Timeshare Relief I mean Transfer America.. or is it Transfer Smart?
It seems Timeshare Relief’s recent run in with Vermont AG is the least of their concerns. Shortly after we ran our last article about Timeshare Relief, we received the following comment on that entry:
“Its says they will get a refund. will they get there timeshares back too? if so, that sucks. I am finally able to get out of my timeshare and the attorney general comes in and sticks me with my timeshare again after I thought I was finally free. what a douche-bag….”
Supposedly from a Vermont resident named “Gary”. However we found it quite peculiar that the IP address of the poster (rrcs-24-199-44-178.west.biz.rr.com) was a Roadrunner Business IP address from Torrance, CA – the location of Timeshare Relief’s Headquarters.
Immediately my reporters spider-senses started to tingle. This struck me as a bit shady and I decided it warranted further investigation. What we uncovered was nothing short of astounding.
Where to begin. Perhaps with a question.. why does this company need to do business under so many brands? When we went to look up this company on the BBB we found no less than 5 “separate companies” all following an identical business model, who all just happened to share the same address.
So what do all these companies (Timeshare Relief, Transfer Smart, Transfer America, Transfer on the Spot, Right Choice Transfer) have in common besides address, business model and in the case of Transfer Smart & Transfer America – Phone numbers? Well they all seem to have unusually high BBB ratings.
If you’ve spent any amount of time poking around on the BBB, you may have noticed things like “Length of Time in Business”, Complaints received in the past 36 months, Government Actions, et cetera all are heavily weighted when determining both the BBB rating as well as eligibility to become an accredited business. Yet somehow these companies have seemed to slip under the BBB radar. Or have they?
The obvious parent of all of these companies is Timeshare Relief, as it has been established the longest. Looking at the BBB report we see that they have received over 70 Complaints in the last 36 months as well as government action from the recent run-in with Vermont’s Attorney General. Somehow they are still accredited and rated highly. Apparently none of these factors or the fact that the company finds it necessary to operate under 4 additional brands to bring in business seem to bother the California BBB.
Strong accusations we know… however to test and make sure that the BBB was aware of this situation and not just oblivious to it, we registered a trust link account of our own. We then posted a simple but truthful message on each one of these companies review boards, stating:
“If you are under the impression that this company is buying your timeshare and that you will receive cash….think again. Dealing with this Company could cost you, the timeshare owner, as much as $3995.00 for closing costs to transfer your timeshare“
Within 24 hours every single review was taken down. Clearly the BBB is not only aware of this, it appears that they are actively helping to cover up the issue. Believe it or not.. this is only the tip of the iceberg.
More to follow in Part 2 of this Timeshare Pages Exclusive Report.
Short URL: http://www.timesharepages.com/?p=3362
Listened to TransferAmerica presentation tonight. You want WHAT?!! No way, Magay! Wondeting if they might be connected with McMillan Realty in So Cal. ??
Recently approached by ResortLine to sell my points and maybe my TS.
Is anyone familiar with this one?
I paid by CC upfront but have not signed agreement yet. Can I still tell them I’m not interested and cancel the charge via my CC company?
Love the idea of not paying, let them foreclose, but don’t know if they’ll do it.
Could move out of the country and not leave a forwarding address. Catch me if you can. Been thinking about doing that anyway just because I’m getting uncomfy w/ how things are going in the US. NO, not going into a rant on that here.
Thanks for your help. Great site!
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I read somewhere that some timeshare owners that want to get out
of their contracts have donated their units to charitable organizations.
Anyone aware of this proceedure and how and with what type of charity
it might work?
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recently attened a meeting with 45 minutes of timeshare horror stories and mainline news videos about timeshares and how my timeshare was worthless .For 2000 to 4000 dollars they will transfer the title to one of 5 companies that WANT your timeshare .Am I missing something?
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I understand that I would pay for the legal work, but am I really out of the timeshare after I pay?
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I’m glad I read this. i had a feeling this was a scam. Now, I’m sure of it.
Thanks
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Can anyone tell me what will happen if you stop pmt’s on maint. fees and tax.
