Read more on Toronto Star

<p>Here are some tips for identify scams:</p>

1. Overvaluation. Sometimes solicitors will try to tell you that the property is worth a lot more than it actually is, and that you’ll be getting a good deal if you buy it. If you do buy it and want to resell it, some “resellers” will try to tell you that they will sale it for a lot of money if you just pay them an upfront fee. Don’t believe any of this.
2. A similar scam is the “buyer waiting” lie. If you ever want to <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.usatimesharerelief.com/”>get rid of your timeshare</a>, a reseller will try to tell you that there are buyers lined up to buy properties such as yours. The truth is that nobody is really interested in timeshares these days. Chances are, NOBODY will be interested in buying the property – at least not at the price promised by the reseller.
3. Sometimes solicitors will try to lure you into a sell via the deferred payment scheme. They promise to give you a discount if you pay half of the money upfront. Similarly, resellers will promise to sell your timeshare at a favorable price if you agree to pay a huge fee upfront. Don’t fall for any discount promises, whatsoever.
4. Timeshare sellers will try to sneak things into the fine print, so it’s important to read every single bit of the contract before purchasing. Sellers obviously won’t tell you about every single fee during the presentation. Also, be cautious if you’re promised a special “prize” for <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.usatimesharerelief.com/”>”signing up RIGHT NOW!”</a> Chances are, you’ll have to pay for that prize in one way or another – usually through hidden fees.
5. Don’t buy into the hype that owning a timeshare can be a lucrative income opportunity. While you might be able to make some money by renting your timeshare in places like Orlando and Vegas, the income will probably only be enough to offset the costs of maintenance fees. The chances of you making an actual profit are very slim.
6. Don’t believe any timeshare resale representative who tells you that they have access to businesses and organizations who buy timeshare in bulk. Even if they do, which is unlikely, your own property might not be impressive enough to sell to such clients. Never pay an upfront fee over this type of offer.

<p>These are just a few of the many timeshare scams out there. If you are thinking about buying timeshare, now isn’t the best time to do so since the economy is down. If you already do own timeshare and want to get rid of it, don’t fall into any “resale” trap. </p>

Read more on Chicago Tribune

A timeshare is a type of vacation property ownership. For years, this was the ideal solution for individuals who wanted to own vacation property on a limited budget. One villa or condo could be owned by a few different owners who take turns vacationing on the property. There are timeshare rental properties in tourist hot spots all over the world.

The first timeshares were in Europe during the 60’s. One of the first companies involved in this industry was a French development business called the Societe des Grands Travaux de Marseille, or “Society of the Big Works of Marseilles”. The SuperDevoluv ski resort in the French Alps was the very first company to adopt the timeshare strategy.

In 1969, the US joined in the timeshare industry. The company Vacation International was developed on the island of Kauai. Interested individuals were offered weeks of ownership on a leasing basis. In the 1970s, more states starting catching on to the timeshare strategy. The state of Florida in particular established many timeshare ownership programs.

Timeshare properties started to become popular with the middle class in the 80’s, and by 1990, “timeshare” was a household name. Even major hotel chains such as Sheraton and Hilton began to offer timeshare opportunities. Working-class families found these opportunities to be very appealing, since they didn’t want to spend a lot of money on accommodation.

Boy have times changed.

Now, the timeshare industry is in a horrible state. This is primarily due to two reasons: a failing economy and a multitude of scams. Due to the failing economy, people no longer have enough money to pay the annual fees that come with timeshare ownership. When they do go on vacation, they use the internet to find discounts on regular hotel rooms.

Timeshare scams have gotten out of control, as it isn’t as regulated as well as it should be. Now, there are more people who want to sell their timeshare than those who want to buy it. Vacationers are pressured to attend meetings where they will be solicited to. Sellers will tell vacationers almost anything to make a sale. Many people end up agreeing to the timeshare just so that they can get out of the presentation!

In addition to selling scams, there are also reselling scams. Some companies are taking advantage of those who are trapped in schemes and promise to help them sell their timeshares IF they pay a huge upfront fee. These scammers make it seem as if they have access to many buyers who are lined up to buy properties. When the timeshare owners pay the upfront fees, they never hear from the reseller again.

The best way to get out of an unwanted timeshare is to consult an honest company that offers a variety of ex strategies. An honest company will not make any guarantees or promises it can’t fulfill. It will offer more solutions than just “reselling” the property.

•    Negotiate with the seller on your behalf to get the best deal for you
•    Arrange for contracts to be exchanged
•    Deal with individual resorts and trustees to make sure you get what you pay for
•    Will ensure both parties to the agreement of sale are financially protected at all times
•    Charge a small administration fee once the sale has been made

Do not use a company who wants any money off you before a sale has been made!

Remember using a reputable timeshare company is the safe and secure way of buying a timeshare in Europe and at resorts around the world.

Buy Timeshare with a reputable Timeshare Resale Company.  Visit http://www.timeshare-hypermarket.com for the largest availability of timeshare in Europe.