Transfer Smart News: Century Timeshare Group Launches its First Auction with Sister Company Century Properties

The days of low sales and the many owners who are trying to get out of their timeshares will be better this year as some financial analyst had predicted. This may also be the year that the timeshare industry will regain its position in the business world. And for the latest news, the Century Timeshare Group, a company dedicated to providing the timeshare community with the best resources available today in assisting buyers and sellers of timeshares, has recently announced that they will be partnering with their sister company, Century Properties, in launching their first auction in spring of 2010.

The said auction is set to be held in Century Timeshare Group’s multi-million dollar showroom located in Hallandale, Florida. It will be open to investors wishing to buy properties. The major benefit of this auction is that properties will be available to investors that may not be listed in classified ads or internet sites, thus, investors will have the first opportunity to bid on the properties.

According to Robert Johnson of Century Timeshare Group, they will be buying the deeds from sellers to relieve them of their timeshares and offering them at the auctions and following the first auction, they expect to hold auctions every two or three months as new properties and opportunities become available.

The timeshare industry is undergoing a rebound this year as the economic climate is approaching its full recovery. Compared to the last two years where low sales were evident and many owners try to get rid of their timeshares. Some of these owners even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart just to get rid of such property. While the consumers will be able to afford vacation packages this year, the timeshare market has already attracted a number of interested buyers.

Transfer Smart Alert: A Retiree Falls Victim of a Timeshare Fraud in Charlotte, N.C.

With the enormous growth of the timeshare industry since its introduction to the market, this has become an ideal target of many scammers. There are already hundreds of people who has fallen victim to this kind of frauds and the usual victims are those owners who are eager to get out of their timeshares.

Such is the latest case of fraud in Charlotte, North Carolina where a retiree Tom Ellison is the victim. Last summer, a Fort Mill company tried to get him to buy a $6,000 vacation club membership. He attended the presentation and decided it wasn't something that they wanted to do. But an agent for the company, Time to Go Travel asked Ellison if he owned a timeshare. The agent said if they could sell the timeshare for two or three times what they paid for it, would they be interested? Ellison said yes and then the agent had his timeshare appraised for what later turned out to be a highly inflated price of $23,900.

Ellison paid over $6,000 for the vacation club membership as the agent promised all his money back, if he didn't sell his timeshare by December. But the sale never happened and as a matter of fact, Time to Go Travel cleaned out its Fort Mill office and disappeared, thus, leaving Ellison clinging to a verbal promise of a refund.

At this point of time, there are still thousands of owners trying to get rid of their timeshares. Some of them even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart just to get rid of such property. However, scammers may work in various and unsuspecting leaving their victims hanging to a promise that never came true. As the Better Business Bureau President Tom Bartholomy said, most of the companies doing business this way have a severe disconnect between what they're telling you verbally and what is in writing.

Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Companies to Offer More Fractional Ownership This Year

The past year has been a downturn for the timeshare industry following the economic meltdown. It was characterized by low sales and the many owners who are trying to get out from their timeshare contracts. But this year as predicted, the traditional timeshare companies are set to widen their purchasing options with fractional ownership products.

According to Fractional Life's predictions for 2010, it pointed to Seasons Holidays' sell out of its Forest Hills fractional development in Spain. It also expects other holiday ownership operators changing what they offer to see similar benefits into 2010. As the website projected, more whole-ownership operators will also begin to incorporate fractional options in 2010 as they will be forced to provide lower price points and alternative sales offerings. Fractional Life believes that 2010 will be difficult for whole ownership developers in Europe, the UAE and the US.

It also added that 2010 will likely be the year that fractional real estate agencies make their mark on the industry. On the other hand, some predictions for 2010 name some holidaying hotspots for this year which includes Jamaica, Iceland, Ireland and the Seychelles.

Timeshares are closely associated with high maintenance and other fees and because of these many owners want to get rid of their timeshares. Some of them even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart. However, potential owners have something to watch out this year as there will be some purchasing options with fractional ownership products soon available in the market.

