I think, therefore I transfer.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Transfer Smart Alert: Confessions of Timeshare Scam Victims

Despite the reported number of owners trying to get out of their timeshares, many holidaymakers are still into such vacation property. A timeshare can be a great way to own your vacation but make sure you don't get ripped off buying it or selling it. This article presents the story of Patricia Valdez and Art Heist who were both victims of the timeshare scam.

As Patricia recalled, they guarantee they will sell your timeshare for you. They'd say well, we hear you got a timeshare for sale, we have a buyer for you. But both Patricia and Art had to do just one thing first. That is to pay. They wouldn't do anything unless you gave them the money upfront. Then, the company promised to sell the timeshare.

As Art explained, they want money up front off a credit card. Both Patricia and Art agreed, because they were excited about the prospect of unloading their timeshares. Such properties had gotten just too expensive with the current state of the economy.

But then, things went wrong, as Patricia stated. After paying upfront, they never heard from them. While attempting to call them, they would not answer the phone. The same thing happened to Art who said, they just took my money and claimed they would sell the timeshare and they haven't done anything.

According to The Better Business Bureau, this is one of the biggest scams operating in the United States right now. As Michael Galvin of BBB said, we're talking millions upon millions of dollars that are being taken from the general public on this scam. Thousands of timeshare owners have already flooded the BBB with complaints regarding scams of such vacation properties and they’re all saying the same thing.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Resale Company Launches a Redesigned Website

These days, many owners want to get out of their timeshare contracts and thus, several resale companies are coming up. In Orlando, Florida, the leading timeshare resale site ExclusiveSales.com recently announced that it has officially launched its completely redesigned website. The web property now offers state-of-the-art technologies for searching available properties with a brand-new, clean look that is easy to read and browse. The new website also offers owners of timeshare properties to connect with potential renters and buyers.

ExclusiveSales.com is a recognized leader in the fast-growing timeshare resale industry. It has built a unique and effective worldwide marketplace that delivers individuals interested in buying or renting vacation properties directly to the sellers. As a result, ExclusiveSales.com's marketplace makes buying and selling timeshares easy. With this website, the buyers/renters and sellers have a direct contact and can negotiate directly a sale or rental of a timeshare. Thus, saving both the buyer/renter and seller money. Moreover, this process has been proven to make buying and selling timeshare properties simple, effective, pressure-free and economically sound.

According to ExclusiveSales.com Director of North American Operations David Inglab, the summer months are exciting for them. Central Florida is populated with hundreds of thousands of vacationers who attend timeshare presentations but do not buy a property. On the other hand, savvy consumers go home, do an internet search, read reviews and make an informed decision. This gives ExclusiveSales.com a key opportunity to place strategic advertisements across the web and traditional media to inform these potential buyers and renters that there are great deals by purchasing direct from distressed owners.

Meanwhile, buyers and renters looking for great vacation deals will find deeply discounted properties in a wide variety of locations all over the world. Take note that resale properties have been sold at as much as 80% off the current resort prices.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Marketing in South Carolina Draws Criticism

For the tourists who will step from the city parking garage on Ann Street, they will find a Charleston "Welcome Center" full of free maps, brochures to area attractions and a smiling staff waiting to answer questions. The center's mission, however, isn't the same as the official Charleston Visitor Center just across the street as the Welcome Center is run by Asheville-based Festiva Hospitality Group and its aim is to sell timeshare vacations.

In recent years, there are already at least eight privately run visitor information centers which have popped up around the Holy City dispensing advice and vouchers in return for a sales pitch for time shares and vacation clubs. Cruise ships aren't also hard to find these days in Charleston, where the pleasure boat industry is expanding. But it's not its presence that everyone is comfortable with. For some critics, too many cruise ships will overwhelm Charleston with traffic and air pollution while ruining the character of a city that thrives on its past.

