LT Transfers & GC Getaways Non-performance

[Eric B]

I have read many good reviews here on TUG regarding the performance of LT Transfers in executing timeshare transfers, so looked forward to having an eBay purchase completed once I learned they were involved. Once I got the transfer paperwork from LT, I signed it and had it notarized and promptly sent it back on or about November 4, 2019. Yesterday I learned that the seller has still not returned their signed paperwork after a >4 month delay. I don’t get the impression that LT did any follow up on this either; I got a prompt reply to my email asking the status, but it was essentially a we have no idea what the status is. I don’t like to risk bad mouthing a good company, but it’s been 24 hours since the “I dunno” email and there hasn’t been anything further from either LT or GC Getaways, the eBay seller. I’ve seen other postings about GC Getaways saying it takes a while for them to deliver, but I don’t think I would recommend buying from them in the future. I’m also having second thoughts about LT due to their lack of follow up.

 

[CPNY]

I have read many good reviews here on TUG regarding the performance of LT Transfers in executing timeshare transfers, so looked forward to having an eBay purchase completed once I learned they were involved. Once I got the transfer paperwork from LT, I signed it and had it notarized and promptly sent it back on or about November 4, 2019. Yesterday I learned that the seller has still not returned their signed paperwork after a >4 month delay. I don’t get the impression that LT did any follow up on this either; I got a prompt reply to my email asking the status, but it was essentially a we have no idea what the status is. I don’t like to risk bad mouthing a good company, but it’s been 24 hours since the “I dunno” email and there hasn’t been anything further from either LT or GC Getaways, the eBay seller. I’ve seen other postings about GC Getaways saying it takes a while for them to deliver, but I don’t think I would recommend buying from them in the future. I’m also having second thoughts about LT due to their lack of follow up.

Ok where do I begin.....LT is backed up right now they said. I can believe that. I actually have two sales processing with them right now. Both deeds were recorded within weeks and resort transfer docs are in the works. I still find them reputable and efficient. I feel as though if they send out documents to a seller and the seller is non responsive they wait but continue to work on other deals with people who do respond.

I will say, between GC and another “broker” I’ve been in contact with as well as another tugger working with them, they are both having issues with getting responses from sellers. As a matter of fact I received a “still waiting for a response” email today from the one “broker”. I won an auction with GC a month ago, I submitted my payment and DocuSign in within 3 days. 2 weeks later I circled back and checked with GC about status since i hadn’t heard anything and I knew they sent another auction winner to LT a few days after their auction closed. I was told they would check on the status and see which closing agent it was sent to. The response I got back was one of the sellers “died” and the deed couldn’t be sold, they refunded my money after a week and a half and multiple phone calls and emails.

It seems these people are selling deeds they either don’t have or do not exist. I’m closing with another ebay seller now and I’m crossing my fingers this one goes smoothly as it saved me over 1500 Bucks and exactly what I wanted.

On the go forward I’ll be staying away from GC and this other “broker” but will continue to use LT when I have to sell or have a choice in closing agents when I buy. Side note, it also annoyed me GC charged 600 for closing knowing they were sending it to LT who charges 225! Ridiculous.

 

[Jan M.]

Other than phone calls and emails to the owner, which both GC Getaways and LT Transfers should be doing, there is nothing they can do if the owner isn't completing and returning their paperwork. Since GC Getaways is the seller you should ask them to contact the owner and tell them if the signed paperwork isn't returned to LT Transfers within say the next week that the deal with you is off. At that point GC Getaways should return any money you've paid them. Since the owner is stuck paying any maintenance fees until the transfer is completed most owners are usually pretty prompt in returning their paperwork. It could be that the owner is elderly and may have passed or is having trouble figuring out where to take the papers to get them notarized. I've dealt with LT Transfers five times as both a buyer and a seller. They are really patient and good at explaining what you need to do if you call and ask them.

 

[CPNY]

Other than phone calls and emails to the owner, which both GC Getaways and LT Transfers should be doing, there is nothing they can do if the owner isn't completing and returning their paperwork. Since GC Getaways is the seller you should ask them to contact the owner and tell them if the signed paperwork isn't returned to LT Transfers within say the next week that the deal with you is off. At that point GC Getaways should return any money you've paid them. Since the owner is stuck paying any maintenance fees until the transfer is completed most owners are usually pretty prompt in returning their paperwork. It could be that the owner is elderly and may have passed or is having trouble figuring out where to take the papers to get them notarized. I've dealt with LT Transfers five times as both a buyer and a seller. They are really patient and good at explaining what you need to do if you call and ask them.

