Whether you prefer lounging on the beach or curling up in a snow covered cabin with a good book, finding a vacation home can be difficult. How do you decide whether to buy a timeshare or purchase a vacation home? There are pros and cons to each, but it is important to know what you're getting into before you make a purchase of this size.
Location
The first step to choosing a vacation home is to decide where you want it to be. One of the downsides to buying is you are limited to one location. If a sunny beach is the only place you want to be, a condo on the coast may be right for you. Timeshares allow more flexibility. Most timeshares have locations all over, so you can visit a different destination each year. If you find one you love, you can always just keep going back.
Selling
While selling a house is not exactly easy, it is much simpler than trying to sell a timeshare. One of the downsides to timeshares is that they often lock people in. It can be difficult to get out of these contracts, but timeshare transfers are possible. Make sure you understand the legal obligations before getting into or trying to sell a timeshare. Whenever a contract is involved, consulting a lawyer is always a good idea.
Upkeep
Vacation homes require upkeep. Just like a regular house, things will break and need fixing or replacing. Have some money set aside for these emergency situations. You can always rent out your house to make extra money for this. You can't rent out your timeshare, but you also don't have to worry about maintenance.
Investing in a vacation home is probably one of the larger purchases you'll make, so make sure you are as informed as possible. Decide if you're looking to return to one place or would prefer to travel to different locations each year. Talk to vacation home and timeshare owners to get more information, and figure out what is right for you.
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