Thank you.
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This is to help your readers understand the timeshare resell industry. Irregardless of philosophy, “what should be”, or greed the mechanics are the same. There are many levels of getting rid of your timeshare. Test each one and decide which is best at this point in time.Consider time because it will cost you more fees if it goes until next year. ** Never believe anyone will accept your timeshare and pay off your mortgage or past due fees. That won’t happen. It must be free and clear and paid up. Keep in mind that the after market buyer is looking at it, not as a resort, but as a perpetual future annual bill they are taking on.
1.) DIRECT SALE. You find a buyer willing to pay an acceptable sum to you for the timeshare without having to pay any listing fees. This is usually done through some realty company that will try to get it sold for you on a commission only basis. You pay NO up front fees, get the cash at closing, and control what you will accept. The downside is that it usually takes a long time and only works on the very best units and weeks at the very top resorts.
2.) TUGs. You join a forum or TUG (Timeshare User Group) and post it on their site for a small membership or listing fee. This won’t get you any more money, but the members usually are experienced and can tell you what to expect. There are members who keep and use their timeshares and, when the price and annual fees are low enough, will pick up more they think they can use. The cost is minimal. The viewing is reasonable and includes people experienced with timeshares. Those viewers know the low prices they can pay so your receipt will probably be lower.
3.) ONLINE LISTING. You decide to pay a fee to a listing company online. This can range from as low as $15 to as much as $950. The difference is how many hits they get online. This doesn’t mean it will sell, especially if you set a price that you initially think is reasonable. The vast majority of these end up never selling.
4.) EBAY. Post it on eBay. When you do, look at the advanced settings to find out what your resort has actually sold for during the last year. You’ll find most go unsold or sell for $1. There are dealers out there who you compete with selling for $1. The large majority go unsold. This is essentially the opportunity to give it away for FREE if you’re willing to do that. Even then often there are no takers.
5.) DONATION #1. Most charities do NOT take title. They turn it over to their broker and try to sell it for you. This is up to the charity. If it sells, the IRS says they keep the money and you can only deduct that actual cash received, not your original cost or any other amount because value is established on that unit. If they don’t believe they can sell it quickly (usually in two weeks) they won’t even accept it. If they do take it, you’re still on the title and hook until it’s sold. You can contact a lot of charities quickly to see if they think they can sell it. Most will have experience and tell you quickly instead of stringing you on.
6.) DONATION #2. a very few charities will actually take title to some timeshares which gets you out of it. Usually this is if they can use it to rent or use and they are willing to take on the obligations of ownership fees. There are two variations. First is if the timeshare is a top unit and week at a top resort they know they can rent out for more than the annual fees. Second is where the charity doesn’t care about use or resell because they charge a fee from $500 to $1,000 to take title to make their money. This costs you money, but the timing is not up to whether it sells or not. The IRS says that if they keep it for 36 months you can take a $5,000 income deduction for the donation so your tax return can offset the out of pocket costs of transfer. The benefit is you are finally free – for a cost. Make sure you don’t pay the charity until title is actually transferred.
7.) COMMERCIAL RELIEF. This include several companies that charge from $4,000 to $7,000 to take the timeshare off your hands. They sometimes advise you to deduct your purchase cost as an investment loss, but watch out, the IRS specifically opposes this. The benefit is you get out fast. The downside is it costs a lot. One problem is that even they have a list of timeshares they won’t accept.
The important key is that you can get out of your timeshare, but it will take you time, humility and maybe some money. There are very few prime units and weeks at the specific top valuable resorts. Most of them have original costs in the $50,000+ range. The faster you want out a beautiful, but normal resort, and the more humble you are on price will determine which of the above steps you need to consider.
Good luck,
Dr. Ken Rich
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Has anyone worked with Vale Professionals, LLC? If so, what was your experience? Thanks!
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The info from Dr Rich was great. I cant wait to get rid of my timeshare. I wish I had known all this before I got into timeshare. What a SCAM!! Now, does anyone know the names of companies that will take timeshare donations. Really, I never use it, and cant afford the maintenance fee. I’ll be better off giving it away.
