Many prospective buyers are stuck when it comes to deciding what important factors that one should consider when buying a timeshare. The buyers today are much more informed than the buyers of few years back. They are more knowledgeable about what they are buying and have done their homework before taking a major step.

If you plan to buy timeshare via a broker, ensure that he is licensed and make an attempt to discover his reputation. Be sure to ask good questions that are relevant to the timeshare. Here's a few good questions to start with:

* What is the maintenance fee of the resort and do they keep raising it every year. If yes, how much? * What are the chances of getting a best timeshares like in a desired week? * By what date you should make the reservation at the earliest? * Are there any extra benefits accompanying your timeshare? * Do the timeshare company has bonus week program? * Can you exchange or trade your timeshare without joining an exchange company?

Also try to inquire from the broker about the point system. Some reputable firms sell the timeshares for more if they have points system. Ask him if this is reasonable or if you are better off buying a resale. Also, the factors that determine the cost of timeshare units are demand for a particular week may be high so the price may be high. Demand for a particular location may also be high. The size of the unit also affects the price, the bigger units are easy to trade in and exchange hence they are in more demand. Last, but not least, the reputation of the firm owning the timeshare resort is an important factor.

See the unit before you buy. In many cases, the descriptions provided by the timeshare company or the re-seller turns out to be misleading like the location, size of the unit, etc. If you cannot see it personally, if your family members or friends lives near the location tell them to go and see the unit. Additionally, try to get references. When you go and see the unit, ask the neighbors what they think of the amenities and the management. You can also inquire from them:

* How about the maintenance fees and other fees? Do they have a good record or they raise it too frequently? * Time since they have been vacationing in this resort? * Are dates easy get without much problems? * Is the management company good and are they satisfied? * Is it easy to make reservations and exchanges? * Are developers planning on improving the property in near future? * What they think of the resort?

Do your homework to find out the prices in the area you are buying. Internet auction sites can come handy for checking the prices.

Keep in mind that if you are buying a resale timeshare unit, it should be as cheap as half the price of the new timeshare unit that developers sell. If you are buying a new timeshare through a timeshare company, read everything carefully in fine print before signing any contracts. When buying a resale timeshare, ask the seller why they are selling it because there can be an underlying problem like problems with the management company or inconvenience. This way you can get a feel of the potential problems that you may also have to face and can decide whether you may be able to handle it or not. Also, make sure that there are no past dues on maintenance fees and property taxes, as these will add up your cost. If you take care of all these important factors, you should be able to make a smarter decision in buying a timeshare.