Travelling Archives - Vacation Ownership Consultants

Can Vacation Owners Exit Contracts With a Timeshare Settlement?

by Jordan Trask | Sep 9, 2019 | Cancellation, Home-Blog, Home-Page-Blog, Litigation Success, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 0 comments

Every year, the tantalizing nature of timeshare presentations lead thousands of consumers to believe they’ve bought into a fraction of paradise. Sadly, a good portion of these fractional owners quickly find out the mirage-like purchase isn’t quite what they expected. What makes life even more difficult is their inability to exit the contract they signed. While you might be thinking a timeshare settlement will force the resort to surrender, it’s important that you fully understand what you’re up against.

First of all, if you haven’t already noticed, it is extremely difficult to get out of a timeshare. A majority of buyers try to negotiate with the resort to make the purchase worthwhile only to find themselves enslaved by additional contracts and the same dissatisfaction. Even when owners turn to third party solutions, they have a hard time finding an ethical service that actually cares about relieving them of their timeshare woes. Hopefully you haven’t had to pay a few rounds of upfront costs without resolve in order to realize a bulk of the industry is purposed to keep you under contract.

Why is it Difficult to Get Rid of Timeshares?

In order to persevere through the deceit and come out on top, fractional owners need to understand why it’s so difficult to exit timeshare contracts. Once you’re locked into an agreement, you’re nothing more than residual income and an up-sell opportunity to the resort. To them, your decision to buy is a gift that keeps on giving. If you think they’re just going to let everyone with regrets walk away, think again. For the most part, they own all the leverage.

At the same time, the timeshare’s income statement isn’t the only thing impacted every time vacation owners exit contracts. One of the many ways resorts collect from their buyers is through annual maintenance and assessment fees. When one high-paying customer is relieved of their agreement, the remaining high-paying customers pay for it. They’ve kind of learned how to operate with their best interests in mind even when a timeshare settlement occurs.

Since most buyers already question the makeup of annual fees, they’re never happy when the total amount due continues to rise. When coupled with other frustrations, it may be the tipping point that motivates them to dump their contract too. This is the last thing timeshare companies want. The problem is, they end up focusing more on collecting payments than providing a positive experience.

Timeshare Companies Usually Balk at Settlements

Financial hardships or dissatisfaction by the consumer isn’t as important as the livelihood of the timeshare. Especially when grumblings by owners place its future at stake. You have to remember that timeshare companies are built to trap their buyers. They’re in business because of their ability to sell, not serve.

Unless you have proof of being misled during the presentation, you’re more than likely stuck without a legal advantage. At the same time, we don’t want to discourage you or tell you a timeshare settlement is unattainable. If you’re in a position where you find yourself at odds with the vacation conglomerate, then we’d like to help you reach your goal of parting ways. So, here are a few things you can expect and some of the outcomes that can transpire.

What to Expect Before a Timeshare Settlement.

If you’re going to pursue a timeshare settlement then you have to understand that the opportunity to do so probably won’t surface until the resort is put in a position to offer one up. This normally takes an extensive amount of documentation. For example, if you’re literally unable to make anymore payments, you have to be able to prove it. But not just one time. You’ll probably have to repeatedly plead your case until someone hears you out.

Once someone begins to listen, you can’t let your guard down. You must realize the inevitable goal of the call, for them, is to persuade you to stay. Even if the salesperson seems genuine, expect to be put through a retention process that’s focused on sales. Upgrade options and additional perks will be offered to you as “solutions.”

Timeshare Companies Like to Dictate Solutions

No matter how far you get in the process, it normally ends with the resort asking you to satisfy your outstanding mortgage before they do anything. Even after you do so, they request further payments to finalize the timeshare settlement. It can be maddening to believe you’re making progress only to find yourself back at square one. This is why you’ll need to make a scene before anyone will take you seriously. Owners that let the resort continuously dictate outcomes typically find themselves making irrational decisions out of desperation.

Anything and everything you say can and will be used against you. When you mean what you say and remain in control of the timeshare settlement then they’re forced to acknowledge your demands as valid. The total expense of fractional ownership can easily outweigh the mortgage. In their eyes, you’re eliminating decades worth of annual fees, taxes and other revenue streams. Their idea of a settlement may be totally different than yours. That’s why you must get them to understand it’s in their best interest to meet in the middle and move on.

Approach a Timeshare Settlement Confidently.

Think of it like handling a credit card debt. No bank willingly forgives a debt because someone lost their job and can’t pay. They have a well-oiled collection machine in place to stress you into continued payments. They always seem to find a way to profit from someone else’s inconvenience. Well, unless they have reason to believe a costly legal process could ensue if a timeshare settlement isn’t reached. Filing a legal action to recoup losses is expensive and they know their attempts may fail. Once your threats are taken seriously, it’s very likely they’ll take what they can get.

At the same time, don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Timeshare companies usually have a few tricks up their sleeve. At the end of the day, they are creditors that you owe money to. Expect them to act the same way collection agencies do and try to collect as much as possible. Realize you’ll be very lucky to settle with them for free. But if you’re one of the few that obtains a reasonable response from the resort, it’s important to understand how to negotiate with them. One wrong move can reset the process.

Accepting a Reasonable Timeshare Settlement.

If your efforts result in a proposed settlement, try to mull it over with an open mind. Also try to leave your emotions out of it. Unless you have some serious dirt on the resort, you’re not going to get everything you ask for. The main thing you want to look for is some sort of language in the contract that relieves you of past, present and future financial obligations. While there may be some terms that benefit you, realize the timeshare probably does too.

During the sale, buyer possibilities are often highlighted more than actualities. This causes many to feel violated once they see what they actually signed up for. Some of our clients find contract details relating to future payment obligations and even charges based on a percentage of their principal mortgage balance.

Even if your signature waives the resort of any wrong-doing (or forbids you from suing or joining a class action lawsuit against them), a timeshare settlement is worth considering. Many buyers have already spent countless hours fighting the resort and other third party scams with nothing to show for it. They reach a point where there are willing to pay whatever just to eliminate the toll it could take on their credit.

While the agreement may not be ideal, the opportunity to settle and move on doesn’t happen often. For those willing to walk away from the timeshare out of principle, ask yourself if it’ll be worth the credit damage, collection calls, threats, late fees, deficiencies and judgements relating to lawsuits and other legal bills? If so, make sure you’re prepared to face the inevitable. But if you simply think the timeshare settlement is unfair, don’t forget you can always counter their offer. Although it’s very risky, it could work out in your favor.

Countering an Unfair Timeshare Settlement Offer.

What usually discourages owners from settling is a requirement to pay a fee equivalent to 1-5 years worth of maintenance fees and other surcharges. This is the resort’s attempt to cover costs while finding their next unsuspecting buyer through an incentivized solicitation. It can definitely be a tough pill to swallow, especially if you’re current on dues and the timeshare mortgage is paid off.