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I came across this site while looking into Transfer on the Spot. I too found it odd that they trade under so many names. I like the idea of getting rid of my timeshare for $2500 but this sounds too shady to proceed. I would like any information on how to get rid of my Shell Vacations Timeshare.
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Hi,
Just a note for Eric.. If you still need to get rid of your timeshare, I know how you can get rid of it for $1995.00. Includes all legals, and confirmation that transfer has taken place usually 60 to 90 days. This is not a scam. I want to be above board here as I put my ethics on the line. I am part owner of a vacation club that has partnered with a company that will release owners of their timeshare.. In this industry it would be suicide to put my name on something that was not above board and as such I am not afraid to post up front. who I am. We sell the vacation club for $2500 which includes release of timeshare and an opportunity to have all the benefits of timeshare travel without the cost , maintenance fees and long term commitment.. (just the timeshare release for $1995.) If you would like further info, or link to the website please let me know. Deb
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Some information for consumers. Apparently Timeshare Relief companies are generally scams. Read this small Wall Street Journal piece on how timeshare relief companies cause financial misery
http://online.wsj.com/community/groups/timeshare-information-1098/topics/dont-fooled–many-timeshare-relief
Site like this one really are here to help!
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I would like additional information from debbie about her solution. Thanks.
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Deb, we would be interested in further info and a link. Thanks, James
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So apparently Timeshare Relief has gotten rid of TimeshareRelief.com and has switched it out to http://timeshareremedy.com/timesharerelief/. This seems like an attempt to mask themselves and escape from the fact they they are crooked and scam timeshare owners.
They still seem to be operating under the guise of Transfer America, seen here http://transferamerica.net/. Make no mistake, do not use this company – they do not go through with their transfers, and the AGs are breathing down their neck. Don’t waste your money on them, you will only lose it.
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Matt Arnie;
I am considering the use of TranferAmerica. Will you email your
Reason for knowing this is a company will not perform the transfer.
I need an quick reply.
Thanx, Art
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Hi Art Cranden,
Just saw your comments to Matt. I completed a transfer on Feb 13, 2011 for two timeshares with Transfer America. To date it is not transfered. I am receiving past due annual fee bills. Mine were due April 1 of each year. Per contract they were to cover. Also per the contract I believe there was something saying the money would be returned after a certain period. This week I placed and left 7 messages with the title company. 2 were left with the timeshare manager who transfered me to her voicemail when I got to an operator. Still no response. I will be filing a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office if I do not hear anything next week. Even if they return the money… they had use of that money for the last 5 months.
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Andrea;
Thank you for the comment on your experience wi Transfer America.
Art
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Andrea;
Did you ever get an explanation as to the cause of the “past due” notice?
Any reason yet as to why the big delay… e. g. Title not clear, payments not
Recorded, etc?
Really seems Unreasonable to not give you some explanation!
Art
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Matt Arnie;
I talked to Transfer America and got a very reasonable explanation for the change in web-sites. The name has always been Transfer America.
Art
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I looked up “Vale Professionals, LLC” and they describe a process exactly like “Transfer America” uses… even the website resembles “TA’s”.
I would expect decent results from either company. The transfer process seems to be the only choice left in this crumbling timeshare market… if you want to get out before you wither all up.
Art
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So how come so many timeshare companies keep building new resorts? Are there so many suckers around? Just wondering if there is a surplus due to many people foreclosing or defaulting.
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I’ve been contacted by Transfer Solutions, I really want to get out of my timeshare, I just can’t afford to loose money on another scam. Does anyone know appoint this company?
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I just got a letter from Transfer On The Spot, so decided to do some checking. My thoughts seem correct in that this seems to be just another scam. And yes there are still suckers out there like myself and my husband! We remortgaged our home to buy this stupid time share! How stupid were we! Everyone beware. Do not fall into the time share crap!
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Just got a letter from Transfer Smart out of Torrance, CA and after seeing the complaints on BBB on how much these folks want to transfer the timeshare I do not need to attend their seminar. I think I will just not pay any more fees and let them foreclose.
