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Look Out For The Signs of Timeshare Fraud


Every year many desperate Timeshare owners look for quick ways to get rid of their contract. In the process they fall prey to resale scammers who offer to resell their ownership for thousands of dollars. Here are some of the most common warning signs to look out for to avoid falling in the timeshare fraud trap.

The Timeshare Resale Scam

Often a resale company will first contact you making claims that they have enough buyers or that your property is worth a lot of value. In these cases, always check the company reviews and complaints online, research them with the Attorney General in your state. A resale scammer will often request for registration fees, maintenance fees or closing costs upfront. They will ask that the money be paid through a wire transfer or via credit card and all before a contract has been signed. Don’t make any payments unless you have thoroughly investigated the company and you have the paperwork containing all the services, fees and instructions. Since Timeshares usually have little resale value on the secondary market, resale companies will convince sellers to cover the transfer and closing fees. Every so often, after you have made all the necessary payments, you will stop hearing from the resale company and you’ll realize that you will never get your money back.The timeshare industry is fraught with timeshare fraud and cyber fraud. People are often conned into buying timeshares that don’t really exist or have illegal clauses and these aren’t just restricted to timeshare presentations but also on online schemes. Professional looking websites hide in plain sight and trick unsuspecting customers who are ignorant, unaware and vulnerable.

Free Bonus Timeshare Weeks Scam

A very common timeshare scam is the lure of a ‘bonus’ timeshare week or unlimited availability in a particular resort. While the offer may sound good, the underlying motive is to entice you and hard-sell a product. The gruesome presentation lasts for several hours and is strategically crafted so as to wear down the customer with information and persuasion so that they finally give in. During this bonus timeshare presentation you will be requested to hand over some money which should not be done. This payment is illegal and there is no way you will be able to get it back once the card details have been given out. For those who already own timeshares, these companies will coax you into buying offers and schemes related to holiday products such as a ‘reclaim scheme, investment scheme or a cash back scheme. They may also offer a holiday membership or a discounted travel membership club. These investment schemes work at making consumers lose their money and then vanishing into thin air.
If you have ever been a victim of timeshare fraud or scams, it’s important to remember that time is of the essence. The longer you wait to get justice, the less likely you are to gain back your losses. Get in touch with expert timeshare legal experts and they will help you on this timeshare journey.

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Steps to Transfer your Timeshare

It could be quite difficult to sell your timeshare for a profit due to the saturated resale market. Often times it is simply easier to have your timeshare transferred to a family member or any other person. One must keep in mind that it is a legally bound business deal and hence would need to follow a certain protocol. In most cases it would be advisable to get professional help to ensure a smooth and hassle free transfer of your timeshare deed.

Step 1: Enquire with Your Timeshare Company

It would be best to first discuss with your timeshare company about transferring your timeshare deed. Check if the company has any specifications regarding the transfer. In some cases, the management may want to buy it back and resell it. If you decide to transfer your timeshare to someone other than your family, do a good back ground research as there are a lot of scammers out there. Try to get to know the buyer by having a few initial discussions with them so that you are sure about your timeshare transfer.

Step 2:  Documentation

Once you have finalized with your buyer, make sure you have all the documents ready. You may need to create a sales agreement also known as an earnest money contract. Make sure you are up to date with all the maintenance fees, cost of transference, or any new membership applications that may need to be filled. Also make sure you make it clear from the beginning about who would make the payments if there is any mortgage involved. Once that is done, you would need to create a timeshare deed which is the actual proof of the ownership transfer. You will then need to record your deed with the county clerk’s office. Make sure to check with your country or state as they may have specific requirements for recording your deed and you may also be asked to pay the required fees. Also keep copies of the deed with you for further reference.

