When resort real estate experts congregate in throngs to learn and share information about an exciting product, they are bound to come up with some guidelines. A May 2006 gathering of nearly 400 resort and real estate experts at the Ragatz Symposium in Coronado, California was held in wrapped attention as their colleagues shared “dos and don’ts” about Fractional Real Estate for developers. Fractional Real Estate projects increased by 218% say Ragatz Associates, internationally recognized as a leading market research organization in the resort industry. Primarily, the rapid growth in this intriguing product results from the void it fills for both consumers and developers: it has a good image; it offers variety of types of products and locations; many major hospitality brands have jumped aboard; and it is increasing in market acceptance.

Fractional Resort Real Estate is primarily residential in nature, so adjacency or association with a fine hotel and being able to draw on its services, amenities and dining opportunities boosts the value of a Fractional purchase. It also makes it easier to draw potential clients who are already favorably predisposed to the on-site offerings. Developers are urged to look at the traditional real estate offerings in the area. Are there limited and/or expensive second homes in the vicinity that makes a fractional purchase an enticing venture for a family who would prefer to have the advantages of home ownership but not the hassle of keeping up a second vacation home? Are homes in the location priced out of reach for even comfortably positioned second home buyers?

Your location must have year-round appeal or at the very least two strong visitation seasons. A ski resort that offers no summertime activities or a lake that is inaccessible nine months of the year do not lend themselves to luxury fractional ownership. If your fractional resort is the first one to hit the market, or has limited local competition, your chances for success are better, says research presented at the Ragatz Symposium. Experts also say that proximity to a large affluent visitor base, along with urban centers helps put the stamp of pre-disposed success on a fractional product.

Another marketing assurance for a developer to consider is access to a data base which includes resort visitors and real estate prospects. This kind of data base takes building a relationship with local brokers and tourism centers such as chambers of commerce, local attractions, as well as the utilization of various internet sources. Add a great history of the area or story telling opportunities for the future to the mix and you have a recipe for success.

A property in the early stages might look great to someone who is on the look out for a small facility with less populated surroundings. Some questions typically apply to a majority of resort property ownership, unless otherwise taken care of. Some properties will offer a little bit of flexibility in price, while some others have a consolidated price. This situation is usually determined by the demand factor and the overall policy of the property developer or property management Company. If one has a clear knowledge of who stands to profit from the property sale and by how much amount, it will really help you in one’s negotiations.

One has to check whether the project has reached completion or whether it is in its pre-construction stage. This question is of vital importance because the answer, in all probability, will affect the price of the property. Properties in the beginning stages of construction would be sold at a discounted price to attract buyers. As it becomes an assured investment in the Company, and the units attract an increase in demand, the price will surely go up. The question regarding the number of owners is central for people considering purchases of fractionals. The price will hinge on the number of other ownership opportunities obtainable in the particular unit; more owners will make way for the competition for prime space.

Regarding the type of financing available for property in general, both the condo hotels and fractionals are deemed timeshare properties. Even if the property is viewed as a second home, the bank will consider it as a secondary obligation; one that is less important than one’s primary house mortgage. In that situation, you may have to pay more as down payment and the interest rate will be high. Some property developers offer financing services, which seem helpful, but make it a point to understand the details. This arrangement might be fine with you, but you may not want any surprises. Typically, there will be expenses related to insurance, real estate taxes, and improvement of the property facilities.

Usually property owners are made to pay for these items, especially in a condominium hotel setting; still it is important to ask. Other expenses you need to verify are the housekeeping and general maintenance expenses of the property. These costs are usually borne by the facility; but one shouldn’t take it for granted. Make sure that there is plenty of flexibility to suit your style, so that you can make adjustments to get the most out of your property.