Have a specific question not answered here?  Visit the Related TUGBBS online forum - Newbies Help for personal assistance!

• TUG most frequently asked timesharing questions answered
• A living document providing detailed answers to the most common questions we get here at TUG and the TUGBBS forums, this page serves as an addendum to the orginal Timeshare FAQ by Mark Perry Above.  You can also submit questions to TUG for answereing here!

• Stephen J. Nelson's Timesharing 101 Class
• Written by Stephen Nelson, This article is an extremely detailed article describing and defining almost all the concepts of Timeshares and Timesharing.  A must read for any timeshare newbie!

• Timeshare Scams and Other Fairy Tales
• Written by Dave McClintock, This article describes some of the more common Scams in the Timeshare industry.  Please read this as the more you know about these scams, the less likely you are to become a victim of one!  We get phone calls and emails EVERY SINGLE DAY from victims of these scams that could have saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars by reading this article first!

• Do I have to Convert my Timeshare Deeded week to Points?
• This advice article attempts to answer the common question of converting from a deeded week to a points system at your resort

• What is an Estoppel Letter?
• An Estoppel Letter is a very common document when dealing with bying a tomeshare on the resale market, thus this is a frequently asked question on the TUGBBS forums and we provide the answer here!  What is an Estoppel Letter?

• What is TUG and why was it formed
• Written by Bill Rogers, this document details the history of TUG - The Timeshare Users Group!

• What are Timeshare Maintenance Fees?
• Written by Mark Perry and updated by Brian Rogers, this article answers the common question of annual maintenance fees!

• A Brief History of Timesharing
• Written by Mario Collura of Tri-West, This article describes the history of the Timeshare concept!

• Why Vacation Timeshares Make Sense
• Written by Larry Hayden, this article is written to help people understand why timeshares are the preferred way to vacation!

• Income Taxes and Timeshares
• Written by Dave McClintock (CPA), This is THE NUMBER ONE reference guide on the internet for understanding what you can and cannot do tax-wise with your timeshares.

• Full Time-Timesharing
• Written by Ray and Darlene Harper, This is their story of traveling the country for YEARS doing nothing but staying in discounted timeshare vacations through RCI AND II weeks!  This really shows what sort of amazing discounts you can get with timesharing!

• Multi-Year Timeshare Calendar
• Provided by Dick Conklin, This page is a 40 year planning calendar of Timeshare Weeks!

• TUG Timeshare Planning Calendar
• Another multi year planning calendar provided by TUG to let you easily identify week numbers many years down the road!

• Timeshare Glossary & Acronyms
• Written by Mark Perry, This is a Glossary of common Terms and Acronyms used in the Timeshare Community!

• Disability and Timesharing
• Written by Carol Chaveas, This article describes information about Traveling and Timesharing for those who are Disabled or Handicapped!

• TUG's Interactive Timeshare Maps
• Created by Carol Bell, This is an interactive and inclusive map of all North American Timeshares provided by Google!

• Is this Timeshare Company Legitimate?
• Quickly becoming the most frequently asked question on TUG!  XYZ timeshare company contacted you out of the blue about your timeshare, and you want to know if they are legitimate.  Read on!

• Who is in Charge of my Timeshare?
• Most owners at Deeded Timeshares simply dont know who is responsible for making the decisions in how their Resort is run and maintained, this article describes what a Homeowners Association is, and your resposibility as part of it being an owner!.  Read on!

Buying & Selling Timeshares

Have a specific question not answered here?  Visit the Related TUGBBS online forum - Buying Selling and Renting for personal assistance! 

• Cold Hard Facts about Selling Your Timeshare
• One of the most viewed pages on the internet regarding Timeshare Resales, This is a MUST read for owners considering selling your Timeshare!

• How to Sell Your Timeshare
• The most viewed page on TUG!  This is a MUST read for any potential timeshare owner considering selling their timeshare.  This is a step by step instructional guide for how to sell your timeshare YOURSELF for little or no cost to you, and how to avoid getting scammed! 


• What does ROFR Mean?
• This article defines the commonly used, but uncommonly understood term in relation to Timeshare Resales!

• Timeshare Scam Retaliation?
• This article gives a sample letter to send an upfront fee scammer who has refused to return your money after you demanded a refund on your upfront fees!


