FAQs
Use a deed transfer to get rid of your timeshare deeds and no longer be responsible for the payments. To transfer your Westgate Resorts timeshare deed, you must meet a couple of qualifications: your timeshare must be completely paid off, and you must be up to date on your maintenance fees or any other payments.
How do I legally get rid of my Westgate timeshare? ›
Use a deed transfer to get rid of your timeshare deeds and no longer be responsible for the payments. To transfer your Westgate Resorts timeshare deed, you must meet a couple of qualifications: your timeshare must be completely paid off, and you must be up to date on your maintenance fees or any other payments.
How do I get out of a timeshare mortgage? ›
To get out of a timeshare legally, consider these options:
- Use the rescission period.
- Call the timeshare developer.
- Rent your timeshare out.
- Sell your timeshare on the resale market (but expect to take a hit).
- Gift your timeshare to a friend, family member or stranger.
Is there a legitimate way to get out of a timeshare? ›
If you're already in a timeshare and want out, start by contacting your timeshare company. Some have exit programs that let you exit for a modest fee. But, if you think you want to hire a company to help you, take some steps before you sign: Research the company.
Why is it so hard to get out of a timeshare contract? ›
In general, it's very difficult to get out of a timeshare. Timeshare agreements are designed to be hard to break, to ensure that owners pay maintenance fees as long as possible. As a result, even if you are eventually able to dump your timeshare, you'll likely lose a good sum of money along the way.
What happens if you stop paying Westgate? ›
Simply stated, if you stop making payments on your timeshare loan, you will eventually face foreclosure since a timeshare is considered real property just like a residence (note that the other owners of the timeshare property are not affected in any way by the foreclosure of your interest in the property).
What is the average cost to cancel a timeshare? ›
Generally, lawyers charge between $4,000 and $15,000 to represent regretful timeshare owners looking to get out. It can take attorneys a few months to a couple of years to cancel the timeshare agreement outright. Not everyone's timeshare situation is the same; therefore, the costs for an attorney-backed exit can vary.
Does canceling a timeshare hurt your credit? ›
A timeshare foreclosure won't ruin your credit scores forever, but it could possibly have an impact on your ability to obtain another mortgage for, perhaps, up to seven years. You might also face future loan denials or higher interest rates if you apply for other forms of credit, like a car loan or credit card.
How do I cancel my timeshare and get money back? ›
How Does Timeshare Cancellation Work? Following your initial purchase, you'll enter a brief cancellation, or “cooling off” period. This window of time is legally mandated in most states. A formal notice of cancellation must be declared by you to the seller within that period in order to get your full deposit back.
What is the cheapest way to get out of a timeshare? ›
Giving your deed back to the resort allows the resort to reclaim and resell the property to someone else. If you're looking for a low-priced way to get rid of your timeshare, a deed back is your best bet.
“A timeshare owner cannot avoid contractual obligations by merely returning the unit back to the corporation unless this is allowed in the contract.”
Can I give my timeshare back to the resort? ›
Deed-back programs allow you to sell your timeshare interest back to your resort developer. Technically, you don't receive any money in return for a deed back, but it can deliver you some future savings with your mortgage payment and maintenance fee.
Do timeshare cancellation companies work? ›
Are Timeshare Cancellation Companies Legitimate? Many timeshare cancellation companies are not legitimate and are not safe. If and when an attorney advises you to stop paying your maintenance fees or mortgage, take it as a red flag. These fees and dues are legally binding.
What percentage of people regret buying a timeshare? ›
But at some point, you may realize your timeshare has you trapped. A whopping 85% of timeshare buyers regret their purchase, according to a University of Central Florida study.
What do I write to cancel a timeshare contract? ›
On the (add date) I purchased a Timeshare from you, for use between (week/period) at the (resort name and location). Please rescind my contract with immediate effect and provide a written confirmation. I would appreciate your prompt response but request a reply to be provided within 14 days of receipt of this letter.
