Timeshare presentations

[Cathy Rosen]

I'm a Westgate vacation club member which is different than a timeshare owner. I've attended numerous presentations where they pressure you to buy and I've bought numerous times and cancelled within the legal time frame.

Just did it again. What I've noticed at all presentations at Westgate is that its always in a large room with loud music playing so that you have to strain your ears to hear what the sales person is saying. What's your take on that? Do you think they do it to keep you in the dark about the details and keep you confused? That's the only reason I can think of. There has to be a reason for it because its always like this at every presentation I've attended, and at every location attended at Westgate.

 

[DRIless]

I'm a Westgate vacation club member which is different than a timeshare owner.

Really ??


Why do you bother ?? Of course play loud vacation music on purpose for those reasons and more.

 

[Cathy Rosen]

Really ??




Why do you bother ?? Of course play loud vacation music on purpose for those reasons and more.

QUOTE="DRIless, post: 2594460, member: 92827"]
Really ??

I have a membership program. I pay $200.00 per year and I can rent up to a 2 bedroom condo for $800.00 at any of the Westgate resorts, subject to availability. After 17 years, it just expires, or they can also just end it before that time if they want to. I believe I've already gotten my money's worth, and besides that, they are charging more than when I first joined and I'm getting less in return. The idea of upgrading has some appeal to me

Why do you bother ?? Of course play loud vacation music on purpose for those reasons and more.
[/QUOTE]

"and more"? Can you elaborate on the "and more" part?

LOL. I agonize over it. There is so much that is attractive about timeshare ownership, and I really, really enjoy the vacays. But my sticking point is how the hell do I get out of it when the time comes? I don't want to be stuck paying maintenance fees once I no longer use it, and my kids don't want to inherit it. The sales reps will not answer my question to my satisfaction. They change the subject and try to sell me on the idea of treating it as a business by recruiting people to attend presentations and thus earning money so that it pays for itself. I would never do that to my friends. When I try to pin them down further, their answers are vague.

So, I get dazzled and of course they won't give you time to think it over, so I first have to sign my life away and then I can think it over. I don't like this ownership business. I don't see it as an advantage at all. It's forever, and forever is a very long time. I'm more comfortable with an expiration date. So I ask myself if the costs are worth it? The way I view it is as buying prepaid vacations and will I get my moneys worth over time if I take full advantage of it? The deal I just considered costs $12,000 plus 1,050 every other year for maintenance fees for a 2 bedroom loft that actually is 3 bedrooms and my guess is that renting something comparable would cost roughly $4,000.00 per week. I would charge the people who go with me at least 400.00 to 600.00 to cover the maintenance fees. So when I look at it that way, I ask myself if its worth it? Maybe...if all goes well. Still seems risky. So I go back and forth and I've always ended up deciding against it.

 

[CPNY]

Did what again? Buy again or attend another presentation?
Ok, so you keep going to presentations and keep buying timeshares just to “think it over”, then rescind them?!

I’m going to make this easy for you. Follow these steps exactly as I lay them out and you’ll never have to worry about this again

ready? Pay attention.......

STEP 1:RESCIND THIS LATEST MISTAKE
STEP 2: NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER EVER EVER EVER GO TO ANOTHER PRESENTATION, UPDATE, MEETING, ANYTHING

It’s just that easy!

 

[Grammarhero]

Why do you buy numerous times? That’s some postage money lost. That’s also a lot of time and trees lost. If you could just say no, you don’t have to go through all the paperwork time.

 

[Cathy Rosen]

Why do you buy numerous times? That’s some postage money lost. That’s also a lot of time and trees lost. If you could just say no, you don’t have to go through all the paperwork time.

I know, its stupid. Its because I love my membership, and except for that nasty little deed, timeshares offer so much more, and quite frankly, I want it. They told me this was the last offer they will make me. Supposedly they are applying the $5,000.00 that I bought the membership with to the price of the timeshare offer. They also threatened that they may be cancelling my vacation membership soon because their inventory is low. I don't know if that will actually happen or not, you never know what to think with these sales people. I would get the timeshare if there was some guarantee of a painless exit. I go to these presentations alone which doesn't help. I discuss it afterwards with friends and this board. I don't regret my vacation membership one bit and a part of me believes I would love the timeshare even more. But the devil is in the details, and I just don't trust timeshares. So, I guess the temptation never really leaves me despite what I already know.

