A Review of What Went Wrong With Timeshare Exit Team
If you are reading this article, you are likely one of the legions of timeshare owners that need to get out of their contracts. You don’t want to pay monthly maintenance fees for the rest of your life. You don’t want the pressure that comes with having to take vacations (which should be restful) with a certain company, subject to that company’s rules.
Lots of people want the same thing you do. So many, in fact, that there are a lot of companies offering timeshare exit services. These companies know that canceling a timeshare on your own can be hard at the best of times. They offer to handle the situation for you, making it easier and potentially more successful. Not all exit companies are created equal though
A Brief History of Timeshare Exit Team
The Washington Secretary of State’s records show that Timeshare Exit Team—originally called World Travel Seattle LLC—was formed by Brandon Reed in 2012 in Kirkland, Washington. The next year, Trevor Hein changed the name of the company to Reed Hein & Associates LL00000C. Timeshare Exit Team advertised itself as a company that helped people exit unwanted timeshares.
According to the Washington State Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, Timeshare Exit Team represented that it could force resorts to take back timeshares. However, at the start of the lawsuit, Washington alleged that only about half of the requested exits had been accomplished. There were also concerns that some of the exits that were accomplished may not have been proper, potentially leading to foreclosure and other legal problems for timeshare owners.
How Did This Happen? A Tale of Inexperience, Bad Endorsements, and a Huge Lawsuit
According to the publicly filed allegations of the Washington Attorney General, Timeshare Exit Team had no prior experience in the timeshare industry. Before starting the company in 2012, Hein and Reed sold rain gutter systems.
Looking at the company’s history and failures, the reasons behind this disaster become clear. Timeshare Exit Team had several serious business problems that were magnified by a high-profile endorsement. When these issues were exposed by the state of Washington, the company was forced to make amends.
1. Timeshare Exit Team’s Alleged Poor Business Practices
Hein and Reed’s lack of experience made them ineffective at securing releases for clients. They lacked the inside knowledge necessary for successful timeshare exits. To compensate, Timeshare Exit Team matched unhappy timeshare owners with "vendors" who might not have had the expertise required for specific cases.
For instance, if a timeshare owner needed to file a lawsuit to exit a contract, Timeshare Exit Team would connect them with an attorney. However, the company had little control over the vendors they recommended.
Some exit practices were legally risky. Some owners were allegedly advised to stop paying maintenance fees and mortgages or to ignore communications from timeshare resorts and homeowners’ associations (HOAs). This led to foreclosure proceedings and additional legal troubles for owners.
Another major issue was the enormous upfront fees, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. While a money-back guarantee was offered, BBB complaints indicate that clients often had difficulty obtaining refunds. Communication broke down, the website was shut down, and many clients were left stranded.
2. A High-Profile Endorsement from Dave Ramsey Elevated Timeshare Exit Team and Gave Them Access to More Owners
Despite their lack of qualifications, Timeshare Exit Team received a major endorsement from media personality Dave Ramsey. The mention on the Dave Ramsey show became the company’s “most profitable endorsement.”
Unfortunately, this endorsement allowed even more desperate timeshare owners to fall into their services, exacerbating the problem and leading to the lawsuit filed by the Washington Attorney General. Ramsey later walked back the endorsement, but the damage had already been done.
3. The State of Washington Achieved Some Justice for Timeshare Exit Team’s Wronged Customers
Initially, Reed Hein contested the Washington Attorney General’s lawsuit, denying allegations and claiming the state was helping the timeshare industry. In September 2021, however, the Attorney General reported that Reed Hein would pay $2.61 million in restitution to affected clients and cover legal expenses. They also agreed to pay an additional $19 million if they violated the settlement terms.
Reed Hein publicly apologized for its actions and statements during the lawsuit, including the suggestion that the Attorney General’s suit was influenced by the timeshare industry.
The story of Timeshare Exit Team serves as a cautionary tale. Flashy endorsements do not guarantee quality service. Prospective clients should research a company’s history, experience, and client feedback before signing contracts.
Timeshare Exit Team gained a reputation for high upfront fees and deceptive money-back guarantees, with minimal results. In contrast, a reputable timeshare exit company like Centerstone Group offers flexible payment options, including long-term financing and escrow, helping alleviate financial strain while assisting clients in exiting their timeshare agreements.
