Your Timeshare Exit Options Compared: Find Your Best Path
Timeshare owners often find themselves buried in rising maintenance fees, confusing paperwork, and mounting costs they didn’t anticipate. If you’re in the middle of it and feel you’ve gotten in over your head, it may be time to explore the timeshare exit options available to you.
Timeshare companies spend a lot of effort making it seem as though you have very few choices. If you ask them how to get out of a timeshare contract, they may frame your situation as either staying or suffering financial ruin (or sometimes, both).
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for a timeshare exit, and the best option will be different for everyone. The good news is that there are multiple paths out of vacation ownership. In this guide, we’ll break down the legal, ethical, and effective methods available to you.
Rescission: When You Might Be Able to Cancel Your Timeshare Contract
The first thing you might think when a timeshare becomes a problem is, “Didn’t they tell me at the sales presentation that I could cancel if I’m not satisfied?”
Yes, they probably did. And yes, under the laws of most states, you have the right to cancel timeshare contracts within a certain timeframe, sometimes called a “cooling-off period.” But what they don’t tell you is that you have a very short amount of time to cancel your contract — sometimes only a handful of days after you signed!
In most cases, owners don’t know there’s a problem or notice any red flags until much later. Maybe you thought everything was fine until you tried to make a reservation, only to find nothing available for the dates your vacation is scheduled. Or perhaps you got a bill and saw the true cost of your timeshare.
In these cases, the allotted time to cancel has almost always passed, so you’ll need to consider other timeshare exit options.
I’m Within the Rescission Period! Can I Cancel My Timeshare Myself?
If you’re one of the lucky few who realized sooner rather than later that your timeshare purchase didn’t match what you were promised, the temptation can be strong to simply go it alone and try to write a cancellation letter yourself. It sounds easy enough, and this can work in some cases.
That said, timeshare companies typically make the cancellation process quite difficult to navigate. If you don’t follow the instructions in your contract exactly, it might not work. You need to send the letter to the correct address and to the correct person the first time, with no mistakes.
A single mistake often means the cancellation fails, and you don’t get a second chance at this timeshare exit option.
Even if you do everything right, you still might need to prove that you didn’t make any mistakes. Developer employees are not always entirely honest about what they receive and when they receive it. So, if you go this route, you’ll need to use registered mail or FedEx to track everything you sent, and triple-check everything beforehand to ensure it’s done to the letter.
If you want to try a DIY cancellation, Centerstone Group stands behind you and can offer free assistance. Time is of the essence, though, so it’s best to contact us right away for resources and step-by-step guidance.
What Are the Most Common Timeshare Exit Options?
The sad fact is that, by the time most owners realize that their timeshare contract is working against them, it’s too late to write a cancellation letter under state law. Though that’s not ideal, this exact problem is Centerstone Group’s specialty.
The right timeshare exit option depends on your contract, your developer, and even where your timeshare is located — we’ll look at all of this and help you identify the best path. Below are a few common scenarios and options.
Timeshare Transfer
Sometimes, the best way out of a timeshare is to give it to someone else. There are, however, right ways and wrong ways to go about it.
Many timeshare companies claim they can do this through a variety of in-house exit solutions. By and large, these are “passive” programs that do not really accomplish anything. While owners sit and wait for solutions, sometimes for years, timeshare developers are content to let them languish while maintenance fees continue to pile up.
For example, Wyndham advertises that it can connect owners with “resellers” who place units on the so-called “timeshare resale market.” While this might sound nice, the term “resale” can be highly misleading, as selling a timeshare is nearly impossible for most owners.
Outside of increasingly rare exceptions, there is no secondary market for timeshares, particularly not in places like Orlando, Florida, which have the greatest concentration of timeshare resorts. Without any real market for timeshares, though, these units simply do not move.
Similarly frustrating are developers’ in-house deed-back programs, which supposedly allow you to return a timeshare to the resort. In reality, timeshare developers tightly control these programs, and it’s up to them whether to accept your request. Most of the time, they would rather you stay in your contract and pay annual maintenance fees — as you might imagine, this route is often unsuccessful. And even in the rare cases where deed-back programs do work, developers drag the process out for years — all while requiring your loan to be fully paid off, and your maintenance fees kept current throughout.