Step 3: Notify the Resort

Once the deed is ready, a detailed letter about the deed transfer needs to be sent to the resort. The letter should include details such as account numbers, unit numbers, contact information of the purchaser, billing addresses etc. You must also ensure that the resort receives a signed , notarized copy of the recorded deed as many resorts do not transfer the ownership records until they receive a copy of the deed.

Although it may seem easy, there could be many pitfalls while transferring ownership and hence it is always better to take legal help.

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How can you cancel your timeshare?

Canceling your timeshare is not an impossible task. Companies often try to ensure that when a customer wants to rescind their timeshare property, the company still gets their credit amount. But these contracts have a window for timeshare termination. This allows the customer to cancel their contract. But the customers often skip these details and end up exceeding the specified duration. So you need to ensure that your timeshare cancellation is carried out before that period expires.

What are the necessary steps for timeshare cancellation?

Timeshare termination has now become easy with various updated laws for the people. However, you need to follow some steps to ensure that your timeshare termination is a smooth process. Your major focus should be on your timeshare contract and the rescission period provided in it. Once you know that you fall within that window then type out a notice and send it to the company. You will also be required to make copies of all your timeshare related documents including the contract. Different companies prefer different modes of delivery of your timeshare cancellation statement so it is necessary to adhere to that as well.

What happens if your rescission period expires?

Customers often overlook the rescission period in the contract. So if you have missed the duration to rescind your contract then you need to act fast. The best way in situations like these is to find out if there has been a breach in the contract from the company’s end. If you can find out that there has indeed been a breach of contract then you can prove the same in your lawsuit and have an easy timeshare cancellation of your contract. But in case there hasn’t been any such breach then you always have the option of selling your timeshare.

An expert’s help is always welcome

Every timeshare company is required to provide the customer with a Timeshare Public Offering Plan. This document basically explains the customer all they need to know from a financial point of view. So, if your company has not provided it then you have the option of timeshare termination. However, in order to get the best possible results, it is always advisable to take the help of a competent attorney. The attorney can help you find any loopholes that might be in your contract and show you how to utilize it for your timeshare cancellation.

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Timeshare Deed For Vacation Home Sharing Professionally

Timeshare was originally known as vacation or holiday home sharing.  A group of 4 families would buy a vacation property jointly and then divide its usage between the 4 seasons.  They would also rotate it so that all got to enjoy the different seasons.  In the initial stages of the timeshare industry, timeshare owners were deeded a slice of real estate such as an apartment, suite, or condominium and the duration of use was divided up between the owners.  This was done through a timeshare deed.  However, as more timeshare companies came into being, clients started yearning for more flexibility in their holidays.  They wanted the option of exploring different resorts and holiday spots instead of going to the same place repeatedly.

Access To Resorts And Its Facilities With Timeshare Deeds

Timeshare deeds allowed owners to have access to the resort and all the facilities it offered during the week allotted to them.  The deeds are made in the name of the purchaser but can be willed to relatives, gifted, or sold to third parties.  Timeshare companies realized that offering flexibility in the way of ability to use their resorts at different holiday locations was likely to bring in more clients.  They thus set up point systems according to which the more popular places were given more points.  The number of points allotted also depended upon the popularity of the resort location, the number of nights, the appeal of the season, and the size of the accommodation.   Point system allows the owners to have more options as far as resort location, the unit, and even the week to be used.

Types Of Timeshare Ownership

The floating week option allows owners to book their reservation within the season that has been allotted to them.  The right to use ownership is the third option offered by timeshare companies wherein there is an expiry period for timeshare ownership.  In the first two options, the owner can do a timeshare transfer.  It is only in the last option that the ownership has a timeline.  The initial thrill of timeshare ownership palls after a while and that is when owners look for ways to get rid of their timeshare.  The reasons could also be financial as the maintenance fee usually goes up over time.  Although it may have been taken as an investment, timeshare buyers soon realize that it is a drain on their money.

