1. If the “deal” is as good as it sounds, it will still be there tomorrow.  There is no need to make a snap decision.  Take your time in evaluating whether it’s the right deal for you and your family.

2. Many companies offer incentives and gifts that are advertised as “free”.  As in any other transaction you are involved in, remember to read the fine print.  There may be additional “fees” that need to be paid before actually activating your “free” gift.

3.  The contract you sign to purchase or sell your timeshare is a legal document.  Read it carefully.  Any promises made by the sales person should be in writing and/or made a part of the contract.  If they are unwilling to do so, don’t sign!

4.  The days of intimidation and high pressure should be long gone, but some companies are still using these techniques.  You may leave a presentation anytime you want for any reason and you do not have to explain why to anyone.  If you are uncomfortable and feel you are being pressured-just get up and leave.

5. If someone calls you and asks if you want to sell your timeshare, be wary.  Legitimate companies do not make cold calls to owners.  These companies request money up front (up to several thousands of dollars) to sell your timeshare.  Do not give anyone money to sell your timeshare.  Reputable companies do not charge upfront fees-you only pay a commission AFTER they have sold your timeshare.

6.  To verify the reputation of a company, refer to the Better Business Bureau’s accredited list of timeshare resale companies.

7.  As with any real estate transaction, take the time to do some research on buying and selling from resale companies.

8. Always remember, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn’t true!

Happy Vacationing!

People often ask me when I am going to move back to the mainland.  Every morning I wake up to the sound of birds singing.  I don’t have an alarm clock in my bedroom.  When the birds go “off” I know it is 5:50a.m..  Shrotly after that I watch the sunrise over Haleakala to the east and the beautiful West Maui mountains to the west.  This morning we looked out towards the mountain and saw a herd of deer jumping and playing in the morning light.  Our mornings usually consist of taking our dog for a walk where we live.  Where seldom a car passes.  My drive to the office in Lahaina is along the ocean and this time of year whales can be seen from the shore.  After work I often go to the beach for a swim at West Ka anapali Ocean Resort Villas.  I live in a place where the air and the water are clean.  Right now the only sounds I hear are the birds.  Is is very quiet except for the soft sounds of nature.

On New Year’s Eve, Cheri and I drove to the top of Haleakala, which is about 45 minutes from our home, to watch the sunset and the moon rise.  It was the second full moon in the month-known as the Blue Moon. It was cold and windy at the top of the summit which can often be the case at 10,000 feet elevation, especially in the evening.  We met a lady wearing only short sleeves and shorts.  We asked where she was from and she said Michigan.  She was using her timeshare at the Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club.  She said they were snorkeling and wanted to come to Haleakala to see the sunset.

We come across so many people who are on vacation and are delighted to be on this island paradise.  Some of our best friends we have met when they purchased their timeshare resale from us.  We have developed great relationships that have lasted many years.  We look forward to seeing our clients/friends who come back year after year.

Syed Sarmad

From our Family to yours Happy Holidays!

We wish you a lifetime of memorable vacations and hope to be of service to you in 2010!

Syed and I were on site at a resort in Solana Beach CA for many years. The name of the resort is Sand Pebbles. We have sold many timeshare resales to people from Arizona because of the great southern California weather in the summer months compared to Arizona. We have this one family who have purchased many timeshare resale weeks from us. We have sold 4 generations in their family. We are honored that they have always come to us to purchase.  It is the highest compliment our company can receive.  They are wonderful people who come every year to their home resort with the whole family and enjoy their ownership at the resort and each other. I asked if I could share their family vacation picture and with their approval I will post it in this article. I love their story. It is timeshare at it’s best! Everyone uses their resort to gather together every year. They even bring their bikes. What a great way to keep the family together.

If you would like more info on this new program check out RCI.com then click My Account tab and select Vacation Plans.

Cheri and I went to Jaws yesterday to see the Giant waves. It was amazing! to see these guys riding giants!   We saw about 4 surfers being towed out onto these giant waves. There were about 100 people watching and cheering from the cliffs. We plan on going back Saturday when the waves get bigger again. I saw on a local TV channel that Laird Hamilton was surfing Jaws day before yesterday. What fun!  North Shore Oahu also had large waves this week.  The waves a little smaller today and are predicted to start getting bigger Friday.

Speaking of Oahu there is a timeshare resort in Waikiki I have been familiar with for over 25 years.  Lifetime in Hawaii at The Royal Kuhio is located two blocks from Waikiki beach.  It is a high rise building which has great views of Diamond Head , the beach and Waikiki city lights.  Studio units (sleeps 4) come with a full kitchen and a private lanai.  There is free parking  which is a big deal in Waikiki where parking alone can cost you $30.00 to $40.00 per night.  I have assisted several hundred clients in purchasing and selling at this property.  We have stayed at this Resort many times and we were there this last July.  The Resort looks great!   It gives me a  great feeling to know what people purchased from me 25 years ago is actually better today.  This is not a Marriott or a Westin but a very well managed and maintained resort with a great location.  Currently there are a two units available for $1750.00 per week  annual fees are only $385.00 per week.  There are no catches or gimmicks.  Their maintenance fees are low because they have a very low delinquency rate.  The condos are refurbished every 3 to 5 years.    I have sold these in the recent past for $2500.00 to $3000.00 per week.  I think $1750.00 is a awesome deal.  You could not find a better value timeshare resale anywhere in Hawaii!

For other Great Timeshare Resale Deals visit us at:   http://www.advantagevacation.com/hawaii.htm