![]() | |
![]() | |
![]() |
Real Estate Information |
|
![]() |
Things To Consider Before Buying a Condo Hotel or Resort Residence
Resort home ownership, such as condo hotels and fractional shares is different from typical home ownership. So it is important to ask certain questions before signing the purchase agreement on a resort property. The following list of questions typically applies to most types of resort property ownership unless otherwise noted. Pricing and Initial Purchase -Is the price negotiable and do you need to purchase through a certain company or representative? Who gets a commission off the sale?Some properties have a small percentage of flexibility in price while others are basically set in stone. This will usually be determined by demand, as well as overall policy of the developer or management company. Also, if you know who stands to profit from the sale and how much, it could help you in your negotiations. -Is the property already completed or is it in pre-construction? This question is important because the answer will likely affect the price of the unit. Many properties in the beginning stages of development will be sold at a discount to attract buyers, but as it becomes a more certain investment or units increase in demand, the price will go up. -If the property is in pre-construction, when will it be completed and what will the overall property look like? You may be anxious to get into your unit or have a certain occasion in mind. If completion is two years out, you may not want to wait. Also, a property in the early stages may look great to someone who wants a small facility with a low-key, less populated atmosphere. But there may be plans for hundreds or even thousands of additional units and large clubhouses, retail areas or other features that will draw many people. If you plan to keep your property for many years, you want to be sure it will fit your needs when it is finished. -How many other owners are there? This question is important for those considering purchases of fractionals. The price and amount of time available each year will depend on the number of other ownership opportunities offered in the particular unit. More than eight or ten other owners will make competition for primetime more difficult. -What type of financing is available for this type of property in general and for this specific development? Both condo hotels and fractionals are considered timeshare properties. Even if they are viewed as a second home, the bank considers all three types of properties discussed here as a secondary obligation - one that is less important than your primary home mortgage. As a result, you may have to pay 10 or 20 % down and the rate may be higher than a traditional home loan. Some developers offer financing, which can be helpful, but be sure you understand the details. Some may require a smaller amount down, but will ask for a large payment upon taking possession of the unit. This arrangement may be fine with you, but you don't want any surprises. Another financing option is to take out a second mortgage on the equity in your existing home. If you choose this route, be sure the interest rate does not make it much more expensive in the long run. Also, you need to be aware that if you use a home equity loan to finance your purchase, you have only 90 days to refinance to a regular mortgage. Information About the Management -Who are the developers? Who will manage the property? The first question will be important in determining the quality and reputation of the property. The second question will help determine if the management organization is well-known, professional, and likely to increase your rental income or resale value. These two questions are critical from an investment perspective. Costs Associated With Ongoing Ownership -What are the ongoing costs and who pays for them? Is there an annual membership fee? There will typically be costs for insurance, real estate taxes, and improvement of the facilities. Although owners generally pay for these items, especially in a condo hotel setting, it is still important to ask. Other expenses to verify include housekeeping, marketing, administrative and general maintenance of the property. These are usually paid by the facility but one shouldn't assume this is the case. Rental Plan & Income Generated -Is there a rental program and is it voluntary? You will want to know if you can choose whether or not to participate in a rental program. This is true for all properties as some hotel residences and fractionals also offer this option as a means of generating income. -How is the property marketed and does it have a history of success or features that will make it competitive in the vacation rental market?If you plan on receiving rental income from your property when you are not there, it is important to find out what the management's experience and approach is. Somebody like Hilton or Four Seasons has a reputation for luxury and good service and will likely attract more renters than an unknown management company. In addition, if the property has a popular restaurant, is located near a convention center, shopping area or other facility that will draw people in, you are more likely to find interested renters on a regular basis. It is important to note that due to the unknowns involved in marketing and renting vacation properties, you should not count on rental income to cover the costs of ownership. Instead, experts recommend that you view this income as a bonus, if and when it is paid to you. The main consideration should be finding a property that you enjoy and will use. -How is rental income distributed? Gain a clear understanding of the