Special offer
Doug Dawes, Your Personal Realtor® (Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA)

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
938,407
Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette/West Lafayette, Indiana - West Lafayette, IN

Doug, you would be better off buying a grave plot as you could truly get some rest when you finally use it.

May 17, 2017 08:20 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

there are people who love them.... find one of them....cut them a good deal....

May 17, 2017 09:32 AM
Rainmaker
4,881,687
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Leave the door open and hope someone steals it.

May 17, 2017 09:10 AM
Ambassador
6,392,889
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Hold a contest and give it away.

May 17, 2017 11:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,848
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Don't worry, the "Godzilla Timeshare Removal Service" has you covered!

May 17, 2017 09:45 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I have friends that were able to give one back. Their other one is an albatross and will continue to haunt their heirs after they pass away. They explored some of those companies that help you get rid of them but were unwilling to pay the thousands of dollars that was required to abandon their interest. I say pay me now or pay me later. Regardless, it will take a big ding to the pocketbook to get rid of one. 

May 17, 2017 09:13 AM
Rainmaker
711,752
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I believe there is a secondary market for these out there - typically at a fraction of the price you paid for it initially.

May 17, 2017 01:44 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,806
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Doug... I believe there are companies that actually buy them... but I bet you'd get pennies on the dollar. So sorry for your loss. 

May 17, 2017 01:29 PM
Ambassador
2,061,046
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

a better question:  How the heck did you get stuck with it, in the first place?

May 17, 2017 09:31 AM
Ambassador
2,178,433
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

There are companies that specialize in this.  And, Google has lots of results for a search on that very question.  

May 17, 2017 08:14 AM
Rainmaker
7,834,945
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

A good thought to have before you purchase one.

May 17, 2017 08:01 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Doug,

There are some who specialize in these, and I think you have a good idea.  A

May 17, 2017 07:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Worst investment you can make.

 

May 17, 2017 07:48 AM
Rainmaker
4,571,456
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Is this a trick question as in what are the two happiest days of a boat owner's life?

May 18, 2017 03:21 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,333
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

There are companies who buy them and can get you out. Cut your loses and call them! Why did you ever agree to one in the beginning..inquiring minds want to know!

May 17, 2017 07:30 PM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

You can sell it privately by posting it on special sites that specialize in them or contacting owners of same. There's actually secondary companies that sell resale timeshares. I would also contact the timeshare organization, they may have a underground channel in a manner of speaking.

If the timeshare is in a high demand resort area with lots of rentals, the resort management company itself may want to buy it.

And nothing like a good Google search.

May 17, 2017 03:59 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

  There are timeshare re-sellers in Florida.   Lots of them in the Orlando area.  You will be lucky to net 10 cents on the dollar.

May 17, 2017 02:13 PM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Auction?

May 17, 2017 01:57 PM
Ambassador
2,160,948
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

I know that in the Orlando area there are companies that specialize in the resale of these time shares. Unfortunately, most people find out they don't get much money for their time shares and sometimes even have to give them away. 

May 17, 2017 01:41 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,010
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

No clue, I've never bought one although I've gone to many presentations. Several people I know actually like theirs and have stuck with them for many years.

May 17, 2017 01:03 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

That is about the only way, you sure can't sell them.

May 17, 2017 12:28 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

The management company has the solution for you.

You bought it. Someone else will buy it from you.

Just make certain the one who markets it has the right credentials. Those credentials may NOT be a real estate agent.

May 17, 2017 11:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

We have one and it is....used rarely. It was a mistake to get into them...

May 17, 2017 11:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Perfect idea or refer it to your competitors in town. I really don't know.

May 17, 2017 11:06 AM
Rainmaker
508,218
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011
HomeSmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Real Estate Made Easy

Put it on Ebay.

May 17, 2017 10:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Doug Dawes I've only known one person who finally sold a timeshare. He wouldn't admit it, but I'm sure he took a tremendous loss. Good luck with it.

May 17, 2017 10:41 AM
Rainer
259,005
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

In DFW, someone is running radio ads to buy unwanted timeshares.  I'm sure if you google selling a timeshare, you'll get a lot of hits.

May 17, 2017 09:38 AM
Rainmaker
5,215,388
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Never worry about it by never purchasing one!

May 17, 2017 07:55 AM
Ambassador
5,229,243
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I'm sure you've gotten this comment but, there are companies who actually specialize in this! I would Google it, Doug Dawes.  Good luck!

May 17, 2017 09:13 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,579
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I had a similar thought - but does that mean like... over my dead body? 

 

May 17, 2017 08:16 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Give it away!  They are very hard to get rid of ... not sure if you ever recover your investment.  I've heard NOT!

May 17, 2017 08:09 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

For timeshares in some developments, there are active second markets and many forums / blogs can be found online.

May 17, 2017 05:31 PM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Now that's the million dollar question...  Give it to one of my brother's ex wives.... HA!!!!

May 17, 2017 02:46 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

LOL....Yea, how do these die?  Lets find out Doug

May 17, 2017 01:55 PM
Ambassador
5,048,708
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

There are soom good answers here for you. Good luck

May 17, 2017 10:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

My brother in law gave it to his son.

May 17, 2017 09:30 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Consult with an attorney...

May 18, 2017 06:25 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Good idea.

