Details about "Exchanging Times Shares" and the "Timeshare Secondary Market"
The idea of owners exchanging their week, either independently or through exchange agencies, to stay at one of the thousands of other resorts worldwide. There are many exchange agencies, of which the two largest are Resort Condominiums International and Interval International. They have resort affiliate programs and members can only exchange to affiliate resorts. It is most common for a resort to be affiliated with only one of the larger exchange agencies, but it isn't rare to find a dual affiliate resort.
Together they have over 7,000 resorts. The time share resort one purchases determines which of the major exchange companies can be used to make exchanges. RCI and II charge a yearly membership fee and fees for when they find an exchange. They also bar members from renting weeks for which they already have exchanged.
Owners can also exchange their timeshare through independent exchange companies. Dial an Exchange, Trading Places International, Platinum Interchange, The San Francisco Exchange, Timex, and Redweek.com are the main independent exchange companies. Owners can exchange without needing the resort to have a formal affiliation agreement with the companies.
Sometimes, owners may also arrange a direct exchange. This requires locating an owner with the location and weeks both mutually desire. This form of exchange is rare but since it can save in exchange fees it is often sought after. Several bulletin boards have been created to help timeshare owners meet others and swap.
This type of lodging may take different forms depending on the seller. The vast majority consist of one week of ownership, i.e. 1/52 year, but some developers sell point based systems that are a different form of vacation currency that allow hotel stays, car rentals, and stays at large networks of resorts.
"The Timesahre Secondary Market"
Individual owners of timeshare can also turn to secondary market to sell (or buy) timeshare.
Resort owner of timeshares can also resell (or buy) timeshares on these markets. There are guidelines on resales activities in order to prevent unethical and unprofessional trade. |