Because of this, it’s important to think logically before you proceed with a counter. You already have their attention and there’s no need to react emotionally and ruin your chances to get rid of the timeshare agreement. Remember, they are holding all the leverage with your signed contract. They can change their minds at any time. If you’re too aggressive, the timeshare settlement that’s on the table could increase or expire altogether.

Understand that the department handling your settlement acts similar to that of a third party collector. They have every right to rescind any offer if you offend them. They aren’t required to settle with you and removing names from the timeshare deeds, memberships or right-to-use contracts isn’t on their list of priorities. If they choose to collect a larger amount and create a sense of urgency for you to pay with stricter deadlines then there’s nothing you can do.

However, if you believe the timeshare settlement isn’t reasonable and you’re prepared to walk away without making payments then go for it. If you can force the timeshare into a position to render their proposition by ceasing to comply with the financial aspect of the ownership, it’s definitely worth considering.

Declining an Unreasonable Timeshare Settlement

Refusing an offer to exit vacation ownership can be tough. But sometimes, the proposition just doesn’t make sense. Your reason doesn’t have to be about money, we understand your stance on the principal of it all. However, before you reject a timeshare settlement out of pride, make sure you’re 100% okay with turning down an unusual opportunity to walk away in an amicable manner. It’s only going to get more ugly from here.

If you’re confident in your denial, then you’ll need to be prepared for some harassment from collectors and backlash from the timeshare company and its employees. While walking away can be risky, some owners simply realize they need someone to help them with the timeshare settlement. This is where we come in. It’s the first thing our attorney based cancellation service provides is a settlement attempt.

Every week, we process hundreds of inquiries by disgruntled timeshare owners. We understand your reasoning and why you’re firm on your demands. You only want what’s fair and you deserve it too. With that being said, try to put your emotions aside and look at the big picture. Weigh your options and truly make an informed decision that benefits your quality of life moving forward.

While we do specialize in terminating timeshare agreements, we always encourage buyers to do their best to reach an agreement with the resort. Diligence and patience can be invaluable during this type of scenario. When our clients are unable to settle with the timeshare on their own, the first thing we do is take over the process. We always have our client’s best interest in mind and an amicable timeshare settlement is always the best solution.

Concluding the Thought of Settling with the Timeshare.

Despite the straightforwardness of a timeshare settlement, there is one last thing you’ll want to consider before agreeing to anything. If you’ve financed maintenance dues or any portion of the original purchase through a third-party, then your obligation will remain with those lending institutions.

Often times, new owners are unknowingly signed up for third party financing on a branded timeshare credit card through Barclays or Comenity Bank. If you have a branded card, just flip it over and the financial institution will be listed on the back. This is separate from any settlement with the resort and you’ll need to manage this as well.

No matter what you decide to do, it’s always advantageous to have an experienced professional run through the terms of the settlement with you. Access to someone well-versed in communicating previous settlements with the same resort can be extremely fruitful. This blog is only the tip of the iceberg.

If you are unable to obtain a release from your timeshare, our cancellation services can help with everything mentioned above and more. We take pride in helping vacation owners exit contracts with clarity while being honest with them about their options. To learn more about our team and our client’s satisfaction, you can schedule a free consultation or proceed with a qualification form below.

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6 Things to Consider Before You Give Away Timeshare Interval.

by Jordan Trask | Sep 2, 2019 | Home-Blog, Home-Page-Blog, timeshare relief, timeshare scams, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 0 comments

Over the years, we’ve seen how difficult fractional ownership can be. Whether owners are forced to deal with limited availability or unexpected fees catch them off-guard, none of them deserve to be trapped in a costly, disadvantageous agreement. While it’s easy to assume regret would only haunt first-time-buyers, plenty of current owners experience buyer’s remorse on their 2nd or 3rd timeshare purchase. Nobody expects to spend this much money on a bad result. But when the property isn’t what it was thought to be, disgruntled buyers usually want to know how they can get out of fractional ownership. Over time, some are ready to simply give away timeshare intervals just to be able to walk away from the burden.

For many owners, the thought of getting rid of the financial obligation never even crossed their mind. A good portion of buyers are commonly distracted by the anticipation of going on vacation once per year at a discounted rate. Even when inconvenience or uncertainty occurs, optimism remains. Because they’re nurtured by sales teams, buyers never really even think to look at the contract to gain a better understanding for what it entails. It’s mind-boggling how people will haggle over the details of a car purchase or home renovation but they rarely think twice about a $20-40K timeshare mortgage. Well, until they realize there’s a problem.

The problem is, perpetual timeshare contracts include a rescission (or cancellation) period that rarely exceeds a week. While the time frame was recently extended in the state of Arizona, it’s still not a lot of room for buyers to truly garner a feel for the timeshare experience. Unless they immediately review the terms or attempt to book their condo, they aren’t really given an opportunity to change their mind. Because of this, grief surrounding the purchase usually doesn’t build up enough momentum for the owner to take action until after they’ve paid a hefty sum to the resort. Sadly, many owners spend an awful lot of money trying to make it worthwhile.

A Timeshare Purchase Can Change the Buyer’s Perception.

Like we mentioned in last week’s article, the journey of finding satisfaction or relief as a timeshare owner can be an adventurous one. The overwhelming number of bait and switch tactics, not to mention the flat out lies, can leave fractional owners frantically seeking a solution that doesn’t devastate them financially. Unfortunately, it can even cause them to delve into some misconduct themselves. Either way, a majority are desperate to find a way out of their timeshare.

While affordable options may seem like the only ones, they normally end up bad. When sales pitches seem promising, they normally aren’t. As soon as you feel like you’ve found light at the end of the tunnel, it quickly dims. We know it can be tough and easy to give up hope. Being victimized over and over tends to cause people to act irrationally. While abandoning a timeshare may benefit you in the long run, there are some ways it can work against your goals.

Should Buyers Give Away Timeshare Agreements?

Before you go all-in and try to donate a week to charity or give away timeshare obligations, try to think as logically as you can. Nothing in the timeshare industry is as easy as it seems. Making an informed decision is a lot better than desperately off-loading a timeshare to anyone that will take it. With that being said, here are six things to consider before giving it away.

1. The Decision to Dump is Only Step 1.

When it comes to canceling your timeshare, there are a plethora of options for owners to choose from. Making the decision to give away timeshare contracts can be a tough one when there are hundreds of sales pitches flooding your inbox. Every offer is going to cause you to second guess your decision. You have to realize that no matter what you decide, hesitation will occur because of what you’ve already been through.

Psychology aside, giving away a timeshare isn’t as easy as signing over the title to a car. In case you didn’t know, timeshares are listed for $1 on eBay right now because tens of thousands of people don’t want them, and no one is bidding. Not only do most charities now avoid accepting timeshare donations, but most organizations are skeptical of them. The perception of the industry isn’t doing too well right now and hasn’t been for awhile. If you think you’re the only fractional owner willing to give away timeshare obligations for free, you’re in for a big surprise.