As the summer is almost here, millions of visitors will soon begin arriving in their community and anxious to enjoy a Grand Strand vacation. In these challenging economic times, the arrival of visitors is a very welcome sign. This is true not just for those who live along the Grand Strand, but for all South Carolinians, as tourism is the economic engine that drives their state's economy.

Despite the threats of the vacation industry nowadays such as the number of owners trying to get out of their timeshares every year and those individuals who even avoid travelling to cutback their spending, visitors inject more than $4.5 billion into the states local economy. They also contribute hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and fees, which fund infrastructure and services needed by tourists and residents alike, including roads, bridges, schools, law enforcement, cultural programs, beach protection and more.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Orlando Offers a New Attraction for Timeshare Visitors

In US, Orlando still remains one of the hottest vacation destinations despite the many owners today who are trying to get out of their timeshares and consumers who avoid fractional ownership schemes. Recently, this area offers a new attraction for timeshare owners and timeshare renters. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Orlando Resort was opened last June 18th, following a spectacular celebrity preview event last Wednesday evening.

The attraction opened with huge fanfare as fireworks and a light show depicting scenes from the feature films which entertained the crowd and highlighted by the appearance of author and creator J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe. There was also an appearance of composer John Williams, who wrote the original music for the films and led the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra as they played for the invitation-only group.

The 20 acre, $200 million attraction will feature three themed attractions which are the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge. Meanwhile, the Hogwarts Castle, as expected, is the center of the new Harry Potter universe and new technology is the key to the attraction. Universal officials are also banking that guests will be able to experience a taste of the movies while being completely immersed in the experience through new special effects.

However, as the Harry Potter fanatics are looking forward for this new vacation attraction, they are also expected to battle a near-record heat as the heat index broke the 100 degree mark. True fans that have waited years to be able to encounter such an attraction though will no doubt ignore the heat in their excitement.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Transfer Smart News: BBC1 Drops a Probe about a Timeshare Company

Timeshare companies are regarded as one of the consumers’ cautioned hotlist. For some victims, it’s too late to get out of their timeshares after they found out that they’ve been ripped off. As part of the growing awareness of such timeshare issues, there are already a number of probes launched. But recently, the BBC1 series Rip Off Britain dropped a segment about a timeshare company which has been promoted by presenter Jenny Bond.

According to investigative reporters Andrew Penman and Nick Sommerlad, they have been contacted by dozens of unhappy customers of timeshare giant Club La Costa. Such customers complain about the habit of company telling people they’ve won a free holiday which will include a mammoth timeshare sales pitch. Penman and Sommerlad added that the Independent Timeshare Consumers Association gets on average one complaint a day about CLC. One of CLC's latest victims is Cliff Walker, 48, whose horrible experience provoked him to launch a scathing attack on Jennie Bond, who is the BBC's former royal correspondent.

He was once approached in the street by a Club La Costa rep and asked to fill out a questionnaire to win a free holiday. He was surprised that he’d won and to collect his prize, he had to go to a sales pitch in Leeds, which included a promotional video presented by Jennie Bond. Then, came the prize holiday in Spain where, following relentless selling. Cliff paid £3,595 for three-year CLC membership.

According to Cliff, to call the vacation place a flea-pit would be an understatement. The door was hanging off its hinges, it was infested with cockroaches, the TV didn't work and the toilet seat came off in his hand. On the other hand, a BBC spokesman stated that it is common for various story ideas to be considered for a series of this nature and clearly not everything makes it into the programme.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Online Charity Auctions Connect Timeshare Consumers and Marketers

Nowadays, it seems like the timeshare industry had been tarnished by a number of reported incidence of scams and fraudulent activities. In addition to this, there are also many owners today who are trying to get out of their timeshares. As a result, consumers have a negative perception of such vacation package. But there are some companies today that bridge the gap between the timeshare providers and the hesitant consumers. One of these companies is BiddingForGood. This leading cause-related e-commerce platform connects consumers and marketers to thousands of trusted nonprofit auctions which delivers qualified vacationers to timeshare resorts.