 

[CPNY]

I know, its stupid. Its because I love my membership, and except for that nasty little deed, timeshares offer so much more than my membership. They told me this was the last offer they will make me. Supposedly they are applying the $5,000.00 that I bought the membership with to the price of the timeshare offer. Honestly, I would get the timeshare if there was some guarantee of a painless exit.

Get a better system. Wastegate is terrible. Rescind this latest disaster and step away from the presentations

 

[clifffaith]

I always figured the loud music was to keep you from hearing what was being said at the nearby tables full of prospective buyers. They usually end up moving us because I eventually tell them I can't hear a thing over the loud room. I do a lot of smiling and nodding in loud situations -- maybe too many rock concerts in my youth.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Glad you are rescinding. Stop wasting your time at Wastegate presentations. Wastegate is the worst roach hotel because it is difficult for owners to exit.

What gifts are you getting for going to the presentation?

 

[TheHolleys87]

I know, its stupid. Its because I love my membership, and except for that nasty little deed, timeshares offer so much more, and quite frankly, I want it. They told me this was the last offer they will make me. Supposedly they are applying the $5,000.00 that I bought the membership with to the price of the timeshare offer. They also threatened that they may be cancelling my vacation membership soon because their inventory is low. I don't know if that will actually happen or not, you never know what to think with these sales people. I would get the timeshare if there was some guarantee of a painless exit. I go to these presentations alone which doesn't help. I discuss it afterwards with friends and this board. I don't regret my vacation membership one bit and a part of me believes I would love the timeshare even more. But the devil is in the details, and I just don't trust timeshares. So, I guess the temptation never really leaves me despite what I already know.

Instead of Westgate, have you ever investigated another timeshare company that you could buy via resale (meaning for next to nothing) and the use to stay in a lot of other places? Have you looked at Wyndham, Marriott, Hyatt, and the others who don’t treat their resale buyers like dirt?

 

[rrsafety]

I know, its stupid. Its because I love my membership, and except for that nasty little deed, timeshares offer so much more, and quite frankly, I want it. They told me this was the last offer they will make me. Supposedly they are applying the $5,000.00 that I bought the membership with to the price of the timeshare offer. They also threatened that they may be cancelling my vacation membership soon because their inventory is low. I don't know if that will actually happen or not, you never know what to think with these sales people. I would get the timeshare if there was some guarantee of a painless exit. I go to these presentations alone which doesn't help. I discuss it afterwards with friends and this board. I don't regret my vacation membership one bit and a part of me believes I would love the timeshare even more. But the devil is in the details, and I just don't trust timeshares. So, I guess the temptation never really leaves me despite what I already know.

Have you ever sought out counseling to address this unhealthy behavior? I'm just going to assume you are pulling our leg.

 

[theo]

They told me this was the last offer they will make me...

...today. The same offer will be there each and every time they see you. Stop repeatedly subjecting yourself to such lies and nonsense.

 

[Cathy Rosen]

Instead of Westgate, have you ever investigated another timeshare company that you could buy via resale (meaning for next to nothing) and the use to stay in a lot of other places? Have you looked at Wyndham, Marriott, Hyatt, and the others who don’t treat their resale buyers like dirt?

No I haven't. Are owners from resales treated the same way as owners from developers? What I like about Westgate is that I could go to other Westgate locations; I could split my week into one 3day and one 4 day vacations; Interval exchanges; and they have some really cool owner events that you can use once every 6 months. They are things like 3 day stays at one of the resorts with a big name concert and they will drive you there and pick you up, all for around a few hundred dollars per couple. Do other timeshares offer the same things?

 

[Cathy Rosen]

I always figured the loud music was to keep you from hearing what was being said at the nearby tables full of prospective buyers. They usually end up moving us because I eventually tell them I can't hear a thing over the loud room. I do a lot of smiling and nodding in loud situations -- maybe too many rock concerts in my youth.

