Tips for Buying a Florida Time-share

Florida time-shares do not have the best reputations thanks to a shady past. However, a lot of time-share companies have cleaned up their act as more and more families look to Florida time-shares when it comes to planning their annual vacations.

There are currently 2 million people investing in Florida time-shares, but that does not mean that all time-shares businesses are on the up and up. There are still approximately 1,200 time-share complaints lodged each year in Florida, so it may pay off to keep in mind the following tips when looking into Florida time-shares:

Before buying, research the seller, developer and management company. Make sure that they have a spotless record.

When touring a facility, talk to current owners about their experiences.

"When calculating the cost of a time share or vacation plan, be sure to include mortgage payments and expenses such as annual maintenance fees and taxes, which are paid whether you use the unit or not."

If you are planning on ultimately reselling your time-share, remember that resellers may charge a fee in advance, in which case you must always "get refund policies and promises in writing."

Do not let time-share salesmen pressure you into buying something right away. Take your time and explore the vast market well before deciding.