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The NTOA Meeting Helps Timeshare Owners to Better Understand Their Industry February 28, 2012

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Bluegreen Resorts, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, RCI, silverleaf, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

The National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA) held its latest meeting at The Villages on Sunday, February 19, 2012. This latest meeting was aimed at helping timeshare owners and developers to better understand the issues facing the industry and the variety of resources available to them.

An expert cast of speakers presented their take on such topics as the current state of the resale market, exchange options and even a lesson on timeshare scams from the Attorney General’s office of Florida.

Nearly 160 timeshare owners from around the country attended the meeting for the valuable educational and networking opportunities available at every NTOA meeting.

Peter Emery, Sales Manager of CashOutATimeshare.com lead a discussion for timeshare owners who are looking at potentially selling or renting out their vacation properties. And according to the NTOA blog site, “we’re pleased to report that only a week later, some timeshares have already been sold!”

Rich Muller presented a powerful warning to timeshare owners and developers regarding alleged “Consumer Advocacy Groups.” Shep Altshuler, A representative from TimeSharing Today Magazine presented a discussion on the importance of owner participation in their home resort and the right every timeshare owner has. Those who attended the meeting left with a number of resources to call should they have any questions.

The National Timeshare Owners Association is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping timeshare consumers to better understand their properties and their rights as owners. The next meeting of the NTOA will be held in Baltimore on Sunday, April 15, 2012. This is typically the largest NTOA event of the year. To register, contact Ed Hastry.

Rising Hotel Rates Make Hawaii Timeshares a Great Deal January 22, 2012

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : Bluegreen Resorts, Hawaii timeshare, Marriott Timeshares, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

Last year’s figures for Hawaii’s hotel rates and occupancy levels demonstrate once again the value of Hawaii timeshare.

According to an article in the Pacific Business News, occupancy levels for Hawaii hotels are holding steady at around 73%, which is way up from what it was a few years ago in the midst of the recession. Those higher visitor levels are driving increases in hotel rates, with the average room rate now at $192 a night, up 8.7% from this time last year.

Multiplied out over seven nights, that’s $1,344 a week for the average cost of a hotel room. And who knows what you’d get for an average hotel room in Hawaii. With occupancy rates climbing, it’ll get even harder to book a hotel room at a decent rate.

By now, you’ve probably figured out where I’m going with this.

Hotel rates will continue to escalate as resorts look to recoup the lost revenue of the last few years. Most will give you a basic room with a bed, hopefully a coffee maker, maybe a bar fridge. At the average price, don’t expect much more.

On the other hand, Hawaii timeshare rentals can provide a one-bedroom unit with full kitchen and the resort perks you enjoy from upscale establishments. If you don’t believe me, check the BuyaTimeshare.com website by clicking here.

You’ll find Marriott timeshare rentals on Kauai for as little as $850 for the week! Other brand names such as Wyndham timeshare, Bluegreen and Diamond have timeshare units for rent for under $1,000 a week.

Even units at one of the most renowned resorts in the world, the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, are renting for about $200 a night.

I bring all this up because timeshare rentals continue to be the best vacation value in the world. When you consider what you get for the money, especially compared to a hotel, it’s a no-brainer. But less than 10% of the public rents a unit for vacations, so we need to get the word out about the best kept secret in the hospitality sector.

Again, don’t take my word for it. Check out our website for yourself by clicking here.

Timeshare Tax Increase Proposed in Maui April 18, 2011

Posted by John Stephens in : Hawaii timeshare, Marriott Timeshares, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts , add a comment

Talk of a hike in property taxes for Hawaii timeshare owners has made its way to the local government level on the Hawaiian island of Maui, as the Maui County Council considers a proposed rate hike.

According to a report in the Maui News, a plan offered by Mayor Alan Arakawa would raise the property tax rate for timeshare owners from $14 per $1,000 of assessed value to $19.60, a whopping 40% increase. The plan is part of the County Council’s fiscal 2012 budget review process.

As expected, the proposal has met with stiff resistance from timeshare owners and the timeshare industry in Maui, which is one of the most sought-after timeshare locations in the world.  

“My BlackBerry is almost dysfunctional with all the emails I’m getting from timeshare people,” said Council Member Gladys Baisa.

Mayor Arakawa has stated that taxpayers should not actually pay more money under his plan. Instead, the proposed rate increases are designed to be “revenue neutral” and balance out declines in property values, he said, so that the amount of tax revenue actually collected by the county would remain the same as last year.

“Some people will try to play semantic words and say, ‘You’re raising the taxes,’” he said. “We’re not raising the taxes.”

Unless timeshare property values have decreased 40% in Maui since last year to balance out the increase, I can’t buy into that argument. Sorry.

