How To Sell A Timeshare Successfully

If you’re unfamiliar with the timeshare resale market, you may think it will be easy to sell your week. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case, as selling a timeshare is often challenging. This is where our guide on how to sell a timeshare and our timeshare sales tips come in handy!

How to Navigate the Timeshare Resale Market To Sell Your Timeshare Successfully Guide

Having found new owners for over 50,000 unwanted timeshares, our How to Sell a Timeshare guide is designed to give you all the steps and tips you need for a successful sale. From understanding the documents you need and tips on avoiding timeshare scams to advice on sales incentives, our guide will be an invaluable resource if you are committed to selling your timeshare ownership by yourself.

At Timeshare Specialists, we also offer a brokerage service to help sell timeshares that have retained market value.

Understanding the Timeshare Resale Market & Perspective Buyers

The first step in selling your timeshare is gaining a solid understanding of the resale market and the mindset of potential timeshare buyers.

Unlike traditional real estate, timeshares often depreciate in value, making it challenging to sell for a profit. It’s important to look at similar timeshares in your resort and region to understand what they’re selling for and to help you set a realistic asking price. Also, understand the market trends by checking whether the market favors buyers or sellers, as this will impact your strategy.

There’s very little trust on the resale market, meaning potential buyers will be cautious and ask for proof that your timeshare bills are paid in full and that the property description matches your ads.

How To Sell A Timeshare Guide

1. Gather Your Timeshare Documentation

When preparing to sell your timeshare, gather all relevant documentation. Begin by contacting the resort to request copies of your timeshare ownership documents and an Estoppel, and hire a closing company to perform a title search for you.

Your timeshare ownership documents should include the following:

Timeshare contract will allow you to better understand the terms and conditions of your contract and will help you determine whether you have a deeded or non-deeded timeshare
Timeshare deed
Maintenance fee records
Any loan information

An Estoppel is a document providing an official description of your property, including the number of beds and baths, the view, the week, and the usage frequency. Also, gather detailed information about the resort itself and its amenities.

2. Set a Competitive Price

Before listing your property, you need to determine how much your timeshare could realistically sell for and to avoid overpricing. Look at similar timeshares in your resort and region and understand the market trends by checking whether there’s a demand for the timeshare.

Overpricing will unavoidably deter some potential buyers.

3. List Your Timeshare Online

First, we recommend sticking to reputable timeshare resale websites when listing your property. Here are some of the companies that we recommend for selling your timeshare with.

If you are considering selling your timeshare on eBay, find out about eBay’s guidelines for selling timeshares and the pros and cons of using the platform.

Keep in mind that timeshare shoppers will want to know everything about the property and nearby activities or restaurants. They will also want to see as many photos of the place as possible before making an offer. High-quality photos and a well-written listing can make a big difference in attracting buyers. Here’s everything you need to know about creating a timeshare listing that stands out.

4. Leverage Social Media

Maximize your reach by using social media platforms like Facebook to promote your listing. Social media can help you connect with a broader audience and generate more interest in your timeshare.

Timeshare Sales Tips

We know it’s hard to hear, but most timeshare owners can’t even give away their timeshare, much less sell it or sell it for a profit. Often, the goal is to sell their timeshare before the next maintenance fee bill comes due.

While our guide provides a strong foundation, here are additional tips to enhance your chances of success.

1. Beware of Timeshare Scams

Once you’ve listed your timeshare, beware because many of the people who contact you will be conmen looking to make a quick buck. Beware of anyone offering you thousands of dollars in exchange for a deposit or tax payment. If you encounter any suspicious activity, report it to our Timeshare Scam Hotline at 1-877-316-9181.

If there’s a significant amount of money changing hands, insist on using a licensed escrow company to protect your money. We can help; just give us a call.

2. Use Sales Incentives

Given the massive supply of timeshares on the resale market, we recommend setting yourself apart. Consider offering free usage for a year or covering all closing costs, which can range from $400 to $700, or even offering a gift card towards show tickets or a meal on the buyer’s first vacation.

3. Hire a Closing Company

If you do find a new owner for your timeshare, hire a closing company to handle the transfer. Transfer rules vary by resort and county, so professionals will make sure you get the same completed in one go.

Resort Closings, our sister company, specializes in the legal transfer of timeshares and can help you finalize the sale correctly and efficiently.

4. Know When To Say When

Getting rid of a timeshare is tough. We talk to thousands of unhappy owners every year, and most go on their way with the advice in this guide and try to navigate the resale market on their own. However, many come back months or years later and after spending thousands of dollars on listing fees, scams, and more maintenance fees.

So, if you want to skip all the hassles of selling the timeshare yourself and guarantee this is the last year you pay maintenance fees, use our Guaranteed Transfer Program; it takes the guesswork and risk out of navigating the timeshare resale market and handles the entire sales process for you.

Timeshare Specialists Can Help You Sell Or Exit Your Timeshare Too

Regardless of the path you choose, follow us on Facebook for updates on new scams and other valuable timeshare information and learn about our timeshare services here.

And if you have questions about the resale market, wonder if an offer you’ve received is a scam, or want to hire us to get rid of your timeshare, don’t hesitate to contact us.

If you are looking to buy a timeshare, read more about what to consider here.

FAQs:

What is the best way to sell a timeshare?

The best way is to understand the resale market, set a realistic price, and list on reputable platforms.

Why is it hard to sell a timeshare?

Timeshares often depreciate in value, and there’s limited trust among buyers in the resale market.

How can I avoid scams when selling a timeshare?

Avoid upfront fees and use licensed escrow or closing companies for financial transactions.

Do I need documentation to sell my timeshare?

Yes, you need the timeshare deed, maintenance fee records, and an Estoppel.

Can I sell my timeshare on social media?

Yes, leveraging platforms like Facebook can broaden your reach and attract potential buyers.

What are sales incentives for timeshares?

Offering perks like free usage for a year or covering closing costs can make your timeshare more appealing.

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The Timeshare Specialists Difference

Timeshare Specialists has been a leader in timeshare divestment since 2014, and our goal is to ensure you make the right decision – we’ll assess your ownership and let you know the best timeshare exit option.

If you choose one of our guaranteed options, we promise you’ll never pay another fee. Since we don’t charge upfront, there’s zero risk to starting one of our programs. Our unique timeshare services and solutions not only set us apart in the industry but have helped thousands of owners get out of timeshare ownership the right way. Our award-winning team is ready to help you today!