A major factor in the success of selling your timeshare is entrusting the correct broker to handle the listing and selling process. Before you commit to a broker, carefully research firms near your timeshare to determine which agency consistently delivers the results. Most importantly, ensure the agency you choose to list your timeshare has experience in selling timeshares. Though a broker may know the local market well, the approach to selling timeshares in a great deal different than that of selling condos, townhouses, or houses. Consider the following when choosing a broker:

Check the record

Before you make the choice of a specific real estate agent, check their timeshare sales record. A quick scan of the local newspaper can give you an idea of how successful any agent is, but you may need to do a bit more in-depth research. Do not be afraid to ask the agent directly about their success in selling timeshare units, including the average days the unit sits on the market before it sells and the average cost of the properties he or she has sold in the past year. Has the agent recently sold other timeshare units in your development? Consider comparing the sales success of different agents in the area of the timeshare to ensure you make the correct decision.

Leverage referrals

Ask your neighbors to find owners in your development that have recently sold their units and learn which agent represented them. Did they find the agent to be easy to work with and did they feel that the agent helped negotiate the best possible terms for the sale? Recommendations are an excellent place to begin your search, but be wary of blindly trusting a good word, even from a close friend, without doing your homework. Furthermore, be wary of listing to recommendations from friends, family members, neighbors, or co-workers that have sold properties other than timeshares, asagainthe market is different for these unique forms of real estate investments.

Ask questions

Ask all of your questions about your timeshare sale before signing a contract with a real estate agent. Determine the marketing methods that the real estate agent will use to generate interest in your timeshare. Furthermore, ask about the estimated time it will take to sell your timeshare and get a written estimate of all fees. Your agent should be able to answer any questions and calm any concerns you may have regarding the real estate market. If for any reason your agent is unable or unwilling to answer any of your questions, you may need to think again about your choice of agent.

Choosing the correct broker will enable you to ensure your timeshare sells for the maximum price in the minimum time. Many timeshare owners have made rushed decisions when it comes to what agent to entrust the selling of their investment, only to be disappointed in the end. Instead, doing a small amount of research will be able to prevent any issues later on down the road when your timeshare has gotten stale on the market or finally sells for a paltry amount.

Finally, you may wish to look into the background of the real estate agency if you have any concerns about their business practices. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged against the company.