And once I find it, how do I go about closing this deal and get the correct paperwork done?

The good news is that most Aruba timeshare closings are straightforward and move along relatively fast.  The closing costs are affordable and you would probably buying into a 99 year "right to use" or lease.

Sellers of Aruba timeshares are scattered all over the place, so you won't have much luck just looking in the local real estate section of the newspaper.  You will be more successful in using a timeshare broker who has a large selection of Aruba timeshares for sale and can guide you through all the necessary closing documents, escrow, and transfer.  Aruba Marriott timeshare resales are a hot market.  For example, Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club is described by RCI as being "Separated from the magnificent Caribbean Sea by a lovely white, sandy beach, this Five Star property offers the ultimate in luxury vacations."  If you can buy one at a significant discount through a timeshare resales broker like www.rpmls.com you will save thousands.

Additional Aruba Timeshares for Sale:  Costa Linda Beach Resort, La Cabana Beach Resort, Renaissance Aruba Resort, Playa Linda Beach Resort, Marriott's Aruba Surf Club, Casa Del Mar Beach Resort, Paradise Beach Villas, Caribbean Palm Village, and Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort.

If you really want to get away from it all:

Photo of Hacienda del Mar, Cabo San Lucas Mexico Timeshare Resort

The stress will start to melt away as soon as you arrive in Cabo San Lucas Mexico.  There's just something about palm trees, ocean breeze, the sounds of surf, the pleasing colors of the sky and ocean, and being out of cell phone/blackberry/internet range!  And, the best way to do it in style, comfort and within a budget is via timeshares. I am sure that there are accommodations for those who want to take their work with them, but why would you want to?  Parasailing, jet skis, deep sea fishing, surfing, the beach, or just relaxing by the pool is a great break from the "work-a-day" world. You will have many great choices when deciding on a Cabo san Lucas timeshare. Hacienda del Mar, Pueblo Bonito Rose, Club Regina Los Cabos, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Villa del Palmar Cabo, Playa Grande, and more! Check out this comprehensive list of timeshares in Cabo san Lucas Mexico for sale. Or if you have a timeshare in Cabo that you want to sell, check out the services of these timeshare professionals at www.rpmls.com.

In a recent timeshare study by Stroman Realty, Inc they listed their top ten best selling timeshare resorts from over a five year period.  Here they are:

1. Sheraton Vistana Orlando, FL
2. The Manhattan Club, NY, NY
3. Orange Lake Country Club, Orlando, FL
4. Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas Palm Desert, CA
5. Hilton Grand Vacation Club Flamingo Las Vegas, NV
6. Hilton Grand Vacation Club Sea World Orlando, FL
7. Worldmark by Wyndham Resorts
8. Marriott’s Cypress Harbour, Orlando, FL
9. Marriott’s Desert Spring Villas II Palm Desert, CA
10. Marriott’s Grande Ocean Resort, Hilton Head, SC

It was no surprise that five of the top ten best selling timeshares were in Orlando Florida.  Orlando has the highest concentration of timeshare condos and markets them profusely.  In addition, Walt Disney World attracts millions of visitors to Orlando Florida.

Marriott timeshares also accounted for four of the top ten timeshares sold.  The quality and name of Marriott drives their sales year after year.  They have also had a large role in "dressing up" the timeshare industry's reputation. Over the next few weeks we will be looking at each resort from an owner and buyer's points of view.

If you are ready to buy or sell timeshare properties, now is the time to do it.  If your circumstances have changed since you first bought your timeshare and you can no longer use it every year, it may be time to sell.  Having to pay timeshare maintenance fees for something you do not use is, at the least, frustrating.

There is a wealth of information about buying and selling timeshare available at www.rpmls.com. 

Great photo of Venice Beach, courtesy of www.pdphoto.org

Southern California has long been an area ripe for timeshare development. But because of limits placed by local governing authorities and the price of land, timeshares have been slower to develop than Las Vegas, Orlando, or other areas. After two years of construction Wyndham has opened their WorldMark Anaheim 14 story timeshare resort. They will offer studio, one, and two bedroom units. The tower also boasts two-, three- and four-bedroom luxurious “Presidential” units for a total of 241 timeshare units.

There are a few other timeshares in Southern California worth mentioning. Located between Oceanside and San Diego is Four Seasons Resort Aviara. This has been one of the very best timeshares on the resales market for this region. Four Seasons Aviara offers the very best amenities and luxury vacationing. Nearby is the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort. More affordable than Four Seasons, it is set on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This ideal location puts an entire realm of oceanfront activities at your doorstep. The Coronado Beach Resort, located between San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, is well known as an upscale vacation destination.

