How to Buy a TimeshareWritten by Dick Conklin
My way of buying timeshares is a little different. It may take a bit longer, but you'll save money. Start by selecting a favorite vacation spot. That's because if a timeshare exchange request doesn't work out, it's nice to own at a resort that you enjoy staying at. If it isn't far from home, you won't have to spend a lot of time and money getting there. And if it is a popular spot, others will be willing to exchange their weeks to go there.Going Onsite Now that you have a location selected, visit timeshare resorts in area. Skip sales presentations. In fact, avoid resorts that are still in their initial selling phase. Their prices are inflated and there are too many restrictions on resales. You'll do better at places that are 100% sold out and owner owned. Walk around resort, including common areas. Look for bulletin boards showing owner-to-owner resales. Ask for copies of their newsletter. Does resort have a Web site? Talk to other owners. How do they like place? What is yearly maintenance fee? Is board of directors doing a good job? If you can, attend a resort get-together or a board of directors meeting. Ask which exchange companies they use, including any independent companies in addition to Interval International (II) or Resort Condominiums International (RCI). Which weeks are most popular? Often you can buy bargain off-season weeks that still trade well. In most cases, larger two-bedroom units are more popular for exchanges. Meet resort manager. He or she knows place better than anyone. Spend some time with this person. Ask for a tour, and visit a couple of units. What rules and restrictions are in place? What amenities are included? How are units sold? If owners are required to sell through resort, prices will be higher.
| | Keeping in touch abroadWritten by Trevor Dumbleton
In these days of mobile phones, it's tempting to think that staying in touch will be easy. Oftentimes this is case.But you need to think about a few things if you're going abroad and still want to be able to keep in touch. This simple checklist should help: 1. Can you use your current cell phone in country you are visiting? For instance, many European phones are dual band and won't work in America. Check your cell phone supplier's web site for information about using your phone in country you are visiting. 2. Assuming you can use your phone, have you set up 'international roaming'? To keep fraud down to a minimum, when you first buy your phone it will likely be restricted to use in your home country. Call your supplier to make sure that you can also use your phone abroad. If you've already set up roaming and it's been a while since you last went abroad, double check that it is still set up on your account. This is MUCH easier to do at home than when you've landed elsewhere!
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