This article was originally posted by the FTC. See the original article here.

If you’re considering getting a timeshare this vacation season, read on. Maybe you got a flyer in the mail with pictures of sunny beaches and beautiful resort suites. Sounds great, right? But before you sign a timeshare contract, make sure you understand what you’re getting into — and how to get out of it.

Not all timeshares work the same way. Some use points to determine where you can stay and for how long. Others get you one week a year at a resort, but it’s not always the same week. The cost also varies … a lot. Typically, timeshares require you to pay initial fees and yearly maintenance fees that may increase every year.

Promoters might offer you a gift or delicious meal to attend a timeshare presentation. If you decide to go, the sales staff may make a lot of promises and pitches designed to get you to buy right then and there without giving you time to think about it or do any of your own research.

So before you sign that timeshare agreement, ask yourself a few questions:

  • If the timeshare is only for a specific property, is this where I want to vacation every year?
  • Can I afford this timeshare, even if the maintenance fees go up?
  • Do I have the time to deal with issues that may arise if I can’t book the resort I want during the time I want to travel?
  • If I no longer can afford or want the timeshare, how can I sell it?

Brought to you by Dr. Ware, Microsoft Office 365 Silver Partner, Charleston SC.