This argument usually hinges on accommodation taxes, which are paid by hotel guests, and the perceived lack of accommodation tax that timeshare pays into local government coffers. The thought is that higher property taxes for timeshare can balance out the supposed revenue discrepancy. But this argument comes unhinged because timeshare is not the same as hotel accommodation due to the nature of the real estate ownership model. It’s apples vs. oranges and local governments have tried for years to confuse the issue as a way to get more money out of the industry. They should be happy that occupancy rates for timeshare have run about 20% higher than hotels, which means more money being spent in the local community and funding the jobs that those resorts create.

Timeshare owners are an easy target because, while they technically own property, they are not considered constituents and elected officials know they can try and ride their backs for more revenue. But the real opposition officials run into comes from the industry itself, which is in a position to fund reelection campaigns and knows that higher taxes are not good for business.

“I’m before you today to voice our concern over the proposed property tax increases for timeshares,” said Gregg Lundberg of the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas.

He noted that Maui timeshare units pay the highest property tax rate in the state, and said higher tax bills could discourage potential visitors from buying Maui timeshare units, or lead to more units being foreclosed.

He called the proposed rate increase “unfair.”

“Timeshare properties are good employers, are good for the community and pay their fair share of taxes,” he said.

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Maui is home to some wonderful timeshare properties such as Marriott Maui Ocean Club, Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas and Diamond Resorts Ka’anapali Beach Club. Timeshare resale weeks at these, and more, resorts on Maui can be seen on the BuyaTimeshare.com website by clicking here.

Timeshare Industry Finally Gets “An App for That” March 18, 2011

Posted by JConnolly in : Sunterra/Diamond Resorts , add a comment

Ever hear the saying “Yea, there’s an app. for that”? Well it’s a true statement. Diamond Resort International has recently taken charge and gotten themselves into the app. world by releasing their very own Diamond Resort application. (Who would have thought it would have taken this long to get there?) Being the first in the industry to do so, the app was released on March 9th of 2011 and was strategically named “Diamond Resort”. The application is available now to download in the iTunes App store as well as directly on your iPhone, iPod touch and even the iPad. The application is *FREE* of charge and will work on any Apple IOS operating system 3.2 and up. Not only will you be able to view the 177 Diamond and Diamond affiliated resorts in the 26 countries worldwide, you will have the power to access your Diamond Resort account on the go, be able to manage your points and even your book your reservations on the fly (literally)! This will surely revolutionize the way you set a timeshare reservation for vacation and one can only assume that more resort’s will be following suit in the very near future. With more updates to this application coming, you can only imagine what will be in store with future updates (nearby attractions, room layouts,amazing pictures and descriptions of each resort, and who knows maybe even the power to select certain rooms). This application makes it the perfect time to get your very own Diamond Resort International Membership and take advantage of this excellent opportunity in the app. world.

Download the Diamond Resort’s App from iTunes

BuyATimeshare.com has great deals on Diamond Timeshares! Browse our advertisements up to 50% below developer pricing!

Timeshare Solutions for All, from BuyATimeshare.com February 20, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Bluegreen Resorts, Charity, Customer Comments, Disney, Donate a Timeshare, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Hilton Head Island, JetShare, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, Planet Hollywood, RCI, silverleaf, Sunterra Timeshare, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, VOIC, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

The timeshare industry has brought us affordable vacationing and access to the world’s finest luxury resorts. Recent straits in the U.S economy however, have triggered companies to pare staff by the thousand. Unemployment has grown to 7.2 percent nationally. In the aftermath of a tough credit market, top brands in the hospitality industry have shed sales departments and are in the process of scaling down.

Due to an increase in the demand for selling and renting timeshares, the resale market is witnessing a boom. Consumers are finding affordable vacationing during economic hardship and owners are getting their timeshares sold. Contrary to current conditions, BuyATimeshare.com has employment opportunities during a companywide upgrade.

The New Hampshire-based timeshare reseller and marketing firm, BuyATimeshare.com owners Wes Kogelman and Jason Hamilton grew up in the granite state and want to offer a legitimate solution for individuals looking to sell or rent their timeshare properties.

Kogelman stated “We have the most aggressive marketing program to bring buyers and seller of timeshare properties together; we’ve shown success with all timeshare properties throughout the world and want to offer people a risk free way to sell or rent their timeshare properties.”

As a vacation property ownership can bring years of affordable vacationing, likewise they can become a liability. While annual maintenance fees pile up for some owners, others are unable to even enjoy their vacation property year after year. A growing number of people are liquidating assets and scurrying to pay their inflated home mortgages, BuyATimeshare.com has created the resale marketplace on their website to help in your efforts.

