Timeshare Relief

[disneysteve]

I always wondered if I could get a great deal on the secondary market for timeshares because of people like the original poster.

My wife and I have thought about Disney Vacation Club but think they are way overpriced. However, if we could get one pennies on the dollar. . .well. . .may consider it.

The answer to your first paragraph is absolutely yes. However, the answer to your 2nd paragraph is not a chance.

Most timeshares get resold on the secondary market for pennies on the dollar. I know a few people who have bought their timeshare weeks for about $1,000.

DVC, however, holds it's value very well. In fact, they are probably the only timeshares that consistently appreciate in value.

Keep in mind, however, that even when you buy a resale and get a "great" deal on it, you still need to pay the annual maintenance fee. That's where it becomes worthless as far as I'm concerned. I can find my own accomodations for the same or less than the annual fee on most of the timeshares. We've rented a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo near Disney for $260/week. Why would I possibly want to buy a place?

[Ima saver]

I hate to say, but one of my friends just bought a time share. I tried to talk her out of it, but couldn't . she did get it from the original owner and it was a pretty cheap price, but I still would not want to be stuck with something i could not give away!!

[rickandcindy23]

Stay away from Timeshare Relief.

Timeshare is something you should always buy on the resale market. You can buy timeshares on many different websites, just do a Google search to find them.

Companies like Timeshare Relief, Vacation Solutions, Time No More, Resort Acquisitions, etc., charge individuals $3,495 to take their timeshares from them. This does not seem like a good business move to me.

If you own timeshare, visit sites like Timeshare Forums and Timeshare Users Group. These sites have thousands of owners who love timeshare and will be happy to help you get the most out of your purchase. There is no need to pay anyone to get out of a timeshare. You can sell it yourself, for about $50. Try sites like RedWeek, My Resort Network and Vacation Time Share. There is also a magazine called Timesharing Today that has great information about timeshare.

The value in timeshare is not in reselling, it is in using the ownership you have and enjoying vacations. The system really works, but it is not as easy as the salesman told you, when you first purchased.

[Kate Ann]

I swear, that rickandcindy from Colorado has issues. I can't say I recall reading anything more ignorant in my life. People are asking how to get out, and she says they need to keep using it and enjoying vacations. People want out because IT DOESN'T WORK for them. Cindy is a TUG and TS4MS nutjob who promotes timesharing, and makes money in timesharing. She even said in Timesharing Today (which she alternately hates or adores based on whether or not they agree with her point of view) that she owns 19 timeshares. She's ridiculous and altogether unreliable.
If you want out, it's understandable. These timeshare folks talk out of both sides of their mouth. A company like Timeshare Relief actually DOES what they promise, and that is to get you out of a bad contract forever. No conning, no disappearing. Just a great company that got started because the owners found out they weren't the only ones who couldn't get rid of timeshare like they'd been told they could.
I hope the timeshare industry either gets heavily legislated with massive punishments for the cons, or just becomes illegal altogether. I'm sick of hearing about how people are ripped off and lied to and I hope the government steps in to protect them.

[DebbieL]

Actually, the advice RickandCindy gave was sound. Why pay someone thousands to unload your timeshare when you can sell it (dirt cheap) on ebay or something similar? That's certainly the route I would go if I had a timeshare I wasn't planning to use.

PS - Some people actually are happy with their timeshares (usually the ones who got them cheap from someone else). If you get one that you will actually make good use of in a popular area, then the maintenance fee should be less than the value of your yearly usage. There is no cut and dried answer for every person. By the way, I don't own nor do I ever plan to own a timeshare, but that doesn't mean they are bad for everyone.

[Kate Ann]

To each his own

I agree that it is possible for timesharing to work for some people. I know first hand however that they do not work for everyone. To imply that these people who buy into it and find that it doesn't work for them aren't doing it right, and should stick it out though, is ignorance.
Also, I agree that people should try and sell on places like ebay and craigslist. They'll take a huge loss if it ever sells (there are always over 1200 listings on ebay, and most for 99 cents), and I think they should avoid listing agents who just steal their money.
However, sometimes people have tried every avenue to get rid of it, and nothing happens. In that case, don't tell them they're stupid and should just try to figure out the system. Tell them about companies that will get them out. Timeshare Relief is one of those companies, and the most well known as far as I can tell in the business.
People like Cindy have a problem with Timeshare Relief only because it encroaches on their territory, and because they tell the truth about the negative side of timesharing that a sales person never would.
If there were no negatives to timesharing, then the internet wouldn't be full of discussions like this one. And by the way, even on the timeshare loyal sites they have discussions about horror stories and people getting ripped off.
As for Cindy, she's not sound. She only sees it one way, and hates anyone who doesn't agree. That is ignorant. Just check out her arguments with Spence etc, or her posts when she asks the thread be closed because she got flamed.

