How to Market Your Timeshare

So you have decided to sell your timeshare property. How do you get started?

Well, there are a couple of ways, you can sell your timeshare using free web tools, promote it yourself online, or contract with a timeshare realty broker. In this blog we are going to speak only about doing it yourself and the free tools that we have online that allow you to market your property using the power of the Web. We'll do another post in the future on selling your timeshare through a timeshare realty broker.

The first thing that you should have is some great photos of your unit and the timeshare resort property. You can get these from your resort property's website and property manager or snap some pictures the next time that you visit. Without photos your property will simply sit there so make sure that your photos are great!

On our sponsor's site, Timeshare Giant, we have two types of timeshare resale listings, a totally free one -- no strings attached -- and a paid listing. The difference is that with the paid listing you will get ad-free space to advertise your site. The free listing will have an ad at the top. Both types of listings will allow for great exposure and allow visitors to find your listing through our site search features.

When you write the content for your advertisement, keep in mind what potential buyers want and need to know. Take time to "romance" your listing. Romancing your listing means focusing on the features and how they benefit your potential buyer. Make sure that your listing is truthful and that the photos are current. If you are not sure what to price your timeshare resale at, ask your resort property manager for advice. Remember price will be one of the most important features for your advertising content as well as location. Potential buyers will be shopping by price, time of year, or by location most frequently. If you are priced too high, your listing will sit. When it comes to price, be realistic, it is better to move to a close on the property than to sit for months without even a nibble. If you feel like you want to sell your timeshare quickly a timeshare realty broker may be the best bet for your need. Professional timeshare real estate brokers will understand the market from a professional level and able to offer more authoritative guidance as well as selling comps to help determine the best price for your timeshare resale.

In addition to advertising your timeshare on our site, you may want to consider promoting your site yourself by creating a mini website for it. Many Internet service providers provide free web space and even site building tools to allow you to post some photos and content as well as a link to your email. Also check with your resort's management to see if they have a list of local units for sale that they can add yours to as well. You may even want to consider online advertising although it would not be free in this case pay per click may be a very cost effective way to get the word out that you have a timeshare unit for sale.

One of the big things to keep in mind as you sell your timeshare is what is it that made you want to buy it in the first place? Was it the location, was it the week that matched your schedule, was it the amenities of the property? Whatever it was that clinched the deal for you, make sure to cover that in your advertising content in your listing text or your other marketing materials. Let your buyer know what made you fall in love with your timeshare, they may just end up sharing your enthusiasm and be your buyer.

Tranquil Outer Banks Offer Unique Fall Getaway

North Carolina's Outer Banks are a delightfully quiet haven for a romantic getaway or a carefree family vacation. Tranquil, scenic beauty defines the popular barrier islands strung like jewels along the state's Atlantic coast. Gorgeous beaches, diverse parks, history, culture, culinary delights and environmental beauty combine to create a distinctive vacation destination.

Surrounded by 900 miles of ocean, the barrier islands protect North Carolina's coastal mainland from the Atlantic's fury, creating the largest estuary system in the world. The unique environment is a birder's paradise. Miles of pristine beaches, sand dunes and salt marshes are home to more than 400 species of waterfowl, shore and song birds and nesting areas. From fall through spring, birders and nature lovers flock to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge for the migration and nesting seasons.

Hiking is just one of the activities you can enjoy on the Outer Banks. Cycling, equestrian adventures, hang gliding, kayaking and some of the country's finest golf courses delight visitors. Temperate weather, shallow sound waters and rolling waves make the Outer Banks a a water lover's playground. Known as the windsurfing capital of the east coast for its steady, consistent breezes, you can also try your hand at surfing, boating, sailing, jet skiing, diving and fishing. Equipment rental and lessons are readily available.

Restaurants feature fresh-caught seafood, plucked from the cold waters of the Atlantic that morning. Spend the day gallery hopping or poking in the islands' eclectic variety of unique shops. Tour the islands' charming lighthouses.

If you're a history buff, you'll find plenty of historic sites and museums where you can while away lazy afternoons. The Outer Banks are the landing site of Sir Walter Raleigh's Lost Colony, the new world pioneers whose mysterious disappearance from Roanoke Island has never been explained. The Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center provides a fascinating historic view of the barrier islands. Lose yourself in the Civil War and World War II relics and artifacts at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Visit the Kitty Hawk site of the Wright Brothers' historic airplane flight.