Like many buyers who dabble in resale, the waiting game can be costly. So before you get excited about dumping the property for nothing, realize it’s going to be tough to get someone to take it on. If you’re not prepared for this, it can be another devastating blow that wasn’t expected.

2. Give Away Timeshare Scams Exist.

The concept of giving away timeshare contracts hasn’t been around long but it didn’t take long for disinterest to grow. When you really take the time to think about it, expecting the burden of the purchase to vanish because someone else took over is pretty ridiculous stuff. But fraudulent operations have known that people have a desire to offload and walk away from timeshares. Like resale and exit scams, they know how to deceive owners and sell them on “donation services”.

Scams in the timeshare industry are dangerous because of the perpetual contractual obligation. Owners may believe they’re free and clear of this contract only to find out their liable for a boatload of fees at some point in time. Criminals know how to lead people on long enough to collect a nice amount of cash and disappear into another fraudulent operation. So if you really want to give away timeshare obligations, make sure you actually are. Taking the time to thoroughly research those offering you help can be invaluable in the end.

3. Failed Transfers and Donations Can Happen.

While finding a willing recipient can be challenging, ensuring they follow through can be a whole new ballgame. Aside from learning how to identify scams, you should also look into the process of a deeded timeshare transfer so you know how to properly execute one when the time comes. Since time sharing is already suspicious to most, you have to realize some potential recipients are going to get cold feet or change their mind. This is almost inevitable if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Some timeshare owners are able to use 3rd party companies to help them find recipients. While their contact list and experience might be superior to your capabilities, it doesn’t always mean they’re going to be able to help. If the resort blocks the transfer, then there’s not much you can do. It’s just like hiring a litigation attorney to sue the resort, only to lose the lawsuit. Although their intent might not be to scam you, you’re still left without resolve and more timeshare-related bills.

4. The IRS Might Have Some Questions.

For the most part, donations on your tax returns aren’t too much cause for concern. But when it comes to the timeshare industry, government agencies know how desperate owners can become. While the risk of being contacted by the Internal Revenue Service is higher when you give away timeshare contracts, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll accrue a penalty. At the same time, no one likes dealing with the IRS.

The point is, if you haven’t written off a donation before then you might be caught off guard during tax season. You might even experience some grief down the road once you’ve moved on – forcing you to relive the regret. If you’re going to give away timeshare weeks then make sure you’re taking the time to include all of the details on your tax returns. It‘ll be worth every second.

5. Some Timeshare Obligations May Still Remain.

One of the most unfortunate situations for timeshare owners is when they believe they’ve gotten rid of the property only to find out it was just the mortgage. Deeded fractional ownership comes with a number of additional charges that many aren’t privy to on the front end. If you decided to upgrade at some point during the process, giving away timeshare weeks may still leave you with some obligations.

Aside from unknowingly being responsible for multiple contracts, many timeshare owners aren’t relieved of their duty to pay annual dues. Maintenance fees and special assessments can really add up over time. Especially if the owner isn’t aware they’re still being charged. Often times, foreclosure is initiated before they realize the obligations are still in their name. Talk about deja-vu.

6. Legally Exiting the Agreement is a lot Easier.

If you’re truly on the fence about your timeshare property, that’s okay. No one should expect you to make uncomfortable decisions when it comes to getting rid of it. But, you do want to permanently exit the timeshare right? While hiring a cancellation company can be intimidating, the fact of the matter is: giving away timeshares is extremely risky. Even if you’re able to find someone to take it off your hands, they’re more than likely going to contact you when it doesn’t work out.

Research Your Options Before Giving Away Timeshares.

If you have a quality timeshare property that’s been good to you over the years then we encourage you to gift it. But if the purchase has caused you so much grief that you’re willing to do anything to escape the timeshare, then morally you really shouldn’t dump the burden on someone else. Even if other relief programs have burned you in the past, we’re willing to earn your trust. Our attorney based process has turned out 100% satisfaction ratings since 2014. We do things different at VOC.

While it might be tempting to give away timeshare obligations to a gullible party, eliminating your responsibility for good will give you a lsting peace of mind. Investing in a proven process will take the burden out of your hands and help you reach your goal of terminating ownership. If you want to learn more about our culture and the results of our clients, feel free to schedule a consultation or click on our eligibility form below.

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How Consumers Are Persuaded to Buy Timeshares

by Jordan Trask | Jul 29, 2019 | About Us, Cancellation, Home-Blog, Litigation Success, timeshare presentations, timeshare relief, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 0 comments

When most people think about buying a timeshare, they think of convenient getaways in desirable locations with family and close friends. But that’s not always how the adventure plays out. Every year, tens of thousands of consumers buy timeshares without any knowledge of what they might actually be getting themselves into. Even those privy to timeshare travel end up in regrettable situations from time to time. Whether buyers can’t use points or availability is slim, many end up spending more money just to enjoy something. But this isn’t always their fault.

Timeshare salesman do a great job of narrow-mindedly leading people to believe the purchase is more than it really is. Aside from selling a mirage, some intentionally avoid contract details to keep potential buyers from having second thoughts. If most people knew it would cost them an additional $1200 in fees per year (for life), they probably wouldn’t be too impressed. Less people would buy timeshares because it wouldn’t be seen as the deal it’s being made out to be. When salesmen focus on benefits instead of product specifics, buyers are essentially being encouraged to make an uninformed, impulse decision.

Instead of experiencing more bang for their buck, many buyers receive less than they expected for more than they anticipated. This is where the financial commitment can become extremely problematic. Once buyers are locked into a perpetual contract, timeshare companies focus on creating a demand for an improved experience. They’ll say anything to keep buyers from realizing they can cancel the contract during the rescission period.

They’re not necessarily interested in solving dissatisfaction, rather offering in-house solutions that consist of upgrades and add-ons. The entire process is based on sales tactics that leverage your lifetime agreement. You have to understand nothing you experience as a timeshare owner is by chance. Systems are in place to always keep you wanting or needing more. Even if you’re enjoying multiple timeshares already, one bad decision can be devastatingly costly.

This is why we want to encourage potential buyers to research the product before they even attend the timeshare presentation. Knowing what to expect and what questions to ask can save you an awful lot of grief. At the same time, investigating the timeshare company isn’t the only thing you can do to prepare. You have to anticipate being told things that simply aren’t true during the sales pitch. Taking the time to review the timeshare contract and mull over the terms before signing anything is essential. Especially if you’re already on vacation. Believe us, the sales rep isn’t going to abolish the offer because you want to think it through. Disregard the “available today only” sales tactics.

One of Our Clients is “Not Proud” of Their Decision.