Reasons People Opt For Timeshare Transfer

People opt for timeshare transfer when they grow older and are unable to travel or meet the travel expenses.  Travel fares can be quite steep especially if you buy it during the holiday seasons.  The timeshare agreement is quite complicated and you may sign the document without reading all the fine print.  Owners realize soon after they commit, that all the promises are not really true.  Trading your vacation spot for another is easier said than done.  The financial commitments that come with owning a timeshare can also be rather steep.  The value of the timeshare depreciates with time and it can be quite difficult to sell it.

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Timeshare Rescission Period: Use It While You Can

Regrets after falling prey to the pressure tactics of timeshare sales are pretty common. More common than you’d ever realize! The deceptive sales presentations can sometimes hypnotize an otherwise careful consumer to sign a deal.

However, that’s exactly where timeshare rescission period comes to the rescue. Afterthoughts of timeshare termination can easily be implemented if you’ve got the advantage of the rescission period. Here’s your quick guide to the same.

About Timeshare Rescission Period

So what’s this so-called “cooling off” period or the timeshare rescission period? A small window of time, varying from a few days to a few weeks depending on the state laws, that immediately follows the contract signing, within which timeshare consumers are allowed to cancel the contract without reasons and without any financial implications. From the consumer’s perspective, this is an extremely important time frame for consumers facing timeshare regrets. Statistics indicate a percentage as high as 80 percent for timeshare regrets with consumers seeking timeshare disposal.

If you’re suddenly wondering why your timeshare company did not inform you about the rescission period, you’re not alone. Most states do require sellers to inform the buyers about the timeshare rescission period as well as to mention the same in the contractual documents. That said, timeshare documents are a bundle of paperwork and information like this is often mentioned in the fine print, deliberately created to escape the untrained eyes of prospective consumers.

How Long Does It Last?

There is no standard duration for a timeshare rescission period. The same varies from one state to the other and is dependent on the individual state laws. While some states allow only a few days post contract signing, others allow a period of 10-15 days for timeshare termination after the signing of the contract.

It is also important to consider terminologies such as “calendar days” and “work days” to calculate your overall timeshare rescission period.

Use It While You Can

If you’re having some serious timeshare regrets and are still well within the timeshare rescission period, you’ve got luck on your side! While oral communication is also accepted by some timeshare companies, it is always advisable to document your actions and hence send out a written letter stating your intent for timeshare disposal.

Additionally, it is important for the letter to state all details of the timeshare (you could also enclose a copy of the documents) as well as a mention of the circumstances that led you to purchase the same. It is also important to check out the state laws as well as the concerned timeshare laws to get a complete list of the data that needs to be provided along with the letter for timeshare termination request.

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Getting rid of your timeshare

More often than not, you end up getting into a timeshare property solely because an enthusiastic sales guy made it sound too good to resist at that moment. You end up purchasing the timeshare, not realizing that you’ve barely had a chance to understand the property, its legal implications as well as plan your own budget and finances. And once you’re settled with your daily lives, the financial burden suddenly makes you question “how to get out of the timeshare?”


As tricky as it seems, there are possible answers to questions like “how to cancel timeshare?”

Quick internet research will tell you that there are numerous timeshare cancellations companies that help with the process of getting rid of a timeshare. That said, there are generally only a few legal solutions for a timeshare cancellation.  Read on to get a clearer understanding of how things work for a timeshare cancellation.

Canceling a timeshare
Most companies offer customers a timeshare cancellation within a short period of time without any serious financial implications. That said, different timeshare organizations have different terms and conditions stated in the contract. 

It is hence important to go through your contract, word by word, to understand the real implication of the same and the think of a legal solution of timeshare cancellation. Sometimes, a zero mention of the cancellation terms and its liabilities in the contract could clearly be to your benefit which could mean an easy way out without having to take any financial implications of the same.

Additionally, it is important to check the state laws for the same. Various state laws have a provision regarding the timeframe for contract cancellations and the same may work out favorably for you.