Whether or not you’re one of the lucky ones who make it through, the only sure thing is that you will pay thousands of dollars just to keep current in your fee payments while the timeshare company takes its sweet time at your expense.
A better way to transfer your timeshare
Centerstone Group, on the other hand, has a robust transfer program that connects clients with individuals who are actively seeking to take over timeshare contracts. Unlike developer programs that can waste years with no results, Centerstone Group actively seeks people who want to take over timeshare contracts and pairs them with clients who want to exit. Our approach takes 3 to 6 months to complete, saving you thousands in maintenance fees, and perhaps even more in peace of mind.
Drawing on industry knowledge and an inside understanding of companies' practices, Centerstone Group has a strong track record of helping clients get out of their timeshares (without burdening their friends and families). Who’s this timeshare exit option best for? Owners who want a clean break from their contract and don’t have active foreclosures, fraud claims, or other pending legal complications.
Legal Procedures
As you search for information about how to get out of a timeshare, you’ll find several timeshare exit companies that are little more than attorney referral services. While hiring a timeshare lawyer can be a good idea in some circumstances, it’s generally quite expensive and often not necessary.
In the United States, hiring a lawyer or law firm is usually only necessary where there has been some sort of fraud, a pending foreclosure against you, or worse, a lawsuit for a deficiency judgment. Outside those situations, resorting to the courts is often quite expensive and time-consuming.
One noteworthy exception to the rule can come when your timeshare agreement is not made in the United States. In Mexico, for example, an American timeshare owner generally needs to work through Mexico’s consumer protection organization, PROFECO, which may require extra documentation, formal complaint steps, and, in many cases, legal representation or a local representative.
If you’re unsure of whether you need a lawyer on your side, Centerstone Group can help you analyze your specific situation and determine whether a lawyer is necessary for your exit strategy. Even if your timeshare is in Mexico, we can guide you through the steps you’ll need to take to free yourself — this can be a critical, no-lose step on your timeshare exit journey.
Who’s this timeshare exit option best for?
Owners dealing with fraud, facing foreclosure or a deficiency judgment, or those exiting a timeshare purchased in Mexico.
Negotiation and Pressure Campaigns
Timeshare owners often find themselves cornered by fees and costs they can’t afford, dealing with a timeshare company that stubbornly refuses to move an inch. Worse, timeshare companies might ignore owners or give them the runaround.
In cases like this, the best move is for owners to hire a team of experts to advocate on their behalf. This typically involves structured negotiation, documentation of contract issues, and escalation strategies. That’s where top timeshare exit companies can step in.
For example, at Centerstone Group, we use a proprietary pressure campaign customized for your unique situation, ownership type, loan balance, and more. Over the decades our team has been in the industry, we’ve learned developers’ tricks and strategies. We use that information to hold timeshare companies accountable and push for the right outcome: releasing owners from their contracts.
Who’s this timeshare exit option best for?
Owners who are stuck with an uncooperative developer that refuses to negotiate, ignores requests, or gives them the runaround.
The One Thing You Should Never Do: Just Stop Paying
When faced with mounting maintenance fees and other costs, some owners have decided to stop paying their timeshare bills, including their mortgage. While some companies have suggested this, it’s almost always the worst way to go about timeshare cancellation.
When you fail to pay fees, your timeshare mortgage, or other amounts owed, you risk significantly lowering your credit score for years to come. This approach can also lead to foreclosure proceedings and even get you sued by the developer.
Anyone giving you this advice is not helping you find the right timeshare exit options. The last thing you want to do is to get mixed up in a timeshare exit scam while you’re exploring options. At Centerstone Group, we know there is always a better way, and we’ll work with you to find a method that’s safe, legal, and ethical.
How to Choose the Right Timeshare Exit Option
Every timeshare situation is different. The best path forward depends on your contract, your developer, and your individual circumstances. Here are a few guidelines to help you narrow down your options:
You Just Purchased Your Timeshare: If you’re still within the rescission window, act immediately. Contact Centerstone Group for free guidance on filing your cancellation letter correctly the first time.