• Timeshare: should I buy new from the developer or used on the resale market?
• A quick overview on how buying your timeshare in the resale market can save you thousands of dollars!

• Transfering a Timeshare Ownership
• Written by Kurt Brown, This article describes the process of Transferring a Timeshare ownership from one person to another.

• Where can I find the Best Timeshare Resale Prices
• This article was written to inform potential Timeshare Buyers about their options to buy a Timeshare on the Resale market from an Existing owner!

• Buying Smart In The Timeshare Resale Market
• Written by Larry Hayden, This article describes how to save a fortune by buying your timeshare resale!

• Buying on the Resale Market
• Written by Phillip Price, this article describes how to save a fortune by buying your timeshare resale!

• 25 Tips on buying and selling Timeshares
• Written by Mario Collura, This page contains 25 key tips any timeshare owner should know!

• When you can't sell a timeshare at any price
• Written by Mark Perry, This article describes your options as an owner when you simply cannot find a buyer for your timeshare!

• Timeshare Appraisals
• Written by Scott Hakala, This article describes what you need to know about appraisals prior to buying or selling a timeshare

• Corinne Walker’s Timeshare Purchaser's Checklist
• Written by Corinne Walker, This is a potential timeshare buyers checklist prior to closing the deal!

• Look, Learn, and Listen: A Check-It-Out Checklist for the Timeshare Buyer
• Provided by Advantage Vacations, This is another checklist for potential timeshare buyers!

• Timeshare Deedback Information  
• Written by Kurt Brown, This article describes what "Deedbacks" are and how to utilize this procedure. 
   
• Frequently Mentioned Timeshare Resale and Rental Sites
• Maintained by Dave McClintock, This is a list of all frequently mentioned timeshare resale and rental sites that have a good reputation as reported by other TUG members!  Think of it as TUGs own version of the BBB!

• Timeshare Buying Tips 
• Written by DeniseM, This article provides some wonderful tips to consider before purchasing your first timeshare!

• How to Buy a Timeshare
• Written by Dick Conklin, this article is a great read for those interested in buying on the resale market!

• I just bought a timeshare from (insert resort name here) did I get a good deal?
• answer to a very common question we get on the forums on a regular basis!

• Can I donate my Timeshare to Charity and get a Tax Deduction
• Answer to a very common question we get on the TUGBBS forums and via email.

• Tips on Timesharing
• Written by Mario Collura of Tri-West, This article provides some insightful tips on the subject of buying and selling timeshares


• Timeshare Closing requirements by US State
• Written by Dave H of PCS Closings, this document lists the closing document requirements for each US state as applicable to selling/buying Timeshares.

• How do I cancel my new Timeshare Purchase?
• This advice article will provide help for owners who purchased their Timeshares new from the developer and want to Rescind that purchase.

• Can I give my Timeshare back to the Resort?
• Many owners ask this question, we hope this article will help owners who have exhausted all options and simply want to give the unit back to the resort.

• What if I stop paying for my Timeshare?
• This question is becoming more and more common on TUG, we hope this article describes what you can expect if you are considering defaulting on your Timeshare fees.

• What is a Viking Ship LLC?
• This entity is making many waves in the Timeshare Industry today, this article defines what this entity is, and why its important for you to know the real truth in case you encounter such a situation.  Written by Tom Tubbs of Island Consulting Realty!

• What is ROFR and what does it mean for Timeshare Owners?
• This advice article answers a frequently asked question about a commonly used, but mostly mysterious acronym called ROFR or (Right of First Refusal).  What does ROFR mean?

• What is Title Insurance and when is it needed?
• Timeshare insurance is a commonly misunderstood concept in the Timeshare Industry.  This article attempts to explain what Title insurance is, and when or if it applies to you!  What is Timeshare Title Insurance?
  

Renting Timeshares

Have a specific question not answered here?  

Visit the Related TUGBBS online forum - Buying Selling and Renting for personal assistance!

•  How to Rent your Timeshare
• The 2nd most viewed page on TUG!  This is a MUST read for any potential timeshare owner considering renting their timeshare.  This is a step by step instructional guide for how to rent your timeshare YOURSELF for little or no cost to you, and how to avoid getting scammed! 

•  Where can I find Timeshare Rentals & Why Rent a Timeshare?
• This advice article is meant to educate those who may not know that you can rent a Timeshare from another owner for an amazing deal!!