All said understanding and working out a timeshare legal solution could often be overwhelming for individual customers. Getting rid of a timeshare could mean a huge amount of legal hassles, paperwork, financial aspects, etc. The best way to smoothly manage the same is to hire the services of a leading timeshare attorney/consumer attorney company that can do the job for you. Choosing a timeshare attorney/consumer attorney or an organization that has rich legal expertise in timeshare cancellations along with a positive reputation is an easy way to manage the situation.

Reselling a timeshare
In certain scenarios where timeshare cancellation is not a possibility, a possible way to get out of a timeshare is to resell it. That said, it is important to be mentally prepared to receive a depreciated value of the timeshare when you finally manage to crack a resale deal. Timeshares depreciate at a fast pace and most resellers end up receiving close to 50-60% of the original value. However, as long as you’re not using your timeshare and are simply wasting money by paying up for it year after year, selling it (even at a depreciated value) is still a good solution.

Talk to your timeshare company to understand the timeshare legal solutions for selling your share. Through internet research will enable you to get on to specific websites that deal in online trading for the same. Various real estate agents also undertake to same for a marginal fee. Your timeshare cancellation attorney/company could be a good source to lead you to these possible solutions.

And if money is not a very big concern, gifting away your timeshare to a friend/relative is always possible. Most timeshare companies happily accept the same. 

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Choosing the Best Way to Exit From Your Timeshare Contract

Timeshare Exit in Canada is a popular strategy to get out of Timeshares. Even with a lot of legal help, the process can take a couple of years to solve and here’s why


Fine Prints of a Timeshare Contract
Navigating the fine print, the complexities and the conditions in a Timeshare contract in Canada can be difficult, laborious and time-consuming. It will take exceptional aggression, knowledge of legal laws, contractual flaws and perseverance to gain a foothold in a war against Timeshare companies. With the right help though you can find loopholes or illegal mistakes within a contract that can aid in gaining a release from Timeshare.

One such flaw exists when Timeshare contracts do not set or specify an end date meaning that the contract never expires. Such Timeshare contracts that cross the fifty year contract period are known as Perpetuity Contracts. Using this fact, you can hope to cancel your Timeshare in Canada with compensation and paid legal fees. Another area of contention is the Timeshare points and concept of Floating Weeks. Most often Timeshare owners are unable to book a holiday even if they have done so two years in advance.

Usually, this is due to manipulation in the system, where paying non- members are given priority over members. This leaves inferior slots or dates for existing members who have already invested a high amount. Every contract comes with a ‘cooling off’ period where the buyer can reconsider his decision before there is any monetary exchange. Very often money taken during this time isn’t returned if ever the individual changes their mind. Timeshare Attorneys in Canada will legally help consumers to not only cancel the contract but also to recover their payment in double.


Cons of Hiring a Timeshare Attorney
Before you consider choosing a Timeshare Lawyer in Canada, you must be thoroughly aware of the costs involved. The fees start from the time of consultation and include additional hidden charges. Watch out for attorneys that ask for an advance fee upfront. Consider your budget and then determine the type of lawyer you can afford. One of the common mistakes most people make is to hire legal help from companies that don’t specialize in Timeshares.

In-depth knowledge is necessary to help you win your battle against Timeshare companies and their contracts. Check for credentials, past references, and similar case handling. Spend time choosing a competent lawyer who will take the time and effort to assist you. Timeshare attorneys must be trustworthy and transparent in their dealings and strategies. 

Most lawyers dealing with Timeshare in Canada do not disclose pertinent details and information simply because they do not possess the necessary mechanisms that will ensure a quick smooth exit from the Timeshare contract.
Pay attention to the way they communicate, find out if they have your best interest in mind and be confident of their skill and expertise on the subject.

Apart from taking the legal route, there are other alternative ways to get out of a Timeshare contract. You can sell, share, exchange or even opt for Timeshare mortgage in Canada.

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