How Centerstone Group Is Different
For its part, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) appears to have learned exactly the wrong lesson from the Timeshare Exit Team lawsuit, attempting to paint all timeshare exit companies with the same broad brush. They disingenuously implied that all exit companies are timeshare exit scams and urged customers to talk to their timeshare resort management about ownership problems.
Given that the timeshare developers are the ones who caused the original problem, you should be extremely skeptical of their “advice.” Not all exit companies are the same. Centerstone Group has a fantastic record with the BBB. Even a quick look at our reviews and rating demonstrates ethical business practices that work for a growing legion of satisfied clients.
First and foremost, Centerstone Group’s professionals have over 33 years of combined experience in the timeshare industry. Though an unwanted timeshare problem can seem like uncharted waters, rest assured that we have likely encountered it before.
Centerstone Group also has a unique three-pronged approach to maximize your chances of successfully exiting an unwanted timeshare:
Pressure Campaign: This involves direct contact and strategic use of social media to influence a developer’s position. In some cases, it may even include regulatory complaints.
Receiver Process: Centerstone Group evaluates whether you qualify for a receiver, who takes over financial and other obligations associated with your timeshare during the exit process. This adds peace of mind and control over your situation.
Legal Support for Complex Cases: Some exits may require a lawyer, particularly those involving contract rescission or fraudulent behavior by the developer. Centerstone Group works closely with established law firms, pursuing parallel strategies to maximize your chances of success.
In the world of timeshare contracts and exit strategies, one size does not fit all. Centerstone Group takes the time to understand your specific contract and situation, then tailors proprietary strategies to meet your needs.
You can always reach out for a free consultation to get clear, actionable information about your exit options. From there, we help you make the best possible decision for your situation.
Move Forward With Peace of Mind
Getting out of a timeshare contract is rarely easy. You may experience stress and discomfort while freeing yourself from its heavy burden. Don’t let that stress lead you to make another poor decision. Companies like Timeshare Exit Team will only make your problem worse.
Centerstone Group, however, will fight for you and make the process as smooth as possible. You can count on us to act honestly and always in your best interest.
If you are struggling to keep up with timeshare maintenance fees or other expenses caused by your timeshare, do not suffer in silence. Talk to Centerstone Group today and let one of our professionals assist you. We will help you create a plan and get you on the road to peace of mind.
If you are reading this article, you are likely one of the legions of timeshare owners that need to get out of their contracts. You don’t want to pay monthly maintenance fees for the rest of your life. You don’t want the pressure that comes with having to take vacations (which should be restful) with a certain company, subject to that company’s rules.
Lots of people want the same thing you do. So many, in fact, that there are a lot of companies offering timeshare exit services. These companies know that canceling a timeshare on your own can be hard at the best of times. They offer to handle the situation for you, making it easier and potentially more successful. Not all exit companies are created equal though
A Brief History of Timeshare Exit Team
The Washington Secretary of State’s records show that Timeshare Exit Team—originally called World Travel Seattle LLC—was formed by Brandon Reed in 2012 in Kirkland, Washington. The next year, Trevor Hein changed the name of the company to Reed Hein & Associates LL00000C. Timeshare Exit Team advertised itself as a company that helped people exit unwanted timeshares.
According to the Washington State Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, Timeshare Exit Team represented that it could force resorts to take back timeshares. However, at the start of the lawsuit, Washington alleged that only about half of the requested exits had been accomplished. There were also concerns that some of the exits that were accomplished may not have been proper, potentially leading to foreclosure and other legal problems for timeshare owners.
How Did This Happen? A Tale of Inexperience, Bad Endorsements, and a Huge Lawsuit
According to the publicly filed allegations of the Washington Attorney General, Timeshare Exit Team had no prior experience in the timeshare industry. Before starting the company in 2012, Hein and Reed sold rain gutter systems.
Looking at the company’s history and failures, the reasons behind this disaster become clear. Timeshare Exit Team had several serious business problems that were magnified by a high-profile endorsement. When these issues were exposed by the state of Washington, the company was forced to make amends.
