Ignorance of their legal rights is one of the main reasons people fall into the traps of scams and frauds. When signing a contract or agreement, is is always crucial to be aware of your rights, and the timeshare industry is certainly no exception. This industry, like any other, is subject to unscrupulous tactics. In fact, examples are plentiful of people being tricked into the purchase of a timeshare only to find that the property is below the standard that they were led to expect. In some situations, the property might even be nonexistent. In this article, you will find tips to remember when shopping for a timeshare.

Of primary concern for potential buyers is an awareness of the different kinds of timeshare plans. Basically, there are two types. The first is the deeded and titled timeshare, and the second is the right-to-use (also known as license-to-use) timeshare. A deeded and titled timeshare is one that is owned by a buyer, who acquires a deed and a specific property for a specified period of time annually, for a set number of years (usually 40). The other type, the right-to-use timeshare, gives the purchaser the right to all the features of the deeded and titled timeshare with the exception of the deed (that is, the title). A deeded timeshare can be passed on in the owner's estate, but a right-to-use timeshare is similar to a leased property which expires after a specified number of years.

The timeshare industry has also acquired the reputation of the used car industry in terms of the selling tactics they employ. It often begins with an invitation to a presentation offering you an expensive gift. When you actually attend, it turns out to be a high-pressure sales session reminiscent of a used car dealer who doesn't want you to walk out the door unless you sign a paper. And the "expensive gift" often turns out to be a mere gimmick. And people have to go through the trauma of sitting through the presentation which goes on for two hours. But as per the law, people are supposed to be informed about the length of the time they have to sit before receiving a free gift. Also, they must be informed about the physical condition of the facility. The timeshare companies are also legally prohibited from misrepresenting the market value of the timeshare property. They are also not to misinform you about the resale or exchange potential of the timeshare property.

Timeshare companies are not allowed, when the contract is written, to omit promises made orally before the property was purchased. They also may not include fees that were not originally discussed. Each state has different rules. There are also states which have a "cooling-off" period (typically two weeks) that give you time to change your mind and cancel your contract if you wish to do so.

Apart from these rights, one should also consider things such as do you really want to buy this particular timeshare? Did you personally check out the facility or at least have someone go and check it out for you? Did you contact the Better Business Bureau to learn if any complaints had been filed? Did you talk to existing owners in the timeshare property? Do you plan to rent it? Do you plan on reselling it? Do you plan on exchanging vacation sites frequently? The answers of all these questions should be discovered before making a final decision about buying a timeshare. Only then you will know if the unit in question truly is your dream vacation destination.