Do you ever finish paying a timeshare? ›
The only way to get rid of your timeshare maintenance fees and the other special assessment fees altogether is to get rid of your timeshare. Because as long as you own the property, there's really no way to end the yearly onslaught on your bank account.
Does Westgate have an exit program? ›
The Legacy Program offers Westgate Resorts owners the ONLY developer-guaranteed release option out there. We provide safe and secure exit options for all qualifying accounts, and we're not affiliated with any third-party companies — so our focus is to work directly with our Owners.
How can I get rid of my timeshare without ruining credit? ›
The Key to Getting out of a Timeshare without Ruining Your Credit. The key to upholding your credit score during your timeshare exit is to keep up with your annual maintenance fees and any mortgage payments. This advice applies no matter what stage of the exit journey you're on.
How many days do I have to cancel a Westgate timeshare? ›
The cooling is 30 days from when you purchased your timeshare. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you can rescind it within this 30-day window, without being charged any fees or penalties.
Can I cancel my timeshare myself? ›
Timeshare purchasers usually get the right to rescind the contract within a specific amount of time. Most states and some foreign countries have laws giving timeshare buyers at least a few days to cancel the agreement, usually between 3 and 15 days.
If you stop paying your timeshare maintenance fees, you will likely default on your ownership. This not only hurts the resort, but it hurts you and your credit. Like a home going into foreclosure, the resort takes the ownership back, and it will stay on your credit report for seven years.
Do timeshares show up on credit reports? ›
Does Timeshare Go On Your Credit Report? Regarding credit reports, most resorts do not provide credit bureaus with an owner's payment history unless they fall behind or face foreclosure. Therefore, unlike a mortgage or car loan payment, paying off a timeshare each month might not help to improve credit scores.
Is timeshare considered debt? ›
A timeshare account should be treated as an installment debt regardless of how it is reported on the credit report or other documentation (that is, even if reported as a mortgage loan).
How do I get a timeshare foreclosure off my credit report? ›
Removing foreclosures from your credit report requires filing a dispute with each of the three major credit bureaus. These credit bureaus have the right to dismiss any disputes they deem frivolous. The credit bureaus examine each dispute's communication and proof before deeming it worthy of being considered.
How hard is it to cancel a timeshare contract? ›
Canceling a timeshare agreement can be difficult, and there are potential financial implications. Depending on the terms of the contract, the owner may have to pay cancellation fees or other charges. Additionally, the owner may have difficulty getting out of the contract and may have to go to court.
Can I sell my timeshare after its paid off? ›
Loans must be paid off: If you borrowed money from the timeshare developer, that loan must be paid off before you can sell or give away your timeshare. Loss of value: Most, if not all, timeshare re-sales result in a loss of value. Therefore, people looking to sell their timeshares should not expect to make a profit.
Is cancellation of timeshare taxable? ›
Yes, the Cancellation of Debt is income because you received a benefit (the timeshare) that you did not pay for. It is taxable income unless you qualify for an exclusion.
Is it hard to say no to timeshare? ›
Don't be afraid to say no: This may seem obvious, but the easiest way to say no is just to say no. In other words, don't worry about sounding rude or making up excuses. Timeshare salespeople know you're only there for the gift, and you're not obligated to buy anything.
What happens if you can't use your timeshare? ›
You'll Go Into Timeshare Foreclosure
When foreclosures happen in the timeshare industry, your timeshare contract will become null, and your developer will sell the property to a new owner.
Is it hard to resell a timeshare? ›
IT IS NOT SIMPLE, OR EASY TO SELL A TIMESHARE REGARDLESS OF WHAT SOME PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU (usually right before they ask for your credit card information) but it can be done if you take the time to research the resale market and know ahead of time how to spot and avoid the scams!
Most agents charge 25%, she says. Your resort may have the “right of first refusal.” If a buyer makes an offer, you must submit it to the resort. It will either match the offer and buy back the timeshare itself, or it will allow you to close the deal with the outside buyer.