Smart Ways to Get a Houseboat Timeshare

Perhaps almost everyone already knows about the many vacation packages that are available in the market today. They may also know about several owners who want to get out from their timeshares due to a number of disadvantages brought by it. But for some who are not familiar with owning such property, there are different kinds of timeshares that potential owners can choose from. One of these is the houseboat timeshare. While condo timeshares are pretty easy to implement, the arrangements for a houseboat is a bit trickier. This floating vacation may sound romantic, but it may also be expensive. However, it can be a way for boat owners to reduce their expenses. In this article, we will discuss some important points to consider when availing a houseboat timeshare.

First, conduct an internet search about houseboat timeshares or vacation timeshares. There are several websites offering free listings from all over the US and some contain reader reviews. You may also try to include eBay in your search. Houseboat timeshares are relatively easy to find online including the internet's largest auction house where at least the sellers are publicly reviewed and rated.

However, be informed that every houseboat program has its own rules and you should know them all before signing on. Finally, you may also try to hire an attorney to review any documents presented to you for signing.

A houseboat timeshare is just like any timeshare that may bring several disadvantages especially with fees involved. Any potential owner must be aware that there are thousands of dissatisfied owners nowadays who want to get rid of their timeshares. Some of them even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart. When it comes to availing a house boat timeshare, there are some important points to remember to optimize one’s ownership.

Transfer Smart News: Issuance of Timeshare Asset-backed Securities in 2009 Shows a Recovering Sector

Since the economic meltdown broke out in the late of 2007, the timeshare industry had been undeniably hit just like almost all industries. On the consumers’ side, the skyrocketing fees had been hard for them and as a result, many owners try to get out from their timeshare contracts. But the issuance of timeshare asset-backed securities in 2009 shows a rebound implying that the sector may be on the road to a robust recovery as Standard & Poor's Ratings Services puts it.

Meanwhile, the issuance of such ABS passed the $1 billion mark in 2009, thus, easily topping the 2008 total, which plunged to just more than $600 million. On the other hand, volume in 2009 still lagged far behind the record of $1.77 billion last 2007.

According to S&P analyst Weili Chen, the comeback in volume is even more remarkable because it is happening amid declining sales, diminished property values, and higher consumer delinquencies for timeshares. The ratings service also added that timeshare securities are one of the few asset classes demonstrating strong investor demand and resilient credit performance without government support and despite recessionary conditions.

However, most U.S. consumers view timeshare as a discretionary purchase and timeshares have seen weakness amid the global economic crunch. Last year, sales fell some 30% which according to Chen, a record decline for the industry. The same year also has several owners try who to get rid of their timeshares. Some even hire a timeshare transfer industry such as the Transfer Smart just to get rid of such property. But the S&P stressed that the increase in delinquencies and defaults since September 2008 has been relatively modest and the preliminary signs indicate that the worst may be over.

Transfer Smart News: An Invaluable Resource Provides Answers for Timeshare Owners

Owning a timeshare is known to be associated with a number of disadvantages and for those who can’t cope up with the fees, try to get out from their timeshare contracts. Many owners on the other hand, get angry and disappointed for the disadvantages that they later realized after their purchased. When it comes to timeshare info, Timeshare Surgery is a place to go where it all comes together giving owners real advice, piece of mind and ethical business practice. Whether you are a first time buyer, the experienced owner, someone looking to purchase or one of the hundreds of thousands looking to sell an unwanted timeshare, Timeshare Surgery provides the answers and the advice that is sorely needed.

According to Richard Trevithick, founder of Timeshare Surgery, the majority are satisfied with their purchase but there are many owners out there who are not enjoying or maximizing their ownership and get more and more frustrated with their ownership. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of websites available that boast impressive resale’s figures, free advice and the way forward for a dissatisfied owner and many of them are ethical in their trading and visions but unfortunately many of them are not. Trevithick also added that the problem is not the product, but the way it is marketed and sold that lead potential customers to buy the wrong timeshare.

With the increasing number of owners trying to get rid of their units, it is no doubt that timeshare ownership has a dubious reputation in the eyes of consumers. While some owners hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart to get rid of such property, Timeshare Surgery provides the owners with what they need to know regardless of their timeshare questions and have committed to see all issues through to conclusion.

Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Travelers Face Stricter Security Checks This Year

For the past years, the timeshare industry became well-known for its association with the hefty fees and scams involved in dealing with such properties. In addition, timeshare owners were often visible with their complaints and their efforts to get out from their timeshares. However, timeshare consumers can’t just stop guessing what lies ahead for them this year. But one thing is already certain. For those heading off to timeshare resorts this year, they would expect a tighter security checks at airports.

As revealed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown of UK, the use of full-body scanners will be brought in gradually. As he also told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, the equipment is already on order following the failed bomb plot at Christmas. Thus, they will do everything in their power to tighten up the security, he added.

On the other hand, BAA, which owns several airports in the UK, added that the scanners will be introduced as soon as practical. According to their spokesman, it is their view that a combination of technology, intelligence and passenger profiling will help build a more robust defense against the unpredictable and changing nature of the terrorist threat to aviation.

This year, the timeshare owners might still expect the same fees and complaints with their units. We might also expect several owners who want to get rid of their timeshares while some even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart. On the positive side, a tighter security checks at airports which will be imposed this year will result to a safer travel which everyone can benefit.

Smart Owners Reveal the Truth about Timeshares

During the past year’s economic climate, most Americans are looking to cut back spending wherever possible in an effort to pay off debt and save some money to withstand the unfavorable condition. Among the consumers, timeshare owners were considered as one of the severely hit by the said crisis. While many owners get out of their timeshare contracts, some research and interviews with them reveals their true perception when it comes to timesharing.

One of the most common complaints of timeshare owners are the exorbitant costs associated with timeshares that usually climb higher and higher each year. Meanwhile, for those who financed timeshares, they quickly learned that they have even less options due to the financial liability associated with the mortgages.

On the other hand, prior to buying a timeshare, owners were being told that timeshares will be easy to sell. But the Attorney General of Florida, Bill McCollum, among others gives particular warnings about such companies that may claim to have buyers for your timeshare. Due to the depressed resale market, it is unlikely that there is actually a buyer and there are already many cases of owners being deceived by resorts and resale companies. With these, many consumers seem to feel that there is nowhere to turn to once they decided to get rid of their timeshares.

While we had experienced one of the worst economic conditions for the past two years, it also showed a number of disadvantages of timeshare ownership. The recent years also has the number of most owners trying to get rid of their timeshares while some even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart just to get rid of such property. As this article reveals the experiences of many timeshare owners, this may also serve as a warning for potential owners about the possible issues of timesharing.

A Smart Look at the Ways to Purchase a Timeshare

Timeshares can be bought in many ways. The route in which you buy your unit can affect your chances to save some money. Savings is very important these days and perhaps you usually hear stories of many owners who try to get out from their timeshare contracts due to the difficulties of coping up with the fees involved. Meanwhile, timeshares can be bought through a free timeshare vacation presentation, from timeshare resellers or brokers, and through timeshares by owner. In this article, we will discuss each one of these to get a smart outlook in each of these options.

First, you have the free timeshare vacation presentation. Usually, you get a free three or four day weekend at the timeshare resort where you are given a chance to tour its facilities. Then, this is followed by a salesperson making aggressive moves to get you to sign a contract.

Another method is purchasing a timeshare from a reseller or broker. Their role is to bring buyers and sellers together as well as taking care of all the necessary paperwork required for both parties. But this comes with fees that will be added to the asking price when.

Then, buying timeshares by owner can be the best way to save money on a timeshare purchase. With the resale market already flooded, most owners priced their units very low. This can save thousands of dollars than any other method.

Owning a timeshare can be costly due to its increasing annual fees. That’s why many owners want to get rid of their timeshares while some even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart. But as vacation is already a part of the lives of many people and timeshare ownership is one way of the great ways to achieve it, one should consider carefully those ways mentioned above when he/she plans to buy a timeshare.

Transfer Smart News: Bluegreen Communities Provides Offers to Convert Timeshares into Land

Timeshare offers sounds fantastic. But many owners are disappointed with the number of disadvantages that they realized later. Thus, many of these owners want to get out of their timeshares. But here’s a news that may provide a better opportunity for frustrated timeshare owners instead of getting rid of their timeshares.