Although the first 500 words of this article may be enlightening, we understand some readers will require substance. Claims can be dry in this industry as nearly everything is a sales pitch. While you might think we see unhappy timeshare owners as an opportunity, we don’t think of it that way. We talk to dozens of people that buy timeshares every day. We know what type of pain they go through. Whether you’ve never bought a bad timeshare or the salesman’s spiel made you a believer, we believe the story of an elderly couple will open your eyes to what can transpire if you take the purchase lightly.

Bill and Mickey have been married for more than 52 years. They have 2 sons and they managed the household with a blue collar mentality. Bill worked at GM for more than 35 years as a production manager and even spent time in Vietnam. His work ethic allowed him to “retire at age 55 with age 59 money.” But it didn’t steal his drive because he’s been working ever since. Micky spent a good part of her professional career in the medical field. Like most Americans, they worked hard to be able to live comfortably and travel routinely one day.

While their kids were growing up, Bill and Micky started to explore the east coast every chance they got. After using Micky’s brother’s timeshare a few times down in Florida, the couple decided to purchase their own. For years, the couple took advantage of holidays and school breaks to travel with their sons. They never had any issues after buying the timeshare. But all of this changed in 2015 when they attended a promotional seminar for timeshare during a routine trip to Gatlinburg.

Analyzing the Presentation and the Timeshare Purchase

Mickey recalls her husband entering the presentation extremely skeptical. “I remember Bill saying to the guy, ‘well, we’re not going to buy anything.’ Well, that was our famous last words,” she said. When asked about the pitch, Bill remembers it being very methodical. “It was structured. They had an agenda. You know, starting off, what do you pay for a motel? What do you pay for a hotel and all of that? How much did you invest in that vacation?”

The rapid fire questions allowed Wyndham to pull a lot of information from the couple right away. Within a short period of time, the sales rep already had Bill thinking that it made sense financially. “With the initial investment, it seemed like we should be okay,” he said. But they still weren’t sure if it was something they needed right now. So the questions continued.

After going back and forth for hours, the sales rep started to explain their presidential points program. When we spoke to the couple, you could tell they still didn’t understand how they were going to use two million points. “What Invited me to take on the presidential point value was when they talked about how you could rent your properties,” said Mickey. She thought, “If I can get $2,000 a month rental fee then I can pay my mortgage amount.” But this isn’t anywhere near how things eventually played out.

Knowing how much money Bill and Mickey had to spend gave the sales rep an opportunity to continue throwing out empty promises until the couple finally gave in. They could have left at any point, but the couple decided to continue listening to the benefits while the details of the agreement were ignored. So the intrigue progressed.

Bill told us the ability to cut their timeshare costs even more was very appealing to him and Mickey. “Another item they stressed was that you could take this deeded property and go to any loan institution and use that as collateral to get a loan, for less interest to get out of Wyndham’s high interest rate,” he said. Again, another common false narrative used by timeshare companies to close their prospects. Bill went on to say the sales rep insisted this were true by saying, “Oh yeah, we just had somebody in here last week that got a loan for 3% and they were paying 18%.”

Once the salesman found something that appealed to the couple, he ran with it. “It was always a dream of ours to go west because we’d never been west of the Mississippi.” said Bill. “We wanted to see the Grand Canyon and different sites out there.” This revelation was inevitably the final nail in the coffin.

Thinking back, they now realize the salesman really used this desire against them. “Our first buy with Wyndham was kind of geared around that offering, you know, we can put you in condos and do this and do that. So that’s how it started with Wyndham.”

What Can Happen When You Haphazardly Buy Timeshares

Once they made the purchase, the rest was history. While they initially thought they could rent and use their points for little to nothing, they quickly found out it wasn’t that simple. “You’re already losing money right out the door, but they make you think that you can just turn around and rent them really quick,” says Mickey.

Aside from being stuck with a surplus of points, they never considered the additional expenses that come with traveling routinely. Even when they wanted to go on vacation they couldn’t because the anticipated income from renting their points wasn’t there. Especially when they paid two companies to unsuccessfully help them rent the property. In their letter to us, they explained just how bad the points program turned out. “We have already invested $107,139.36 in down payments alone. We bought one million points, but we have approximately 600,000 left to use before 9/30/2019.” Who would have thought, right?

They ran into another costly brick wall when they found out their refinancing options weren’t true. “I looked around, nobody will give you a loan on that deeded property. They make it sound like it’s no problem for you to be able to refinance somewhere easily, but it’s not the case.” After taking out several loans and charging a credit card for some of the unexpected costs they endured shortly after the purchase, the couple finally realized they had to take out a reverse mortgage on the home to cover their loses.

Getting Out of the Timeshare Was Their Only Option.

After contacting the CEO of Wyndham with no reply, the aging couple was determined to find a way out of the timeshare. “We contacted Wyndham’s Ovation program to see if we could cancel our loan and renegotiate for less points. Of course, they said we signed a binding contract,” said Mickey. Unfortunately, the clients that have come to us came to the conclusion that the timeshare resorts don’t care about your financial struggle.

She told us, “If we hadn’t have gone to Global, we wouldn’t have known of VOC and we would still be struggling right now. So it was kind of a blessing. In a way the lord opened up a door and said, here you can save some face,” she said. But canceling the timeshare contract didn’t necessarily eliminate the regret and the exceeding amount of debt they now face.

Although Bill retired relatively young, he is now working as a garbage man at the age of 72 – just to survive and keep their home. The American dream they were once on track to attain is now lost in the shuffle. Bill is deeply distraught by this. “Something that really bothered me was trying to explain this to our children, our two boys, what we had gotten ourselves into,” he said. “This was something that we are not proud of and even now they don’t know what we’ve gotten ourselves into.” The amount of grief the experience caused them is indescribable.

Take Your Time When Purchasing Timeshare Agreements.

For those of you looking to buy timeshares now or in the near future, the couple hopes their story has opened your eyes. They don’t want you to make the same mistakes they did. Mickey now realizes they’re not alone. “As we traveled, we talked to other Wyndham owners. What we found is the first thing you buy, you realize, well this really doesn’t get me anywhere because it’s not enough points. Then you go buy more points so you can do more traveling or go where you want to travel. They [Wynham] say well if you add just a little bit and go up to the next package level then you can do this much more. And before you know it you’re at over your head,” she said. It sounds like people are beginning to catch on.

If Bill and Mickey would have taken a step back to analyze their points program, the rental market and their refinancing options, they probably wouldn’t have made the purchase. But they did and our hearts go out to them because of it. At the same time, we hope consumers learn through their experience.

Knowing When to Exit Timeshare Agreements is Key.

While people can help themselves by preparing before they buy timeshares, knowing when to cancel fractional ownership is even more advantageous. This is something Bill and Mickey can attest to. When seeking timeshare relief, they refused to take “No” for an answer because they didn’t want to pass down the burden to loved ones.

