Viccie Mac's Timeshare Rental Tips(for more information call (800) 423-6377)
During the last twenty-five plus years, I have found a number of guidelines
to be very helpful in the renting of timeshares. I would like to share these guidelines
with owners and travelers.
Since timing is very important in securing a favorable rental, the rental broker
should have the maximum incentive to perform. As a result the owner should never
pay an up-front fee to list their timeshare for rental only. Since rental company
programs vary widely, it is important that you compare any companies program with
at least one licensed timeshare broker before you list.
When comparing rental companies, keep the following questions in mind:
1. Is the company a licensed timeshare broker?
2. Do they have a reasonable commission incentive for their salespeople and broker
network?
3. If they have no commission, how can they get salespeople to rent your timeshare?
4. What specific services is the company providing for their fee? (i.e. special ads,
mls, internet)
5. Can they show that they are currently providing these services for other timeshare
owners?
6. Can and will the company properly negotiate your deal and follow the transaction
thru the completion of the rental?
7. Does the rental company also do exchanges and is your rental listing merely an
exchange in disguise?
Beware of any company promising a refund of the up-front fee for rental. Most states
have strict trust record guidelines for advance fee refunds. These guidelines and
the economics of the rental make any refund unrealistic. Any up-front fee must have
a very specific purpose and be outlined in detail describing the actual service.
FINAL NOTE: DO NOT PAY ANY UPFRONT FEE TO LIST TIMESHARE PROPERTY
FOR RENT ONLY.