Expert: liznarr - 9/11/2005

Question
Im currently selling timeshare for Westgate Resorts in Orlando and expect to be liscenced in a month or 2.  Although potentially lucrative, Im not sure this is my long term career path.  Whats your opinion on getting in with one of the major developers ?(Lennar is currently hiring, for example)  Can you give me some pro's and cons as to this route, and a general sense of income expectation (Im not sure who hires on a commission basis and who offers salaries, etc.)  Any information would be helpful.  Be Excellent,  Adam

Answer
Hi Adam,

If you are good in the sales area, I think you would always be better off to be paid on a commission basis vs a salary.  

You would be limited with a salary.  On the other hand, if the timeshare market is good in Orlando and a developer has a good commission structure, you should be able to earn pretty much what you want --  depending on the hours you are willing to put in.

As far as going with a major developer, if there is a developer that pretty much dominates the market area in Orlando, that sounds like a good place to be.  My question would be, no matter “which” company you are licensed with, would you still have the ability to sell “any” of the developers' timeshares?  And also, would you make a higher percentage of commission (or salary) with a major developer as opposed to one of the others?

One very distinct advantage in going with one of the major developers for a timeshare market would be that they will be doing the advertising that can bring potential buyers in for you.  You should also inquire with any company you work for, what percentage, if any, they would charge back to you for their advertising.

You said you are currently selling timeshares, but did not elaborate on the amount of experience you have.  Since you will be newly-licensed, if you wouldn't feel comfortable going on a commission-only basis at first, you might feel less pressure for a while on a salaried basis.  Before going salaried, however, I would certainly ask if you have the option to convert to commission-only at a later date.

Since I've never sold timeshares myself, and I do not know the Orlando market, I don't have any idea of how to advise you on income expectation.  If timeshares are a hot market in the Orlando area, then, of course, that's a good place to be.  A good real estate agent can ALWAYS make a very good living.  If you feel this is your area of expertise, I would definitely advise you to “go for it.”

I hope the above is helpful to you.  Good luck to you, and please feel free to write again if you have additional questions.

Regards,
Elizabeth Narr