No one should have to worry about paying over $200,000 in timeshare-related-debt during their golden years. Shame on the timeshare sales representatives and management for taking advantage of this aging couple. The silver lining to it all is that Bill and Mickey understand the full picture now and have made an educated decision on how to move forward and move on. They couldn’t be more happy with the route they took.

If you’re interested in learning more about our proven attorney based process, we’d love to schedule a free consultation with you. Otherwise, you can see if you qualify by filling out an eligibility form below.

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READ ANOTHER BLOG

When You Should Cancel a Timeshare Within 5 Days

by Jordan Trask | Jul 22, 2019 | Cancellation, timeshare presentations, timeshare relief, timeshare scams, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 2 comments

If you’re reading this, you probably just returned home from vacation. Some of you might still be in the midst of your travels. Either way, you’ve just bought a timeshare and something has caused you to second guess the decision. Whether the resort has already rubbed you the wrong way or you actually read the contract, canceling within the first week is on your mind. Sadly, many buyers don’t realize time is of the essence here. Some states don’t even give you 5 days to cancel. So, wondering if you should cancel a timeshare within 5 days is a legitimate concern. Fractional ownership comes with perpetual ties that timeshare companies aren’t necessarily looking to relinquish. With that in mind, getting out of your obligations requires a sense of urgency, a level of contractual understanding and a lot of self control.

Should you have said “No” to the Timeshare Experience?

When you think about the day of your purchase (even if it was this morning), do you recall being overwhelmed by opportunity? Did the thought of traveling more often appeal to you? What about feeling like you ought to commit to vacationing? Most people end up choosing timeshare travel because they have an urge to change up their routine. Being on vacation allows them to escape the reality of their everyday lives. This is why timeshare companies offer free gifts and hotel stays. They’re essentially wining and dining their targets. It’s easier for them to persuade when people are out of their element and feeling special. The euphoria of traveling in general encourages people to make the emotional commitment.

The Effect of Timeshare Presentations on Vacationers.

When you think about it, people tend to be a lot more joyful and easy-going while on vacation. Especially when it comes to spending habits. Most of us can attest to this. There’s just something about maximizing every experience while we’re away from home. Even when we know we’re paying premium prices for basic things, we still fork over the cash. For vacationers, convenience is always high in demand. But back in reality, paying a premium may not be the vacationer’s cup of tea.

Not everyone chooses dry cleaning over the laundromat or Uber X over a cab. Some people prefer to wash their own car or park and walk instead of paying for valet parking. Believe it or not, there are parents out there that prefer to endure one hotel room with six kids instead of just getting two. The point is, a lot of timeshare owners are led to believe they’re getting a smokin’ deal but they’re actually paying a premium to travel. Buying a timeshare isn’t something they would normally do. But since they were on vacation, they leaned on emotion instead of reason. If you’re wanting to cancel a timeshare within 5 days, then you can probably relate.

Buying a Timeshare Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly.

Understanding why you made the purchase and sobering up to the decision needs to be done quickly. Unless you want to incur penalties, you only have one true chance to walk away. Nearly all of our clients wish they hadn’t put off cancellation. Some initially thought the purchase could be a mistake but they decided to wait and see how it played out. Some even knew about their timeshare rescission period. If they could get back all of the time and money they wasted trying to make the purchase worth it, they would. But they can’t. In other words, the decision to cancel a timeshare within 5 days is an important one.

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A good number of timeshare owners eventually find themselves uninformed because they don’t ask questions. Even though excitement can be blinding and disclosure is minimal (during sales presentations), there’s never a good enough reason not to double check a purchase of this magnitude. If you bought a new car, would you wait a few weeks to inspect everything? If you found something wrong, wouldn’t you tell them right away? Your timeshare purchase should be treated the same way.

It’s why we’re urging you to review the terms of the contract right now. Everyone makes impulse decisions; but not all decisions come with a lifetime obligation. If something doesn’t feel right, then reconsidering the purchase isn’t a bad thing. When it comes to timeshare ownership, you should never wait for something to go wrong before taking action. If you’re having doubts, listen to them. You aren’t given a lot of time to change your mind. With that being said, let’s take a look at a few ways to inspect your purchase before canceling it for good.

Confirm the Requirements for Rescinding Your Timeshare.

Although the title of this article references canceling within 5 days, it’s important to remember that every state has a different requirement. Timeshare rescission periods can be anywhere from 3 to 14 days. If you wait until day 5, it can be too late. Florida, one of the most popular timesharing states, only gives buyers a few days to cancel timeshare contracts. Before signing the dotted line, you need to know how much time you have to ponder the purchase.

In order to see how your timeshare agreement is governed, you must look at the statues for where the contract was purchased. There are a number of online resources available to new fractional owners regarding timeshare rescission periods. You can also find this information by studying the “canceling and/or rescinding” clause of your contract. Arizona, for example, just increased the length of time buyers have to cancel. So make sure you double check everything. Once you know how long you have to cancel, try to use the contract to answer as many of your questions as you can.

Good Enough Reasons to Cancel Timeshares Within 5 Days.

If the salesman persuaded you by promising additional perks or guarantees, make sure they’re included in your copy of the agreement. This is one of the easiest ways to spot a problematic purchase. Timeshare companies heavily incentivize their sales teams which results in an awful lot of misconduct during the presentation. Since it’s highly unlikely buyers will ever interact with them again, salesman will pretty much say anything to sign attendees up for fractional ownership.

In order to prevent further deceit, try to avoid speaking with the resort about your cold feet. Additional sales tactics are in place to deter you from looking for a way to cancel a timeshare within 5 days. Customer service teams have been trained to stall or distract users until the timeshare rescission period expires. Anything you’re told could be inaccurate or misleading.

If you absolutely have to speak to the resort, try to keep everything cordial while following the cancellation instructions explained in your contract. Canceling a timeshare within a week has nothing to do with sales reps anyways. If you decide to proceed with cancellation, do your best to prove the dates and times of your decision by documenting every step you take. Last but not least, always remember to send your request to rescind through a priority mail service with tracking. Over the years we’ve talked to hundreds of timeshare owners that barely missed the cut because they relied on the resort to confirm the cancellation request.

Additional Tips for a New Timeshare Purchase.

One of the best ways to preview experience in the first few days is to try to use the timeshare right away. While digging around can be fruitful, availability concerns should be enough for you to walk away from fractional ownership. Sitting on the purchase doesn’t allow you to experience frustrations until it’s too late. Besides, you probably won’t want to keep the timeshare if your points package is limited or you can’t travel to the desired destinations your salesman promised.

How to Immediately Tell if the Purchase is Promising.

