Definition of "Timeshare Homes"

Timeshare homes is the popular name given to the concept of fractional ownership in real estate, and, in fact, is a better term to explain its meaning.

Why?

Well, fractional ownership means basically someone owns a fraction of something, right? In this case, a real estate property. But how can one share a property with someone? They can’t each get half of a room, right? So, they created timeshare homes, where the fraction in question is time and not property; that is: that house is theirs – the whole house; not a fraction of it! – only for specified periods of the year. Got it?

Timeshare homes are very popular in typical vacation areas. For instance, Orlando Real Estate Agents are used to negotiating lots of timeshare homes because, when buying a second home, a lot of people – from the US and elsewhere – find it a good opportunity to have a house for their annual vacation near Mickey Mouse and company.  For instance, a lot of snowbirds have their second home in a time-sharing regime.

But how is that timesharing done? There are several ways it can be done. In some of them, the owner purchases interest in the property; in others they don’t and the timeshare home contract acts as a lease that gives the buyer the rights of use. Some are fixed-week (or month) ownership and every year they own that specific period, while others are floating-week ownerships where there is a range of available time slots the owners have a right to use. Not to mention the point-system ownership (also known as vacation clubs) where buyers get “points” that can be converted and redeemed at various locations, and act as a currency of preference in the busiest seasons.

Real Estate Tip:

Timeshare homes can be great! But before committing, do your due diligence! And the best way to do that is by having a real estate agent that knows his/her way around timeshare homes!

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

A house having stucco or brick siding mixed with some wood. The house usually is two or more stories. ...

A style of architecture originating in Europe in the 1920s. The international architecture design was very functional and emphasized buildings constructed of steel, reinforced concrete, and ...

The reason a property appraisal is being made. The purpose of the appraisal is the first step in the appraisal process. The purpose of the appraisal should answer several questions: ...

Premiums in insurance and real estate define as a bonus or surplus money. A dividend means a periodic fee you have to pay for your insurance protection. While in real estate, a premium ...

Property of a defaulted borrower is sold under court order, and the judge must approve the amount received. For example, Fidelity Bank has a first mortgage balance of $100,000 on Mr. X's ...

Regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) establishing the criteria to avoid a private offering. For example, John wants to sell shares in an apartment house to several ...

Association of the owners of all condominium units in a building that is concerned with managing day-to-day matters in the building complex, including the surrounding and enforcing ...

Interest rate on a mortgage that moves up or down based on some variable such as an index of lender's cost of funds, inflation rate, or prime rate. ...

Also called earnest money. Money deposited with an individual for security for the performance of some contract. This is intended to show his/her willingness to follow through with the ...

Popular Real Estate Questions