[2011] Anyone used "Donate for a Cause?"

[Rent_Share]

Posted an obselete link in an obselete thread Perhaps a lock is in order

This is what I can still see

Clark Howard is no longer recommending DonateforaCause.org as a legitimate way to get rid of a timeshare

For the last eight years, Clark has guided timeshare owners who wanted to get rid of their obligation to DonateforaCause.org. This group allowed you to donate your timeshare to charity and claim a tax deduction of up to $5,000 with no costs involved. It eliminated all maintenance fees, taxes ...12:00 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9, 2010 Comments (31)

The link takes me to 31 user comments about the article, but not the article, they have left the headline and summary on the website. Most of the user comments were favorable to DFC

 

[Saintsfanfl]

I once went to contract with DFC to buy a unit for $1 with free closing and free usage. They had told the seller that they would get a tax deduction of $20K. The seller went with the deal but never received the proper ducuments for the $20K deduction. They kept asking for them and DFC kept saying "That's what similar units are valued at". The final notes that I could see were DFC notating that "Seller is asking for an appraisal". I doubt they received anything official but maybe a piece of paper with a slew of disclaimers. I have never seen DFC's paperwork from the seller side but I imagine it cannot possible support what they verbally claim in order to convince someone to pay a large up front fee.

 

[CrazyAcres]

if this is the people on ebay selling ts's with no closing costs or any other fees - i was gonna buy one on there at silverleaf in fox river but had sent them at least 4 emails and pms asking for sure that there would be no surprise costs if i got the auctions and no one ever got back with me to answer any questions about it

 

[Saintsfanfl]

if this is the people on ebay selling ts's with no closing costs or any other fees - i was gonna buy one on there at silverleaf in fox river but had sent them at least 4 emails and pms asking for sure that there would be no surprise costs if i got the auctions and no one ever got back with me to answer any questions about it

It's only because of the volume they process. They are safe to buy from. I had one with them and it went through just fine. How they handle problems is the true test. I had another that advertised free usage. When I asked them to book a week prior to beginning the deed recording there was nothing available. They offered me $100 or a full refund and I opted for the refund. They processed it immediately. I would not expect any hidden cost if you are buying. Selling is another matter.

 

[CrazyAcres]

Thanks much for the info ! that puts my mind at ease.. always scared of being scammed with extra fees - lol

 

[Saintsfanfl]

Thanks much for the info ! that puts my mind at ease.. always scared of being scammed with extra fees - lol

To guard against this make sure the purchase agreement matches the ad. The purchase doc has to disclose everything. I also keep the original ad just in case. You have to save the HTML to your computer because eBay will purge it at 60 days and many closings take longer. Unknown fees from reputable sellers has more to do with sloppiness than being scammed but you want to cover your bases so you have ground to stand on later if it comes up. Make sure you know who is responsible for the current year maintenance fees. Make sure it is clear.