If you are currently an owner of a timeshare interval or if you are considering the purchase of a timeshare resale or vacation club, you probably are concerned about all the negative publicity regarding timeshare scams. And you should be!
As the owner of Advantage Vacation, a licensed timeshare resale brokerage, I’d like to address the subject of timeshare scams affecting both the buyers of a timeshare interval and the sellers of a timeshare interest or vacation club.
I have written many articles addressing what to look for, and what to avoid, with regard to buying a timeshare resale or selling your timeshare. Following you will find very basic points to consider before buying a timeshare resale or selling a timeshare:
- TRUST is probably the most important factor you should consider. The best way to assure yourself that you are dealing with a reputable timeshare company is to visit the Better Business Bureau website at bbb.org to check out the BBB Business Review for any company you are considering doing business with.
- You do NOT have to pay any upfront fees in order to sell your timeshare. Any related closing costs or fees to purchase a timeshare will be handled at the closing
- As with any transaction involving money, read the fine print of any contract – whether you are buying or selling a timeshare
- Never wire cash to anyone – for any reason
- You’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again “get it in writing” – request all the information regarding the buying or selling of a timeshare in writing – this way you can take your time in reviewing the information
- Check the license of the business you are in contact with.
- Always remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is!
And one more thing to remember, if you have been contacted by phone or email asking if you are interested in selling your timeshare and you did not initiate the contact, beware and be aware that you might be the target of a timeshare scam.
I’d like you to know why I am qualified to discuss this important issue which is currently affecting the reputation of the timeshare industry.
While trust is possibly the most important aspect of any monetary transaction, it is especially important when a consumer is involved in the process of buying a timeshare resale or selling a timeshare interval. As a member of Timeshare Users Group (TUG), an online community forum for timeshare owners, Advantage Vacation is proud to have achieved an A rating on TUGBBB, which is voted on by TUG members. We view this rating as a sign of trust regarding our reputation as a timeshare resale business.
Advantage Vacation is a leader in the timeshare resale secondary market and has been in the timeshare industry for over 30 years. We are an Accredited Member of the BBB since 2001 (California from 2001 – 2003 and Hawaii 2003 to present) and have an A+ rating.
We are a Charter Member of the Licensed Timeshare Resale Brokers Association (LTRBA), which is an advocate for timeshare consumer protection.
The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is a trade association which represents the vacation ownership and resort development industries (timeshares) and promotes the growth and development of the timeshare industry. We are a member of ARDA which monitors regulatory issues affecting the timeshare industry, offers industry professionals educational and networking opportunities each year through the ARDA Annual Convention and keeps its members updated with the latest industry news. I look forward each year to the Annual Convention in order to catch up with colleagues in the business and share information.
ARDA keeps its members informed of industry trends and offers professional and educational development through publications covering the industry’s ethical, legal, regulatory, and operational intricacies. With this membership, Advantage Vacation is assured of staying up to date on all issues concerning the timeshare industry. The State of Florida recently passed one of the first timeshare consumer protection laws in the US. There are several other states currently involved in creating similar legislation to protect the timeshare consumer, all of which we strongly support.
Many timeshare owners and soon to be buyers, are hesitant to do business on the resale market because they are unsure they are dealing with a reputable business. I understand why buyers and sellers are hesitant and know the current publicity about timeshare scams is negatively affecting a very legitimate, money saving way for people to enjoy years of vacationing with their families.
At Advantage Vacation our business has been built on relationships – not only with the timeshare owners we have assisted in the buying or selling of their timeshares, but with other timeshare professionals in the industry, as well. We are proud to be a trusted and respected timeshare resale business.
Advantage Vacation specializes in timesharing resales of the name brands of Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Westin Starwood timeshare resorts. Our licensed timeshare resale professionals can assist you in buying a timeshare interval, vacation club or points based vacation plan. If you already own a timeshare and want to sell it, our licensed professionals can assist you in the selling of your timeshare (with no upfront fees – ever).
Advantage Vacation is a member of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and offers the best buys on the timeshare re sales market today. We never charge an upfront fee for clients who want to sell a timeshare and only receive a commission, paid from escrow, when the transaction is closed.
We are leaders in the timeshare resale secondary market, have been in the timeshare industry for over 30 years and are Accredited Members of the BBB with an A+ Rating.
Advantage Vacation is using Twitter and Facebook to help educate people on the changes in the timeshare industry along with current timeshare tips, up to date timeshare news and timeshare FAQ’s.
We hope you will follow us and our blog, Timeshare Blogging by Advantage Vacation for the latest news and reviews. If our site does not answer your question or questions, please email us your question and we will answer it and add it to our library. Make your voice heard – what questions do you have?
At Advantage Vacation you can be assured you are working with professionals who believe that honesty and integrity are the most important aspects of the business they are in – timeshare resales. Our business has been built on relationships and we pride ourselves on providing excellent service to our clients.
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