year, without stopping or keeping pace with the rate of inflation. Timeshare owners are also responsible for keeping up with these sizable payments, whether or not they actually take advantage of their points or weeks.
It’s also worth noting that these high fees – particularly maintenance fees – tend to comprise the single biggest factor sowing consumer dissatisfaction and pushing timeshare owners away from the industry.
For anyone considering taking the timeshare plunge, then, a common question tends to come up: “What are the actual costs of timeshare ownership?”
Our own Michael Finn recently took on this common consumer question in a video interview. Here’s what he had to say:
And here’s a full transcription of his remarks:
“Acquisition costs begin with a purchase price, and that can vary considerably depending on whether you’re buying it from the developer or whether you’re acquiring it on the resale market.
Once it’s acquired, you have to consider your annual maintenance fees, because that’s a cost that’s going to be with you throughout your entire ownership. There’s other possible assessments as well. The developer could decide to add amenities. He’s going to pass those additional costs onto you, and you’re going to have to pay them in order to maintain your unit.
It’s very hard to know when you’re making your acquisition what the future is going to bring in terms of the total ownership costs, over a period of time.”
For more on this important topic, readers should feel free to peruse the following blog posts and resources from Michael and other writers for the Finn Law Group team:
- The Ongoing Costs of Timeshare Ownership
- Who Is This Property Owner’s Association to Whom I Pay My Resort Maintenance Fees?
- Will My Timeshare Maintenance Fees Increase? (Video)
- The Timeshare Developer’s Dilemma
Led by Attorney Michael D. Finn with 50 years of experience, the Finn Law Group is a consumer protection firm specializing in timeshare law. Our lawyers understand vacation ownership as well as the many pitfalls of the secondary market of timeshare resales. If you feel you have been victimized by a timeshare company, contact our offices for a free consultation. Know your rights as a consumer and don’t hesitate to drop us a line with any questions or concerns.
