Buying a timeshare is a big decision. It is a lifetime investment that you will enjoy immensely or regret the day that you bought it. It is like buying a second home for vacations. If you buy it on a whim and you can not afford it, it will be your biggest nightmare!

I am lucky to be in the first category! I would never sell mine and I am glad that I have a paid for timeshare to pass to my children!

So what would be the difference between buying a timeshare and a second home?

If you buy a home you will be paying a huge mortgage and you alone will be responsible for all maintenance and repairs. You are also locked into going to one place forever! Some people like that, but it is not for me. I like variety!

If you buy a timeshare you are only buying a percentage of the home. So you are just paying for the part that you use. You never have to worry about maintenance or repairs. You pay a maintenance fee and EVERYTHING is taken care of for you. If you join RCI, you can trade your vacation with someone else at a different location, anywhere in the world!

SIZE!

This is one of my biggest reasons. I HATE HOTELS! One small room. And usually on a busy highway or street. At a timeshare I have a living room, kitchen, dining room, and one or more bedrooms. I have been to some timeshares that are bigger than some houses I have owned! And they also stock them with pots, pans, dishes and everything else you may need. Some people save money by cooking meals in the timeshare. Or you can eat out. But the choice is yours!

Cost!

Much cheaper than buying a whole house. But again, it is an investment not to be taken lightly! A timeshare is hard to sell once you have bought it. So make sure that you know what you are doing!

Variety!

My personal favorite. I can go anywhere in the world that I want! Or I can give it as a gift or rent it if I can not use it. I had a friend that was getting married and could not afford a honeymoon. I sent him on vacation at a timeshare. He loved it! We sent another couple to Mexico for a wedding gift. They could not believe how nice the resort was.

You can join RCI.

No need for this if you are going to buy a timeshare and go to it every year. But if you like variety and excitement, join! We have been to many places since we joined. There are many other advantages. They have nightly stays. We made many trips to North Carolina when our son was in the Marines. We could have stayed in hotels, but we stayed at resorts for around the same money! And they were huge units right on the water! We had a place for the whole family to stay and relax! RCI also has extra vacation opportunities. Last minute deals or extra vacations for a rate less that you would pay for a hotel. RCI also has a travel agency to help with all of your vacation needs.

Buyers Beware!

There are many bad people in the world, and the timeshare world is no different. Some companies make a living selling timeshares for people that can not afford them. And if you are a buyer, make sure that you know what you are getting into. They are not held to the same set of standards as the original sellers! I have heard a lot of nightmare stories about these type of sales. They are sometimes referred to as “resales”.

Some timeshares are deeded property. In other words you have a deed. You can sell it or pass it down to your family. But it is yours forever! There are timeshares where  you just buy a certain amount of time and you are done. For instance, your purchase may be forty weeks only. After you use them you have nothing!

Make sure that your timeshare is tradeable! If you are planning to go to your timeshare 100% of the time, this is not an issue. But if you want to see the world, your timeshare must have to power to get you there!

Look at all of the costs before you purchase. A timeshare is not the easiest thing to get rid of if you find that you have made a mistake. After the purchase price you will still have maintenance fees and travel expenses.

The Bottom Line!

Over 8 million people, or about 7 percent of people own timeshares. So it is a huge industry. I have seen massive growth at my resort at Massanutten. The latest addition is houses with garages. You can actually park your car in the garage and unload it right at your timeshare! Pretty impressive! The massive ownership of timeshares also translates into more resorts, which gives me a greater selection!

So the industry has seen many changes. The resorts are fighting for higher ratings, which gives them more trading power. And we seem to be the winners in that battle!

Me? I love my timeshare and would never get rid of it. I use it twice a year at many different places. I get excited about choosing where I will go, or if I will stay at my home resort, Massanutten. But I have heard some sad stories of people who got in by mistake and are hating them.

No one can tell you what to do with your money. But if you can pay all of your bills and have money left over, a timeshare might be something that you could consider. Just make sure that you have all of the facts before you make a such a huge decision

Complimentary Vacation Offer At The Massanutten Resort In Harrisonburg, Virginia

As an owner at Massanutten Resort I am authorized to give you a complimentary vacation offer with a retail value of up to $400.00.

Complimentary Vacation Offer: What’s included?