This is a significant tool in a world driven by internet technology. More and more owners cannot afford, do not use, or are just looking to sell or rent their vacation properties. “We’ve listened to our consumers and want to do everything possible to help. We are providing a month of proven risk free worldwide exposure,” Kogelman said.

In today’s economy, BuyATimeshare.com is looking to help however it can. The company’s founders are offering an inexpensive route to worldwide exposure. Those who want to get money for their timeshare, or are just looking to secure a timeshare without the inflated price at the resort, can enjoy the for-sale-by-owner benefits at BuyATimeshare.com.

Hotel Brands Continue to Cut Staff in Timeshare Sector January 27, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Bluegreen Resorts, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized , add a comment

Layoffs continue to pile up as 2009 proves to be as bad for employment as December 2008 was. Spreading like wildfire, Hilton Grand Vacations is following suite with 187 of their 3,500 timeshare employees let go. Marriott is cutting at least 134 people by mid-February due to the infamous tightening of credit. Bluegreen is another top brand in the hospitality industry that has continued to shed 60% its workforce to stay afloat.

The need for sales staff has declined to a point that most companies are grinding down their marketing and timeshare sales positions altogether. Marriott and Hilton continue construction of new resorts however. Representatives repeat over and over that their timeshare segments are suffering because of the tight credit market, declining real estate values and less spending by fearful consumers. Hilton is excited about discussing plans for expansion however, but will not comment on the numerous layoffs.

BuyATimershare.com is seeing exponential grown and is in the midst of augmenting its staff to keep pace with the success. As timeshare developers decay, people are eager to get rid of their vacation properties. Still cooling off after opening a new resort in Hawaii, Hilton still speaks optimistically.

A representative said that plans to expand in Orlando’s tourist corridor are underway and Hilton is eager to discuss its expansion in the Sunshine State. Diamond Resorts had considered acquiring Bluegreen for $15 per share plus all outstanding debts. Today that would be quite a bargain since Bluegreen has drastically reduced its growth and budget in light of the economic credit crunch. Bluegreen, after cutting over 2000 jobs, are considering further cutbacks.

Travel Industry Rebounds in Poor Economy November 8, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Bluegreen Resorts, Disney, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, JetShare, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, RCI, silverleaf, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

Despite folks paring costs anywhere they can, consumers have not completely cut leisure travel out of their lifestyle. The travel industry is bouncing back. People who do still travel are adapting their annual routine, staying closer to home for a change. The attitude that followed the U.S. financial crisis has caused people to vacation at their own part of the country—enjoying their nearby cities and mountains. People are seeking more local destinations, finding unbeatable deals on their own side of the ocean and not giving up their plans to travel.

Rather than buying airfare to cross the open seas, Americans are exploring Canada, Mexico, Central and South America. Both the Peso and the Canadian dollar have dropped significantly, making travel to these country and great value for neighboring Americans. Today, people are forced to look deeper for deals on everything from gas to Christmas presents. They are beginning to explore the timeshare industry as an alternative to hotels or staying the night on grandma’s futon.

Owners of timeshares at far-off tropical destinations for instance, have not been able to ante up to the airfare, let alone venture the cost of fun. So their international timeshare sits and waits while the owner searches further to get the best deal for this year’s holiday trip. At timeshare resale companies like BuyATimeshare.com we are seeing a tendency in those who rent and buy timeshares. Consumers are placing less emphasis on international trips, only traveling as far as Hawaii to vacation, and renting a resort near their family for the holidays.

People are become more educated about the timeshare industry they are reaping the benefits of the resale market. BuyATimeshare.com has made buying timeshares on the resale market as easy as it gets. Like everything, you always pay less when it’s ‘used.’ But a stay at a luxury resort does not carry any ‘used-car’ problems—and will cost far less than retail. The search for value is greater than ever and travelers will cut back on spending by shortening trips and down scaling the level of hotel they stay at, and have switched to a more local destination. With companies like BuyATimeshare.com looking to sell timeshares, there is no reason to spend too much or cut back too much on your next vacation.

BuyATimeshare.com Presents V.I.P Club Membership October 17, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Bluegreen Resorts, Customer Comments, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, RCI, silverleaf, Sunterra Timeshare, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

BuyATimeshare.com, the leader in timeshare resales, has recently developed a V.I.P Club for owners looking to sell their timeshares. Over the past year we have seen great success with ‘Featured Properties’ and ‘Hot Deals.’ In an effort to provide the maximum exposure possible, V.I.P members will receive 10 times the exposure and typically result in a quicker sale.