[DebbieL]

What other posts do you mean? I can only see 1 post by Cindy on this site. You must have some kind of grievance that you are carrying over from another site?

[Kate Ann]

I've done my homework

Hmm...you sound like a friend of Cindy....defending her to the last. That's actually really funny.
I already mentioned that I've seen her on other sites. So that's not new information. I also mentioned I've read her garbage in Timesharing Today.
I inherited a timeshare, and I knew nothing about timeshares when that happened. Since then, I've done LOTS of research, and have a fair amount of experience with the industry. I'm here because I think it's important to give people access to both sides of the equation, unlike those at previously mentioned timeshare sales and support sites who've said things along the lines of, "the only way to protect people is to remove information about Timeshare Relief"....which is so beyond ignorant I can't believe people like that can still function in the world.
Let me give you an example friend of Cindy. There's a debate out over evolution and creation...hundreds of years ago, a teacher was fired and I believe prosecuted for teaching evolution. Not so many years ago, a teacher was fired for teaching his biology students about creation. My contention is that if you teach people about all sides of an argument, they can make up their own minds which side they believe. And if you withhold information, then you're cheating people from making an educated decision.
So, if you like timesharing, say so. Have at. If you don't, that's well and good too. I believe in Timeshare Relief as being a reputable and upstanding business because I've experienced first hand the relief they offer. Cindy said she went to a presentation (which I've gone to also) and then she told lies about what was presented. I'm allowed to call her on the carpet and tell her what a liar she is because I know they didn't tell her one thing and then everyone else something different. She is the one with a grudge, go read her posts on the other sites I told you about, unless you already know them.
She posts her ignorant rubbish everywhere that timeshares are mentioned, and she flames anyone who doesn't agree, or cries like a baby and asks for the thread to be closed.
Ignorant people should have muzzles. Cindy owns 19 timeshares, that's reason enough (do you know that the average yearly fee for a timeshare is around $500....do that math!), but she condemns anyone who doesn't like timesharing and blames it on them as though they've screwed up.
That's ridiculous hogwash.
I'll keep supporting great people, and will also continue to expose the ignorant lying people as I keep researching.

[DebbieL]

"Hmm...you sound like a friend of Cindy....defending her to the last. That's actually really funny.
I already mentioned that I've seen her on other sites. So that's not new information. I also mentioned I've read her garbage in Timesharing Today."

I've never heard of Cindy (or you) before today. WTF are you talking about?

[Kate Ann]

Breathe perhaps?

Wow! I'm just pointing out what is in front of me.
Cindy in no way gave sound advice. Obviously people try to resell their timeshares if there are over 1200 listings on ebay for 99 cents. I know this. And I know that Donate for a Cause is connected to a resale company (I'll dig out the info and post it later), so sending them to this "charity" that will accept their timeshare is completely heinous.
By the time someone calls a company like Timeshare Relief, they've tried all the traditional methods for dumping it, and nothing has worked. And Timeshare Relief WORKS. The fact that someone like Cindy doesn't acknowledge that but instead goes on record lying about them is ignorance at its worst.
So, defend her, get your knickers in a twist and be obscene and vulgar all you want...it doesn't change the truth. You should go and buy a timeshare or 19 and see how wonderful they are....and you can go to Cindy for your sound advice. Cheers!

[terry1156]

Kate Ann,

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt having only posted a few times here, but explain to me what is so sound about paying someone $3000 to get rid of a timeshare when you are saying that Donate for a Cause is bad because it is connected with a resale company - if the timeshare sells, the person still comes out $3000 ahead since they don't have to pay the $3000. What am I getting wrong here?

I have my doubts of what Cindy was trying to do since Jeffrey had to edit out links (which usually means spam), but at the same time, I would advise others to try and get rid of a Timeshare for free (at a huge loss) before having them pay to get rid of it (at an even bigger loss). What exactly is wrong, point by point, with her advice if you have the time to respond as I would like to know for my future reference and if I have been missing something I wasn't aware of.

I would also ask that an apology is in order for DebbieL. We are a very friendly site here. Accusing a long time active member of being in cahoots when you have only posted a few times here just because she happens to not agree is not something that happens on this board. We may disagree, but it is always friendly and everyone is here to help others out.

