Before you buy your first time share, there are many facts to consider. In calculating the total cost of a time share or vacation plan, you need to include mortgage payments and expenses, travel costs, annual maintenance fees, property taxes, closing costs, broker commissions, and finance charges. It is important to be aware of the fact that maintenance fees can rise at rates that exceed inflation. You should ask whether your plan has a fee cap. You must pay fees and taxes on your time share unit, whether or not you use it yearly.

To help evaluate the time share...