The Bluegreen Communities, the nation’s premier developer of master-planned communities, has created a unique offer that several timeshare owners may not be able to resist. At this time that the value of timeshares is at an all-time low, timeshare owners can convert their timeshare vacation equity into land. Meanwhile, the Bluegreen Communities created a website called Timeshare for Land to help explain this unique opportunity being given to timeshare owners.

Primarily, this offer benefits those timeshare owners who are not getting the most from their timeshares. Due to the rising timeshare costs, many timeshare owners have tried to sell their timeshare or opt in other ways just to get rid of it. The Timeshare for Land can be a perfect opportunity to trade timeshare equity into actual real estate and land by using the equity from your vacation ownership towards the purchase of some of the most attractive land available.

The disadvantages of owing a timeshare especially at this economic climate made several owners want to get rid of such property. Some owners are very eager to get rid of it that they even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart. But the recent offer of Bluegreen Communities is a great opportunity for these owners to convert their timeshares into a better investment such as real estate and land instead of selling it at a very low price or just plainly get rid of it.

How to Deal Smartly with Aggressive Timeshare Salesmen in Bali, Indonesia

The timeshare industry is known for the aggressive salespeople who will do everything just to make potential consumers sign the contract. But since economy is down since 2007, many are not interested in owning a timeshare anymore while the current owners are also trying to get out of their timeshare contracts. So what you expect from the timeshare companies and timeshare salesmen is a much aggressive tactics up to the point of being unethical. Such sales tactics also threatens the Bali's tourism sector.

The timeshare spotters at Bali's airport look for sign boards from travel agencies and hotels bearing the guest's name and their hotel's identity. Such information is later used by the timeshare operators to telephone the subject hotels and establish contact with guests.

However, when visiting Bali, here are some practical measures to deal with timeshare operators if ever they interfere your holiday vacation.

First, keep your hotel name a matter of private information when you stay in a hotel. If you receive unwanted phone calls, try to contact the hotel's management and ask them to screen your incoming calls. Meanwhile, if a timeshare representative approaches you and becoming bothersome, you can ask their company to cease and desist in their bothersome behaviour. Moreover, if you are confronted by timeshare salesperson who just won't go away, snap a picture with your camera or your hand phone and tell the salesperson of your intent to make a formal complaint.

At these times, there are several owners who are trying to get rid of their timeshares while some even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart. While the number of these owners is increasing, the timeshare salespeople are also becoming more unethical just to make a deal. On the other hand, to avoid being a victim of the rudeness of timeshare salesmen when visiting Bali, try to consider those points mentioned above.

A Smart Glimpse on the Disney Vacation Club as an Alternative to Timeshare

As many owners have testified, buying a timeshare often involves a large upfront fee. In addition to that, the owner will have to pay the annual maintenance fee, property taxes, management fees or upgrade costs. Because of these fees which usually increase over time, many owners want to get out of their timeshares. On the other hand, those who vacation regularly find new alternatives and the latest of which is one in which someone can buy a membership to a resort.

A resort membership is typically a one-time investment by paying the membership fee only once and you can enjoy the benefits of the resort lifelong. With this, there are typically no annual maintenance fees or taxes. However, be warned that resort memberships can be pricey.

One of the most popular resorts these days is the Disney Vacation Club. But before buying a membership from this resort, you should understand how the program works to avoid misunderstandings and disappointments.

The Disney Vacation Club is a vacation ownership program where you are allowed to buy a designated number of points that you can trade in each year for vacation accommodations at your designated home resort. Meanwhile, points are the currency of the Disney Vacation Club. You must buy a minimum of 160 points and each year, you are awarded the initial number of points you bought with the program. These points can then be trade in for vacation time. Your home resort on the other hand, is the resort where you buy your membership.

As owning a timeshare is becoming too costly at these economic times, many owners are trying to get rid of their timeshares. Some of them even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart just to get rid of such property. However, a great alternative for timesharing is the resort club membership and the Disney Vacation Club is one of the most popular of these resorts.

