Decide on a budget for your timeshare. Do you want to buy a timeshare, which could cost anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000? Or would you prefer to just spend money on one vacation, and pay another timeshare owner for the use of their unit? Decide how many days a year you will be using the unit, and set a maximum price you will pay for the unit, depending on your income and how many days a year you have set aside for vacation. Setting some boundaries ahead of time will allow you to be realistic when you actually go to look for a timeshare. If you decide you want to buy, make sure your credit is in order -- paying off any extraneous credit card debt and other bills that may affect your credit score.
Browse the timeshares available in the Gulf Shores area. A good place to start is by visiting the website for the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, which provides information on condo and beach house rental and real estate companies in the area. Check out the type of time shares in your price range, making sure to note the price of the unit, how many people the unit can sleep, the location of the unit and any extra amenities the unit offers. Make a list of any appealing units that fulfill your needs and fit your budget.
Contact the real estate agents of the units you are interested in by emailing or calling them. If you are close by, set up a time to tour the units. If you're far away, ask for more photos or any virtual tours that may be available for the unit. Ask about fees, availability, and restrictions for the unit when you speak with the real estate agent.
Go over your budget again, taking into account any additional fees and taxes the real estate agent has informed you about. Be sure to stick within your budget, so you don't end up with a unit you can't afford.
Make an offer on your purchase, or make a reservation for a rental timeshare. Make a payment for any down payments needed to secure the unit. For rental timeshares, keep a copy of your payment receipt for proof of payment when you check in.
Obtain the keys for your unit when your timeshare agreement is finalized (for timeshare purchases) or when you check in to your unit on your first vacation day. For rentals, keys are often left in a lock box somewhere at the unit. Your real estate agent should give you the combination to the lock box just before your check-in day.