It seems odd that myself, Eric, and two other tuggers won eBay auctions and are all waiting on non “responsive” sellers.

 

[CPNY]

I have read many good reviews here on TUG regarding the performance of LT Transfers in executing timeshare transfers, so looked forward to having an eBay purchase completed once I learned they were involved. Once I got the transfer paperwork from LT, I signed it and had it notarized and promptly sent it back on or about November 4, 2019. Yesterday I learned that the seller has still not returned their signed paperwork after a >4 month delay. I don’t get the impression that LT did any follow up on this either; I got a prompt reply to my email asking the status, but it was essentially a we have no idea what the status is. I don’t like to risk bad mouthing a good company, but it’s been 24 hours since the “I dunno” email and there hasn’t been anything further from either LT or GC Getaways, the eBay seller. I’ve seen other postings about GC Getaways saying it takes a while for them to deliver, but I don’t think I would recommend buying from them in the future. I’m also having second thoughts about LT due to their lack of follow up.

It’s also tough to gauge sellers with positive reviews since people usually leave feedback quickly. I’m holding off from Leaving feedback until I see a deed recorded in my name.

I left feedback right away with GC. If I could change it I would. Had a waited a few weeks I could have left neutral or negative to say they don’t even know the status of what they are selling. They didn’t know a seller died? It took me to question the situation? If I hadn’t it would have been months and 3K would have been tied up with them. My money should have been refunded the day they told me they were cancelling the sale. Not a week and a half later. Which I had to hound them. It doesn’t take more than 2 minutes to process a refund.

 

[SteelerGal]

LT Transfers is ultra busy at this time so expect delays. I have been ghosted twice by buyers. Non responsive to LT so I did my own contact and was finally told they chose not to purchase.
LT is definitely faster than First American. One of ours took 6mo.

 

[theo]

No dog in this fight, but LT Transfers (or any closing entity) ultimately has no influence or control over an unresponsive seller (or buyer). What response can be reasonably expected if someone happens to be away on a cruise, maybe in the hospital --- or even dead?

Personally, I will continue to stay far away from eBay resellers and continue on with LT Transfers as my "go to" closer of choice. YMMV.

 

[CPNY]

No dog in this fight, but LT Transfers (or any other closing entity) ultimately has no influence or control over an unresponsive seller. What response can be reasonably expected if a seller happens to be away on a cruise, in the hospital, or dead?

Personally, I will continue to stay far away from eBay resellers and continue with LT Transfers as my "go to" closer of choice. YMMV.

Agreed it’s not LT at fault. I blame brokers who post listings without doing their due diligence to find out the status of the deed before taking money from buyers only to find out weeks later the seller is dead. Come on..... put in a call to the seller, “hey, is everything current? Both owners still alive? Great I’m going to post this and may have a buy in a week or two”. Then post it.

 

[WVBaker]

No dog in this fight, but LT Transfers (or any closing entity) ultimately has no influence or control over an unresponsive seller (or buyer). What response can be reasonably expected if someone happens to be away on a cruise, maybe in the hospital --- or even dead?

Personally, I will continue to stay far away from eBay resellers and continue on with LT Transfers as my "go to" closer of choice. YMMV.

I'll second that. Eric, if you have a question about anything, do it the old fashion way. Pick up the phone and call them.

 

[Jan M.]

It seems odd that myself, Eric, and two other tuggers won eBay auctions and are all waiting on non “responsive” sellers.

My first two resale purchases the broker/reseller must have had a limited power of attorney for the sale of the timeshare or something because it went through very promptly as soon as we returned our signed paperwork. I'm noticing that now a lot of the brokers/resellers aren't the company or business that the owner signed with to get rid of their timeshare. It's like when you list your house with a realtor and other realtors also show it and one of them makes the sale. With the timeshares that additional party being involved seems to make things more complicated.

It's so much easier when you and the owner can both use docu sign. We are presently waiting on a transfer to complete. The owner is an elderly man; I looked him up since his name and address are on the sales agreement and documents. Everything had to be mailed to him and he must have had to wait on someone to take him to get the papers notarized. He didn't sign or complete something correctly the first time and it was sent back by the County so his part all had to be resent and redone. It took two months,grrrr! However it did get done and I should be hearing back any day now that the transfer went through. But we still have to wait for Wyndham to transfer it to our account so it could be another only two months if we are extremely lucky but three or even four months is more realistic. I was really hoping to have the points in our account by the end of this month. That won't be happening but at least I'm not the one paying approximately $370 a month in maintenance fees in the meantime.