May 18, 2017 02:57 AM
Rainer
353,865
Jim Cheney
Saint Francis Property Santa Rosa, CA - Santa Rosa, CA
Rincon Valley Realtor 707.494.1055

I have a friend who owns 2 !!!  He loves them, he's offered to sell one of his to me, hey wait a minute...

 

But seriously, I've seen them on CraigsList.  Some people really do like them.

May 17, 2017 09:52 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Doug Dawes - some of our Karma stays with us....

May 17, 2017 09:41 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

The best way is not to buy one

May 17, 2017 08:02 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I sold mine back to the sales office who called me asking if i wanted to sell. I could go there cheaper on my own with out the cost of a time share or steep yearly fees. 

May 17, 2017 04:21 PM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

Lol Doug Dawes . My broker told me that it is not something that we do under our brokerage.

May 17, 2017 03:09 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,225
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I'll bet the sales office thought that too. I find not buying them is the best way.

May 17, 2017 02:38 PM
Rainmaker
1,196,912
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Good luck, can you just walk away?

Jun 01, 2017 03:12 AM
Rainmaker
2,194,668
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

My idiot sister bought a time share at a lake in Northern Minnesota, Bemidji, I think or wait, I think it was Brainerd. Anyway, she can't sell it. They won't take it back. I told her to let them foreclose but she doesn't want to do it. She pays taxes and HOA dues once every 2 years and since she just paid it, she's thinking somebody will buy it.

I checked and the resort has a roster of people wanting to give away these Memorial Day timeshares on the lake for a $1.00 and nobody is biting. Can't even donate it to charity because you have to actually PAY a charity to take it. There are also the scammers, but if you pay them, they'll take the deed. Just make sure they record it.

May 27, 2017 05:42 PM
Rainer
427,147
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

Consult your CPA, and donate it to your church, favorite charity, or alma mater for their auction fundraising event. Regardless of what it is sold for, you can take the deduction or carryover on your taxes as a "charitable contribution." 

 

Talk with its your tax professional &/or attorney before doing anything. 

 

I hope ole this may help. 

May 25, 2017 07:51 PM
Ambassador
3,125,265
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

They can be sold. People still want them Doug!

May 24, 2017 07:03 AM
Rainer
43,981
Stephanie & John Webb
Latte Stone Realty LLC - Albuquerque, NM
Stephanie Webb Co-Owner, Latte Stone Realty, LLC

Depending on where your timeshare is located, advertise and see if someone will purchase it from you. They are popular in many states especially to families who only want to use the place in certain times of the year.

May 22, 2017 02:35 PM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Go to Dave Ramsey's website.  I think the company is Timeshare Exit Team.  Haven't used them personally.  I listed mine on EBay and gave it away. 

May 21, 2017 09:36 AM
Rainmaker
529,983
Kathryn Acciari
Central One Federal Credit Union - Shrewsbury, MA
Mortgage Loan Originator

Have you tried Timeshare Users Group? Membership is $15/year, and you can list a timeshare to sell or rent, plus there is a wishlist forum for people looking to buy. Good luck!

May 21, 2017 04:00 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

We don't have any in Denver, but many of the ski areas have them.  Good luck! 

May 20, 2017 03:15 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Dave Ramsey radio check out their group

May 19, 2017 05:41 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,551
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Good Luck,  I know of so many people that have them but now they want to get rid of it and they do not know how.

 

May 18, 2017 07:27 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

If it were me I would give/sell it to your kids and take a big tax deduction

May 18, 2017 06:28 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't know.

May 18, 2017 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Sell it.

We did.

For a profit!! 

May 18, 2017 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,896
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Disappear, change your name, move to Mexico?

May 18, 2017 05:23 AM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I think they are one of the worst investments, period. Good luck!

May 18, 2017 05:21 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Yeah, don't buy one.  Buy a plot for your final resting place instead

May 18, 2017 03:29 AM
Rainer
155,337
Anthony Kirlew
Group 46:10 Network @ eXp Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Helping You Make Fiscally Sound Real Estate Deals!

Hey Doug, not sure if you ever got rid of your timeshare but I am just now seeing this question. As you probably know, there are lots of people (actually RedWeek says over 1,000,000) who are trying to get rid of their timeshares currently.

I have been on both sides of the timeshare business, both selling them (don't shoot me, it was a short term gig until I learned how corrupt the industry was) and now helping people get rid of them. I also own one. So I feel that I can share some insights.

The problem is that the sales people are never up front about getting rid of them or what we call the "end of the timeshare life cycle." When I was trained to sell timeshares, I was made to beleive that the company would buy it back if the person wanted to get rid of it... this was typically not the case however. The tail end of the timeshare life cycle is getting rid of it. If you are lucky, you can find a buyer that will help you recoup "something" but that would be very rare, like 3% rare. Others are able to give them away to someone who is ok assuming the fees (hence the free and one cent timeshares on ebay). You eluded to people wanting to charge you to get rid of it, and that is what the industry has come down to; the niche industry called timeshare exit. Sadly, there are lots of scams in the timeshare exit industry, so let me know if you'd like to chat and I can share some insights. Also, if you take a look at this article, the second half tells you what to look for in a timeshare exit company - http://activerain.com/blogsview/5124690/the-worst-listing-a-real-estate-agent-could-ever-take Wishing you the best! Anthony

Oct 19, 2017 07:59 AM