Click here to view the great timeshares available in North Carolina and start planning your vacation now.

Advantages of Buying a Resale Timeshare

You may have noticed that resale timeshare prices are considerably lower than prices for new timeshares. When you buy new, the cost includes the developer's construction and marketing fees. Marketing generally accounts for nearly 50% of the sales price. By buying on the resale market you don't pay for the original marketing which can save you 40% or more.

When owners sell a timeshare, they benefit primarily from use, not generally financially. It's like buying a new car, the minute you drive away from the dealership, the resale value drops. You balance that against the pride and pleasure you derive from owning and driving the vehicle. In much the same way, timeshare owners have enjoyed years of memorable vacations in their timeshare. However, because it is not new, its resale value will be less. When you buy a resale timeshare you will benefit both from its use and financially.

Take into account too that prices are driven by supply and demand. This year's hot resort may lose its "nouveau" status five years down the road which will decrease its desirability in the market and, therefore, its price. Also, at resorts with thousands of owners, several timeshares may be on the market at the same time which will also keep prices lower.

When you purchase a timeshare, you will realize a savings on vacation costs. Timeshares are generally more affordable than hotel rooms, meals, etc. and often provide more luxurious accommodations for a similar price. Purchasing a timeshare is much more than planning your annual vacation. It is an investment in your lifestyle and a promise of quality leisure time that you can look forward to all year long.

Timeshare Term Glossary

Accrual Program, A.R.D.A., Blue Weeks, Day Use, Fractional Interest, Lock-off unit, White Weeks... If you don't know what these terms mean, then let me invite you to check out our Timeshare Glossary of terms at our main website http://www.timesharegiant.com/. You'll be speaking like an expert after you peruse our online glossary.

In our Timeshare Glossary we list definitions of over 69 different important terms that are common in the timeshare industry and in the timeshare resale marketplace. Here are the definitions of a few that you may find interesting to pique your curiosity further:

Accrual Program: Some resorts offer their owners the ability to move unused weeks from the previous year, for use in the current year.

Day Use: If a resort offers day use, a timeshare owner can access the resort’s services and amenities 365 days per year, such as the pool or health club, even while not in residency.

White Weeks: A color-code designation used by R.C.I., indicating moderate demand weeks at a resort. R.C.I.’s color-coding is as follows: Red = High Demand, White = Moderate Demand, Blue = Low Demand.

Lock-off unit: Also known as a lockout unit, a type of timeshare unit consisting of multiple living and sleeping quarters designed to function as two discrete units for purposes of occupancy and exchange. The unit can be combined to form one large unit or can be split or "locked-off" into two or more separate units, allowing the owner to split the vacation into multiple stays or bank all or a portion for exchange purposes.

These are just a few of the terms that you will find in our glossary. We invite you to learn more about timeshares and to identify if buying a timeshare is right for you. Buying a time share may just be the perfect alternative to buying a vacation home. Visit http://www.timesharegiant.com/ now for information on vacationing in a timeshare resort or for more information on buying or selling your timeshare.

We're Up and Running! Come Visit Timeshare Giant's New Website

Timeshare Giant's new website is up and running and ready to serve your vacation needs. A global timeshare travel resource, Timeshare Giant links timeshare owners with timeshare buyers and renters. Click the link or post title to take a look at all the exciting features available to help you plan your next vacation.

These are just some of the things you'll find on Timeshare Giant's new website:

• Home page. Keep up-to-date on the latest industry news. Find out about special promotional getaways to the world's swankest resorts. Enjoy the convenience of one-stop shopping with our travel service. Book airline flights, hotels, cars and cruises in just minutes. Peruse our fabulous travel store where you'll find helpful books about timeshare, excellent travel guides, and many other items carefully selected to make your vacation more enjoyable.


• Buy or rent a timeshare. Search for timeshares available for sale or rent by resort name, location or listing ID number. Browse for timeshares by clicking on the world map or select from a list of countries or a list of states for U.S. listings. You can even search by venue: mountain, beach, yacht, motorhome, theme park, golf, metropolitan, pet friendly, etc.