There are many reasons why do online charity auctions work for timeshares. First, it drives consumers to the property. Online charity auctions have a quality of trial in a trusted consumer environment with high consumer engagement with the resort before visiting it. According to Robin Brown, a nationally recognized hotel executive and real estate developer, the timeshare industry needs trusted marketing channels as the old ways really were not good for the industry and BiddingForGood is a huge marketing opportunity for properties that target affluent families.

The other reason is that it delivers a strong consumer demographic who have financially competed to experience a timeshare property. According to a 2009 ARDA research study, it shows just how important it is to get the vacationers to have a pleasant experience at a resort, showing that 48% of the first time buyers of timeshares had stayed at the resort previously.

Moreover, online charity auctions work for vacation properties particularly timeshares because of its unique channel that reaches affluent consumers through their trusted schools and causes. There are no skeptical guards up when visiting the resort. As stated by Reyna Ann Haseman, Director of Incentives for Premier Cancun Vacations, getting consumers onsite to experience the resort is crucial to them.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Premier Timeshare Brand Launches Points-Based System

For the recent years, the image of the timeshare industry has been tarnished due to scams and a number of its disadvantages. That’s why many owners today want to get out of their timeshare contracts while several consumers avoid such vacation property. To regain the reputation of such vacation option, some timeshare companies are coming up with new features. One of these is the Marriott Vacation Club, the premier timeshare brand of Marriott International, which recently announced the launching of the points-based Marriott Vacation Club Destinations program in North America and the Caribbean.

With already 25 successful years of innovation, evolution and industry leadership, the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations program offers greater flexibility, further personalization and more experience opportunities for owners. According to Lee Cunningham, the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Marriott Vacation Club, North America and the Caribbean, after a quarter century of providing unforgettable vacations, they are excited to announce the most significant program innovation in history. This is a new product offering that is easy to use and will provide their owners unparalleled flexibility. He added that over the years, they have successfully evolved their product offering based on owner feedback, and the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations program reflects a tradition of owner involvement and was designed specifically for both current and future owners.

As the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations program in North America and the Caribbean will offer this enhanced opportunity to new customers, the current owners will maintain the full rights and privileges of their ownership. Also, existing owners will have the choice to enroll in this new program to further enhance their vacation experience.

Annually, Marriott Vacation Club Destinations owners will receive an allocation of Vacation Club Points to redeem for customized getaway experiences. Moreover, they will also have the ability to bank, borrow, or purchase additional Vacation Club Points each year.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Firm in Singapore Faces Court Order

Scams are everywhere in the timeshare industry nowadays. For the past year, it was identified that those owners who are trying to get out of their timeshares are the usual victims. But any potential owner also is vulnerable to these fraudulent activities as there are a lot of timeshare companies who are involved in misselling practices. Just like the recent case of the Consumers Association of Singapore or CASE which has obtained a court injunction against timeshare firm called the Garraway Enterprises for unfair trading practices.

Since 2007, there are 75 people who have filed complaints against the firm for hard-selling tactics and false and misleading claims. The total contract value of these cases would amount to S$887,000. A number of people complained about being approached on the streets with winning scratch cards and were asked to collect their prizes at the firm's Ngee Ann City office.

Then, these consumers were pressured into signing up for membership which ranges from S$3,650 to as much as S$30,000. They were also promised perks such as an easy access booking system for vacations and discounted flight and hotel fares. However, the court's ruling on May 24 means that Garraway can no longer sell vacation packages to customers by claiming that they would get better deals.

Last year, timeshare companies were listed as the highest number of complaints with 2,523 cases filed with CASE for the sixth consecutive year. With this, it is no doubt that scams are very prevalent in the industry. In fact, these scammers will do everything short of keeping you hostage to try to make you buy. In general, vacation properties like timeshares have certainly a negative impression.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Transfer Smart News: New Timeshare Legislation Pass in Florida

Today, despite the number of owners trying to get out of their timeshares and several complaints reported regarding such properties, the timeshare industry remains one of the most profitable industries in the US. With this, a number of states want to maintain the appeal of their timeshare industries to potential consumers. One of these states is Florida which recently passed a new legislation that will aid in protecting timeshare owners in a lot of different ways.

