I just finished reading an article about an agent selling her lake home.  She had found a creative way to market her home by offering fractional ownership.  Essentially, you could purchase 1/4 of her home for $165,000 with an additional $330. monthly fee for cleaning, lawn maintenance and utilities.

I had to ask myself would I do this?  Heck no, in the first place what control do you have over the other owners, what if one of them goes broke or dies and leaves his share to a crazy relative.  How about financing?  You can't get a mortgage for 1/4 of a house.  You have to pay cash, $165,000 that adds up to $1,824. a day!!!!  Wow, I could do a lot of vacationing for that kind of money.  Does the monthly fee apply when I'm not using the house?  Who decides when it's time to buy a new bed or a new TV?  What if I leave something at the house and it's not there when I go back?  I have to say fractional ownership is not for me.

What does make sense?  The Landings at Night Harbor!  For $218,000 you and you alone own your home.  You can have a boat slip in Night Harbor Marina, access to boat storage, a boat ramp, tennis courts and a beautiful private clubhouse overlooking Lake Murray.  Financing is easily available, and if you leave your dishes in the sink rest assured they'll be there when you return home.