1. Availability, locations and amenities match the sales presentation.

2. No element of the purchase is confusing, questionable or unclear.

3. Certain perks or your favorite benefits are included in the contract.

4. You don’t feel pressured to upgrade every time you contact the timeshare.

5. Your monthly invoices and annual costs are understood.

6. Minimal complaints on the resort and proven consistency in resolving problems.

At Vacation Ownership Consultants, we’re not an enemy of timeshare travel. We simply want buyers to experience the purchase they envision. Since misconduct occurs far too often in the travel industry, we’ve committed to educating travelers on potential outcomes. In the end, we prefer that you don’t have to spend more money to get out of something that’s already been costly to you.

At the same time, if you’re looking for more information about our proven attorney based system, we’d be more than happy to explain. While many timeshare exit services harass fractional owners, we believe in a patient approach that allows you to be confident in your decision. You can either schedule a free consultation or proceed with our qualification form below.

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What Are the Four Types of Timeshare Purchase Contracts?

by Jordan Trask | Jul 15, 2019 | Home-Blog, Home-Page-Blog, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 0 comments

Before we get into the different types of timeshare purchase contracts, let’s talk a little bit about the travel industry. Today’s online marketplace presents consumers with a multitude of modernized options. Whether you’re looking for a rental car or lodging, marketing and sales pitches are everywhere. Knowing what you need and want prior to purchasing a vacation package is important. We say this because many aspiring travelers are told what to do and sold on things they don’t necessarily need. While it’s easy to assume travel agents and online resources are in place to help you find the best deal, that’s not always the case. Taking the time to research travel options on your own will help you avoid making a decision you may later regret.

When it comes to making a decision on travel, a number of factors should play a role in your decision. Are you looking to book a one-time-trip? How many people are you traveling with? If you travel or plan on traveling often, would points or rewards programs be of any interest? Are your travel arrangements mainly for business or are you wanting to entertain your family for a week or so? Are you willing to make a perpetual commitment to vacation every year? Determining the details of your travel arrangements will help you participate in a purposeful search that will inevitably save you a lot of time and money. It’ll also help you know exactly what you want so you’re not swayed by thoughtful marketing efforts or thirsty sales teams.

A majority of today’s travelers seem to always be torn on lodging. Whether they’re deciding between hotels and resorts or vacation rentals and travel clubs, the choices can be difficult to navigate. This is when consumers normally turn to each accommodation for insight on their packages. What many fail to realize is, the conversation they’re having is essentially a sales pitch. Especially when it comes to discussing timeshare purchase contracts. In order to garner true insight on every option, a little more effort is required.

Although the thought of spending countless hours finding answers on your own might sound depressing, we promise it’ll be worth your time. For the amount of money most Americans spend on vacations, finding the perfect experience should be everyone’s number one priority. One misleading sale can alter the entire trip and impact the whole family.

With all of that in mind, we want you to know that we understand how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to get a straight answer on travel packages. Even online reviews are suspect these days. Some of the most miserable destinations can seem extraordinary on the surface. Many people simply want to have confidence in purchases of this magnitude. So, because public information has a tendency to be questionable at times, we’ve committed to educating aspiring travelers the best we can. At the end of the day, you deserve to be able to make an informed decision.

While you might assume we’re against fractional ownership, that just isn’t the case. There are plenty of resorts out there that provide vacationers with ample arrangements. But the buyers that enjoy their paradise take the time to make informed decisions. No matter how you travel, it’s important that you avoid the mirages. At the same time, before you can begin to consider different sales pitches, you have to understand what every solution entails. Since we’re all for fostering happy timeshare owners, we wanted to go over the four types of timeshare purchase contracts. By the end of this article, it’s our hope that you’re able to make a confident and enjoyable decision if you are considering fractional ownership for your vacations.

1. Fixed Week Timeshare Purchases.

The first two types of timeshare purchase are both deeded agreements. This basically means the acquisition is owned by the buyer. Think of it like buying a house but only being able to use it for one week per year (or multiple weeks if more than one interval is purchased). These timeshare purchase contracts are perpetual (which means obligations last for life), however they can be sold and transferred once the mortgage is satisfied. In this scenario, the buyer owns the rights to the same unit during a specific week every single year.

Fixed week timeshares are fairly predictable and owners usually have set expectations every year. Even though knowing what to expect can be a good thing, there are some drawbacks to being locked into this type of property. Buyers don’t exactly have access to much flexibility, which can foster boredom over time.

One of the biggest perks of owning this type of timeshare is the simple fact that fixed-rates give timeshare owners the ability to rent out their block of time or trade with other owners that have similar properties. Fractional owners with purchases in highly desirable locations typically benefit the most. But convenience always comes with a high end price tag.

2. Floating Week Timeshare Purchases.

Although some travelers don’t mind investing in a timeshare interval that’s limited, most prefer a little flexibility. Because of this, most timeshare companies provide floating week packages that give buyers an ability to reserve weekly intervals at any point during a given period of the year (the length of the interval can be longer than a week if you’d like). While a floating week gives fractional owners more freedom than the fixed week version, it can be extremely difficult for some buyers to find dates and times that fit their preferences. In other words, the draw can be quite deceiving because the best locations are rarely available. Time is of the essence if you want to book a desired fraction of time in one of the best destinations.

Although floating week purchases sometimes work out wonderfully for buyers, many of these programs include selfish shareholders that hold priority when it comes to reserving prime dates and times. Whether their loyalty is being rewarded or they’ve been offered certain perks by the property, it’s a hassle for new buyers either way. So if you’re going to invest in this option, make sure the salesman is able to prove availability during certain dates exists. We’d even encourage you to get this in writing if you can. Otherwise, considering one of the other timeshare purchase contracts might be more appealing.

3. Right To Use Timeshare Purchases.

When it comes to international timeshare travel (especially in Mexico), Right-To-Use (RTU) contracts are extremely popular. With this type of arrangement, the buyer is able to lease timeshare properties for a given amount of time each year. Unlike most deeded agreements, this timeshare purchase contract isn’t perpetual. Buyers are able to sign up for and use the property for a set number of years, kind of like a membership.

Despite the developer maintaining ownership of the property, some buyers or leasees are still responsible for the same obligations deeded fractional owners have. While they may not have to pay on the timeshare mortgage, some of them still have to cover taxes, maintenance fees and assessment costs. If you do your research, you can find a resort offering RTUs that only charges maintenance fees if the timeshare is used. Either way, most buyers don’t have to wait long to get out of this contract if things don’t work out. Since the contracts typically have a term of 10, 15 or 25 years, the purchase will always expire at some point in time. So there may not be a need to invest in legal timeshare cancellation services if the purchase doesn’t match the expectations of the sales pitch.

4. Points Club Timeshare Memberships.

Timeshare point memberships have become the new era of fractional ownership. Point membership clubs are commonly compared to floating timeshares but tend to be viewed as the more convenient option. They give buyers the ability to stay at various locations depending on the total number of points they have (which gives them purchase value). They can also accumulate points by buying specific timeshare purchase contracts on secondary markets or even buying them directly from the resort‘s club program. The points are used like currency and time slots at the property are reserved on a first-come basis. If you happen to be the first to stumble across an amazing deal, it can be tremendously worthwhile.