Also, be sure to check out Riviera Beach and Spa Resort, San Clemente Cove Resort, and another top seller Marriott's Newport Coast Villas.

Marriott's Newport Coast Villas timeshare in Southern California

"What is my timeshare worth?" "Do I need an appraisal on my timeshare before I sell it?" "What is my timeshare's value?" I hear these questions and other variations of it every day. Everyone who is thinking of selling their timeshare wants and needs an answer in order to come up with the best strategy for selling their timeshare.

Stroman Realty, Inc's website www.timesharelink.com has an in depth study of that very issue. You can find the entire article here: "Setting your timeshare sales price".

Long held industry advice is that the average timeshare will sell for about 25% to 50% of the current retail price from the resort developer. The problem with averages is just that - they are averages. An average will not take into account specific locations, supply and demand, amenities, developer's reputation, and many other things.  For example, a timeshare that gives you a fixed week during peak ski season in Breckenridge will be worth more than the same unit and resort during off season. Or, a Manhattan Club timeshare that guarantees you New Year's eve will be worth more than the same timeshare two weeks earlier.

The quality of service the resort gives to the owners also comes into play. Interval International and RCI rate their resorts with the quality of service being a large factor in deciding if they are a Gold Crown or Five Star timeshare. That will also influence the value of a timeshare when you get ready to sell it.

How about "a room with a view"? The article found at www.timesharelink.com says "A room with a view is not limited to areas near the beach or ocean. Some resorts may have rooms on one wing that is obstructed by another building while an adjoining wing may have a view of the downtown area. A resort may also have multiple views where one area of the resort gives owners a view of a mountain landscape, while another view overlooks a lake or the heart of the city."

Ultimately the value of a timeshare is in the memories of great vacations you have enjoyed by owning it. But when it comes time to sell it, it is harder to put a dollar amount on those memories. And, what if you never even used the timeshare? You'd have little or no emotional investment in it and would likely just prefer to get rid of it.

Either way, take a look at the guide I mentioned if you need help in figuring out what your timeshare is worth. Now that would be time well spent!

Yesterday's announcement from Disney that they will give free admission to one theme park on your birthday, brings up one important thing on my "to do list" - buy a Disney Vacation Club timeshare on the secondary market. After all, why should I pay the going rate at the resort when there are owners who would be willing to sell me their DVC for much much less?  I'd get the same product but for thousands less!

But how would I find the right resort, make sure the owner knows exactly what they own, and get the deal closed? What about escrow, closing companies, and transfer of ownership at Disney?

If you are really serious about buying or selling Disney Vacation Club timeshares, then you should utilize the services of timeshare resales specialists like those at www.rpmls.com. They have the size, experience, and systems to get the right deal and do it right the first time! With thousands of timeshare properties sold and closed, their experience would be the "steak" you need - with none of the "sizzle" so many seem to offer.

Disney Vacation Club's proximity to Walt Disney World, their amenities, and attention to detail would make any timeshare owner confident that they made the right decision - especially when you buy your DVC timeshare from another owner.

As a follow up to my last blog about the top ten beach resorts, here's my pick of the top ten ski resort timeshares in North America:

Marriott's Summit Watch - Park City, Utah - Located at the base of historic Main Street, Marriott's Summit Watch is steps away from the town ski lift, in the heart of beautiful Park City. While the area boasts of having "the greatest snow on Earth" for skiers, it also offers year-round recreational opportunities including great golf, tennis, mountain biking, and fishing.

The Cliff Club at Snowbird  Park City, Utah - This resort is nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountain Range and boasts four restaurants, three lounges, two outdoor pools, a 27,000 sq. ft. spa, and lap pool. This year round resort offers ski school, and downhill skiing.

Grand Timber Lodge - Breckenridge, Colorado - Grand Timber Lodge is one of Colorado's finest ski-in, ski-out resorts. Located next to the Snowflake Chairlift and just a short walk from downtown Breckenridge, Grand Timber Lodge features studio, one, two, and three-bedroom residences.

Marriott's Mountain Valley Lodge - Breckenridge, Colorado - Marriott's Mountain Valley Lodge is in the heart of town on Maggie Pond. overlooking the Quick Silver Super Six chairlift. The ski mountain boast 27 lifts and more than 148 ski trails.

Trapp Family Lodge - Stowe, Vermont - Situated high in the Green Mountains, these Austrian-themed guest houses are still owned and operated by the Trapp Family of the Trapp Family Singers and Sound of Music fame. Set on a spectacular 2,800 acre mountaintop, The Lodge's main dining room and Austrian Tea Room offer amazing culinary delights.