These are the points Cindy made that I would like to know what is wrong with them:

1. Timeshare is something you should always buy on the resale market.

2. Companies like Timeshare Relief, Vacation Solutions, Time No More, Resort Acquisitions, etc., charge individuals $3,495 to take their timeshares from them. This does not seem like a good business move to me.

3. Try selling your timeshare on other sites as they are much cheaper than the ones that charge $3,495 because there are people who like to purchase deeply discounted timeshares

4. A timeshare is not an investment, it is a vacation choice and you won't make money reselling it. The value in timeshare is not in reselling. The system really works, but it is not as easy as the salesman told you, when you first purchased.

[Kate Ann]

my response.

Kate Ann,

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt having only posted a few times here, but explain to me what is so sound about paying someone $3000 to get rid of a timeshare when you are saying that Donate for a Cause is bad because it is connected with a resale company - if the timeshare sells, the person still comes out $3000 ahead since they don't have to pay the $3000. What am I getting wrong here?

*****
I have already said multiple times that I agree that if someone is going to try and get out of their ts, they should try listing it on ebay or craigslist or other free site first. Donate for a Cause is owned by James Tarpey of Resort Closings, Inc. That IS a listing company. So, one, they generate lists and thus have new people to contact to try and get that upfront listing fee...convincing people they can sell the ts instead of donating it for nothing. Two, the owner is still responsible for all costs and fees while Resort Closings, Inc and Donate for a Cause are trying to resell it. Three, many people have tried these routes, and gotten no where, but if they want out, they want out, not in years, but now...so they pay a company who carries out a transfer of title, and they get out...no more ts. That's a deal to someone who doesn't want the nightmare of a ts over them anymore. It's that simple.***********

I have my doubts of what Cindy was trying to do since Jeffrey had to edit out links (which usually means spam), but at the same time, I would advise others to try and get rid of a Timeshare for free (at a huge loss) before having them pay to get rid of it (at an even bigger loss). What exactly is wrong, point by point, with her advice if you have the time to respond as I would like to know for my future reference and if I have been missing something I wasn't aware of.


*************Cindy is a TUGGER, and also from TS4MS. Both of those sites (which I'm sure she included the links to and were thus edited out) are sites that harbor ts sales people and people who simply think ts'ing is the only way to go...and they are extremely negative when people post there saying they've had a terrible time with their ts and can't wait to get out. Again, I agree people should try to sell first, it's obviously in their best interest, but if the ftc is saying 3.3% of all ts listed in the last 20 years sell, I think the chances of finding a buyer are beyond miraculous. I just want people to know they have options besides listing and waiting and paying and listing again etc. There can be an end to ts ownership.*********

I would also ask that an apology is in order for DebbieL. We are a very friendly site here. Accusing a long time active member of being in cahoots when you have only posted a few times here just because she happens to not agree is not something that happens on this board. We may disagree, but it is always friendly and everyone is here to help others out.


**********This is interesting...considering it wasn't me exclaiming "wtf" I've been minding my manners and my mouth. I'm just offering unbiased information on the ts industry. Cindy makes money in the ts industry (not me) and so she's online trashing companies because they 1) tell it like it is and 2) they help to get people out for good. I think saying her advice is sound is ludicrous. I would include a web address to a consumer advocacy site, but it would get edited out...but I'd just like to say there are sites that are truly unbiased sources of information on the ts industry.**********

These are the points Cindy made that I would like to know what is wrong with them:

1. Timeshare is something you should always buy on the resale market.

**This assumes that you should buy a timeshare. Timeshares are not really a great thing to buy. You can RENT the timeshares MUCH cheaper than owning, and with renting, you only pay when you use it, whereas if you own, you pay regardless ...whether you use it or not.

2. Companies like Timeshare Relief, Vacation Solutions, Time No More, Resort Acquisitions, etc., charge individuals $3,495 to take their timeshares from them. This does not seem like a good business move to me.

***This assumes that the fee is always $3495, which for Timeshare Relief, it is not--it can be, and usually is, less. If your average cost of owning is $700 a year (including maintenance fees, taxes, special assessments, exchange fees, cleaning fees etc) and you've listed it for say the past 5 years with no takers (this is certainly easy to imagine) then you'd pay $3500 for your yearly fees, plus any listing or advertising fees, and still own the ts at the end of those 5 years. If you paid a company to transfer title for you 5 years ago instead, you'd be putting those yearly fees into one service fee that is $3495 or less, and you'd be ts free...5 years ago, and be done with the fees. You could vacation WHERE and WHEN you wanted. What a concept right?