At the same time, points club memberships have become the cause of numerous lawsuits because timeshare developers and sales teams are overselling the product. While the resort may promise access to new properties, or those being built, it’s not always the full truth. There’s not always a way to tell what’s being built or what you can anticipate from your membership. Truth be told, availability is currently bottlenecking at numerous resorts.

Therefore, if you’re going to buy into a points club program, you really need to do your research on the companies you consider. You’ll be glad when you do because point based contracts are typically tied to a perpetual agreement or deeded ownership. You could be waiting a long time to use the property and still be on the hook for everything. This makes it a lot easier to give into less desirable options just to get your annual usage out of the timeshare purchase contract.

Our Final Take on the Types of Timeshare Purchase Contracts:

Timeshare ownership is a big decision. While your options may be intriguing, always remember that one large purchase can set you way back financially. It can also make you more susceptible to relentless predatory agencies that lurk on the industry. In order to protect yourself from victimization by unethical companies, you must find the time to research the industry and understand how to effectively maneuver timeshare ownership.

If neither of these timeshare purchase contracts make sense, there’s no reason to force it. As we said before, there are plenty of options that can satisfy your short term needs. Every day, we talk to dozens of timeshare owners that regret their decision. Being forced to pay more money just to get out of a timeshare contract is never any fun. It’s best that we do what we can to help you avoid the scenario altogether.

If you’d like to learn more about how we help fractional owners exit timeshares, you can fill out a qualification form below or schedule a free consultation.

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More Companies That Couldn’t Get Rid of Timeshare Purchases.

by Jordan Trask | Jul 1, 2019 | Cancellation, timeshare history, Timeshare News, timeshare relief, timeshare scams, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 0 comments

When people purchase a timeshare for the first time, negative repercussions are never at the forefront of their minds. It’s pretty much sunshine and rainbows in the beginning stages. While the sales presentation might have been overwhelming, new buyers are usually extremely content with their initial decision – and some remain that way. Others experience remorse quickly after they realize front-end disclosure was vague, misrepresented, or outright omitted. This can occur when owners realize availability isn’t what they were promised or when they stumble across hidden contract obligations. Unexpected annual fees often catch first time owners off guard. When a timeshare owner ends up feeling conned or trapped they usually start looking for a company that knows how to get rid of timeshare purchases.

Unfortunately, like our last article pointed out, finding relief is a lot easier said than done. Every year, tens of thousands of people are robbed during their quest to cancel a timeshare. Not only are resorts working against them to keep them under contract, but 3rd party “solutions” are bombarding them with ambiguous promises.

Far too many fractional owners truly don’t know their timeshare is perpetual. They think they can ask for a refund if it doesn’t work out. Once they realize they can’t cancel (because their rescission period has passed), they tend to begin losing hope in the resort. Especially if their decision to upgrade packages (as a solution commonly offered by their resort) backfires too.

But trusting 3rd party resolutions isn’t always fruitful either. Some buyers become desperate at a certain point which causes them to be irrational. Predatory agencies love consumer desperation. Truth be told, some timeshare owners really get drug through the mud after they sign the dotted line. The budgeted expense can turn into a devastating financial setback if you’re not careful. Since you can read all about this in some of our other blogs, let’s turn our attention back to some of the companies that claimed they knew how to get rid of timeshare purchases – but they just couldn’t get the job done.

Resort Release Files for Bankruptcy After Collecting Fees.

This year is already proving to be a progressive one when it comes to halting unethical timeshare cancellation services. A number of bankruptcies have already been filed while even more scams have been exposed. Incompetent operations, that persuade vulnerable timeshare owners to hand over thousands of dollars for nothing, are slowly being held responsible. To say regulatory agencies have been busy is an understatement.

When timeshare exit companies first came about, they had their way with fractional owners. Vague accusations didn’t warrant lawsuits. Now that laws and regulations are in place, prosecutors can begin holding scam artists accountable. Because buyers are asking more questions and understanding their rights, they’ve been able to prove they’ve been lied to more than ever before. Especially when guarantees are involved.

This was the case when Resort Release LLC – also known as the American Resource Management Group, LLC (ARMG), Resort Exit Team and Redemption Services – recently attempted to sweep their inaptitude under the rug. The timeshare relief service filed for bankruptcy with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida in April this year. During their hearings, some major red flags were uncovered. This forced the court to order a Chapter 11 Trustee to take control of the business and review all of their financial affairs.

An Unethical Trend Causes Them to Throw in the Towel.

Shortly before filing bankruptcy, Resort Release began receiving multiple complaints on their BBB profile. To date, their response to every grievance has remained consistent. They’re claiming none of the dissatisfied customers ever did business with them. Hopefully they’re not leaning on denial to escape penalty. If a business promotes an ability to get rid of timeshare purchases, it’s rather clear what the end result should look like.

Ever since Resort Release’s filing, legal questions surrounding their up-front costs have been a hot topic amongst those overseeing the investigation. What they were giving in exchange for payment wasn’t adding up. But it wasn’t the only thing not making sense. During proceedings the defendant continued to claim they were located in the midwest but the company was clearly operating in Florida. Little lies like this led others to believe something unethical was going on.

The ignorance of their approach was concerning to say the least. Apparently, they thought they could lie to the court and it would be glazed over. ARMG also didn’t have ample financial reserves to cover their 100% guarantees. Not only was the company making promises they knew they couldn’t keep, they didn’t even have the capital to back it up. In the meantime, their clients had no idea.

What many can’t figure out is, how does a company that collected millions of dollars in upfront fees have no money? Keep in mind, they didn’t just sell their services to a few dozen people. Resort Release told thousands of fractional owners they could help them get rid of timeshare purchases, guaranteed. As the public’s awareness of the bankruptcy claim grows, more and more people are filing suit for false advertising and a failure to adhere to the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. We’ll keep you updated.

Escort Release Sued by Major Timeshare Chains.

Positioned as an advocate company, Escort Release recently was targeted by a number of major hospitality organizations for misleading timeshare owners. While there isn’t a lot of information online about this situation, we know they immediately filed for bankruptcy following pending lawsuits.

What an advocacy group does is represent unhappy buyers in their attempt to get rid of timeshare purchases. They basically support their client’s stance by advocating on their behalf. Call it a sophisticated hype man if you may. There is no legal approach to this. Escort Release essentially told their prospects that they could negotiate a settlement with the resort without taking legal action. Unfortunately, we don’t know of any advocacy agencies that’ve been able to sustain their ability to eliminate timeshare contracts.

Vacation Owners Group Linked with Wesley Financial.