Inn Season at Pollard Brook - Lincoln, New Hampshire - This resort is set high above New Hampshire's number one scenic byway just across from the state's popular ski mountain, Loon Mountain. On-site amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, outdoor whirlpool, sauna, tennis courts, game room, and playground. All units have a fireplace, deck, kitchen, VCR and mountain views.

Hyatt High Sierra Lodge - Lake Tahoe, Nevada - This fabulous Five Star resort is situated on Lake Tahoe's north shore in Incline Village. These lovely two-bedroom/two-bath units with fireplace are just steps away from the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort.

Shell Vacation Club Mountainside Lodge - Whistler, BC Canada - Visitors will enjoy the views of both Blackcomb and the Whistler ski areas from the pool and the hot tub at Mountainside Lodge. The resort features over one vertical mile of ski terrrain, the longest run in North America. This quiet ski-in/ski-out location is close to shops, restaurants, and golf.

Whiski Jack at Whistler Creek - Whistler, BC Canada - This resort offers you the thrilling skiing of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Whistler's Arnold Palmer golf course is a special treat for summer guests. Boardsailing, fishing, horseback riding and much more are available during the summer.

Marriott's Timber Lodge - South Lake Tahoe, California - Marriott's Timber Lodge is at the base of world-renowned Heavenly Ski Area, adjacent to the Heavenly Aerial Tram. Amenities include a courtyard pool, on-site restaraunt, convenience store, fitness center, ski storage, valet and children's activity center. The resort offers a varriety of one- and two-bedroom villas with a fireplace, private balcony or terrace, fully equipped kitchens.

Well,that's my top ten list for ski resorts. Have any to add?

Narrated Slide Show of the Top Ten Ski Timeshare Resorts

In the Starwood family of resorts, the Westin Kaanapali stands out above the rest.  Located on the northwest shores of Maui Hawaii, this resort offers luxury at a level few ever manage to experience.  And at a fraction of what it would cost if you owned a whole ownership condo in the same area.  The Westin Kaanapali timeshare offers acres of pristine beach and places you ideally on Maui's west end, giving you enviable access to the refreshing blue of the Pacific Ocean. Soak in breathtaking vistas of natural beauty while being able to enjoy the nearby cultural activities in the former whaling town of Lahaina. If you were to buy this timeshare from the resort you would pay far more than if you bought on the secondary market.  There are owners of Westin Kaanapali timeshare who would be willing to sell to you at a significant discount.  You can find these timeshare deals at www.rpmls.com.

If you are ready to sell your Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas timeshare, seek the professional help of the agents at www.rpmls.com.  They have been in the timeshare business for nearly 3 decades and have the expertise to get the job done!

Other Starwood Resort timeshares available at www.rpmls.com include: Sheraton's Vistana Orlando, Sheraton's Desert Oasis, Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas, Sheraton's Mountain Vista, Buganvilias Resort, Sheraton Broadway Plantation, Lakeside Terrace@Vail Valley, Sheraton's PGA Vacation Resort, Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort, and Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas.

Las Vegas timeshares have a lot to offer!  First and foremost is location.  The entertainment, nightlife, music, and dining are some of the best in the world! If you were to buy a Las Vegas timeshare condo on the resales market, you would save a small fortune over time.  That is, if you use it.  Owning a timeshare, and not using it, is like paying insurance for a car you never drive.  It is only useful if you use it.

If you are thinking, "Should I sell my timeshare in Las Vegas?", ask yourself this one question: Which would you rather have, a closing check after selling it, or a deed for a property you never use?

If you want to buy a Las Vegas timeshare, here's my favorite list: HGV Club at Flamingo, HGV at Las Vegas Hilton, Polo Towers, Jockey Club, Summer Bay at Las Vegas, and Marriott's Grand Chateau.  There are many other timeshare condos in Las Vegas but lots of owners have given high praise for these.

HGV Club at Flamingo Las Vegas

If you have already visited Cancun Mexico, and have decided to take the plunge - buy a timeshare - here are some tips that may help your decision.  There are many great timeshare choices in Cancun Mexico.  Here's an informative guide to timeshares in Mexico. There you will find a wealth of information about all the areas where timeshare resorts are located. The Royal Mayan is the first one to come to mind. This is a Five Star resort just a few minutes from a Mayan archaeological site and a championship golf course. 

Next would be Club Regina Cancun at Westin.  Have a look at this poolside view:

Finally, I would recommend the Palace Resort at Beach Palace. One of the best of the six Palace Resorts, it offers a water view from each unit.  All - inclusive, Gold Crown, terrific amenities, great water sports, and more.

Photo of Palace Resort at Beach Palace, Cancun:

I'd like to know about some of your travel experiences with timeshare resorts in and around Cancun!

Technorati Tags: Cancun timeshare,timeshare cancun mexico,Palace Resorts timeshare