Whether you’re buying a timeshare resale or selling the one you own, the company you work with matters. A good resale company is upfront about what it does and what it costs, and it never promises results it can’t control. A bad one can cost you money and leave you right where you started. Here’s how to tell the difference: what to look for, what to ask, and the red flags that should send you elsewhere.
Are There Legitimate Timeshare Resale Companies?
Yes. Timeshare resale has a mixed reputation because of scammers and so-called exit companies, but legitimate resale companies help owners sell and buyers buy every day. The difference comes down to a few things you can check before you pay anyone, covered below.
Start with your developer. If you’re selling, call your developer’s owner services first. Many have their own exit or resale programs, and some point owners to resale companies they trust. Your developer can help even if you’re behind on maintenance fees.
What to Look for in a Timeshare Resale Company
Responsible Exit Standing
ARDA, the timeshare industry’s trade association, runs the Coalition for Responsible Exit and lists its featured resellers at ResponsibleExit.com. It’s a quick way to see whether a company has been vetted by the industry, and many developers point owners there first. ARDA’s Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC) also shares warnings about exit companies and resources for owners.
Years in Business
Timeshare resale has seen plenty of companies come and go. A long track record through changing markets is a good sign that a company does what it says.
Reviews You Can Check Yourself
Look at third-party profiles like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, not just testimonials on the company’s own website. Read how the company responds to complaints, too.
Clear Fees Upfront
A legitimate company tells you exactly what you’ll pay, and what you’re paying for, before you commit. Be wary of large upfront fees tied to promises of a fast sale or a guaranteed buyer.
Honest Expectations
Timeshares are vacation products, not investments, and resale prices are generally well below what owners first paid. A trustworthy company says so. It won’t guarantee a sale date or promise you’ll get back what you paid.
A Proper Closing
Ask who handles the closing. A sale should close through a licensed real estate brokerage or title company, with funds held in escrow until the deed or membership transfers.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Are you listed on ResponsibleExit.com?
- What exactly will I pay, when, and what does it cover?
- Do you advertise my timeshare, or do you broker the sale? If you don’t handle closing, who does?
- Who sets the asking price, and can I change it?
- Will I get everything in writing before I pay anything?
- How will you handle the developer’s right of first refusal, if my resort has one?
A reputable company will answer every one of these without hesitation.
Red Flags: Resale Companies to Explore
- A buyer you never asked for. A surprise call or email saying a buyer is waiting, followed by a request for money, is one of the most common timeshare scams.
- Guaranteed sales or prices. No one can promise when your timeshare will sell or for how much.
- Large upfront fees tied to promises, especially to “cancel” your contract instead of selling it.
- Advice to stop paying maintenance fees. It won’t end your ownership and can hurt your credit. Here’s what happens if you stop paying.
- Requests to wire money for “taxes,” “closing costs,” or “escrow” outside a licensed closing.
- Pressure to sign today, or promises they won’t put in writing.
Learn more in common timeshare resale scams and timeshare cancellation companies. If you run into a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Buying a Resale? What to Check
Buyers need a trustworthy company too. Before you make an offer:
- Confirm the ownership details: resort, unit size, points or week, season, usage, and the current maintenance fees.
- Ask what transfers: some brands limit which perks or programs a resale buyer receives.
- Plan for the developer’s review: many developers have a right of first refusal, so a resale purchase may take an extra step.
- Close properly: use a licensed brokerage or title company, and never send money outside of escrow.
Ready to look? Browse timeshares for sale by owner, learn how buying a timeshare resale works, or see timeshare financing.
How Timeshares Only Works
Timeshares Only is an online advertising marketplace. For sellers, we create a custom ad and put it in front of buyers; you set the price and choose the offer. We charge a nominal advertising fee, and your representative explains it before anything goes live. We’re not a real estate brokerage. However, when an offer comes in, we can refer you to our Recommended Resale Brokerage, Fidelity Real Estate, to handle the closing.
We’ve helped owners advertise their timeshares for 30+ years, we’re a Featured Reseller for ARDA’s Coalition for Responsible Exit, and we hold an A+ rating as an Accredited Business with the BBB.
Choosing a Resale Company: FAQs
Ready to Sell Your Timeshare?
If you’ve found the company you trust and you’re ready to move on, here’s how to sell your timeshare with Timeshares Only, step by step. Questions? Call 1-855-291-6327 or email [email protected].