This is probably one of the more complex operations that’s been exposed to date. Not because of the amount of money or number of victims, but the level of deception. When it comes to identifying timeshare exit fraud, a company with numerous aliases should always raise a red flag. Vacation Owners Group definitely falls under this category.

Otherwise known as VO Group and VO Financial, the operation solicited timeshare owners and offered to settle their outstanding timeshare mortgages by negotiating with timeshare property associations, banking and lending institutions. The owner of Wesley Financial Group, Chuck McDowell, is being tied to these companies through a number of online resources. Already being linked as a key player behind multiple companies deemed scams, McDowell purportedly exited VO Group just before legal action was taken and arrests were made. But let’s backtrack a little to follow the paper trail.

Vacation Owners Group got its start nearly a decade ago by soliciting timeshare owners about their new relief program. They initially engaged their victims by claiming they were calling regarding a complaint they had about their timeshare. It was used as a way “to get their foot in the door” and gather more information about the timeshare property. When owners would open up about their frustrations, solicitors would then tell them they could easily get rid of timeshare purchases if they really wanted to.

Victims say each company solicited them with claims to be able to recover money from timeshare companies (Mainly Wyndham) for fraudulent sales practices on a contingency basis (10%) and no up front fees. Many that were scammed have since come forward, revealing the contract provided by Vacation Ownership Group actually contradicted these claims. Over the years, thousands of people have taken the bait and still own their timeshares.

The Public Realized VO Couldn’t Get Rid of Timeshare Purchases.

The VO Group’s trail inevitably caught up to them when they fell under federal investigation. Victim testimonies and defendant interviews exposed the company’s deceitful ploy. In an FBI conducted interview with Adam Lacerda (co-owner of The VO Group), he admitted, in substance and in part, that The VO Group did not work with any banking or lending institutions. Yet, in another interview, Ryan Bird (a co-conspirator) stated that he told customers The VO Group worked directly for banks and had the ability to settle customer’s timeshare mortgage debt. Like many other timeshare scams, the lies ran rampant in this scheme, proving the services rendered were fraudulent.

Victims of The VO Group said their timeshare was never paid off (by any means or by settlement) after paying thousands to The VO Group. But continuing payments on the timeshare they wanted to get out of wasn’t the only letdown. They later found out they also fell victim to a “bait and switch” scheme where they unknowingly became liable for an additional timeshare. All because they trusted a relief company to help them get rid of their timeshare purchases. One of the company’s former attorneys even went on record saying he attempted to cover VO Group’s tracks by obstructing justice in a federal criminal case back in 2013. It’s no wonder McDowell slipped out the back door.

Casualties Have Continued to Pile Up From the Scam

To this day, timeshare owners are still complaining about the predatory scam. Whether the sales pitch was coming from VO or is currently coming from Wesley Financial Group, customers are voicing their complaints on both companies. Some victims have even claimed Wesley Group is using the same phony reviews as VO was. Although sources show McDowell was the VP of both operations, it appears he’s somehow been able to escape consequence. There is a saying that you may be familiar with, “a leopard never changes its spots.” Hopefully, this proves not to be the case for Wesley Financial Group, although customer complaints on Wesley Financial Group’s BBB page are proving otherwise.

While online documentation does connect the owner of Wesley Financial Group to a number of scandals that didn’t know how to get rid of timeshare purchases, it’s not our place to say history is repeating itself. Maybe he’s learned from mistakes. Either way, it’s ultimately up to you to do your own research and make your own determination before doing business with any relief company.

You Deserve to Enjoy a Timeshare Experience.

Timeshare ownership isn’t always a devastating experience. But in order to thoroughly enjoy the purchase, you have to understand what you could be getting yourself into. Whether we like it or not, unwelcome and damaging solicitations lurk around every corner. In order to avoid costly decisions, you must review the details of everything you agree to, research every business and always ignore appeal. We live in a digital world with information at our fingertips. Stay up to date and obtain factual information that equips you make informed decisions.

At VOC, we remain committed to spreading awareness on misconduct so consumers can make smart choices online. All we can do is state the facts and hope for the best. In the meantime, we look forward to sharing more of our clients stories. To learn more about our industry-leading reputation, you can subscribe to our blog, schedule a Free consultation or proceed with the qualification form below.

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« Older Entries

Can Vacation Owners Exit Contracts With a Timeshare Settlement?

Why is it Difficult to Get Rid of Timeshares?

Timeshare Companies Usually Balk at Settlements

What to Expect Before a Timeshare Settlement.

Timeshare Companies Like to Dictate Solutions

Approach a Timeshare Settlement Confidently.

Accepting a Reasonable Timeshare Settlement.

Countering an Unfair Timeshare Settlement Offer.

Declining an Unreasonable Timeshare Settlement

Concluding the Thought of Settling with the Timeshare.

6 Things to Consider Before You Give Away Timeshare Interval.

A Timeshare Purchase Can Change the Buyer’s Perception.

Should Buyers Give Away Timeshare Agreements?

1. The Decision to Dump is Only Step 1.

2. Give Away Timeshare Scams Exist.

3. Failed Transfers and Donations Can Happen.

4. The IRS Might Have Some Questions.

5. Some Timeshare Obligations May Still Remain.

6. Legally Exiting the Agreement is a lot Easier.

Research Your Options Before Giving Away Timeshares.

How Consumers Are Persuaded to Buy Timeshares

One of Our Clients is “Not Proud” of Their Decision.

Analyzing the Presentation and the Timeshare Purchase

What Can Happen When You Haphazardly Buy Timeshares

Getting Out of the Timeshare Was Their Only Option.

Take Your Time When Purchasing Timeshare Agreements.

Knowing When to Exit Timeshare Agreements is Key.

When You Should Cancel a Timeshare Within 5 Days

Should you have said “No” to the Timeshare Experience?

The Effect of Timeshare Presentations on Vacationers.

Buying a Timeshare Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly.

Confirm the Requirements for Rescinding Your Timeshare.

Good Enough Reasons to Cancel Timeshares Within 5 Days.

Additional Tips for a New Timeshare Purchase.

How to Immediately Tell if the Purchase is Promising.

What Are the Four Types of Timeshare Purchase Contracts?

1. Fixed Week Timeshare Purchases.

2. Floating Week Timeshare Purchases.

3. Right To Use Timeshare Purchases.

4. Points Club Timeshare Memberships.

Our Final Take on the Types of Timeshare Purchase Contracts:

More Companies That Couldn’t Get Rid of Timeshare Purchases.

Resort Release Files for Bankruptcy After Collecting Fees.

An Unethical Trend Causes Them to Throw in the Towel.

Escort Release Sued by Major Timeshare Chains.

Vacation Owners Group Linked with Wesley Financial.

The Public Realized VO Couldn’t Get Rid of Timeshare Purchases.

Casualties Have Continued to Pile Up From the Scam

You Deserve to Enjoy a Timeshare Experience.

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