percentage of rental income that will come to you, as well as any fees or charges that will come out first, such as furniture and decorating charges, and savings accounts for replacement of items. Some properties offer a better ratio than others. Availability and Usage -How often can you use the property? How long can you stay? How do you reserve time and how far in advance do you need to notify someone?These will be important questions for condo hotel and fractional owners. But even in a hotel residence, you may need to call ahead to let someone know you are coming. Otherwise, your place may not be cleaned and stocked with supplies. -What if you want to cancel your time or reschedule? How far in advance do you need to let someone know? Is there a penalty? Can your friends and family use your allotted time if you're not able to? For condo hotel and fractionals owners, the guidelines that dictate what happens when you can't be at the property are as important as those for when you are using the unit. Be sure there is plenty of flexibility so that you can easily make adjustments and get the most out of your property without being penalized unnecessarily. -Are there other properties in the same management group that you can use?Some properties are managed by companies that have other properties available for you to use as an alternative. This can be an ideal feature, especially if you like to travel or want to share your available property time with family and friends. Amenities and Services -What amenities and services are available for residents and what do they cost? As was mentioned in the previous chapter, it is important to have a full understanding of the services and amenities offered and the charge, if any. Some properties seem less expensive at first, but if you find that you will have to pay for things such as laundry, maid service, and furniture, appliance and decorating upgrades, the price doesn't seem so great anymore. Be sure you know the actual price it will cost you to get the unit with the furnishing you want and the services you use on a regular basis. These expenses are all part of the overall cost of a property. If You No Longer Want the Property -What if you change your mind about the purchase? In response to high pressure sell tactics of some standard timeshare properties, the State of Florida enacted a rescission law that allows you to change your mind about your purchase within a certain timeframe. If purchasing a new property, you have 15 days to change your mind and receive your deposit back. On a resale unit, the timeframe is 3 days. -Can I sell or transfer ownership of my property, and if so, are there restrictions or penalties? There may come a time when you want to sell your property or give it to your children. It is important to know the rules about this before you purchase. Some properties may say that you can only transfer ownership to family members. Others may require you to list the unit through the management company. You may also be required to own the property for a certain amount of time before you can sell. It is important to ask these questions before purchasing. -What is the resale value of the property? In general, the types of ownership we have described have good resale value and are typically much better than that of standard timeshares. Of the three, fractionals are the most questionable when it comes to resale, but the risk can be greatly minimized if you pick an exclusive property with a well-known management company. The resale value of your particular property will depend on several factors, including the reputation of the management company, the number of other similar properties available in your area, the condition of the property at the time of sale, the overall real estate market, and the popularity of your location. Some of these things can't be predicted, but if you do your research it will help you to select a property with high resale value. This list of questions covers many of the different aspects and issues associated with these innovative forms of resort property ownership. There likely will be other questions you want to ask as you become involved in the process. It is a good idea to enlist the services of a reputable real estate attorney or agent who is familiar with the specifics of condo hotels, fractionals, and hotel residence purchases. It may cost you a bit more, but could end up saving you thousands in the end and can provide you with the peace of mind and freedom to enjoy the experience and to feel satisfied with the process and the terms of the final purchase. For more on finding and buying the right condo-hotel, check out Make Your Next Home a Resort, the 2005 Guide to Condo-Hotels, Fractional Shares and Resort Residences. You can download the Guide as a pdf file at http://www.InvestingIN.com/realestate/resorts/resort4u.htm Leon Altman is the founder of the InvestingIN Real Estate Letter - http://www.InvestingIN.com/realestate/LtrSignup3.htm - and its parent website, http://www.InvestingIN.com - which provides articles and newsletters about opportunities in different areas.