How do I get out of a joint timeshare? ›
Generally, under state law, a timeshare buyer has to send a cancellation letter to the seller by registered or certified mail, or personally deliver the letter to the seller.
Can I sell my timeshare myself? ›
Almost anyone can sell their timeshare, should they choose to do so. Most timeshares are deeded real estate interests, meaning that the owner can bequeath, rent out, or sell their timeshares at their own discrepancy.
What is the major disadvantage of timeshare membership? ›
Timeshare industry has a very high marketing cost which reduces the profit margin of the promoter. Maintenance cost is high for Timeshare properties. Timeshare membership is considered expensive by a buyer when he starts calculating the interest component and other associated costs of his investment.
What is the average age of a timeshare owner? ›
Though the median age of timeshare owners is 51, the concept resonates loudly with younger people. Among owners who have bought in recent years, the median age is 39. And half of them have children younger than 18 living at home.
What is the biggest timeshare company? ›
Travel + Leisure is the world's largest timeshare owner, with brands like Wyndham Destinations a part of its portfolio of properties.
Can you write off timeshare maintenance fees? ›
If you're unsure whether the above considerations apply to your timeshare loan, be sure to consult with a qualified tax professional. Note that annual maintenance fees for timeshares are not likely to be tax-deductible. However, state and local real estate taxes levied on your ownership may be tax-deductible.
How do I write a letter to opt out of timeshare? ›
I am writing this letter to request the cancellation of my timeshare contract formally. My name is [Full Name], and on [Purchase Date], I acquired a timeshare from [Timeshare Company Name]. I'm still within the rescission period, so I am canceling this timeshare contract as per the terms of the contract.
How do I get out of a timeshare without selling it? ›
Check out these five great options (and three to avoid).
- Use the Recission Period. If you recently purchased that timeshare, you might be able to get out using the recission period. ...
- Ask the Resort to Take It Back. ...
- Sell Your Timeshare. ...
- Use an Attorney. ...
- Use a Timeshare Exit Company.
What happens if I inherit a timeshare and I don't want it? ›
In short, yes, you can refuse to inherit a timeshare. While the laws for rejecting an inherited timeshare can vary from state to state, the actual process will generally be the same and is known as “Renunciation of Property.”
Since timeshare property is real estate, the foreclosure process is the same. If you continue to stop paying on your loan, the timeshare company can go to court and file a foreclosure lawsuit to obtain the rights to your unit and take it back.
How do I sell a timeshare that is paid off? ›
5 Methods for How to Get Rid of a Timeshare That Is Paid Off
- Reach Out to Your Timeshare Resort. ...
- Try Your Hand at the Timeshare Resale Market. ...
- Choose to Give Your Timeshare Away. ...
- Rent Out Your Timeshare to Vacationers. ...
- Get Help From an Expert Timeshare Exit Team.
How do I get out of a timeshare without a foreclosure? ›
A few of the various options to avoid a timeshare foreclosure include:
- selling the timeshare.
- donating the timeshare to a charity.
- negotiating with the resort to reduce the amount you owe.
- arranging a repayment plan, or.
Is Westgate a deeded timeshare? ›
Yes, timeshare is deeded real estate and can be transferred to family members. Through the Westgate Legacy Program, you can transfer a timeshare deed to a family member by means of a simple, painless process that we can guide you through. Call us today to discuss your options.
What happens if I just stop paying on my timeshare? ›
If you stop paying on your timeshare loan, you face foreclosure. Foreclosure is the process whereby the lender files to take possession of the property and sell it at auction to recover the money you owe. There are two main types of foreclosure: judicial and non-judicial foreclosure.
Will timeshare foreclosure affect me? ›
A timeshare foreclosure, much like a residential foreclosure, could potentially result in serious consequences, like a lower credit score, a deficiency judgment, or tax ramifications.