The new legislation is called Bill HB 61 which has been set up to exempt timeshare purchasers from many of the fees and charges that go along with switching their timeshare weeks with the other timeshare owners. Due to the changes of the industry guidelines and rules involving taxes on timeshare visits, the developers are also able to add debt cancellation products in their offerings.

Meanwhile, due to the economy it is possible that certain government bodies might want to try and tax timeshare exchanges to earn more revenue. This new Bill will stop these possible taxes dead in their tracks. However, Florida isn’t the first state to implement such timeshare purchaser protection laws. There are actually three states which passed such legislation to deal with this issue.

Florida officials then hope that this Bill will make their state a more appealing place for both resort developers and individuals looking for a place to vacation or own a timeshare. Florida has always been a well known vacation spot and is popular with its timeshare industry. The state wants to remain a hotspot and is hoping that once these new policies come into play, it will aid them in doing so.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Transfer Smart News: New Rental Website Bridges the Gap between Timeshare Owners and Holidaymakers

We all know that these days, timeshares have become a property that may add to your financial liabilities. With the increasing fees associated with such properties, many owners today are trying to get out of their timeshares and look for alternative ways of vacationing. One of these ways is through timeshare rentals. And to make this easier for consumers, there are a number of websites today that facilitates timeshare rentals. Recently, there’s a new holiday rental website that lets timeshare owners rent unused weeks to holidaymakers searching for resort accommodation.

Holiday Letting Shop or HLS is a new site that bridges the gap between individual timeshare owners as well as resorts with available inventory, and holidaymakers looking for resort-based self-catering accommodation. The website www.holidaylettingshop.com is a live search site with reservations and secured payment facility. Users can also search for specific accommodation by country, region and resort name.

HLS provide a rental valuation of each week in question and this is then listed on the site for holidaymakers to view and book. For timeshare owners who want to rent out their units, they can do so via the website. This facility is an alternative to having to sell timeshare weeks in other ways which is a time consuming process.

On the other hand, resort operators with excess inventory at their resorts can become holiday affiliates and offer their vacation properties via the website. As Sharon Jackson, director of Holiday Letting Shop, said, they believe that HLS offers a real alternative to timeshare owners who are currently thinking of selling their timeshare week because they cannot afford the maintenance charges, finance repayments or for other personal reasons.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Transfer Smart News: BBB Warns about Timeshare Scams in Denver

Timeshare salesmen often lured potential owners with promises of free meals and other prizes just to sit through a sales pitch. But with so many people in financial trouble these days, a new form of business arise which promises the owners to get out of their timeshare contracts.

For a number of reasons, many people realized that they can no longer afford to hold on to their timeshares. Meanwhile, selling such properties can be a huge problem because fewer people are travelling and have less expendable income. People usually buy when emotions are running high, and then later regret it when reality sets in.

According to Denver Boulder BBB CEO Dale Mingilton, as times change, people are going 'I don't know if I can afford this and so it's that combination of non use and also the cost motivating people to get out. Also with the down economy and people are travelling less, desperation has set in for thousands trying to unload timeshare properties.

