Deciding to sell your timeshare is a big step, and once you’ve made that decision, it’s natural to wonder what comes next. The good news is that the resale process, while it does require some patience, is straightforward when you work with a reputable company. Here’s a realistic, step-by-step look at what to expect.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Before anything else, take time to understand the resale market. Look at what similar timeshares are currently advertised for on reputable marketplaces. This will give you a realistic sense of what buyers are willing to pay and help you avoid the trap of overpricing or falling for a scam company that promises more than the market can deliver.
Step 2: Contact Your Resort
Before reaching out to a resale company, contact your resort or developer. They may offer in-house exit options, such as deed-back programs, that are quicker and more convenient than selling on the open market. Even if you decide resale is the right path, your resort can help you gather important ownership details you’ll need later.
Step 3: Gather Your Ownership Details
A smooth resale starts with knowing exactly what you own. Pull together key documents and information, including:
- Deed or Certificate of Ownership
- Resort name and brand
- Usage type (fixed week, floating week, points-based)
- Maintenance fee history
- Any outstanding loan balance
- Resort rules and regulations
Having this information ready saves time and builds trust with potential buyers.
Step 4: Choose a Reputable Resale Company
Not all resale companies are created equal. Look for a company with a proven track record, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and recognition from ARDA’s Coalition for Responsible Exit. Avoid any company that charges large upfront fees or makes guarantees about the sale price or timeline. No legitimate company can promise either.
Step 5: Create Your Advertisement
Once you’ve chosen a resale partner, you’ll work with them to create your advertisement. A strong posting is honest, detailed, and competitively priced. Your resale company can help you determine a fair asking price based on current market conditions.
Step 6: Wait for Buyer Interest
This is the stage that requires the most patience. Selling a timeshare is not an overnight process—it can take weeks, months, or longer to find the right buyer. A reputable resale company will market your timeshare to a wide audience of interested buyers, improving your chances of a timely match.
Step 7: Receive and Review Offers
When an offer comes in, you’ll be notified promptly. Depending on whether you’re working with an advertising service or a brokerage, you may negotiate directly with the buyer or have a representative assist you. Take your time reviewing any offer and don’t feel pressured to accept terms that don’t work for you.
Step 8: Close the Sale
Once you’ve accepted an offer, the closing process begins. Keep in mind that some resorts may exercise their Right of First Refusal (ROFR) and purchase the timeshare back themselves. If not, the transaction moves forward with a third-party closing company or escrow service to ensure everything is handled legally and securely. Transfer fees and other closing costs will be settled at this stage.
Step 9: Confirm the Transfer
After closing, confirm that the ownership has been officially transferred and that you are no longer responsible for maintenance fees or other obligations. Keep copies of all documentation for your records.
The Bottom Line
The timeshare resale process takes time, but with the right expectations and the right partner, it is entirely manageable. Companies like Timeshares Only have been guiding owners through this process since 1994, with the experience, ethics, and marketing reach to help you find the right buyer. You don’t have to navigate it alone.