Gardner Cline, LLC

Business Consumer Alliance advises to use caution if you've been contacted by a company offering to sell or rent your timeshare, especially if an advance fee is involved. While many of these companies claim to have buyers or renters ready for your property, most of these solicitations are really just offers to advertise your timeshare for sale.

Do not confuse the service of an advertising or marketing company with those of a real estate company. In most real estate transactions it is the buyer who puts up a deposit and the real estate company gets its commission from the seller only after the deal closes. Ask if the company soliciting you is licensed to sell real estate in the state that your property is located and verify the licensing status and any disciplinary action or complaints that may have been filed against the company. Ask the company is they are selling an advertising program or if the property will be listed, how long, and what the conditions of the services are.

Prior to entering into any agreement check with the resort or timeshare to determine if there are any restrictions, limitations, or fees that may affect your ability to resell or transfer ownership of your transfer. Obtain all guarantees, promises, and representations in writing. Do not sign the contract if you do not understand or agree with terms and conditions. Make sure the contract provides details of the services to be performed, timeframe of the contract, refund and cancellation provisions, and any associated fees for the service. Research the company and its principals and verify the information provided by the company. Request a list of previous clients that they have successfully provided services for and contact these individuals to hear about their experience with the company. Do not pay any money up front until you have researched the offer and the business and feel comfortable that the company has provided you with adequate information and documentation to support their offer.