On the other hand, the BBB says it's become an open market for companies promising online to put a stop to your next timeshare bill. Mingilton stated that many of these companies will make false promises to convince buyers. But some scams point to reading the fine print on what the BBB calls the shady contracts and offers to take over the deed on what you thought was your vacation paradise with companies that can end up charging you thousands in fees up front. As you sign all these documents, it makes it look like it's official. They take your money but at the end of the day, they never make the transfer. Most of the time, getting a refund is all but impossible.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Smart Online Marketing Tips to Sell Your Unwanted Timeshare

Timeshare seems to be attractive and a great way to vacation but many owners today already testified that it financially draining in the long run. It was found out that there are several hidden fees associated with such vacation option. Thus, many of the owners today are trying to get out of their timeshares by selling it and internet might be the best place to start with. This article presents a number of online marketing tips in order to sell your unwanted timeshare

First, you should be able to market your timeshares throughout the web to cover a broader audience. This is in terms of millions of traffic or surfers that may bump to your ad and be interested with your timeshare. There are several sites that facilitate timeshare resales. Some of these are free while others come at a certain fee. Try to visit sites like eBay or craiglist.

With this approach, you also simply cut-off the marketing expenses compared to advertising your ad on TV or radio. Take note that online marketing has a competitively low price in terms of advertising or marketing your timeshare that has been for sale in decades. In this way also, you are able to reach a wider audience here and abroad. Remember that there are also many interested buyers outside the country that you have to think of.

Moreover, online advertising or marketing assures you that you deal with straight talk and there are no hidden fees from online advertising or marketing firms. One of the benefits of this method is the fees are clearly stated by those sites which facilitates such service. There are a lot of other benefits of online marketing in selling your vacation property such as timeshare. But those above-mentioned are significant points that you have to consider first.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Court Ruling in Spain Seek Compensation for Timeshare Owners

Nowadays, it’s a well-known fact that scams are prevalent in the timeshare industry. Along with the crisis-stricken economy, many owners are trying to get out of their timeshare contracts and avoid such vacation property. To protect the consumers, there are some laws being implemented addressing problems within the timeshare industry. Just like in Spain recently which pass a new court ruling against one of the largest timeshare developers in the country for timeshare miss-selling. Meanwhile, this has now started an avalanche of new claims for timeshare compensation and industry experts believe that a meltdown will commence.

The ruling can now be used by European timeshare owners to seek compensation from illegal contracts signed after 1996 in Spain and its territories. It is estimated that up to 400,000 contracts were made illegally after 1996 and industry experts believe that timeshare compensation claims could reach 2,000,000,000 (Billion) Euro.

On the other hand, Magistrate D. Juan Carlos Socorro Marrero has ruled that a timeshare developer in Gran Canaria must pay back double the amount of the timeshare deposit taken within the cooling off period. In a case brought against Anfi Sales SL, the Magistrate commented that the case of paying an advance installment is in opposition to what is dictated in the law 42/1998, article 11, the second section of this mentioned rule permits the acquirer at any time to get back double the stated amount. Anfi Del Mar which is one of the most largest and luxurious timeshare developments in Europe is now set for up to 10,000 new claims for timeshare miss-selling under the 1994 European timeshare directive.
At present, there are more than 200 live claims for timeshare miss-selling against Anfi Del Mar in the Spanish court system and with fresh claims coming in at a rate of 10 a week before this ruling.

Under Spanish law, even if a property is sold, all debts and encumberments are passed to the new owners. So, even if a vacation property like timeshares has changed its ownership, the new owners will still be liable for new compensation claims.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Selling Timeshares Smartly in Today’s Market

Getting out of a timeshare might have a number of reasons. But generally, most owners find it as a way to unload such financial burden. For some, they simply don’t need such vacation property. Whatever the reasons are, to successfully sell your timeshare, a lot of factors must be considered.

First, take note that the price is the most important factor when selling your timeshare. With thousands of available units in the resale market today, you must set your price to compete with them. Thus, as a seller, you need to determine the right price to attract potential buyers. You have to take note of your location, resort type, age of your timeshare, and amenities when pricing your unit. You need to compare also your prices from other sellers to put your timeshare market amiable with potential buyers.

Next, consider the visibility of your unit available in the resale market. Again, with several competing units, It is better for you to create a profile that will definitely attract potential buyers. Try to post it over your local newspaper or on websites, so long as you reach full potential regarding visibility. Remember that your market is global. Thus, advertise extensively.

