Agents - Good, Evil, and how to tell the difference

[TRICLIMBER]

Okay, still searching for info here. I'm looking into using an agent to sell my timeshare. I've searched the database here and the timeshare sales information is dismal - over 2,000 records and exactly ONE sale this year. BUT . . . .

I did review how the timeshares were sold. It looks like at least 1/3rd of them were sold via an agent. Now, I'm seeing lots of information about people asking for up-front payments, and how those never work, yet there are around 900 agent-based sales in the TUG sales database.

I'm trying to reconcile that with two possible cases of sales via large up-front payment, and that suggests there are agents who work WITHOUT that.

Can I get some enlightenment on that? Thanks in advance.

 

[TUGBrian]

The sales history database hasnt been added to in many moons and prior to that was sporadic at best, as we have been in development of a new system that will display sales history data on the resort review pages themselves.

This should be available this month.

 

[Dave M]

As I previously suggested in responding to one of your other posts, for guidance on successfully selling your timeshare without getting scammed and without paying a fortune, please read the "how to sell" article located at the top of the list of topics for this Buying, Selling, Renting forum. Look in the same location and you'll see a link to a list of legitimate resellers recoomended by numerous TUGgers.

As the "how to sell" article makes clear, you should definitely avoid those large upfront fee payments!

 

[DeniseM]

TRICLIMBER - a gentle suggestion. Instead of starting new threads on similar topics, add new questions to your existing threads.

 

[Stefa]

I'm trying to reconcile that with two possible cases of sales via large up-front payment, and that suggests there are agents who work WITHOUT that.

Can I get some enlightenment on that? Thanks in advance.

There are brokers, like Shelley at Transaction Realty, who work on commission and only get paid if they are successful.

 

[theo]

Search...

It's not my intention to "plug" any particular entity, but there are indeed agents who sell timeshares on commission, with or without an additional fee upon sale (i.e., but still involving no upfront fee).

TUG rules prohibit my identifying such entities, since they are commercial businesses and forum identification would, I believe, constitute prohibited advertising. I will respect that policy and provide no names. I will tell you, however, that there is a magazine entitled Timesharing Today. By and large, it's not an overly informative publication (in my personal opinion, anyhow) but several issues ago, there was an extensive listing of "no upfront fee" sales entities with names, addresses, telephone contacts, and general terms. I seem to vaguely recall a claim that there are about 125 such entities nationwide. You'll have to follow up on your own from there, but seek and ye shall find.

That all said, in this economy even a good agent is still not a magician. Timeshare weeks being auctioned for $1.00 on eBay go unclaimed, with no bidders. Even a good agent can't make a silk purse out of a sows' ear....

 

[TUGBrian]

there is nothing in the TUGBBS rules that prevents a member from posting a review either positive or negative about a particular organization as a direct response to a question.

This forum exists to share information among timeshare owners, while advertising is prohibited from the forums. Sharing an experience you had with someone asking specifically for advice on that topic is not at all considered advertising.

That said, if you were posting to promote your own business as a response, it would certainly be considered advertising.

 

[theo]

there is nothing in the TUGBBS rules that prevents a member from posting a review either positive or negative about a particular organization as a direct response to a question.

This forum exists to share information among timeshare owners, while advertising is prohibited from the forums. Sharing an experience you had with someone asking specifically for advice on that topic is not at all considered advertising.

That said, if you were posting to promote your own business as a response, it would certainly be considered advertising.

I'm certainly not promoting anyone or anything (and, as clearly stated, I personally don't even think much of Timesharing Today as a publication).
But in view of Brians' above clarification, I'd suggest the OP search around this site for Judy Koslowski, a licensed (no upfront fee) real estate broker.
I do not recall her business name, but I believe it's a ReMax associated office in Orlando, FL. I further believe that Judy is also a TUG member, so maybe she will see your inquiry and contact you directly by PM. Or, find that old TT article and identify for yourself many other such contacts charging no upfront fee.
Good luck.

 

[TRICLIMBER]

Thanks for the replies

Thanks for both the tips on using the TUG BBS and the suggestions, folks. I know I asked similar questions, but this one seemed different enough that I thought it merited its own thread.

It also helps to know the database tool is being updated! That is a GREAT relief - it really had me concerned the bottom had completely fallen out of the market for timeshares.

If either of the agents mentioned are interested, I will be happy to do PMs with you - this is a timeshare that shouldn't be a "dog" to get marketed.

 

[TRICLIMBER]

As I previously suggested in responding to one of your other posts, for guidance on successfully selling your timeshare without getting scammed and without paying a fortune, please read the "how to sell" article located at the top of the list of topics for this Buying, Selling, Renting forum. Look in the same location and you'll see a link to a list of legitimate resellers recoomended by numerous TUGgers.

As the "how to sell" article makes clear, you should definitely avoid those large upfront fee payments!

Thanks, Dave - I actually read the article before even joining TUG. The list looks like it might not have been updated recently. I did read your response - remember I was asking about two specific agencies that had gotten a lot of press outside here (and one or two mentions in the forum.)

In fact, I put this post up based on information you put in your post, which didn't seem to reconcile with both the article and with the data, so I knew I needed some clarification.

 

[DeniseM]

The info. in the "How-to-sell" article is current. The basic principles don't change, even when the market does. We have a lot of new members come to TUG and they often hope that there is an easy answer to selling their timeshare, but, unfortunately, there isn't - and yes, the bottom has fallen out of the timeshare market.

In general, we don't recommend resale agents because you are either going to have to pay a large upfront fee, or a large commission. Both of those cut into your profit, and in the current economy, those profits can be little or nothing. That is why the responses to both your posts about resale agents have been the same. There just is no magic answer.

For current comps check the TUG Marketplace, Redweek, ebay and other big sellers - but look at the lowest asking prices & selling prices and price yours a little lower. The middle and high asking prices will never sell in this economy.

Good luck!

 

[TRICLIMBER]

Thanks . . . .

Denise. I understand the article is up to date (was referring to the posting with the recommended web sites, which doesn't show any changes for a while.) I've checked out the sites you've recommended, and greatly appreciate the advice on pricing - will follow your suggestion.

 

[BocaBum99]

What I would do is post a question about who is the best known broker who specializes in selling XXXX resort group. Then, you will get responses from people who have had really good experience with that no upfront fee broker.

You shouldn't have to pay an upfront fee to sell your timeshare. You just need to find someone who has a group of customers already in that resort group to whom they can market your timeshare.

That's the best way to move it rather quickly at a fair price.

Otherwise, selling it yourself is always an alternative. But, it doesn't always yield the best price, especially if you don't know what the real market price is for your timeshare.