Time shares are one area of real estate that people like or hate. Time shares have often gotten a bad reputation, especially since there are a variety of types of time shares and they are usually grouped under the name time share when being described as a bad idea. Before deciding against a time share, a person should look into the types of time shares. They may be surprised that not every time share is the same. They may even find one that suits them.

Time shares are real estate investments where a group of investors all own the property. The time share is shared amongst the group with each individual allotted a specific time when they get to use the property. Most time shares are used as vacation spots. The upkeep and maintenance responsibilities are also shared among the time share ownership group. There are many variations on the time share.

Types of time shares differ in many ways. Some have different ownership rights while others have different usage rights. The differences may seem subtle, but they can also mean the difference between a time share working well for a person and not working for a person. The following outlines each type of time share and the main characteristics of each.

- Fixed week time share: Each buyer owns the rights to the property for a specific set time period and date each year.

- Floating time share: Buyers choose when they want to use the timeshare. Unlike the fixed week time share, this type of time share is not contracted out.

- Right to use time share: This type of time share is not owned by the individuals, instead the buyer actually rents the property for a specific time each year. A contract stipulates when and for how long the rental agreement stands.

- Points club: This is where various groups of time share owners participate in a points earning club. These points can be used to use timeshare property of group members based on reservations.

Time shares are not the useless real estate that some make them out to be. In fact, if a person does not want to get tied down to a piece of real estate there is the right to use time share option. Time shares are a great for people who vacation on a regular basis. Even if it isnt to the same spot a time share like the points club time share, might still benefit them. There is a time share for everyone, so the best advice for anyone considering a time share is to look into the options before writing it off as a bad investment.