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DO USE TRANSFER AMERICA: they DO NOT return phone calls, they farm out your deed to a “title” company out of state (FLORIDA) and they pressure you into believing in their “evagelism” style “Legal counsel” and then ask you to pay $4000 to get you out of your deed. IT DOES NOT WORK!!!! They haven’t done a thing on the contract we signed. They just took the money and ran. Meanwhile they did NOT pay the 2011 fees as promised in their written statement.
THEY ARE A SCAM!!!! TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!!
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Does anyone has anything to say about ResortLine? They contacted me and offered to advertise and eventually sale my timeshare for $900 upfront fees. It sounded too good to be true, but I can’t find any bad reviews or reports about them on the Internet accept only one post with repply with explanation from one of the owners.
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Does anyone has anything to say about ResortLine? They contacted me and offered to advertise and eventually sale my timeshare for $900 upfront fees. It sounded too good to be true, but I can’t find any bad reviews or reports about them on the Internet except one with explanation respond from the one of the ResortLine directors.
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TSR and affiliated companies are working the system of course, however it is not a scam. I work with an acquisition and transfer company much like them, and have worked with one another. There are about 15 or so companies who conduct business in similar ways. The ones who meet with folks in person do actually transfer these timeshare to a third party. I have sat in the homes of people who have spent a lot of money trying to find a way to sell their timeshares, these things are not valuable. If you slander the ones who actually make the property go away, and drive them out of business you are doing more harm than good. It’s like slandering divorce lawyers for breaking up marriages. An answer to all questions regarding any company charging phone fees… NOT ONE WILL EVER SELL YOUR PROPERTY, THEY ARE THE BAD GUYS. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO PAY FOR DISPOSAL THEN YOU WILL CONTINUE TO PAY FOREVER, INCLUDING YOUR NEXT OF KIN.
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Has anyone dealt with USA Transfers out of Lincoln NE
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Hey Folks: I am convinced that theTransfer Schemes are Scams – but has anyone simply STOPPED paying Maintenance Fees? (I own 3 timeshares in Bermuda which are mortgage free) – A lawyer told me that they can go after us through an agressive Collection Agency here in the states – Maybe attaching my home and raising all kinds of havoc and misery??? What’s been your experience or reaction to this?. (I’ve been trying to sell these since 2005).
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Uncle Bob. as I understand it the maintenance fees and dues are attached to the property itself. their legal recourse is to repossess that property potentially.
Unless you specifically signed something which provides your house or other personal property as collateral then they cannot go after the other property.
this would be like your mastercard foreclosing on your car–they dont have legal standing to do so.
usually in the timeshare purchase agreement, you state that the timeshare itself is collateral for future dues/fees on that property.
Also check the laws in your state regarding specific limitations on collections. the Federal Fair Debt Collections Practices act specifically forbids them from ‘threatening’ you — I don’t now if a threat to attach your personal property counts.. However the FFDCPA allows you to limit their communication with you. If you send the collection agency a notice stating that they may not contact you in the future and that if they have legal standing to do so that such communications must be done only in writing. Then that will avoid all calls.
Also, if it’s actually sent to collections (a prelude to foreclosure presumably), collections activity must cease within the statute of limitations for collections on your state.
this may be 3-5 years depending on the state.
However, until they foreclose on you, you may be legally obligated to pay the dues annually (of course you have the option of not paying and letting the subsequent dues go to collections as well). While you’re in collections, you wont have use of your week or points.
It is in the resorts interest to foreclose because they then have units available to rent out directly to owners who want extra time or through normal resort reservations systems they use.
I would check with an attorney before you stop paying, and I’d consult their attorney to find out if they intend to foreclose.
you may be able to “negotiate” and pay part of the outstanding debt in exchange for signing agreeing to give up your ownership (this will only apply if they intend to foreclose and want to avoid the court costs of foreclosure).
I think you’re bette roff paying yoru dues, keeping them current, and just keep listing them on ebay until they sell. one day you’ll get lucky.
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