Your Loan Is Paid Off: A transfer may be the simplest route. Without an outstanding mortgage to complicate the process, Centerstone Group can work to connect you with someone willing to take over your contract.
You Experienced Fraud or Misrepresentation During the Sale: Legal action may be warranted, especially if you have proof of the deceptive practices used against you. This is also the typical path for timeshares purchased in Mexico, where the process is handled by PROFECO.
Your Developer Is Unresponsive or Refuses to Cooperate: A pressure campaign can break the stalemate. Centerstone Group draws on decades of insider knowledge to advocate on your behalf and pressure the developer to release you from your contract.
You’re Overwhelmed and Unsure Where You Fall: That’s exactly what a free consultation is for. Centerstone Group will review your contract, assess your circumstances, and recommend the best timeshare exit option for your situation.
Keep in mind that these are starting points, not guarantees — every contract carries its own complexities, and an exit program that works for one owner may not apply to another. The key to success is having a team that knows the ins and outs of how to exit a timeshare on your side.
Don’t Stay in a Timeshare a Moment Longer Than Necessary
Though you might have been led to believe that timeshare ownership is a great experience, the sad truth is that these contracts are often scams you won’t learn about until it’s too late. The financial hardship and personal stress caused by timeshare contracts can feel too big to ever escape, but take heart: you do have timeshare exit options.
For years, Centerstone Group has counseled owners on the best ways to move forward, whether in the United States or abroad. We know the tricks and scams to watch out for, and we can help you find the best ways to fight back. Unlike other timeshare exit companies, we won’t pass you off to a lawyer or real estate agent — we’ll fight for your security and peace of mind.
But don’t take our word for it. We’re an accredited, A+-rated company with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). There, you’ll also find hundreds of BBB reviews awarding Centerstone Group an average of 4.78 out of 5 stars.
We’re proud to be among the best in the industry, and we’d love the chance to help you. No matter how difficult your situation, you can contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Come talk to us and let us find the right timeshare exit service for you.
Timeshare owners often find themselves buried in rising maintenance fees, confusing paperwork, and mounting costs they didn’t anticipate. If you’re in the middle of it and feel you’ve gotten in over your head, it may be time to explore the timeshare exit options available to you.
Timeshare companies spend a lot of effort making it seem as though you have very few choices. If you ask them how to get out of a timeshare contract, they may frame your situation as either staying or suffering financial ruin (or sometimes, both).
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for a timeshare exit, and the best option will be different for everyone. The good news is that there are multiple paths out of vacation ownership. In this guide, we’ll break down the legal, ethical, and effective methods available to you.
Rescission: When You Might Be Able to Cancel Your Timeshare Contract
The first thing you might think when a timeshare becomes a problem is, “Didn’t they tell me at the sales presentation that I could cancel if I’m not satisfied?”
Yes, they probably did. And yes, under the laws of most states, you have the right to cancel timeshare contracts within a certain timeframe, sometimes called a “cooling-off period.” But what they don’t tell you is that you have a very short amount of time to cancel your contract — sometimes only a handful of days after you signed!
In most cases, owners don’t know there’s a problem or notice any red flags until much later. Maybe you thought everything was fine until you tried to make a reservation, only to find nothing available for the dates your vacation is scheduled. Or perhaps you got a bill and saw the true cost of your timeshare.
In these cases, the allotted time to cancel has almost always passed, so you’ll need to consider other timeshare exit options.
I’m Within the Rescission Period! Can I Cancel My Timeshare Myself?
If you’re one of the lucky few who realized sooner rather than later that your timeshare purchase didn’t match what you were promised, the temptation can be strong to simply go it alone and try to write a cancellation letter yourself. It sounds easy enough, and this can work in some cases.
That said, timeshare companies typically make the cancellation process quite difficult to navigate. If you don’t follow the instructions in your contract exactly, it might not work. You need to send the letter to the correct address and to the correct person the first time, with no mistakes.
A single mistake often means the cancellation fails, and you don’t get a second chance at this timeshare exit option.