Moreover, you can sell your timeshare on your own or you can also get help from companies who specialize in reselling such vacation properties. Of course, these companies come at a price. Just be aware of scams that prevail in the timeshare resale industry today. If you will work it out with such companies, look for the one that will aid you all through out with your sale and it must be legitimate. You can it check it BBB if it is legit or not.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Transfer Smart News: BBB Warns of Recent Timeshare Scams

While many owners today try to get out of their timeshares, those current owners who still have their units are vulnerable to scams and fraudulent activities. Recently, there's a new warning from the Better Business Bureau about timeshares. Such fraud is targeting thousands of people across the country.

One of the victims is Patricia Valdez who had been trying to get rid of her timeshare. She received a promising phone call guaranteeing to sell her time share for a fee of $1,500. She paid the money and after that, she never heard from them. When she tried to call there, they would not answer the phone.

The Better Business Bureau says this is one of the top scams in the country. According to Michael Galvin of the BBB, millions of dollars are being taken from the general public on this scam. The BBB has been flooded with complaints from thousands of timeshare owners saying they get a phone call from a company with a hard to resist offer promising to sell their timeshare immediately.

Meanwhile, Lisa Ann Schreier, who calls herself the "Time Share Crusader" and writes consumer advocate books said, in these times where people are struggling to make their regular mortgage payments, lots of consumers are cutting back and, so, therefore, they find they're not using their timeshares or they can't afford their mortgage payments and/or annual fees.

On the other hand, the Better Business Bureau says if a company calls you and insists that you pay upfront, it should be a red flag. Also, if you think you've been taken by one of these companies, file a complaint with your states Attorney General. In a tough economy, struggling families look for ways to reduce their expenses and one popular option is to unload their vacation properties such as timeshares so they can recoup their investment and stop paying maintenance fees.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Transfer Smart News: First Bangladesh Resort Joins II Timeshare Exchange Network

Although many owners try to get out of their timeshares today, there are still several holidaymakers who choose this vacationing option. But for many timeshare owners, one of the great advantages of this is the timeshare exchange. Talking about timeshare exchange, there’s a new resort that should be watched out for Interval International members. Recently, a new Bangladesh timeshare resort called Sea Pearl Beach located on the Bay of Bengal joins II exchange network.

This luxurious brand new resort offers miles of golden beaches along the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal when it opens next autumn. Also, a mix of studios and, one and two-bedroom units with sea views were being built to eco-friendly standards and will offer visitors the best of eco-luxury, Indian-style.

Facilities include a clubhouse, cinema, restaurants offering an eclectic choice of cuisines, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and a health club. Boat rentals, riding and more local restaurants are close by and the setting is spectacular as the resort is flanked by hillsides and overlooks the coastline and there are some special tourist attractions worth visiting as well.

Joe Hickman, the Interval International’s executive director for Asia Pacific believes the resort will prove a popular choice for members looking for something different. As he said, easily accessible by air and road, they believe Sea Pearl and its spectacular beachfront location will offer their members an appealing new holiday choice.

Moreover, there will be plenty of natural beauty to enjoy in this vacation destination and there are rich offerings for culture vultures, including ancient pagodas, Hindu temples and tribal villages. All of which complement the area’s scenic waterfalls, coral islands and impressive coastline.

Smart Ways to Profit from your Timeshare Unit

Timeshares are well-known as properties associated with a number of expenses. That’s why many owners try to get out of their timeshare contracts if they are having financial difficulties with it. However, there are some ways to make an income from such property and thus, it will help you pay some of those bills. Many owners today earn from their timeshare by having it rented out. This article presents a number of things to be considered to successfully rent out a timeshare.

First, be aware that timeshares are categorized as deeded or non-deeded. Deeded contracts allow you to own a particular unit with title and full rights. In other word, you have all the rights to whatever you want to do with the property. On the other hand, the non-deeded contracts will only allow you to purchase the right to use the property. Thus, before making a move, make sure you get to review your contract.