1. Timeshare Exit Team’s Alleged Poor Business Practices
Hein and Reed’s lack of experience made them ineffective at securing releases for clients. They lacked the inside knowledge necessary for successful timeshare exits. To compensate, Timeshare Exit Team matched unhappy timeshare owners with "vendors" who might not have had the expertise required for specific cases.
For instance, if a timeshare owner needed to file a lawsuit to exit a contract, Timeshare Exit Team would connect them with an attorney. However, the company had little control over the vendors they recommended.
Some exit practices were legally risky. Some owners were allegedly advised to stop paying maintenance fees and mortgages or to ignore communications from timeshare resorts and homeowners’ associations (HOAs). This led to foreclosure proceedings and additional legal troubles for owners.
Another major issue was the enormous upfront fees, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. While a money-back guarantee was offered, BBB complaints indicate that clients often had difficulty obtaining refunds. Communication broke down, the website was shut down, and many clients were left stranded.
2. A High-Profile Endorsement from Dave Ramsey Elevated Timeshare Exit Team and Gave Them Access to More Owners
Despite their lack of qualifications, Timeshare Exit Team received a major endorsement from media personality Dave Ramsey. The mention on the Dave Ramsey show became the company’s “most profitable endorsement.”
Unfortunately, this endorsement allowed even more desperate timeshare owners to fall into their services, exacerbating the problem and leading to the lawsuit filed by the Washington Attorney General. Ramsey later walked back the endorsement, but the damage had already been done.
3. The State of Washington Achieved Some Justice for Timeshare Exit Team’s Wronged Customers
Initially, Reed Hein contested the Washington Attorney General’s lawsuit, denying allegations and claiming the state was helping the timeshare industry. In September 2021, however, the Attorney General reported that Reed Hein would pay $2.61 million in restitution to affected clients and cover legal expenses. They also agreed to pay an additional $19 million if they violated the settlement terms.
Reed Hein publicly apologized for its actions and statements during the lawsuit, including the suggestion that the Attorney General’s suit was influenced by the timeshare industry.
The story of Timeshare Exit Team serves as a cautionary tale. Flashy endorsements do not guarantee quality service. Prospective clients should research a company’s history, experience, and client feedback before signing contracts.
Timeshare Exit Team gained a reputation for high upfront fees and deceptive money-back guarantees, with minimal results. In contrast, a reputable timeshare exit company like Centerstone Group offers flexible payment options, including long-term financing and escrow, helping alleviate financial strain while assisting clients in exiting their timeshare agreements.
How Centerstone Group Is Different
For its part, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) appears to have learned exactly the wrong lesson from the Timeshare Exit Team lawsuit, attempting to paint all timeshare exit companies with the same broad brush. They disingenuously implied that all exit companies are timeshare exit scams and urged customers to talk to their timeshare resort management about ownership problems.
Given that the timeshare developers are the ones who caused the original problem, you should be extremely skeptical of their “advice.” Not all exit companies are the same. Centerstone Group has a fantastic record with the BBB. Even a quick look at our reviews and rating demonstrates ethical business practices that work for a growing legion of satisfied clients.
First and foremost, Centerstone Group’s professionals have over 33 years of combined experience in the timeshare industry. Though an unwanted timeshare problem can seem like uncharted waters, rest assured that we have likely encountered it before.
Centerstone Group also has a unique three-pronged approach to maximize your chances of successfully exiting an unwanted timeshare:
In the world of timeshare contracts and exit strategies, one size does not fit all. Centerstone Group takes the time to understand your specific contract and situation, then tailors proprietary strategies to meet your needs.
You can always reach out for a free consultation to get clear, actionable information about your exit options. From there, we help you make the best possible decision for your situation.
Move Forward With Peace of Mind
Getting out of a timeshare contract is rarely easy. You may experience stress and discomfort while freeing yourself from its heavy burden. Don’t let that stress lead you to make another poor decision. Companies like Timeshare Exit Team will only make your problem worse.
Centerstone Group, however, will fight for you and make the process as smooth as possible. You can count on us to act honestly and always in your best interest.
If you are struggling to keep up with timeshare maintenance fees or other expenses caused by your timeshare, do not suffer in silence. Talk to Centerstone Group today and let one of our professionals assist you. We will help you create a plan and get you on the road to peace of mind.