MORE RESOURCES: Batman’s Office and Secret Bathrooms—These Real-Estate Agents Have Seen It All The Wall Street Journal Real estate deals, ‘high’ returns, 100 victims: Indian-origin ‘glam’ couple held for $4 million scam in US | World News - Hindustan Times Hindustan Times Real estate expert warns socialist mayoral candidate could trigger massive NYC exodus - Fox Business Office real estate wide open in Denver as vacancy rate hits 36 percent Colorado Public Radio Altadena’s rough real estate market: Slower sales, lower prices, lottery winner plucking up properties Los Angeles Times Erie County real estate transactions Buffalo News Real estate magazine reports Les Wexner as Blue Heron buyer The Martha's Vineyard Times 'Married to Real Estate' Stars Get Huge News after HGTV Cancellation Country Living Magazine NAR Real Estate Forecast Summit National Association of REALTORS® 20 Worst Housing Markets Facing Biggest Price Crash or Correction by 2026 Norada Real Estate Investments Residential lending shifts: Local credit unions gain ground, banks lose volume The Business Journals Real Estate agent speaks out as sheriff’s investigators search for missing foster mom fox5sandiego.com How Trump’s personal aesthetic is redefining White House décor: 'I picked it all myself' - USA Today Central Mass. real estate transfers, Sunday, July 20 Worcester Telegram Future of malls: Arizona's retail centers evolve as customers' habits change The Arizona Republic Neal Communities to celebrate Palmera at Wellen Park grand opening on July 25 Sarasota Herald-Tribune Don’t Skip This Moving Day Step: What to Clean Before Handing Over the Keys - Better Homes & Gardens Don’t Skip This Moving Day Step: What to Clean Before Handing Over the Keys Better Homes & Gardens I Tried Zillow’s New Aerial 3-D Search Tool, And I'm Obsessed Country Living Magazine Real Estate Property Transfers Spring Hill for June 23, 2025 Williamson Source Old Family Dollar demolished in Quincy Center. What will take its place? The Patriot Ledger New report documents that it's harder for Columbus and other Ohio residents to make rent The Columbus Dispatch Couple in California surrogate case also faces two lawsuits over real estate business practices NBC News International Buyers Purchased $56 Billion Worth of U.S. Homes from April '24 to March '25 National Association of REALTORS® Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson sets up shop in the Valley, records show The Business Journals Real Estate Transfers ~ June 25, 2025 The Bedford Citizen Top Real Estate Stocks Fast Growth Stock Alerts - Explosive earnings growth Autocar Professional ‘Taken advantage of’: Real estate agent ripped off friends, church, and federal government - WSOC TV New Hampshire the latest state to ban right-to-list agreements Real Estate News by RealEstateNews.com July Economist Snapshot: What Will the Big Beautiful Bill Mean for Commercial Real Estate and Housing? Urban Land Magazine Top Stocks for Real Estate Investment Premium Investor Signals - High-velocity capital appreciation Autocar Professional Florida Real Estate: The Hidden Opportunity Amid Market Crash Concerns Norada Real Estate Investments Best Real Estate Stocks Group Insights For Smart Investments - Overwhelming profit margins PrintWeekIndia OT Real Estate Spotlight of the Week: 3234 KY 140 East The Owensboro Times Real estate sales for Summit and Portage counties the week of May 27, 2025 Akron Beacon Journal Why these homeowners say the 15-year mortgage is the most underrated offering in real estate right now MarketWatch Is Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust Inc. a good long term investment - Rapid-fire capital growth PrintWeekIndia A New Perspective: Here Comes the Groom | Real Estate Insights Piedmont Exedra Tuscaloosa County home listings asked for the same amount of money in June – see the current median price here The Tuscaloosa News ‘Making more money than ever before’: Las Vegas real estate agents using loopholes to charge higher commissions Las Vegas Review-Journal RNR Real Estate Briefs – Texas & More Realty News Report Real estate transfers: 7/16 Toledo Blade How much did that house sell for? Deed transfers in Ocala/Marion: May 19-25, 2025 - Ocala StarBanner Top Stocks for Real Estate Investment AI Stock Forecasts - Free Investment Case Studies Autocar Professional Real estate agent goes viral with racy jokes, Trump impersonations Business Observer Bitcoin Is Draining The Value Out Of Real Estate Bitcoin Magazine Top Stocks for Real Estate Investment Free Market Trend Analysis - Lightning-fast capital gains PrintWeekIndia Founding Father John Hancock's home is on the real estate market in Boston. Take a look The Patriot Ledger Best Real Estate Stocks Trusted Expert Guidance - Overwhelming financial success Autocar Professional Top Stocks for Real Estate Investment in India Premium Financial Forecasting Tools - Unmatched market performance PrintWeekIndia Eric Adams Is Raking It in From Big Real Estate New York Magazine Real estate sales in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties for July 19, 2025 Peoria Journal Star Top Real Estate Stocks Fast Growth Stock Alerts - Phenomenal capital gains Autocar Professional Mediterranean-style mansion in The Woodlands among priciest home sales week of July 6 (PHOTOS) The Business Journals New Valley mansion near Billionaire's Row lists for $13.5M The Business Journals Real Estate’s Big Gains From AI Morgan Stanley Best Real Estate Stocks Expert Backed Stock Investments - Superior portfolio returns Autocar Professional HGTV’s Egypt Sherrod Shares Cryptic Message After ‘Married to Real Estate’ Cancellation tvinsider.com Scammed, Shamed and Deepfaked: Real Estate Agents Speak Out on the $15M Crypto Con National Association of REALTORS® Best Real Estate Stocks Smart Trading Moves - Explosive earning power Autocar Professional |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
RELATED ARTICLES