• Sell or rent out your timeshare. No commissions, no upfront fees, with Timeshare Giant you have complete control over the sale or rental of your timeshare. Timeshare Giant gives you a 6-month basic ad listing absolutely free at no cost or obligation. For those who desire more exposure, additional services are available at very reasonable rates. Using our simple automated online system, your listing can be crafted and posted in a matter of minutes.


• My account. Set up an account to track your timeshare activity. It takes only seconds and requires minimal information.


• Helpful toolbox. At the bottom of each page you'll find a helpful toolbox containing a 4-year timeshare calendar, seller's checklist, owner's rental checklist, quick and easy loan calculator, prompt and accurate escrow services and a glossary.

Visit Timeshare Giant's new website today and start planning your next dream vacation. We look forward to serving you.

Why Vacation in a Timeshare?

Timeshare vacations provide you with incredible choice and flexibility. Choose from 52 weeks in the year, 5400 fabulous sites around the world, every climate from chilly snow-covered ski slopes to hot sandy beaches, every environment from big glittering cities to cozy secluded cottages -- whatever your definition of paradise, there's a timeshare there waiting for you.

What are the advantages of a timeshare vacation?

• When you vacation in a timeshare, you can stay at some of the world's most popular resorts and luxury condominiums without paying exorbitant hotel rates. Using timeshares, you can even vacation on a yacht, a luxury motorhome or at an exclusive spa.
• Timeshares provide an affordable way to explore the world's exotic vacation spots while you search for your personal piece of heaven on Earth.
• You enjoy the priority status of an owner when you stay in a timeshare.
• You can find an amazing timeshare vacation to fit any budget.
• Timeshares allow you to book your favorite vacation spot years in advance.
• Condo timeshares have kitchens, private bedrooms with baths and may sleep up to 10. You'll have plenty of space to share with friends and family and still have the privacy you enjoy.
• Resort timeshares provide plenty of activities and tours, many of them free. It's like having your own personal tour director do all the planning for you.
• Timeshares allow you to experience unparalleled luxury. Depending on the timeshare, you can pamper yourself with a private swimming pool, personal sauna, private beach, maid service, personal chef, daily massage and much more.

To find out more about timeshare vacations, visit Timeshare Giant.

What Is Your Vacation Personality?

Most Americans only get two or three weeks vacation each year. That's not much time to kick back, relax and recharge your batteries. It's helpful to know what kind of vacationer you are before you rent a timeshare, book your flight and take off into the wild blue yonder. You'd hate to waste your time and money on a vacation that turned out to be more stressful than relaxing. It's particularly important to know yourself and your vacation personality when you plan to vacation with other people.

To determine your vacation personality, ask yourself these questions before you start planning your next trip:

• What level of comfort is important to you? Do you prefer to vacation in pampered luxury? Or would you rather be left alone in peace to take care of yourself?
• What kind of environment do you enjoy? Do you crave the excitement of the city with its theaters, nightclubs and fine restaurants? Or does the peaceful quiet of green forests and babbling brooks soothe your soul?
• What kind of people do you like to be with? Are you a party person who likes to groove with a happy, noisy crowd? Or would you rather share a quiet conversation and a bottle of wine with a few intimate friends?
• What types of activities do you enjoy? Do you love wandering through museums and poking in obscure little shops? Or do you like to hike trails, cycle through the countryside or go riding in the mountains?
• How adventurous are you? Do you love to try new things, make plans on the spur of the moment, turn down a road just to see what's there? Or are you happier knowing what's coming, having a plan and sticking to it, always knowing where you are going?

When you're planning your vacation -- and choosing your fellow travelers -- think carefully about your expectations. Of course, things like time and money will play a part in your vacation decisions, but even on a budget you can find timeshares that let your fulfill your vacation dreams.

Want to find out more about your vacation personality? Click here to take a fun little quiz from the U.S. Tour Operators Association.

Travel Insurance Can Protect You from Disaster

Hurricane season has started in the Atlantic. Weather news has been focused on Hurricane Dean, the massive storm relentlessly chugging toward Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Views of the Category 4 storm taken from the International Space Station show an alarming whirlpool of angry clouds spinning over a huge section of the ocean. No wonder frightened tourists are mobbing Caribbean airports trying to flee Dean's path.

