Timeshare properties are houses, condominiums or other properties that are jointly owned or leased by several individuals or groups. Each individual or group has full control of the property for specific weeks out of the year, after which the next timeshare owner gains control until his allotted time is up. Because of the nature of timeshare properties, it can be difficult to sell a timeshare that you own. Many realty companies and property brokers will not list timeshares so it often falls on the timeshare owner to sell the property himself.
Check your timeshare contract to determine whether you have a deeded timeshare or a leased timeshare. A deeded timeshare is an ongoing timeshare ownership while a leased timeshare is only active for a set number of years. If your timeshare is leased you might not be able to sell and will have to continue paying maintenance fees and other costs until the lease expires.
Consider how much you would like to get for the timeshare when it sells. A number of timeshares sell for less than they were initially purchased for, in some cases up to 50 percent less. Set a price that you are comfortable with but don't expect to make money over your initial purchase amount. Many timeshares are sold to avoid future fees, not to make a profit on the sale.
Contact the resort or property management company that owns or maintains the timeshare and inform the company that you wish to sell your timeshare. Some timeshare contracts include a clause stipulating a "right of first refusal" that requires you to contact the resort or property manager as the first potential buyer when trying to sell a timeshare.
Place ads in print and online classifieds to try to find potential buyers for your timeshare. Consider listing the timeshare on an online auction website as well. If the timeshare is located in a popular vacation destination you may receive inquiries or bids from across the country.
Consult a specialized timeshare reseller if you are unable to find a buyer for your timeshare. Be picky about the reseller you use. Research her office through the Better Business Bureau or other consumer advocacy group and ask questions about how the timeshare will be advertised, whether the reseller is licensed to sell real estate in the state where the timeshare is located and how often you will receive progress reports on the sales efforts. Avoid any reseller who presses you too hard to use her services or who refuses to put all of the details of your agreement in writing.
Consider donating the timeshare to charity if you are unable to sell it. Some charitable organizations will accept timeshare real estate and sell it themselves, relieving you of the burden of maintenance fees and other associated costs. Check with potential charities to see whether your donation will be tax deductible.
