Trip Coach: May 8, 2007

Lisa Ann Schreier: Great question. The biggest mistake people make is not being honest with themselves when talking about past vacation costs and future vacation plans.

Also, because of the often heavy-handed way some time-shares used to be, and in some cases still are, marketed and sold, many consumers who would benefit from the product are turned off and never see what the product can do for them.

Also, don't let the salsperson use the words "free, perfect, always and/or never! "

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New York City: what are your thoughts on time-share rentals, instead of purchases, as a vacation option, and how can I benefit?

Lisa Ann Schreier: time-share rentals will offer you better accommodations than most hotel rentals (unless you are talking really high end) but there is not really a difference. If you are a renter, than time-share is not for you...for most people, they see the benefits of ownership.

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Brklyn, NYC: what was something that surprised you when you were doing the research for your book?

Lisa Ann Schreier: In writing my first book, I was surprised by the general silliness of the time-share salesperson and client...so much nonsense!

In doing the research for my second book, I was surprised by the tremendous range of vacation opportunities that time-shares offer.

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Portland,Oregon: Is it a good move to trade our time-share in Oregon to re-invest in another time-share in the Caribbean? Or...is it better to try to sell and re-purchase without any strings?

Thanks,T.

Lisa Ann Schreier: Not quite sure I undertand the question here...I don't know of a time-share in the Caribbean or elsewhere that will take your Oregon time-share as a trade-in. Perhaps if you want to e-mail me later, we can determine the best course of action for you.

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Bay Village Ohio: What is the best way to sell a time-share?

Lisa Ann Schreier: Best way of selling is to NOT pay anyone an upfront listing fee. Advertise by word of mouth or through a reputable company, magazine or even on line.

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Bernalillo NM: Are there any reasonable time-shares left in Hawaii?

Lisa Ann Schreier: Reasonable is a hard word to quantify! Hawaii is a very expensive place to purchase. You pay for the location, the amenities and the fact it is in Hawaii. However, if you choose to use it in Hawaii more than trade, you'll do well when you compare it to the also high prices of hotel rooms there.

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Jacksonville, Fl: I have a time-share that I have tried to sell throught various resale sites. I have tried to donate it and it did not meet their needs. How can I get rid of it, it is in Palm Coast, Fl., 2 bedroom, floating time-red, etc. Help!

Lisa Ann Schreier: Have you tried "Donate For A Cause?" They are a very reputatable company and will generally accept any time-share that is paid for.

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Sierra Vista, AZ: What's your opinion on WorldMark?

Lisa Ann Schreier: WorldMark has some terrific resorts...very high quality. However, as I've said before, there is no one time-share that qualifies as the "best" for everyone.

If you plan on using a WorldMark time-share more often than not either at the home resort, or within their own network, then this may be a good thing for you.

The most important question consumers should ask is how are they going to use the time-share?

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Somerset, NJ: Are there companies that will let you "rent" time share as oppose to buying one? Thanks in advance

Lisa Ann Schreier: Most time-share resorts do have a block of rooms that are available for rental. You can also usually find an owner that wishes to rent their time/space.

Renting a property can be a good way of finding out if you like to vacation in that style.

However, as I've said previously, I would not recommend renting time-shares long term, just as I would not recommend renting hotel rooms long term, because of the financial aspect.

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Lisa Ann Schreier: A few comments I'd like to make for consumers thinking about a time-share:

* don't let the salesperson control the process
* don't be afraid to ask questions
* don't go into a time-share presentation with a closed
mind
* be honest with yourself about your vacation costs and
habits, likes and dislikes

Also, understand that the industry is not going to let you know what the average price is. I will however...in 2006 the average price of a 2-bedroom time-share was about $16,000 with an average annual fee of about $550.

If the price is anything substantially higher or lower than that, you need to be asking more questions and keep your guard up.

For those owners of RCI week-based time-share that are having problems trading or exchanging for what they want...RCI does offer an alternative. For a relatively small amount of money, you can "upgrade" your week-based time-share and increase your trading potential.

E-mail me at lisa@time-shareinsights.com for more information.

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Sierra Vista, Arizona: Where can we go to reasearch benefits and costs of time shares without having to sit through the presentations. ie you said Starwood was on the more expensive side. Oh, and I don't see your email anywhere. Thank you!!

Lisa Ann Schreier: Sorry about that. My e-mail is lisa@time-shareinsights.com.

The industry is very bad about providing information about benefits and costs to consumers.

I will give you some tips however:

* if you like to vacation
* if you plan on continuing to vacation
* if you typically vacation 7 or more nights a year
* if your typical hotel/motel is costing you $70-$80 per
night or more
* if you place more emphasis on value than cost

You will benefit from time-share.

I do offer individual consulting to help people through these sometimes difficult decisions. All of my consulting is based on your individual needs, and I am not tied to any time-share, any type of time-share, any brand of time-share, etc.

Since the industry doesn't help people out with providing information and solutions, I have taken that upon myself!

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Lisa Ann Schreier: Thanks so much for all of the great questions. If anyone has any other questions, you can visit my webpage at www.time-shareinsights.com or e-mail me directly at lisa@time-shareinsights.com.

Have terrific vacations!