Advisers with Middle America Planning, a fee-only financial-planning firm in Mount Lebanon, Pa., offer the following tips if you’re thinking about buying real estate in a vacation destination:

¢ Do not consider time shares a financial investment. They are a method for buying future vacations.

¢ Never purchase a time share without having a lawyer review the contract.

¢ Resist high-pressure sales tactics and free gifts that entice you to sign on the spot.

¢ Never purchase a time share without first visiting the property. Look for signs of good property management.

¢ Make sure the time share is associated with an exchange company if you want to trade in your time-share.

¢ Make sure the time share will meet your needs 10 or 20 years down the road as the vacation needs of your family evolve.

¢ Understand that maintenance fees may increase over time.