 

[CPNY]

My first two resale purchases the broker/reseller must have had a limited power of attorney for the sale of the timeshare or something because it went through very promptly as soon as we returned our signed paperwork. I'm noticing that now a lot of the brokers/resellers aren't the company or business that the owner signed with to get rid of their timeshare. It's like when you list your house with a realtor and other realtors also show it and one of them makes the sale. With the timeshares that additional party being involved seems to make things more complicated.

It's so much easier when you and the owner can both use docu sign. We are presently waiting on a transfer to complete. The owner is an elderly man; I looked him up since his name and address are on the sales agreement and documents. Everything had to be mailed to him and he must have had to wait on someone to take him to get the papers notarized. He didn't sign or complete something correctly the first time and it was sent back by the County so his part all had to be resent and redone. It took two months,grrrr! However it did get done and I should be hearing back any day now that the transfer went through. But we still have to wait for Wyndham to transfer it to our account so it could be another only two months if we are extremely lucky but three or even four months is more realistic. I was really hoping to have the points in our account by the end of this month. That won't be happening but at least I'm not the one paying approximately $370 a month in maintenance fees in the meantime.

Frustrating but I get it. I just wish things moved quickly ! There are companies that use timeshare closing services with their insanely high closing costs, but everything they closed for me that I purchased was completed within a month and a half. I just hope this latest purchase goes through smoothly and is actually available with both owners ready to sign and sell. I’d like to have this closed ASAP.

 

[VacationForever]

LT Transfers can only proceed when they get all documents back. I don't see them at fault. If you have paid money to GC Getaways, hopefully you used the escrow option offered by LT Transfers and you can get your money back.

 

[CPNY]

LT Transfers can only proceed when they get all documents back. I don't see them at fault. If you have paid money to GC Getaways, hopefully you used the escrow option offered by LT Transfers and you can get your money back.

GC takes your credit card and processes the sale. They refunded me my money but after a week and a half. Plus they charged 600 for closing when we all know LT charges 225.

 

[Jan M.]

GC takes your credit card and processes the sale. They refunded me my money but after a week and a half. Plus they charged 600 for closing when we all know LT charges 225.

I've seen some that charge $700 or more. Don't know if they are using LT but we all know that if they are charging more than $250 they are gouging us on the cost unless it includes the transfer fee too. However the ones that I've seen that overcharge didn't include the transfer fee.

 

[CPNY]

I've seen some that charge $700 or more. Don't know if they are using LT but we all know that if they are charging more than $250 they are gouging us on the cost unless it includes the transfer fee too. However the ones that I've seen that overcharge didn't include the transfer fee.

GC charged 600 plus 100 transfer fee then they outsourced it to LT. Nice chunk of change they made just off closing costs. I’m glad my deal fell through and I got my money back

 

[DannyTS]

I am going through closing for an Ebay listing I won and here are my thoughts:
I had never worked before with GC Getaways and I was a bit nervous about working with them since my contract was North of $1k and I did not want to lose the money I paid. The info about them in TUG was relatively scarce and contradictory and that did not make me any more confident. However, GC responded very fast to all my emails and everything promised in the listing checked out in the estoppel and the RCI broker form.

My worries though mostly disappeared when I heard they were working with LT on the transfer since I have dealt with them in the past. Like always LT was very professional and also also responded swiftly to my communication. The paperwork preparation was maybe few days slower than before but that does not bother me at all since I put more weight on the safety and the reliability of the process. I fo not even know if they were the reason for the short delay.

LT announced me that the owners mailed the signed deed docs so it is all good to me, at least up to this point. They responded to my inquiry but I just do not know what else they could do if the sellers had not sent the docs.

I will complete my rewiew at the end, still a little bit nervous about getting all the points promised, including 2019 but I realize this is more my nature and that this is the first RCI points transfer for us than that anything so far warranted me to be stressed about it.

In conclusion, 2 thumbs up so far for both companies

 

[CPNY]

I will say the other tugger along with me who GC cancelled on was buying a contract from the same owner as mine and was given the same reason so I had no reason to believe they were lying. I was just miffed that they didn’t know the status before listing the unit at auction.