• How to Verify a Timeshare Rental is Legitimate?
  • Written by DeniseM, This page provides some great tips on how to verify a Timeshare Rental!

• Rental Tips
  • Written by Viccie Mac, This page provides some Timeshare Rental tips and guidelines!

• Sample timeshare rental agreements provided by TUGgers:
  • Ray Houde's Westgate Lakes rental agreement.
  • Steve Nelson's floating week rental agreement.
  • Marilyn A's rental agreement
  • TimeshareVon's Generic Rental Agreement.

  Notes about these rental agreeements:
  These agreements were prepared by TUG members and have been provided for information only. TUG makes no representation or warranty about the completeness or suitability of these documents for renting timeshares. Some of these files are in pdf format, and you need to use the Adobe Acrobat reader to view and print the document. The Acrobat reader can be downloaded for free from the Adobe.com website.

Exchanging

Have a specific question not answered here?  Visit the Related TUGBBS online forum - Exchanging for personal assistance!

• TUG's List of Timeshare Exchange Companies and Other Exchange Options
• This list, composed by and maintained by TUGGERS provides a list of both the large and independent exchange companies for Timeshares.

• The A.R. Checklist of things to take on your timeshare exchange
• Written by tuggers Mel Boeth and Janet, This is a COMPLETE checklist of all things you should do before you leave, and things to take with you on your Timeshare vacation!

• "Ask RCI" - Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the RCI Exchange Company
• A quick FAQ of the RCI Exchange company

• "ASK II"  - Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the II Exchange Company
• A quick FAQ of the Interval International (II) exchange company

• "Ask Dial an Exchange - DAE" (TUGBBS online forum)
• Staffed by DAE representatives, this forum provides a place for current and potential DAE customers to get information and support directly from DAE!

• "Ask Trading Places International - TPI"   (TUGBBS online forum)
• Staffed by TPI representatives, this forum provides a place for current and potential TPI customers to get information and support directly from TPI!

• "Ask Platinum Interchange"   (TUGBBS online forum)
• Staffed by Platinum representatives, this forum provides a place for current and potential Platinum customers to get information and support directly from Platinum!

• Exchanging with RCI and II
• A quick comparison of the two largest Timeshare Exchange Companies - RCI and II.

• Exchanging with RCI and II - an owners perspective
• Written by Fern Modena, this article describes the exchanging process.

• RCI Points FAQ
• A quick FAQ and advice article written by Larry Hayden on the RCI Points system.

• SFX - The San Francisco Exchange Co.
• A summary of an interview conducted with SFX owner Mel Grant

• RCI - Online vs Ongoing Search
• A Timeshare Advice article that defines these two terms and why they are important to you as a timeshare owner wanting to exchange with RCI!

• RCI Resort Rating Criteria
• A historical reference of how RCI Resorts are rated by RCI (gold crown / Silver crown /etc).

• RCI Management
• Written by John Collister, this article describes an RCI venture into managing resorts.

Clubs and Multi-Resorts

Have a specific question not answered here?  Visit the Related TUGBBS online forums - Timeshare Resort Systems for personal assistance!

Club Intrawest

• Club Intrawest  - Bill Bunker

• Disney Vacation Club - Tom Sprucebank 
• Disney Vacation Club information for Potential UK Purchasers - Tug Member "Halo" 

• Hilton Grand Vacations Club Overview
• HGVC / Hilton resorts online discussion forum
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club ownership Polls
• HGVC Website
  

• Hyatt Vacation Club overview - Ken Lepic
• Hyatt Club Information - Ken Lepic
• Hyatt Vacation Club Website
  

• Hapimag Concept, Eric Schuit

• Marriott Specific online Discussion forum
• Marriott Vacation Club International - Historical Database of Annual Fees
• Exchanging for Marriott Honored Guest Award Points - © T. E. Marchessault, 1997
• Marriott Vacation Club international Website
  

• Monarch Vacations Club - Bill Bunker
• Monarch Grand Vacation Club Website

• Resort Development International (RDI) Vacation Club - Mike Dickson

• Residual Value at the Royal Resorts, Cancun- Ellis Toussier
• Royal Resorts Website

• Raintree Website
  

• Shell Vacation Club Points and information - TUG BBS online forum thread (Live article)
• Shell Vacations club Website
  