Even if you do everything right, you still might need to prove that you didn’t make any mistakes. Developer employees are not always entirely honest about what they receive and when they receive it. So, if you go this route, you’ll need to use registered mail or FedEx to track everything you sent, and triple-check everything beforehand to ensure it’s done to the letter.
If you want to try a DIY cancellation, Centerstone Group stands behind you and can offer free assistance. Time is of the essence, though, so it’s best to contact us right away for resources and step-by-step guidance.
What Are the Most Common Timeshare Exit Options?
The sad fact is that, by the time most owners realize that their timeshare contract is working against them, it’s too late to write a cancellation letter under state law. Though that’s not ideal, this exact problem is Centerstone Group’s specialty.
The right timeshare exit option depends on your contract, your developer, and even where your timeshare is located — we’ll look at all of this and help you identify the best path. Below are a few common scenarios and options.
Timeshare Transfer
Sometimes, the best way out of a timeshare is to give it to someone else. There are, however, right ways and wrong ways to go about it.
Many timeshare companies claim they can do this through a variety of in-house exit solutions. By and large, these are “passive” programs that do not really accomplish anything. While owners sit and wait for solutions, sometimes for years, timeshare developers are content to let them languish while maintenance fees continue to pile up.
For example, Wyndham advertises that it can connect owners with “resellers” who place units on the so-called “timeshare resale market.” While this might sound nice, the term “resale” can be highly misleading, as selling a timeshare is nearly impossible for most owners.
Outside of increasingly rare exceptions, there is no secondary market for timeshares, particularly not in places like Orlando, Florida, which have the greatest concentration of timeshare resorts. Without any real market for timeshares, though, these units simply do not move.
Similarly frustrating are developers’ in-house deed-back programs, which supposedly allow you to return a timeshare to the resort. In reality, timeshare developers tightly control these programs, and it’s up to them whether to accept your request. Most of the time, they would rather you stay in your contract and pay annual maintenance fees — as you might imagine, this route is often unsuccessful. And even in the rare cases where deed-back programs do work, developers drag the process out for years — all while requiring your loan to be fully paid off, and your maintenance fees kept current throughout.
Whether or not you’re one of the lucky ones who make it through, the only sure thing is that you will pay thousands of dollars just to keep current in your fee payments while the timeshare company takes its sweet time at your expense.
A better way to transfer your timeshare
Centerstone Group, on the other hand, has a robust transfer program that connects clients with individuals who are actively seeking to take over timeshare contracts. Unlike developer programs that can waste years with no results, Centerstone Group actively seeks people who want to take over timeshare contracts and pairs them with clients who want to exit. Our approach takes 3 to 6 months to complete, saving you thousands in maintenance fees, and perhaps even more in peace of mind.
Drawing on industry knowledge and an inside understanding of companies' practices, Centerstone Group has a strong track record of helping clients get out of their timeshares (without burdening their friends and families). Who’s this timeshare exit option best for? Owners who want a clean break from their contract and don’t have active foreclosures, fraud claims, or other pending legal complications.
Legal Procedures
As you search for information about how to get out of a timeshare, you’ll find several timeshare exit companies that are little more than attorney referral services. While hiring a timeshare lawyer can be a good idea in some circumstances, it’s generally quite expensive and often not necessary.
In the United States, hiring a lawyer or law firm is usually only necessary where there has been some sort of fraud, a pending foreclosure against you, or worse, a lawsuit for a deficiency judgment. Outside those situations, resorting to the courts is often quite expensive and time-consuming.
One noteworthy exception to the rule can come when your timeshare agreement is not made in the United States. In Mexico, for example, an American timeshare owner generally needs to work through Mexico’s consumer protection organization, PROFECO, which may require extra documentation, formal complaint steps, and, in many cases, legal representation or a local representative.
If you’re unsure of whether you need a lawyer on your side, Centerstone Group can help you analyze your specific situation and determine whether a lawyer is necessary for your exit strategy. Even if your timeshare is in Mexico, we can guide you through the steps you’ll need to take to free yourself — this can be a critical, no-lose step on your timeshare exit journey.