Oh yeah, that makes sense.

 

[Cathy Rosen]

Glad you are rescinding. Stop wasting your time at Wastegate presentations. Wastegate is the worst roach hotel because it is difficult for owners to exit.

What gifts are you getting for going to the presentation?

I didn't get any. I was just called to go to a meeting about changes in benefits and I thought maybe they were changing my vacation club benefits. I know. I should have known better.

 

[CPNY]

No I haven't. Are owners from resales treated the same way as owners from developers? What I like about Westgate is that I could go to other Westgate locations; I could split my week into one 3day and one 4 day vacations; Interval exchanges; and they have some really cool owner events that you can use once every 6 months. They are things like 3 day stays at one of the resorts with a big name concert and they will drive you there and pick you up, all for around a few hundred dollars per couple. Do other timeshares offer the same things?

Cathy, resale owners are treated better in other systems than wastegate treats ALL of their owners. Waste gate doesn’t have resale owners because no one would buy into wastegate resale.

my vistana resale allows me to book other vistana resorts for less than a week using my star options.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

I didn't get any. I was just called to go to a meeting about changes in benefits and I thought maybe they were changing my vacation club benefits. I know. I should have known better.

You get no gifts or incentives to attend?!? Now I really have a low opinion of Wastegate. ALL the other systems give significant gifts from deeply discounted stays and Marriott/Hilton points, to free snorkel excursions, to $200 Visa cash cards for owners and non-owners to attend a presentation. Please rescind. Stop wasting your time on Wastegate presentations (especially if you don't get any financial benefits from it.) No one in the industry gets people in for free even the hotel branded timeshares. The reps must see you as red meat to sell you more stuff and try to scare you with false claims. Either use or give away your Westgate and look at other systems if you are into timeshares.

 

[Cathy Rosen]

I called the closing officer today to ask what information I need to include in my letter and of course she wanted to know why I'm cancelling. She already heard from her boss how I keep buying and cancelling and it sounds like they are really fed up. Oh well.

When I asked her about a painless exit when I no longer want to use it, she said that all I have to do is stop making the maintenance payments and that's all. Do you think that's true?

 

[theo]

Are owners from resales treated the same way as owners from developers?

Some (many, actually) timeshares are independent (i.e., they are not associated with any "chain" like Westgate, Wyndham, BlueGreen, etc. ). With "independents", there is absolutely no difference or distinction between those who purchased weeks when the place was still in developer sales vs. those that subsequently purchased resale later. All are regarded and treated (and billed) exactly the same. That being said however, independents don't have the multi-location option which is afforded by the "chains".

Among all of the many "chains", Westgate is a bit unique (and certainly not in a good way). Westgate basically punishes those who (foolishly, IMO) acquire a Wastegate ownership in the resale market (even if for free), by placing onerous and restrictive constraints on resale owners making reservations. No other "chain" treats resale owners as badly as Wastegate (willfully and very deliberately) treats resale owners within their system. This is essentially why Westgate ownerships are essentially worthless in the resale market (with the notable exception of high demand fixed weeks in good locations). I would avoid Westgate like I would avoid the plague. YMMV.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

I called the closing officer today to ask what information I need to include in my letter and of course she wanted to know why I'm cancelling. She already heard from her boss how I keep buying and cancelling and it sounds like they are really fed up. Oh well.

When I asked her about a painless exit when I no longer want to use it, she said that all I have to do is stop making the maintenance payments and that's all. Do you think that's true?

Hurry and rescind. Some states only have 5 days or you are stuck. Look in your contract and complete the letter exactly as described. Track and get a postmark within your rescission period. or you may find yourself stuck with another albatross.

You can walk but better to either deedback or give away first. What state is your current contract?

 

[Cathy Rosen]

Cathy, resale owners are treated better in other systems than wastegate treats ALL of their owners. Waste gate doesn’t have resale owners because no one would buy into wastegate resale.

my vistana resale allows me to book other vistana resorts for less than a week using my star options.