When you plan a vacation, sometimes renting a timeshare months or even a year in advance, there's no way to plan for the weather or natural disasters. No one plans to vacation in the eye of a hurricane, on a tropical island during a tsunami, in the midst of a crowded city when an earthquake strikes or during any of the other myriad disasters that befall our planet. You can plan your vacation down to the minute, but you can't plan on the weather. Mother Earth has a mind of her own!

What you can do is consider purchasing travel insurance. There are various types of travel insurance to cover the host of unpleasant emergency situations you may find yourself in when you are far from home:

• Travel Medical Insurance and International Medical Insurance pay for major medical expenses including doctor and/or hospital care, emergency surgery and extended hospital stays for sickness or injury, even medical evacuation back home, if necessary. Deductibles and co-pays may apply. Travel assistance may also be included.
• Travel Accident Insurance and Accidental Death Plans pay a lump sum if you are killed or seriously injured (loss of limb or eye) in an accident. Repatriation of remains in case of death if usually included. You can purchase insurance for travel by plane, common carrier or 24-hour coverage which pays a benefit for accidental death or dismemberment no matter how or where they occur during travel. Terrorism is usually included, though some policies require a separate rider. War is generally not covered, but you can purchase War Risk Insurance at very high prices.
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance covers the cost of transporting a seriously ill or injured person to either the nearest medical facility, a hospital near home or a hospital of his choice. Often included in travel medical and trip protection plans, emergency evacuation insurance can also be purchased as a stand-alone policy.
• Travel Protection Plans and Trip Cancellation Insurance cover the cost of unreimbursed travel expenses if you are forced to cancel your vacation due to an unexpected crisis (death, accident, illness, airline strike, travel company bankruptcy, etc.). Some policies also provide travel assistance, lost or damaged luggage, and limited medical coverage (sometimes with a co-pay).
• Post Departure Trip Protection covers you against travel delay, trip interruption, trip cancellation, and baggage loss or delay.

While most insurance covers only a specific vacation period, Multi-Trip Travel Insurance may be a cost-effective investment for frequent travelers. Multi-trip insurance is usually sold as a package that includes medical, emergency assistance, medical evacuation, accidental death, baggage and trip delay protection. Plans are available for both domestic and international travel.

New Seven Wonders of the World Announced

With the exception of the pyramids at Giza, the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are so much dust blowing in the wind. The most amazing manmade architectural constructions of antiquity, the seven wonders once regaled Greek sightseers. (You can still read their graffiti near the pyramids in Egypt!)

While other seven wonders lists have appeared over time, the classic Mediterranean sights selected by the ancient Greeks are revered as the traditional Wonders of the World. Time, fire and earthquakes have demolished the storied Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the immense Colossus of Rhodes, the towering Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the others. Only the Great Pyramid at Giza in Egypt, built from 2650 to 2500 BC, remains standing today.

Over the centuries, other feats of human engineering have been awarded World Wonders status, including Stonehenge, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. More recently the American Society of Civil Engineers compiled a list of modern wonders that include the Channel Tunnel under the Straits of Dover, the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Panama Canal.

The search for the recently released New Seven Wonders of the World was initiated in 2001 by the Swiss New Open World Corporation. From a list of 200 monuments, 21 finalists were announced in January 2006 and put to a global internet vote. While some may argue with the selections -- Stonehenge and the Easter Island monoliths didn't make the cut -- the seven new sites chosen are truly deserving of man's admiration. In deference to its inclusion in the original list of Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids at Giza were included again as an honorary, eighth, wonder.

The new Wonders of the World are:

• Colosseum in Italy
• Taj Mahal in India
• Petra in Jordan
• Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil
• Manchu Picchu in Peru
• Pyramid at Chichen Itza in Mexico
• Great Wall of China
• Pyramids at Giza in Egypt

Unlike our ancient ancestors, modern travellers can plan to visit the World Wonders in their lifetime. The new list makes a good start to an eclectic life travel list. Mexico's Esencia Resort now offers a special 7th World Wonder travel package to vacationers who want to visit Chichen Itza. Flight by private jet cuts travel time from an arduous seven to a very accessible three hours, placing the Mexican architectural marvel within the reach of many more travellers. A day trip to the massive 79-foot tall stair-step pyramid (365 steps if you climb to the top!) is the centerpiece of a 5-night, 6-day luxury vacation at the beautiful resort. Click here for more information.