Who’s this timeshare exit option best for?
Owners dealing with fraud, facing foreclosure or a deficiency judgment, or those exiting a timeshare purchased in Mexico.
Negotiation and Pressure Campaigns
Timeshare owners often find themselves cornered by fees and costs they can’t afford, dealing with a timeshare company that stubbornly refuses to move an inch. Worse, timeshare companies might ignore owners or give them the runaround.
In cases like this, the best move is for owners to hire a team of experts to advocate on their behalf. This typically involves structured negotiation, documentation of contract issues, and escalation strategies. That’s where top timeshare exit companies can step in.
For example, at Centerstone Group, we use a proprietary pressure campaign customized for your unique situation, ownership type, loan balance, and more. Over the decades our team has been in the industry, we’ve learned developers’ tricks and strategies. We use that information to hold timeshare companies accountable and push for the right outcome: releasing owners from their contracts.
Who’s this timeshare exit option best for?
Owners who are stuck with an uncooperative developer that refuses to negotiate, ignores requests, or gives them the runaround.
The One Thing You Should Never Do: Just Stop Paying
When faced with mounting maintenance fees and other costs, some owners have decided to stop paying their timeshare bills, including their mortgage. While some companies have suggested this, it’s almost always the worst way to go about timeshare cancellation.
When you fail to pay fees, your timeshare mortgage, or other amounts owed, you risk significantly lowering your credit score for years to come. This approach can also lead to foreclosure proceedings and even get you sued by the developer.
Anyone giving you this advice is not helping you find the right timeshare exit options. The last thing you want to do is to get mixed up in a timeshare exit scam while you’re exploring options. At Centerstone Group, we know there is always a better way, and we’ll work with you to find a method that’s safe, legal, and ethical.
How to Choose the Right Timeshare Exit Option
Every timeshare situation is different. The best path forward depends on your contract, your developer, and your individual circumstances. Here are a few guidelines to help you narrow down your options:
You Just Purchased Your Timeshare: If you’re still within the rescission window, act immediately. Contact Centerstone Group for free guidance on filing your cancellation letter correctly the first time.
Your Loan Is Paid Off: A transfer may be the simplest route. Without an outstanding mortgage to complicate the process, Centerstone Group can work to connect you with someone willing to take over your contract.
You Experienced Fraud or Misrepresentation During the Sale: Legal action may be warranted, especially if you have proof of the deceptive practices used against you. This is also the typical path for timeshares purchased in Mexico, where the process is handled by PROFECO.
Your Developer Is Unresponsive or Refuses to Cooperate: A pressure campaign can break the stalemate. Centerstone Group draws on decades of insider knowledge to advocate on your behalf and pressure the developer to release you from your contract.
You’re Overwhelmed and Unsure Where You Fall: That’s exactly what a free consultation is for. Centerstone Group will review your contract, assess your circumstances, and recommend the best timeshare exit option for your situation.
Keep in mind that these are starting points, not guarantees — every contract carries its own complexities, and an exit program that works for one owner may not apply to another. The key to success is having a team that knows the ins and outs of how to exit a timeshare on your side.
Don’t Stay in a Timeshare a Moment Longer Than Necessary
Though you might have been led to believe that timeshare ownership is a great experience, the sad truth is that these contracts are often scams you won’t learn about until it’s too late. The financial hardship and personal stress caused by timeshare contracts can feel too big to ever escape, but take heart: you do have timeshare exit options.
For years, Centerstone Group has counseled owners on the best ways to move forward, whether in the United States or abroad. We know the tricks and scams to watch out for, and we can help you find the best ways to fight back. Unlike other timeshare exit companies, we won’t pass you off to a lawyer or real estate agent — we’ll fight for your security and peace of mind.
But don’t take our word for it. We’re an accredited, A+-rated company with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). There, you’ll also find hundreds of BBB reviews awarding Centerstone Group an average of 4.78 out of 5 stars.
We’re proud to be among the best in the industry, and we’d love the chance to help you. No matter how difficult your situation, you can contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Come talk to us and let us find the right timeshare exit service for you.