Thinking about selling your timeshare? Deciding to sell is a big step, but it’s only the first. Now, it’s time to decide whether you want to work with a timeshare advertising service or a timeshare brokerage. Both are safe options within the resale market, but each serves a different role in marketing and selling your property. Thus, understanding the difference between the two is essential before you decide which route to take. That’s where we come in. In our Timeshare Advertising Service Vs Timeshare Brokerage guide, we’ll break down the key differences between these two services so you can determine which solution best fits your needs.
What Is a Timeshare Brokerage?
A timeshare brokerage is a real estate brokerage that specializes in timeshare resales. It consists of licensed brokers and agents who represent sellers as they navigate the resale market. In most cases, a timeshare brokerage offers a range of services, including listing the property, communicating with buyers, negotiating offers as they come in, and closing the sale.
This approach can be especially useful when a specific resort, season, or type of ownership commands strong demand on the resale market. Brokers work on commission, so you usually don’t have to pay up front. Because of this, however, most brokerages only work with sellers who are current on their dues and have no outstanding mortgage payments on their timeshare. They also help you price your timeshare for maximum salability.
What Is a Timeshare Advertising Service?
A timeshare advertising company works differently from a timeshare brokerage. Rather than directly representing the seller as a sales agent, an advertising service markets the owner’s timeshare to a large pool of interested buyers and renters. Unlike a brokerage, moreover, they do not directly represent you in your sale. Rather, as the owner, you maintain control of the sale while benefitting from professional marketing services.
Typical services offered by an advertising company include:
- Online marketplace postings
- International exposure to buyers and renters
- Dedicated support representatives
- Assistance with handling buyer inquiries
- Referral to trusted closing companies
Unlike a resale brokerage, a timeshare advertising service gives you full control over your asking price and allows you to negotiate directly with buyers. For sellers who prefer to be hands-on with their sale, this sense of control is advertising companies’ key advantage over brokerages.
Key Differences Owners Should Know
Now that you know how timeshare advertising services and timeshare brokerages work, let’s review the key differences you need to remember.
Representation vs. Exposure
- A brokerage represents the seller and negotiates the sale directly.
- An advertising company focuses on marketing and connecting sellers with active buyers.
Commission vs. Advertising Fees
- Brokerages operate on a commission basis; agents only get paid if the property sells.
- Advertising companies aren’t commission-based; they make money by charging for advertising services.
Control
- With a brokerage, the agent handles negotiations. They also work with sellers to determine a fair market price, rather than allowing the seller to set any price they want.
- With an advertising company, the owner controls pricing and negotiations while receiving expert support.
Why This Matters for Consumer Protection
What’s the biggest source of confusion in the resale industry? The answer: unrealistic expectations. Some owners assume every resale company is a brokerage. Others expect guaranteed buyers, fast turnaround times, or earnings totalling more than, or at least close to, what they paid.
The reality is that no legitimate resale company can guarantee a fast or lucrative sale. In fact, they can’t guarantee a sale whatsoever.
Knowing what the company you’re planning to do business with actually offers helps keep expectations realistic by helping you ask the right questions:
- Who handles buyer communication?
- How is the property marketed?
- What happens if the timeshare takes longer to sell?
- What support is offered during closing?
Having clear answers to questions like these not only protects you from misunderstandings down the road, but they can also help you steer clear of scam companies making false claims.
Timeshares Only: Providing Professional Advertising Services Since 1994
Timeshares Only has been providing industry-best advertising services since 1994. Through the decades, they have amassed a large client base of interested buyers from around the world, and the skills to get your timeshare seen. As a long-standing member of ARDA with an A+ rating from the BBB, Timeshares Only is a name you can trust. If you’re an owner looking for a safe, legal way out of your timeshare, and you want to learn more about Timeshares Only’s services, click here.