When a buyer searches through our extensive inventory, they have over 3000 resorts across the globe to choose from. By browsing the alphabetically organized directory, choosing B for Bahamas, U for Utah, buyers are ready to find their timeshare. 3-V.I.P Club advertisements will show up so you don’t have to search any further. As the buyer refines the search a new set of V.I.P ads that fit the criteria will appear.

We have been experiencing record sales and rental activity over the past quarter, and
traffic on our website continues to increase. We feel this addition to the search process will augment an ad’s exposure—making them even easier to find. “V.I.P Club members will receive unmatched exposure, and that means a faster sale” explains Wes Kogelman, Vacation Property Resales President. “People are finding it easier to buy online, and realizing the cost effectiveness of purchasing their timeshares at BuyATimeshare.com.” BuyATimeshare.com reported over $6.6milion in confirmed offers over the past month of September.

BuyATimeshare.com Hits Top 100 Real Estate Web Ranking October 12, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, General, New Features, News & Events, RCI, Sunterra Timeshare, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized , add a comment

Online metrics company Hitwise monitors a diverse range of Internet Service Providers to record the usage patters of internet users. BuyATimeshare.com has recently entered the top 100 websites for ‘Business and Finance—Real Estate’ category, based on US internet usage. With the timeshare and housing industry in the state that it is in, people are making smarter decisions, exploring the resale market and discovering how valuable it is.

Examining metropolitan and regional areas, Hitwise records internet users with access from home, work, and educational institutions. Almost 66% of all visits to ‘Real Estate’ websites went to the top 100 websites. Vacation Property Resales is extremely popular and becoming even more so. On Ranking.com, BuyATimeshare.com ranks third in the Professional Services/ Real Estate/ Timeshares category. We are positioned right behind Sunterra and RCI!

Conglomerates like RE/MAX, Century 21 Real Estate, Yahoo, MSN and Coldwell Banker comprise the Hitwise top 20 ranked Real Estate websites. Throughout the top 10, 20, and 100, none of our competitors are anywhere to be found! Our ranking is similar to that of Wyndham Vacation Resorts, who has been scoring in the same neighborhood of Vacation Property Resales all year.

This growing popularity that BuyATimesahre.com is seeing is a testament to our dedication, professionalism, and effectiveness. As the housing and timeshare industry feel the credit crunch, the resale market is becoming an economically sound alternative to hotels and especially timeshare developers. With over-inflated prices, it is a wonder why anyone could be so coerced as to pay 5-times what a vacation property is worth.

From May to September of 2008, Vacation Property Resales has been in and out of Hitwise’s top 100 ranked Real Estate websites. Even when the monthly churn happens knocks us in or out of the top 100, we never reach a ranking lower than 165th, and as of September 2008 we are ranked 67th, with the giant Wyndham Vacation Resorts dropping to 115th. With the timeshare and housing industry in the state that it is in, people are making smarter decisions, exploring the resale market and discovering how valuable it is. Explore our vast inventory and choose the resort or vacation package that is right for you.

Brokers Buy A Timeshare Too September 9, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, Donate a Timeshare, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Hilton Head Island, JetShare, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, RCI, Sunterra Timeshare, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

Lately brokers have been stepping up to the resale industry by shopping the BuyATimeshare.com website. For the past two months brokers have increased the use of our extensive inventory and are buying properties by the throng. Often they have numerous clients and have exhausted their own supply. BuyATimeshare.com, a leader in the timeshare resale industry, comes to the rescue. This relationship gives our clients the superior advertising they need, and coupled with brokers’ buying power; we have been making record sales every month for close to a year.

Many brokers and timeshare skeptics claim that timeshare resales are too complex for advertising to successfully work—but we really help each other. At Buyatimeshare.com we make sure your timeshare is seen by millions of potential buyers worldwide, when a broker makes a bid, we negotiate to get you the most, make sure your timeshare becomes a sold Advertisement. In the past two months we can attribute over $178,640.00 worth of Marriott sales and over $213,000.00 worth of WorldMark sales by brokers alone.

Not only do we offer an advertisement in multiple domains, but we are the only company in the industry to have developed a Buyer Specialists department. These dedicated professionals are available to answer questions and guide buyers through the process. We have also employed a LiveChat option, for folks to discuss any questions or concerns they have along the way.

With the most extensive inventory of vacation properties in the industry, we can work with the broker so you don’t have to. BuyATimeshare.com allows you the chance to sell your valuable timeshare for what you want, instead of the lowest bid a broker will offer. There is commission to consider as well—with a broker charging upwards of 10% of the original cost. So, if you sell a $20,000.00 timeshare, you are liable to be charged $2,000.00. An advertising fee is nominal compared to the percentage brokers take. BuyATimeshare.com deals with these professionals anyway—so would you trade an upfront fee for a hefty commission, or would you rather keep the equity for yourself?