Regrettably, selling your timeshare is not an easy task, to be perfectly straightforward. You’re trying to attach as much value to a part of the market where developers are spending more to use high pressure tactics to get people to buy. This means you’re competing against timeshare selling professionals who are going to use every tactic to get any potential buyer to sink more money into their product, even if you’re selling yours for less. It also is true that when it comes to timeshare resales, they don’t generally command anything near the prices that you might have paid if you purchased your timeshare from the developer or from the timeshare presentation.
But, remember that many people do succeed and are able to sell their timeshare property with a little patience and so, even if you’re not selling yours as fast as you’d like, by changing a few things you can increase your chances of a sale.
1. Find a good price for marketing your timeshare
If you’re selling, of course you want to get as much for the property as you can. You may start by marketing your timeshare well above what you actually intend to get for it, to try and find a desperate buyer. But, this can be discouraging to anyone looking, especially since when it comes to desperate buyers, they are rarely looking for timeshares. This is more of a luxury purchase and there are many available for sale.
Just like you have an intended sell price, the buyer will have an intended buying price. And if these two aren’t even close, you may never get that second look. Search the market to find prices that other timeshares are actually selling for, then find a price in that range. The timeshare auctions on Ebay are a good place to look. Check the Completed Auction listings for pricing guidance.
2. Consider a Real Estate Agency
Just like with buying a home, if a buyer is looking for property in an area, they’ll call up someone who knows the ins and outs of buying property. Real estate agencies can be helpful when trying to sell, because they know how to sell properties. A real estate agent will assist buyers and direct them towards the timeshare they want, and since they’re working on a commission, they’ll be interested in getting the most for your timeshare. Be cautious though, as sometimes they’ll add in extra fees throughout the process of selling to get more money. And in some states, these fees are illegal. Also, you should be wary of any companies that ask for extravagant fees upfront as often they have no intention of really selling your timeshare. They just want that upfront payment.
3. Accept that you won’t get what you paid for the property
When you bought your timeshare new, it was at the highest price that you could probably get for it. Over the months or years, it’s been used, and therefore the value will begin to drop. Accept that you’ve “paid” for that use, and try marketing it lower than you think you should. Just like with buying another product, like a used car, people will be wary to drop more money on a property that’s been around for years. Work with any interested buyers to find a price that you both feel comfortable with. Remembering all the fun you had in your timeshare may help any feelings of regret for selling it lower than you would have liked.
Timeshares can be difficult to sell. If it’s just not selling, try talking with a realtor or developer, and find out if they can help you make a sale on the timeshare. Failing that you may want to explore your options for giving the timeshare away if you really just want to dispose of it.