Reality Bites: Timeshares

Vacation time is coming. Unlike others who rush for bookings and accommodations, you are calm and ready for everything is all set. That is the beauty of having a timeshare. However, don’t you think it would be better to stop worrying about ever-increasing timeshare maintenance fees and special assessments? Time for you to get practical, time to get rid of your timeshare unit.

The economy is not just friendly to everyone and you are not exemption. Even the king of timeshare industry like Marriott International is greatly affected by the financial crisis.

Every commodity seems to be increasing in price. To cope up with this, you should prioritize necessities and drop luxuries like owning a timeshare unit.

Timeshares are coated with such a glamorous image that makes you feel like royalties having your own unit in a high-class hotel, resort or condominium. But just when you can get away from all the troubles of life, reality sinks in. You are now bombarded with too many fees that aren’t exactly compensated by the experience you had in spending time in your unit.

Owning a timeshare unit during these times is not practical. Picture this you are paying thousands of dollars for something that you only use for a very short period, and sometimes you don’t actually have the chance to use it. There is a specific period of time for you to enjoy your timeshare but it cannot be avoided that it might coincide with your work. Yes, you can book on other weeks but that would take a lot of money.

This is the time to be practical. Unload your timeshare unit. But be careful with timeshare resellers. Make sure you check with Better Business Bureau before transacting with a timeshare resale company. You would not want to end up among victims of scammers who will drain your money and at the end you still have your timeshare with you.

Getting out of your timeshare contract is not an easy thing to do. Selling your unit would take some time, especially these times when there are many owners who are also putting their units on sale. The image of timeshares has also suffered tremendously that people would hesitate to buy one.

More News on Timeshare Scams

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ investigators recently raided an Ormond Beach-based timeshare sales office. The said investigators issued a search warrant to Buy Owner Resort Marketing. According to the agency’s spokesperson, Liz Compton, the investigation details are not yet available as of this time since it is still ongoing.

It was in March 2010 that the regulators told the said company to stop its telemarketing arm for the reason that it is not registered. But the said reason is not yet confirmed whether it is related to the warrant issued to them.

The above incident is just one of the consequences of many timeshare resale companies who have been doing unsound business practices.

Their hard selling tactics include calling up the timeshare owners and present to them the enticing offers. The usual circumstance at the end of the conversation is to ask for mailing payments through credit card. Desperate timeshare owners then grab the opportunity thinking that this is a one shot blessing to finally get away from the hassles of owning a timeshare. In effect, it did even create a financial disaster on them since a huge amount of money was busted by some merciless outsiders.

The truth of the matter is buyers and sellers are having a hard time looking for that legitimate timeshare resale company that will give the optimum results. With the ongoing influx of timeshare resale companies it is hard to choose which ones are just right for them.

There are so many things that a consumer has to be aware of when reselling timeshares. But let me give you some tips.

One, you have to be knowledgeable of what you are selling. Research is important for you to get the most out of your timeshare. Awareness on the total value of your timeshare will let you resell it much faster and easier though there are no guarantees of these. But at least you don’t wave out those potential buyers. The price of a resale unit usually falls between 30%-50% of its original price.

Real timeshare resale companies do not ask for initial charges. Most scammers reason out that these fees are intended for the advertising costs and/or mailing payments when in fact they are not.

To further validate whether the resale company is good or not, inquire at the Better Business Bureau. They have an online site where you can access and immediately determine whether a company is good or not.

Be smart enough to transfer that timeshare of yours.

Some Facts About Timeshares

When it comes to exclusive ownerships, timeshares are the best vacation to choose from. Travelers enjoy the benefits of luxurious facilities and amenities without the hassles of booking. It has been patronized by so many for years since the price is justifiable to the services it renders.

But like any other industry, it was also affected by the financial crisis that urged top major hotel chains to take actions that will sustain and help survive their business and the industry as well. Alongside with the significant sales drop that amounted to loss of billions of dollars, is the ongoing entrapment of scammers towards timeshare owners. Unscrupulous companies have been persistent in doing unsound business practices. Timeshare owners continued to file complaints at their respective Attorney Generals. Better Business Bureau kept on listing and hunting those illegitimate and deceitful companies.
As a consumer, you must know your rights. A well-informed consumer can avoid common mistakes in buying and selling timeshares.

Well, it is risky not to have seen a property that you intend to purchase. But most of the potential buyers do purchase timeshares this way. You may horribly see your vacation place most likely when you arrive.

Most people think that owning a timeshare entails them to do good business in the future. Potential buyers must remember that timeshares are not like any other investments that increase in value. In fact the value depreciates through time. Most resellers sell their timeshares between 30%-50% of its original price.

Some believe that timeshares are easy to trade which in reality is not. Even if there is such a thing as timeshare exchange program, it doesn’t guarantee that you get your preferred unit. Or you may end up with a unit that you would not enjoy.

Disney, Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton have a uniform standard with their timeshares. If you chose to buy a unit directly from the companies mentioned, the cost may reach up to 60% more than what you purchase from the resale market. It is because the payment includes the company’s marketing costs which includes a 3-day free timeshare experience, vacation activities, and meals for potential buyers.
Consumers must be very careful on companies that force you to sign a contract. Refuse and avoid the “Buy-it-NOW-one-time-only-offers!!!” as this is one of the hard-sell tactics.

