"The properties have been first class, all with kitchen facilities, which saves a lot on your eating-out bill. They have plenty of room, are always up to date and clean.... I would sure do it again, and am very glad that we did."

Another happy Trendwest owner is Lindsay Wolsey of Payson. "We are really glad that we bought into our timeshare, because it forces us to take a vacation each year."

Stephen Garlitz, who has sold timeshares for Trendwest, said flexibility is a key to how well owners will enjoy them.

"If a person will research things carefully, they can get great deals. If they do not, then they will be (hurt). We have friends who just bought at a Westgate resort in Orlando and $15,000 for every other year.... They have tried to sell, and the only offer they have had is for $4,000. We just booked at the same resort on travelocity.com for $199 per night for a three-bedroom unit," he said.

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E-mail: lee@desnews.com