The Number One Mistake Timeshare Sellers Make
Selling your timeshare can be a tricky business. Unfortunately, unprepared sellers too often fall victim to timeshare scams or ineffective marketing schemes. Many sellers find themselves in difficult financial situations and, out of desperation, make rash decisions without proper research. Others simply don’t know the warning-signs. So, what’s the number one mistake timeshare sellers make, and how can you protect yourself?
Paying an upfront fee is the number one mistake timeshare sellers make. Whether a company is selling you ad-space on their “highly visible” website, or promising to close the sale for a “ready and waiting” buyer – it’s rarely worth taking the risk to pay upfront for services.
Scammers trick vulnerable sellers into cutting them checks to “close a deal” while ad-sites charge a flat fee to list your property among thousands of others – with no guarantee of sale. After all, once they’ve got your money, what’s their incentive to sell your timeshare?
So What can Timeshare Sellers Do?
Always use a licensed timeshare broker to sell your timeshare. Timeshare brokers, like other real-estate agents, don’t collect any payment until the sale is complete. Brokers work on a commission basis, meaning they’ve got true incentive to sell your timeshare. Additionally, brokers must maintain licensing to practice – ensuring a measure of reputability and transparency.
Other Timeshare Selling No-No’s
Now that you know the number one timeshare selling sin, rethink your strategy. Take the time to research carefully, and consider the following final “no-no’s” before jumping into a sale:
- Under or Overestimating your Timeshare’s Worth – Don’t know how much your timeshare is worth? Get a free market survey or contact a licensed broker to find out how much your timeshare is worth and price accordingly.
- Forgetting to Check the BBB – Not sure if a resale company is BBB Accredited? Find out what the Better Business Bureau thinks about your potential reseller, and think twice about working with a company that isn’t listed or accredited.
- Being Afraid to Ask Questions – Too many sellers don’t ask important questions – like how a broker works to sell your timeshare, or what percentage commission they’ll make off the sale. The right brokerage company will take the time to make sure you understand the whole process.
So there you have it. Don’t fall victim to the number one mistake timeshare sellers make: never pay an upfront fee to sell your timeshare. Follow these simple suggestions, and choose a licensed broker for a safe, reliable resale experience.
Great Resource: When Timeshare Resale Goes Wrong
This morning, the Tampa Bay Times ran an extensive story on timeshare fraud in the Florida timeshare resale industry. The article told the story of dozens of vulnerable, and often elderly, victims of timeshare scams, and the inability (or unwillingness) of law-enforcement officials to investigate.
Alongside the story, the Tampa Bay Times also offered this great resource – a quick slide-show that breaks down the mechanics of upfront fee timeshare resales entitled “Resale ripoff: When timeshare resale goes wrong.“
Click the link above to learn more about how timeshare scams operate. More than anything else, this story highlights why you should research your timeshare reseller carefully. Most importantly, always choose a licensed timeshare broker and never pay an upfront fee to sell your timeshare.
If you have any questions about timeshare resales, or you’re ready to sell your timeshare with a licensed broker – please don’t hesitate contact us today. Timeshare Broker Sales is a member of the Licensed Timeshare Resale Brokers Association, and a BBB Accredited Business. We never charge an upfront fee for our services.
LTRBA Gets Today Show Shout-Out
Timeshare Broker Sales is a proud member of the Licensed Timeshare Resale Brokers Association. This morning, the Today Show recommended the LTRBA as a safe and reliable resource for selling your timeshare! Start the video at Minute 3:32 if you’re pressed for time.
http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/46130614#46130614
LTRBA brokers are a trustworthy source of help for timeshare consumers. Buyers and Sellers can work with Licensed Resale Brokers who are matched to their needs. [LTRBA’s] “No Upfront Fees” policy ensures service and protects against fraud.
Always check your potential timeshare reseller against the LTRBA Member Directory. Check out our listing here!
Ski Timeshares in Colorado
Colorado is one of the hottest timeshare spots in the country. With the snow finally falling, we’ve compiled a short list of some of our most popular Colorado ski-timeshares.
St. Regis Aspen – This luxurious Starwood timeshare offers majestic mountain views and effortless access to all winter sports, shopping, and entertainment at the base of Aspen Mountain. The St. Regis Aspen has been included in Condé Nast Traveler’s – Gold List: The World’s Best Places to Stay. Please note: Hotel Renovation: Fall 2011 – Early Spring 2012.
Marriott’s StreamSide at Vail – Located in the heart of the largest ski area in the United States,and set against the backdrop of Vail’s frosted peaks and verdant valleys, Marriott’s StreamSide is a luxurious four-season Colorado timeshare beloved by snow bunnies.
Hyatt Grand Aspen – Situated just steps from the majestic Ajax Mountains, Hyatt Grand Aspen offers myriad opulent amenities including: year-round outdoor-heated swimming pool and outdoor hot-tubs surrounded by heated decks, an ice skating rink, state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the pool area, ski and bike valet, onsite wine bar, and a cozy fire pit.
Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas – Nestled in breathtaking Vail Valley, Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas offers easy access to some of Vail’s best skiing. Onsite amenities include horseback riding and ice skating facilities, an outdoor whirlpool, sauna and fitness center. In villa amenities include fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, separate living and dining areas and high-speed wireless internet access.
Valdoro Mountain Lodge – This HGVC time share resort, sits nestled at the base of the Breckenridge Ski Area, just blocks from historic Breckenridge. After a day on the slopes, relax by your fireplace or enjoy one of many onsite amenities including: two large outdoor whirlpools, a complete Spa and Fitness Center and a relaxing sauna perfect for warming up after a day on the slopes.
We hope you’ve found this short list helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about ski timeshares in Colorado and beyond.