You will spend 2 nights and 3 days right on the Massanutten Resort in their private hotel. You will also receive a $100.00 Visa Gift Card that can be used anywhere that takes credit cards. Sometimes they run special promotions where you can choose a different offer. Such as golf passes, lift tickets, or waterpark passes. They are usually worth more than the $100.00 that you normally get. Your only obligation will be to listen to a sales presentation and take a tour. And normally they feed you as well. You will probably get a breakfast or lunch, depending upon what time you choose for your tour. Now even though I have been a member since 1991 I still take the tours (and get the $100.00)! The reason is because I get to see what has been upgraded and hear about any future plans. And you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the resort and surrounding areas. The tour will allow you to see where everything is so that you can return to the places you are interested in.

Complimentary Vacation Offer: What is the resort like?

I have been a member at Massanutten since 1991 and I love it. The resort is very relaxing. They own over 7000 acres of property in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. This is truly a four season resort with plenty to do at all times. They have 2 PGA golf courses, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, hiking, cycling, snow skiing, the largest indoor waterpark on the east coast, and special activities. You do not even have to leave the resort. They have restaurants and stores right on site for your convenience. And they have night club lounges for night owls right on site if you have some energy left at the end of the day! Visit their web site at: Massanutten Resort for more information. The indoor waterpark is something to see. I believe that it is over 5 acres inside that is at a constant 84 degrees. If you have any interest check out some of these visitor videos at Massanutten Videos. You will not believe it!

Complimentary Vacation Offer: What is the surrounding area like?

Harrisonburg is a short drive away and there are many things to do and things to see. Check out the Harrisonburg Tourism web site for more information.

One restaurant that I would recommend, if you would like a place with excellent food, off the beaten path, where the locals go, is the Blue Stone Inn. You will not be disappointed.

Complimentary Vacation Offer: How do I get there?

Here is a map to Massanutten. If you click on “Get Directions” and type in your address you can get the route and drive time from your home:

Google Map To Massanutten

Complimentary Vacation Offer: Is Massanutten the only place that I can go?

And even though I am partial to Massanutten, I have other destinations as well. You may choose from Williamsburg, VA, The Berkshires in MA or one of several in Florida.

Complimentary Vacation Offer: Why are they doing this?

Timeshare resorts do this all of the time. They are hoping that a percentage of the people who visit will like what they see and buy a timeshare or recommend a friend to visit. I have been doing this for many years and have always received the gift that I was promised. You will get what you are promised and maybe even more!

Complimentary Vacation Offer: What do I do next?

So if you are interested in a mini vacation for the price of some gasoline, send me an email at: Contact Us. I will get back with you on any questions and get you set up. If you are not on the do not call list just provide me with a phone number and a good time to call. They will follow-up with you. If you are on the do not call list you will have to call them.

If you are on the “Do Not Call” list or you would rather talk with them at your convenience you may call Massanutten yourself. Here is the contact information:

Phone Numbers
877-907-3973
866-831-4437
888-850-3585

Hours

Sun – Thu  5 pm – 9 pm

If they ask for the owners name it is Bob Willoughby.

They will also need an “ARP” number to book your reservation. The number is 488018

The promotional code is LT22B.

When you call you should have your credit card and your calendar handy.

Terms and Conditions

Here are the terms and conditions for the complimentary vacation offer.

If you have any questions about them you may email us at: Contact Us .

Terms & Conditions

This special offer is only for U.S. or Canadian citizens who are gainfully employed or retired, are credit worthy, have an annual household income of at least $50,000.00, are of legal contract age; married or cohabiting couples must use this getaway and tour the resort together. You must also be a homeowner.

The promotion is for the sales of undivided interest and/or timeshare contracts at the participating resort.

You are under no obligation to join or purchase anything.

Anyone visiting the resort within the last 5 years is not eligible.

Two forms of identification must be presented at check-in; acceptable forms of identification include a government issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) and a Visa or MasterCard.

A refundable $100 credit card deposit will be required when making your reservation and will be refunded in the form of a Visa gift card upon completion of your presentation.

Qualifications, restrictions and availability may vary from state to state; please call for specific details pertaining to your state when making your reservations. Void where prohibited by law.

Transportation, taxes, meals and incidentals are the responsibility of those traveling.

This offer is non-transferable, not valid for groups and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion.

This promotion has a retail value of up to $400.

Complimentary Vacation Offer: I am ready to relax!

Send me an email with your phone number and the best time to call. The resort will call you to set it up, unless you are on the do not call list. In that case you will have to call them. I can also do a three way call if you like.

I have been an owner at Massanutten since 1991. I am very familiar with the area and could probably answer any questions about this complimentary vacation offer. I have also been a member of RCI since 1991 and could answer any questions about them as well. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Just imagine yourself relaxing in the quiet mountains of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Or if you are up for some excitement, they can provide that as well. This is truly a four season resort. Let’s get you set up right away!

Your choice. $.50