Location should be considered also. If you are fortunately situated in a popular location, you have the edge over the others. Also choosing properties that have a lot of usage as this gives your rental offers much flexibility and potential market is expanded.

You must be in a good timing when marketing your timeshare. Renting out your property during off season targets a few consumers only. To make a sale during off season, do plenty of advertising and good marketing ability. Moreover, make sure that your property is ready by the time you have a renter. It would be a great turn-off when you market something that is not ready for those interested renters. And it should have been taken good care of as a suitable place for a vacation.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Victims Get Refunds from Bluegreen Corp.

For the recent years, many complaints were reported regarding the timeshare industry. As a result, several owners want to get out of their timeshare contracts and a number of consumers avoid such vacation option. One of the companies that was reported to have been involved in misspelling practices is Bluegreen Corp. But this Florida-based timeshare company will refund Pennsylvanians who say they were tricked into buying expensive vacations they couldn't take as stated by the attorney general's office. Consumers have until June 24 to get the refund as part of the settlement that ends a lawsuit filed in 2008 against Bluegreen Corp. and its related businesses.

According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett, consumers complained they were unable to use their timeshare and that the company made false promises about when or where consumers could travel and situations where timeshare purchasers did not receive extra services or discounts that were promised during the sales presentation.

Other resorts such as Bluegreen Resorts, Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited Inc. and Great Vacations Destinations Inc., which are all of Boca Raton, Florida were also listed in the lawsuit. Bluegreen owns or manages more than 45 resorts across US including sites in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando and Branson, Mo.

As Stephen Wilke, the company's corporate communications director stated, Bluegreen is very pleased that the matter has been settled. Many of the complaints filed at the office of Attorney General were from consumers who spent $20,000 to $40,000 on vacation packages. The state then expects more than $1 million to be refunded. The settlement also includes cash for those who were promised free gifts, including gas cards, hotel stays and airline tickets.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Transfer Smart News: AG Reaches Settlement Decision for Florida-Based Timeshare Company

Nowadays, although there are many owners who try to get out of their timeshares and avoid such vacationing option, there are still a number of consumers who have fallen into the trap of timeshare scams and mis-selling practices. One of the companies accused of such practices is Bluegreen Corporation. Three years ago, there were complaints about the company’s alleged use of deceptive contests, misleading sales presentations and improper contracts in the marketing and sale of timeshare vacation packages in Pennsylvania. But recently, the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection has reached a settlement with this company.

As Attorney General Tom Corbett said, the agreement known as a Consent Decree, resolves a consumer protection lawsuit filed in October 2008 against BlueGreen Corporation, BlueGreen Resorts, BlueGreen Vacations Unlimited, Inc. and Great Vacations Destinations, Inc., which are all located in Boca Raton, Florida.

Corbett also added that as a major part of this settlement, BlueGreen has agreed to cancel contracts and pay refunds to consumers who have filed valid complaints about their timeshare purchases. The complaints include consumers who were unable to use their timeshare, false promises about when or where consumers could travel and situations where timeshare purchasers did not receive extra services or discounts that were promised during the sales presentation.

Corbett noted that the settlement applies to those complaints by Pennsylvania timeshare purchasers that have already been filed with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. This is also along with any new complaints filed within the next 30 days.

For those owners who bought timeshares as a vacation option and were deceived about free gifts and prizes have until June 24, 2010 to contact the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. On the other hand, consumers who have already filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office, either before or after the initial lawsuit was filed in October 2008, do not need to take any further action to have their claims considered as part of this settlement.

Transfer Smart News: Marriott Announces the Opening of Lakeshore Reserve

Recently, Marriott Vacation Club which is the premier timeshare brand of Marriott International, Inc., proudly announces the opening of Marriott's Lakeshore Reserve at Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla. This is located on the pristine grounds of Grande Lakes Orlando, at 11248 Lakeshore Reserve Drive, the resort is the first-ever Marriott Vacation Club property to be co-located with a JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton. This shows that this industry is resilient despite the challenges like the number of owners trying to get out of their timeshares and the issue of being profitable amidst the current economy.