• Starwood Vacation Network - Chris Nettleton
• Starwood Vacation Network Star Point Value Chart
• Starwood Exchange Primer - Fred Messreni
• Starwood Vacation Network (SVN) FAQ - TUG BBS online forum thread (Live article)
• Starwood Vacation Network Website
• Starwood Specific online discussion forum
  

• Vacation Internationale's Vacation Timeshare Program-Eileen M. Mageau
• Vacation Internationale's Website

• World Class Resort Club - Richard Wolf

• WORLD WIDE VACATION CLUB (WWVC), John Collister
• World Wide Vacations Club Website
  

• Wyndham Points Overview - 10 part article!   NEW
• Wyndham Specific Online discussion forum
• Fairfield Resorts' FairShare Plus Vacation Program - Ron Donze
• Fairfield Info Gleaned from Fairfield Egroup List Archives - Ron Donze
• Fairfield Resort Management Services - John Collister
• WorldMark The Club Resorts - John Collister
• Wyndham Vacation Website
• Worldmark the Club Website
• Pahio Website
• Trendwest Website
• Equivest Website

• Chart comparing 4 hotel based timeshare systems

• Timesharing: Most Frequently Asked Questions
• Written by Mark Perry, This article answers some of the most commonly asked questions about timeshare ownership and other aspects about the subject of timeshares and timesharing!  A perfect primer for some common timeshare facts!

• Bulk Spacebanking
• 
  
• Great Trade Power for Low Cost of Ownership- BBS Archive (Members Only)
• 
  
• RCI  archived  chat log Q&A about Global Points Network (GPN)
• 
  
• RCI's Global Points Network BBS Threads
• 
  
• Timeshare Listing Fees Spark Suit
• An article from the Wall Street Journal describing the lawsuit against Stroman Realty in 1998

• RCI 1998 Timeshare Industry Facts & Figures
• This article was published in 1998 to show you the timeshare "figures" calculated by RCI, it lives as a historical reference from more than 10 years ago!

• Letter from Florida Bureau of Timeshare. Subject - Swiss Americian Bank
• This is a copy of a letter from the Florida Bureau of Timeshare regarding the Swiss american Bank investigation

• Annual Budgets/Assessments and Reserve Funding for Timeshares located in Florida
• An article from the Florida Burearu of Timeshares regarding Budget and funding analysis of Florida Timeshares

• Timeshare Consumers Association of the U.K. (TCA)
• Written by Bruce Bailey, This article describes legislation in the UK regarding Timeshares and consumer protection.

• Timeshare Prospecting is Gold for Seniors
• Written by Charles Ogilvie, This article describes why Timesharing is such a benefit to Seniors!

• What's a resale timeshare worth?
• This is a snapshot of some Sales History data from Tri-West Timeshare from Sept 2000, you can also view current Sales History data within the TUG ratings and Reviews database!

• Timesharing Revisited: Their Time Has Come
• Written by Will Howard, This article describes the changes in the Timeshare market, and why the "hard sell" is no longer a viable option.

• All the Right Places for All the Wrong Reasons
  • Written by David Skinner of Holiday Group, This article describes the allure of Timesharing to those that might not be best suited for it!

• Report on Tri-East Oct 95 Timeshare Auction
  • Provided by Bob Gramzinski, This is a look back at the 1995 Tri-East timeshare auction (with prices)
• Keys to Successful Timesharing
• Written by Robert & Delisa Hall, This article provides some opinons on how to make Timesharing a much more pleasant experience for people!

• Timeshare Ownership Cost Comparison Spreadhseet (65 kb file)
• Provided by Aaron Coldiron, This is a fantastic interactive spreadsheet allowing you to factor in the ACTUAL cost of your timeshare!  Input items like purchase price, maint fees, resale price, length of ownership, etc.  It will give you a net cost per night!

Timeshare and Travel Links

Have a specific question not answered here?  Visit the Related TUGBBS online forum - Travel info for personal assistance!

• General Travel FAQ and Links by TUGGERS!
• A helpful article containing many links to travel related sites and information

• Travel Insurance Advice Article
• A brief article discussing Travel Insurance and your options
  

• Book Review of "The Great Towns of America"
• Written by Bob Kohn, This is a Review of the book "The Great Towns of America"

Dislaimer

JOIN TUG TODAY 

and post Free Timeshare Classified ads (for individuals) in the 

Timeshare Marketplace

-Click to learn more-