What are star options? Is that some kind of point system? I don't understand point systems. With Westgate, I also am not limited to any particular week. I can rent anytime of the year, and I should get it if I put in for it far enough in advance. My maintenance fees are $1,036.00 payable every two years. How does that compare to other resales? Also I get one week of vacation every year. Do most contracts give you a week every year?

 

[CalGalTraveler]

After you 1) rescind in writing per the contract (hurry!) . You should do the following:

2) Research Systems for Resale (take your time, hang around TUG, compare resale and rental costs)
3) Decide what to do with your Westgate. Continue to use, Deedback (see below) Give away, Walk.
4) If you want to stay in timeshares, Use what you have, Buy Resale or Rent (depending on what you want to buy and where).

Westgate Deedback Information - Give your unwanted Westgate Timeshare back

This program is called "Legacy" and the website with information is here: https://www.westgateresorts.com/legacy/ you can also use the info below: 800 351 0461 M-F 9am-5pm Legacy@wgresorts.com other options to exit your westgate timeshare if you do not qualify for the legacy program above...

tugbbs.com

P.S,. the fact those sales people didn't even tell you about deedbacks is a tell as to how much they lie to you. Walking can cause significant hits to your credit if it is located in a state that is not consumer friendly to timeshares.

 

[theo]

I called the closing officer today to ask what information I need to include in my letter and of course she wanted to know why I'm cancelling. She already heard from her boss how I keep buying and cancelling and it sounds like they are really fed up. Oh well.

When I asked her about a painless exit when I no longer want to use it, she said that all I have to do is stop making the maintenance payments and that's all. Do you think that's true?

Please don't talk to those weasels. Nothing good can possibly ever come of those (legally meaningless) phone conversations.
Rescind in writing immediately and just be done with it --- and stay off the phone (they may call you to try to change your mind).

All your rescission letter needs to say is "I hereby rescind the contract executed {insert date, time and purchase details and include photocopies of the applicable contract} as is my right under applicable state law." That's it. You don't need to provide a reason or a story or anything else. You are not "making a request"; you are exercising a legal right. Sign the letter and send it by USPS certified mail, saving the counter-issued receipt as proof of postmark date (which is the only date that matters in a cancellation submission).

As far as the casual "just stop paying" advice you received (by phone), very conveniently omitted was any mention of the collection calls that would precede inevitable foreclosure if / when you stopped paying maintenance fees. Is that really something you want?

I would respectfully suggest identifying and pursuing a new hobby or activity. Spending so much time buying and cancelling (then rinsing and repeating --- several more times) Wastegate timeshares can't possibly be good for your physical or mental health.

 

[Cathy Rosen]

Hurry and rescind. Some states only have 5 days or you are stuck. Look in your contract and complete the letter exactly as described. Track and get a postmark within your rescission period. or you may find yourself stuck with another albatross.

You can walk but better to either deedback or give away first. What state is your current contract?

I already mailed it in. I had called her before I mailed it to ask what information I needed to include, but she wasn't in. By the time she got back to me, I had already mailed in the letter. I put in my account number and my parcel number and requested that they cancel it. I can't think of anything else they might need. My contract is in Florida and I have 10 calendar days to rescind and I just signed the contract 3 days ago on Friday. I sent it by certified mail. This is the third time I've cancelled and I never had to send back all the materials.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

if you don't want your timeshare, best to deedback or give away but if you cannot you might be able to walk:

Is your contract a deed for a specific unit in a specific resort? or a points trust? If it is a deed in Florida you are in luck because as an anti-deficiency state all they can do is take back the timeshare if you stop communicating and don't object to the foreclosure (objecting could enable them to go after your other assets. Tread carefully if you go this route.) You could also take a credit hit. Here is the Florida law

Links to Official State Timeshare Laws and Guides/Manuals

@TUGBrian @DeniseM @CalGalTraveler take a look. This weekend, I’m creating a spreadsheet with official links to states’ timeshare laws, as well as their statuses as to non-judicial, anti-deficiency foreclosures. In the meantime, I will just keep adding notes. * Legal Disclaimer: This list...

tugbbs.com

Points trusts are untested in the courts so no one knows.

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