Transfer Smart News: Condo Owners in Biloxi Convert their Units into Timeshares

As the economic meltdown broke out in the late 2007, almost all industries were affected by this severely. One of these industries is the accommodation industry which includes hotels, motels, timeshares and other lodging services. In the timeshare industry alone, many owners try to get out of their timeshares due to its increasing costs and the corresponding sales also are very low. But as the aftermath of the crisis continue to affect everyone else, some people manage to innovate some things in order to withstand this condition. In Biloxi, a city in Harrison County, Mississippi, as the current condo sales and rentals are so slow, the owners at The Villas at Ocean Club are considering timesharing as a way to keep their units and make up for the loss of their investment.

On the other hand, the Biloxi Planning Commission agreed for the proposal to change the use of the beach front tower from condominiums to timeshare units. According to Attorney Michael Cavanaugh, there won’t be any structural changes to the building and those property owners who want to stay in the building don’t have to join the plan to partner with Interval International to market and manage the units. He also added that the condo market has tanked in this area and may not be coming back anytime in the foreseeable future.

As one of the owners testified, converting to timeshare would almost double the value of their condo units and the timeshare company would pay for some of the maintenance and repairs at the property. However, the conversion of the said condo units to timeshares might be a good innovation for the condo owners in Biloxi but potential timeshare owners must also be warned of the financial responsibilities of timesharing. As a matter of fact, many owners nowadays are trying to get rid of their timeshares while some even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart just to get rid of such property.

Be Smart, Be Aware of Timeshare Sales Laws

A timeshare purchase is not an ordinary purchase that you can just take for granted. It involves a considerable amount of money and also of financial responsibility. Once you realized you have a mistake in your decision to purchase, it is not that easy to get out from your timeshare contract. So, take a careful planning and gather enough information about timeshare if you intend to own one. Meanwhile, some of the aspects that you have to be aware of when you own a timeshare are the laws regarding timeshare sale.

First, be informed that almost all states in US have a rule of rescission. This is the time period in which the buyer can change his mind and cancel the sales contract without forfeiting any money.

Also, some states like Florida have timeshare laws that may give a deed purchaser some overall insight into the types of laws that surround sale of timeshare property. To be sure, check with the particular state regulating agencies where the timeshare property is located for more complete information.

Another law to be aware of is the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act. This act was designed to protect consumers from fraud and abuse in the sale or lease of land.

Be smart if you plan to buy a timeshare and be aware of those points mentioned above. Do not be like those other timeshare owners who are now trying to get rid of their timeshares because of unplanned and uninformed purchase. Some of these owners even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart. Moreover, it is also advised to not sign a contract with a timeshare reseller until you have all of the written contract details in hand to review ahead of time and preferably with an attorney.

Transfer Smart News: Nomadic Travellers Opt for Destination Clubs than Timeshares

Before, timeshare ownership was regarded by many as the ultimate way for a great vacation. However, as several who are trying to get out of their timeshares testified, there are a number of disadvantages with this kind of vacationing. But seeing the vacation business as a multi-billion dollar industry, there are always new alternatives and concepts coming out. One of these latest concepts is the destinations club memberships.

According to the travel industry experts, there’s an estimate of 6,500 people that belong to destinations clubs. With an initial fee ranging from $70,000 to 450,000, annual dues and a minimal charge per night, the destination club members can already access to homes dotted around the world for a limited numbers of days each year. In contrast to timeshares in which investors buy set times at a resort each year, destination clubs are similar to country club membership.

According to Rich Keith, co-CEO of Ultimate Escapes, the first publicly owned and publicly traded destination club, destination club membership is a nomadic traveller’s product. The number one driver for these offers is its ability to have a sense of wanderlust and be nomadic. Keith also believes that even in the U.S. and Canada, the expansion potential is enormous and the current members represent only a tiny fraction of the potential market.

Today, there are thousands of owners who are trying to get rid of their timeshares. Some of them even hire a timeshare transfer company such as the Transfer Smart just to get rid of it. On the other hand, destination club membership is well-received by a lot of consumers as a great alternative to timeshares. However, some critics warn that destination clubs are not without risk and the industry is self-regulated. There have also been bankruptcies and law suits filed against clubs.