If you happen to have that timeshare and you want to dispatch it because for some reason you don’t like it anymore. Call Transfer Smart. Transfer Smart offers timeshare clients a reliable way of getting rid of timeshares forever.

Having a problem with your timeshare property? Don’t fret because Transfer Smart is there for you!

Yes, you enjoyed your timeshare property, but to what extent? Well, most timeshare owners these days want to get rid of their timeshare properties. This is due to several reasons, whether money issues or time schedules that hinder timeshare owners to take hold of their properties. It is also because of the economic recession that made people’s budget be tight.

However, getting rid of a timeshare property is really hard. You have to be prepared with the papers, contracts, etc. While doing everything for timeshare owners to be able to get rid of their timeshares, they continually pay for the annual maintenance, repair, taxes and other fees they must take responsibility of as timeshare owners.

Several of these people opt to sell their timeshare properties, but they end up wasting money instead. What’s best to do is to look for a complete exit solution for timeshare properties, and that is via Transfer Smart Incorporated.

Transfer Smart Incorporated is a legal and one of the best companies around. They have already helped thousands of people get away with their timeshare property contracts and the annual fees that go along with it. The company has created a system that is surely effective for timeshare owners to get rid of their timeshare contracts.

An Escape From Timeshare Units

Buying a vacation home was once a good way to spend a wonderful vacation with the family. With timeshares, it not only offers you the first class facilities, amenities, and services but also allows you to save more than staying in an ordinary vacation package.

But when recession hit the world economy, finances were hard to manage. Goods and commodities’ prices kept increasing as well as the services rates. Companies have run out of gains and received a big chunk of losses. In effect, jobs were cut down, thus making it more difficult for an individual to survive.

And with this, an ordinary citizen needs to cut down his expenses too. The tables have been turned due to economic recession. Not so long ago, you can still afford to pay the annual maintenance fees. But now, it has been very difficult to pay it up to date. You tried selling it, yet you feel it doesn’t make sense. Someone offers it at a very low price—a very insulting price in exchange of the timeshare you well loved.

But I’m sure it did cross your mind to just abandon it. Anyway, you are not using it anymore. With this, I can say, you’re wrong. Once you neglect your responsibilities, you might be charged more. The timeshare company might hand the case to the court and sue you. That’s another additional fees and penalties. And if you still refuse to pay then you might end up in jail.
So, why do you think timeshare companies wouldn’t want you to get out of your timeshares when in fact you don’t use it anymore?

If companies will just allow people to escape from their financial responsibilities, then there would be more vacant timeshares. And this will be a burden on the part of the company. In short, no company would want you to just evaporate without settling your fees. As long as you are tied up with it for whatever valid reasons you have, then there’s no way you can escape from it.

My advice is to go back to your timeshare company and negotiate it with them. Tell them that you no longer can sustain the finances and that you are not using it anymore. Be ready for some cash settlements. Or you can auction your unit in eBay, Craigslist, etc.

More Timeshare Developers compete—Walt Disney is definitely on the game!

There are already a lot of luxurious timeshare developers that offer great vacation accommodations to people around the world. Last April, G Worldwide announced that they are developing more resorts and hotels for gays to enjoy. In 2011, people will expect a big property in construction with all-in-one accommodations like a gym, spa, bars, restaurants, etc. However, in just a snap, another timeshare developer beat them in offering more luxurious timeshare resorts with high-quality accommodations.

There are a lot more timeshare developers competing in the market these days. Many of these most popular developers are expanding their business to the global market.

Recently, world-renowned Walt Disney is ready for the competition. What they currently offer is for people to live in the Disney world. However, it’s a different style for Disney. People get to buy lots inside the Disney Park. It’s up to them whatever they want to construct. They can build their own houses or if they want, a whole new resort or a rest house for them. Disney is giving consumers more options, while they continue to attract and entertain them with their rides, museums, and other attractions that are of Disney’s signature.

A Couple Wanting to Unload their Timeshare Gets Victimized

Tom and Barbara Remy, from Massachusetts were already desperate to get rid of their timeshare property. At first, they were enjoying their vacation at the property, but it was beyond their expectation that that annual fees of their timeshare started to become a burden for them.

Worldwide Marketing Solutions, a timeshare resale company contacted them and offered to sell their timeshare. The agent made a convincing sales pitch, saying that they could sell their timeshare in England because there is a great demand for it there. This is an offer which they cannot resist at all.

As part of the company’s services, Tom and Barbara were asked for a fee of $1,200. Again, the agent explained where their payment would go. After that, the couple gave the company the exact amount they asked for. Two weeks after their deal, they phoned the company, but no one answered them.

However, months after the transaction, a new company contacted the couple again to bring “good news” to them The agent said that they are taking over Worldwide Marketing Solutions and have found a buyer in England for their timeshare property. Again, the agent asked for a closing payment that costs $3,894. Without hesitation, the couple paid them.

The couple phoned the company weeks after the transaction. Again, there was no answer. This time, it was for real. The company had vanished and their money was taken away from the couple.