The first phase brings on 85 villas to the magnificent 500-acre Grande Lakes campus. Thus, evoking the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean with a blend of Italian and tropical influences. Located steps from the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, owners and guests is expected to enjoy a combination of impressive campus amenities, including The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, boutique shopping and exceptional dining.

According to Lee Cunningham, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Marriott Vacation Club, North America and the Caribbean, they are thrilled to open the doors of this stunning new resort in one of Orlando's most prestigious settings. He added that they are constantly striving to meet and exceed their Owner's and guests' expectations believing that Marriott's Lakeshore Reserve will truly impress everyone.

Moreover, Lakeshore Reserve amenities include a stunning main pool with zero-entry, two dueling waterslides and two whirlpool spas; fitness center with full men's and women's locker rooms including sauna and steam rooms; The Marketplace convenience store; Blossoms Pool Bar & Grill offering lunch and dinner daily; tranquil fountains and themed courtyards; covered outdoor living area with views of the main resort pool; and brick-paved promenade from the resort to the adjacent hotels. With these, owners would surely enjoy their stay in this resort during their vacation.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Smart Things to Consider When Buying a Timeshare

Although many owners are trying to get out of their timeshare today, this vacationing option is still a popular option for many vacationers. But if you’re planning to buy a timeshare, just like any long-term investment, you need to weigh the pros and cons of doing so. Sometimes, the price is not the most important thing to think about. Take the time to not only see the property, but do a tour around the area, making mental notes of what you find.

Something else to consider when looking at timeshares for sale is the person or people who attempt to sell it to you. It is one thing to have a desperate seller as this can be a good thing. As you can get a very good price, most times thousands less than what you'd pay a developer. However, if you have that little voice in the back of your head telling you that something is just not right, then, stop. Just tell them that you'll consider things and give them a date you'll get back to them.

Another thing that you need to take into consideration when dealing with timeshares for sale is the type of timeshare they offer. With several different types like deeded, leased, points, and rotating, you need to see if it fits into your families’ life. There's no sense in opting for a rotating timeshare if the weeks you have available to you don't fit your schedule. If you're looking to rent it out, you'd want to have a deeded or leased timeshare, to take advantage of potential recurring income.

Ultimately when you are considering timeshares for sale, first you need sure that it fits your lifestyle, schedule and family. With this, you can have a clear picture of exactly what you're looking for. Your search will also be made that much easier and at the end of it all, you will have something you can enjoy during your vacation.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Smart Tips When Buying a Disney Timeshare Program

Although many owners today want to get out of their timeshare contracts, timesharing still remains a popular for several holidaymakers. But timeshare operators are coming up with new innovations to give variety and choices to consumers. One of these is the Disney Vacation Club which is said to be a timeshare program with a twist. Instead of the typical specific vacation week at a particular resort, here, you purchase points. Your points are then used for the accommodations for your vacation.

Several luxury resorts nowadays are available at the Disney theme parks where you can use your points. You can also use these points on a Disney cruise or they can be used at over 500 destinations around the world. There may be some restrictions along with your purchase, but DVC has worked to make things easy for its members.

After you've decided to purchase a DVC membership, you need to decide how many points to purchase. Currently, the smallest number of points that can be purchased is 160 and the maximum is 2,000. If you don't use all of your points in one year, they are transferred to the next or you can borrow points from the coming year for the vacation of a lifetime. Thus, you must consider carefully how you vacation and pick your points based on how you will use them.

However, if you decide that you didn't purchase enough points when you first signed up, it's easy to add on to your Disney Vacation Club membership. Just try to contact DVC and they'll help you add extra points to your membership. But if you're looking to add points to your membership without going directly through DVC, you can purchase points from other members. Try a number of sites online where you can purchase points or even memberships from others.

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