 

[timetofly]

I was not thrilled with LT Transfers telling me there would be a 3 week delay in filing after the paperwork was complete or I could pay another $75 for rush service. At least they were upfront about it and everything else went fine. I do get the sense that the buyer and seller are responsible for maintaining communication throughout the process. LT Transfers is not full service in that sense.

 

[DannyTS]

I was not thrilled with LT Transfers telling me there would be a 3 week delay in filing after the paperwork was complete or I could pay another $75 for rush service. At least they were upfront about it and everything else went fine. I do get the sense that the buyer and seller are responsible for maintaining communication throughout the process. LT Transfers is not full service in that sense.

If I were to guess, LT probably also gave GC wholesale prices and does not expect to do all the work they would normally do

 

[Jan M.]

I was not thrilled with LT Transfers telling me there would be a 3 week delay in filing after the paperwork was complete or I could pay another $75 for rush service. At least they were upfront about it and everything else went fine. I do get the sense that the buyer and seller are responsible for maintaining communication throughout the process. LT Transfers is not full service in that sense.

With more brokers/resellers using LT Transfers they are getting a lot more business. Possibly they are in the process of training new people to handle this influx of business. There is an awful lot to know about how things need to be handled in some States and with all the different timeshare systems. I know of several people who ran into problems with other closing companies because the people working for those closing companies were in way over their heads and there was no one in charge who did have the extensive knowledge to be able to help them.

Everyone from start to finish, the broker/reseller, LT, the owner and the buyer are all at the mercy of the owner and buyer both completing their paperwork promptly and correctly. LT Transfers is full service in what they do for their part. However like any other closing company they don't initiate the sale they just handle the paperwork.

The big problem comes when you're dealing with a broker/reseller selling something that may have been listed weeks, months or even a year ago by the business/company the owner contracted with. The broker/reseller you are buying through has to immediately contact that business/company the owner contracted with and ask "I've got a buyer is this still available?" There are multiple brokers and resellers who can be selling something so the first one gets it. The company/business the owner contracted with doesn't check anything else other than whether or not it's still available. Your broker/reseller might have to come back to you within a few days and say it isn't available. Or weeks or a month or two later when it turns out the owner passed.

 

[Eric B]

Finally got some action after speaking with several people at GC Getaways. My major complaint is that for transferring an RTU contract about all the work involved is filling in two forms, getting the buyer and seller to sign them, and mailing them in. It doesn’t even reach the level of project management 101. If I have to follow up on this as a buyer, they aren’t earning the transfer fee. The total amount of time spent on this on their part was likely much less than an hour, which makes the billing rate pretty darn high for clerical work since they provided no actual management of the transfer.

 

[TheTimeTraveler]

Interesting thread....

I would advise buyers to place in their purchase contracts that the sellers have 10 days in which to sign documents or the deal is "null and void". Doing this will allow the transaction to be completed within a set time frame, or the deal is null and void, and the buyer won't be tied up waiting for something that may never materialize.



.

 

[theo]

If I were to guess, LT probably also gave GC wholesale prices and does not expect to do all the work they would normally do

I would be inclined to respectfully but strongly disagree with this particular guess. LT Transfers is a very small operation, comprised of only a very few people who are always attentive to detail, in my own multiple transactions with them. Their pricing is already the lowest that I am aware of anywhere in the industry and I sincerely doubt that they would offer any "discount pricing" to eBay resellers.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

I have used LT Transfer in the past and was completely pleased. Their work was good. They responded to communications from me. Everything went smoothly. So, out of the hundreds or thousands of closings that they do, this has got to be an anomaly.

 

[Jan M.]

I have used LT Transfer in the past and was completely pleased. Their work was good. They responded to communications from me. Everything went smoothly. So, out of the hundreds or thousands of closings that they do, this has got to be an anomaly.

From what I read it isn't them. There isn't anything they or even the broker a person buys through can do besides send emails and try to call when the owner doesn't return their portion of the paperwork in a timely manner.

Several people mentioned that the reason their purchase fell though was because it was eventually discovered that the owner had passed. That got me thinking. If it was something I really, really wanted I would be contacting the broker I bought from asking him or her to get in touch with the company the deceased owner contracted with to sell the timeshare. Or I would send my own letter addressed to the Executor of the Estate of ... (owner's name) at the address shown on my paperwork. Either way he or she should be able to sign anything needed if they were still wanting to get rid of the timeshare. One of the timeshare weeks we bought had a copy of the death certificate attached.in the paperwork. The death certificate and the executors signature are all that's required.