3. Try selling your timeshare on other sites as they are much cheaper than the ones that charge $3,495 because there are people who like to purchase deeply discounted timeshares

****Yes, again, I agree. If this doesn't work out however as is the case for most people, just know there are options such as Timeshare Relief as I've stated before. They're a reputable company, they're a member of the BBB, and I checked them out beforehand, it's easy. That's all I'm saying.

4. A timeshare is not an investment, it is a vacation choice and you won't make money reselling it. The value in timeshare is not in reselling. The system really works, but it is not as easy as the salesman told you, when you first purchased.

**** Ah, finally, the truth.....ts sales people STILL LIE. They still tell tourists that a ts is a great investment. They lie, and pressure and guilt trip them...and then have them sign 20 pages or more of a contract wherein these tourists sign and initial and say they understand that the resort isn't responsible for anything the sales people may have told them etc. People have been sitting at these sales tables for HOURS by this time, and are probably exhausted by the high pressure pitches. You and I both know they don't have a chance to read every single line, one of which will say timeshares are not to be purchased as an investment, but for personal use only. (The fed. govt had to step in and make that happen btw). The internet has changed how people vacation and ts is NOT a great way to go simply because you're chained to a contract forever (and don't forget those fees go up too). I know I don't take vacations EVERY YEAR for weeks at a time. Why would I pay for that every year then. And as for the system really working, I'm afraid to say, in general, it doesn't. Please go read the blogs and newspaper articles from people who've tried to reserve YEARS in advance and can't find what they want when they want. And keep in mind, the ts industry is trying to make money from all sides, thus the class action lawsuit against RCI who rents out the timeshares to the general public from under the owners who can therefore never take their holidays that they have to pay for anyway.

[Vapors]

Wow, no love for timeshares. I bought a timeshare 13 years ago from a guy who buys them in auction and resells them. The guy still sells them for 600 to 3000 or so. I own 2 now and love owning them. I only exchange for 5 star resorts so I am always certain to stay at a nice place.

My yearly maintenance fees are $179 and $242. My cost for Interval International membership is about $50 or so a year and my exchance fee is $139. So I get 2 nice vacations a year staying in 2 bedroom 5 star resorts for $750 total.

Where timeshares can be bad is if you pay $15000 or more for one. Then some have yearly maintenance fees for $800 or more. And some people just don't use them even after paying for them.

I just wanted to post this for anyone who might be interested in getting one. Do your homework before buying one and make sure you will be able to use it every year. Mine are great. I can already book my vacations for next summer if I want.

The only reason to pay someone to take it off your hands is if you still owe a lot on it. Being able to will it to my child is only a good thing, again assuming it's paid off. If he doesn't want it, he can sell it or at worst, give it one of these resale companies. I know the guy I bought my first one from offered to buy it back from me when I bought my second one.

[myself]

Timeshares are not for everyone.
Don't buy one if you don't plan to either rent it out, or use it every year.
If you rent it out, make sure that you make most of your maintenance fees back.
My wife and I have owned one for 10 years or so, and aside from the original cost ($8,000 I think), there are maintenance fees associated with it (taxes, yard upkeep, housekeeping, pool upkeep - if it has one, appliances, etc.). Our 2 units are deeded to us for life (not just 15-30 years as some are), and we can pass it down if we choose to, and our children still enjoy going there once a year, so the $350 we pay for each unit for a week every year is worth it to us. Hotels in the area go for $60/night, but they don't include a full kitchen, sleeping for 6 or more, 2 bathrooms, or a washer/dryer in each unit.
We've given family members our weeks on occasion, as well as had them go with us on a vacation.
The resale market is really bad (if you're trying to resell it).

We think of it like this. Who thinks that a vehicle will be worth more after they buy it, and that a vehicle will not need any maintenance or upkeep as it gets older?
We keep our vehicles for 10-12 years, and if it's only costing us $1,000/yr to keep the vehicle running, it's plenty worth it (in comparison to buying a new one every year).

[disneysteve]

the $350 we pay for each unit for a week every year is worth it to us. Hotels in the area go for $60/night, but they don't include a full kitchen, sleeping for 6 or more, 2 bathrooms, or a washer/dryer in each unit.

For anyone considering a timeshare purchase, I think it is very important to really explore the area and see what the options are. The biggest timeshare market in the country is the Walt Disney World area in Orlando. That is also the area where buying a timeshare probably makes the least sense as there are thousands of inexpensive rental properties available. Why pay an upfront purchase price and an annual maintenance fee of a few hundred dollars when for less than $50/nite, you can rent a 2-bedroom condo.

In other parts of the country where the options are more limited, a timeshare might not be such a bad deal if you can get it cheap enough on the secondary market.