Find Out If There Are Sexual Predators Nearby Before You Buy A Home or Property! When looking for a new home or property, buyers ask many questions. Typical questions might be about the history of the property, property tax amounts, the school system, proximity to medical facilities, shopping malls, etc. Five Things to Help Sell Your Home Fast, and For More Money Selling your home requires some thought and a clear plan of action. Here are five things to consider when you're getting ready to sell your home:1) Know Your BuyersAre most of the homes in your neighborhood being bought by first-time or move-up buyers? Depending on which group will be looking at your home, you'll want to do the things that will make your home appealing to those buyers. Utah Real Estate Looking to buy real estate in Utah? The market has changed over the past few years and is going to continue to change over the next few (drastically) and here are a few things you should consider before buying any Utah real estate.First, the Olympics didn't affect the state as much as people thought it would. Mortgage Broker Training: How to Secure Loyalty From Realtors So you've just returned to your office after delivering an Oscar worthy presentation to a real estate agent. They're impressed and ready to do business with you. What You Can Do To Sell Your Home Fast Yes, you want to sell your home and you want to sell it fast. It may be a seller's market and every other home in your neighbourhood is selling and you think it's going to be a cakewalk selling your home. How To Sell Your Home FSBO You decide to sell your home and believe you can handle the selling process. Good for You!Of course you're a little nervous and that's normal. According To Sellers, Silence Isnt Always Golden' When trying to sell a home, silence isn't always golden especially when you're expecting your real estate agent to call. In fact, it's one of the leading complaints among sellers in the real estate market. Renting Versus Buying A Home Renters are often in a quandary as to whether it makes sense to continue renting or buy a home. Buying a home makes more sense, particularly when taking a long-term view. Selling Houses: Cutting Edge Design Tips for Selling In this article, you're going to discover new techniques for marketing houses, and you'll find that these fresh, new interior design ideas will help sell your home faster, and for a higher price than the competition!Buyers' physical senses respond to a home's design, and what a buyer feels is based upon their psychological reactions to sight, hearing, smell, touch, and even taste. Design Psychology employs new strategies in interior design to entice buyers. How to Buy Fixers for Profit Do you dream of becoming a multi-millionaire real estate investor? Here's how to get started: find a bargain "fixer-upper" owned by a worried seller. The hardest house for a homeowner to sell is a "doghouse," "dump," or "fixer-upper. Real Estate Investing: Sales and Negotiation Skills are Critical Do you want to build wealth through real estate? You need expertise in two critical areas: specific investment strategies and sales and negotiation skills. But if knowing how to identify good deals is what's really important about investing in real estate, why do investors need to worry about their sales and negotiation skills?"Knowing how to identify good deals is certainly a critical part of real estate investing, but it's not the only part," says Russ Whitney, internationally recognized real estate expert and bestselling author of Millionaire Real Estate Mentor (Dearborn Trade Publishing). Expenses of Home Ownership Hopefully all goes smoothly when you purchase your home. In your anxiousness to become an owner it may not have crossed your mind and no one tells you, your'e not done spending money on this transaction. Negotiating A Short Sale - The High Road to Huge Foreclosure Profits Buying foreclosures can be extremely profitable for real estate investors. However, most of these homeowners are mortgaged to the hilt. Staging Homes for Top-Dollar Sales Wouldn't it be nice to have Roger Hazard's design team from "Sell This House" come visit for a weekend?Many "redecorators" and designers offer "Staging Homes" services from $250 to $5,000. These services usually give good advice, some help with the actual work involved, and others even move in new furniture for you. Investment Property Part 2 of 2: What You Need to Know Before You Buy Welcome to the second portion of a two-part series on investment property. In the first installment, "How Not to Become a Slumlord", we discussed a little of what it takes to own and operate a property as well as some of the do's and don'ts of the property management trade. Real Estate Investing: How to Choose a Lender To become a successful real estate investor it's vital to have a long-term relationship with a good lender. Having a flexible lender who knows your needs and objectives can be the difference between success and failure in your investment career. Cutting Edge Real Estate, Is the Bubble Ready To Burst? Of course, this is the big question in real estate now. . Russ Whitney and Real Estate Investing Gurus There is curently a huge real Estate boom in America today. Little does the world know that this boom has some to do with all of the real estate guru's out there. How to Prepare Yourself for Owning a Dual Purpose Second Home If you are thinking about buying a second home, you are not alone. A 1995 survey by the American Resort Development Association found that 60 percent of households surveyed feel they have a likely chance of purchasing a recreational property in the next ten years, a figure that rose 30% from the survey in 1990. Buying an Unfinished Home Maybe Your Answer For the first time "want-to-be" homeowner, purchasing an unfinished new home maybe just the answer. With mortgage interest rates still at record lows, there has not been a better time to purchase a home in decades. ![]() |
home | site map |
© 2006 TIGER MEDIA |