How to safely exit your timeshare

A timeshare gives several owners the right to use a vacation property on a set schedule. Timeshares can be a deeded share of real estate or membership in a vacation club.

Many buyers do not realize they must also pay annual maintenance fees. Those fees can be higher than renting a hotel. If an owner refuses to pay, the timeshare can be foreclosed and the owner’s credit may be harmed.

Life changes may make you want to sell or exit a timeshare. Before you pay a third party, learn your options to avoid scams and costly mistakes. Two national groups—the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO)—offer resources on responsible timeshare exit practices.

Use these resources and follow the steps below before agreeing to any paid service.

Steps to take

1. Gather key documents and information:

• Resort name, address and phone number.
• Deed, contract or membership agreement that identifies what you own.
• Any financing agreement (you must pay off loans before transfer).
• Title insurance and related documents.
• Amount and due date of maintenance fees and whether they are paid for the current year.
• Real estate tax amounts and payment status (if billed separately).
• The exchange company (for example, Resorts Condominiums International or Interval International).
• How and when the timeshare is used (fixed week, floating week, reservation rules, next available use).
• Owner association or resort rules, reservation rules and useful information for a buyer.
• Whether the timeshare is legally real estate (deeded) or personal property (club membership).
• Ask your owners’ association or resort manager if they require paperwork from you or the buyer.

1. Contact your resort first. The resort may offer a buyback, deed-back or transfer process that is cheaper and safer than outside help. Call again if you don’t get a response the first time. If you don’t know who runs the resort, call ARDA’s resource line at 855-939-1515.
2. If you use a third party, choose carefully. Consider providers listed in ARDA’s Advertising and Resale Providers Directory.

Watch for these red flags — they often indicate a timeshare resale scam

• Upfront fees: Do not pay large fees, wire money or send funds for a “service,” “tax,” or other requirement before a sale is completed. (Nominal advertising fees from legitimate resellers may be an exception.)
• “Buyer ready” calls: Be suspicious if someone contacts you claiming they already have an interested buyer.
• Unsolicited calls claiming ARDA representation: ARDA and ARDA-ROC do not call owners unless the owner first contacts them.
• Promises to cancel or transfer for a fee: Companies that promise to cancel, modify or transfer your timeshare for an upfront fee are usually fraudulent.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers: If the offer seems unusually high, it may be a bait to collect money without completing a sale.

If you believe you are a victim of a scam, collect all documents and communications, stop any further payments and contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and your local law enforcement. Reporting the fraud quickly can help protect you and others.

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