RedWeek.com Review--Renting and buying timeshares

I reviewed RedWeek, in exchange for honest review. I applied for the promotion through Tomoson and the promoter was Redweek.com. Redweek provided me with a free, 1 year membership to browse the site and learn how it works. I also an contact timeshare owners, if I want to rent a timeshare for my next vacation.

About RedWeek: (paraphased from RedWeek.com). 

The website was founded by Randy Conrads. He wanted to develop a reputable, do-it-yourself timeshare rental and resale marketplace. The website was launched in 2002. RedWeek is the largest, online timeshare marketplace, with more than 1.5 million registered users. The website also has an A+ Better Business Bureau Rating. The website has resort ratings, reviews, and information. People can also browse postings, in addition to buying and selling timeshares. Membership is currently $14.99 for 12 months and is required to add a rental or resale posting, or to contact an owner about a posting. Rental postings are $24.99 for 6 months, and resale postings are $59.99 for 12 months.

Next, the website has frequently asked questions. The website also has a resources section. The section discusses the following:

1. buying and selling timeshares
2. Renting timeshares
3. Timeshare tools
4. Pros and Cons of buying a timeshare
5. timeshares versus hotels
6. Blogs
7. Tax aspects of renting and selling a timeshare
8. Videos

Things I learnt from the website: 
The site is self-service. If I want a timeshare, I negotiate directly between the owner. The website also recommends setting up an escrow service for payments, especially if a dispute occurs. I also can search for a timeshare by location or by needs. The website posts timeshare information and resources, but the timeshares purchases and rentals are done directly between individuals and owners. There is no middle man. I also like how I am buying real property, with a deed, (for buying). I can transfer the property to my children, when deceased. I can also rent and sell, similar to buying and renting a house. I also learned I can exchange my timeshare for another resort. Next, I liked how the timeshares are furnished. I also learned the timeshare owners has to pay maintenance fees, even if they don't use the resort that year. I have never did a timeshare before. Not quite sure how they work, but the website provided valuable information to aid my future vacation plans. I have two special needs children and I am always looking for places, friendly to them.

Navigating the site:
I did a search for timeshare rentals by location. I started with Houston first, but the search came up empty. I tried Texas next and the search still came up empty. I also tried Georgia, since my kids have relatives there and got a hit. I got a list of cities. The cities were color coded by rentals, resales, and exchanges. Georgia had four places, which had rentals. I clicked on the city of Helen. Helen had three places, with timeshare rentals. Some even rented by the night.

The Loreley

The Loreley rents for $68 to $71 per night. The Alpine, on the other hand, has two for sale for $499 to $975. The website also allows individuals to post reviews. I also did a search for kid-friendly resorts. The website had over 400 resorts listed in this category.

The Alpine

Advantages of a membership to

1. Marketplace for timeshare rentals
2. Cost advantage of a timeshare rental (accommodations, resort ammenities). 

Giveaway: 
The company is providing a free two-year membership for readers of Perfect Chaos. To enter, the contest:

Tomoson/RedWeek Requirements:

1. you will need to like both facebook pages or follow both twitter pages (if you do not have Facebook). You will also need to leave a comment discussing something you learned from Redweek's website

My requirements:

1. Either follow me on twitter, like Perfect Chaos on Facebook, or subscribe to the blog. 

Entry-Form

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.