How to Sell a Timeshare Without Getting Scammed

Timeshares can feel like a trap. Maybe your annual fees keep climbing. Maybe booking a trip is harder than it should be. Or maybe the ownership simply doesn’t fit your life anymore.

If you’re wondering how to sell your timeshare or whether you can sell a timeshare at all, the process is more straightforward (and safer) when you know where to start.

Below are the safest steps you can take to get out of your timeshare without getting scammed, pressured, or pushed into expensive mistakes.

Table of Contents

1. How to sell my timeshare (step by step)
   1. 1. Contact resort about surrender or exit
   2. 2. List it on a legitimate resale platform
   3. 3. Consult a real estate attorney
   4. 4. Avoid “guaranteed” resale or exit offers
   5. 5. Consider exit companies that offer escrow payments
   6. 6. Check for free or discounted exit help
   7. 7. Warn your family about inheritance issues
   8. 8. If all else fails, vet timeshare exit companies
2. FAQ

How to sell my timeshare (step by step)

Here are eight options (in the order we recommend them) if you’re hoping to sell your timeshare.

1. Contact your resort about a surrender or exit program

Before you do anything else, reach out to your resort or vacation club. Some offer voluntary exit programs—sometimes called “deed-back” or “take-back” programs for owners in good standing.

Start by gathering your ownership documents: your contract, deed (if applicable), account number, and maintenance fee history. Then call or email your resort’s customer service or owner services department and ask whether they offer a formal exit option.

While this won’t work for everyone, it’s often the fastest, cheapest, and cleanest path out.

Why start here?

Some resorts now waive fees or streamline exits if you’re paid up and not in default. Others may offer you a waiting list or tell you the best time to apply.

Several of my clients and their family members have had difficulty due to limited resale markets and complex contracts. I advise starting by contacting the timeshare company to explore resale or deed-back options.
If unsuccessful, I recommend working with a reputable exit company but avoiding those that charge large upfront fees.

If your resort won’t help? Move on to the next step.

2. List it on a legitimate resale platform

Can I sell a timeshare on my own? Yes, if you’re OK with not making a profit.

If your resort doesn’t offer a surrender program, your next best bet might be resale. Most timeshares resell for pennies on the dollar, so you may not get back what you paid. However, it can be a clean way to cut ties.

Stick to well-known resale platforms like:

• TUG2.com (Timeshare Users Group): Peer-reviewed and long-standing in the timeshare community
• RedWeek.com: A timeshare marketplace where you can create a listing to rent or sell your timeshare
• eBay’s timeshare section: Good for low-cost, high-visibility listings

Before you list, gather all your paperwork, and be clear about your unit details: week number, unit size, annual fees, and any usage restrictions. That transparency builds trust with potential buyers and cuts down on back-and-forth.

You can also use a timeshare appraisal service if you’re unsure about pricing. Just make sure it’s licensed, and check reviews beforehand.

3. Consult a real estate attorney

Timeshare contracts are notoriously dense. And if you were misled during the sales process or feel like something isn’t adding up, a real estate or timeshare attorney can help you spot potential outs.

Look for an attorney who’s licensed in the state where your timeshare is located. They can:

• Review your contract for exit clauses or misrepresentation
• Help you understand your rights and liabilities
• Write formal letters or negotiate on your behalf

Stonegate Law is a full-service consumer rights law firm, not a marketing operation or a call center. We take a legal approach to every case with actual oversight, not just boilerplate letters. And we stay in the trenches with our clients until the job is done.

This step is especially useful if your resort isn’t cooperating or if you’re considering hiring an exit company. A legal expert can tell you whether you even need one (or save you the cost altogether).

4. Avoid “guaranteed” resale or exit offers

No one can guarantee to sell or cancel your timeshare, especially not over the phone or in a Facebook ad.

Scammers often promise quick exits, ask for big upfront payments, and then disappear. Some even impersonate lawyers or resale agents. Before trusting any company:

• Look it up on the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Search for complaints filed with your state attorney general
• Check whether the company is licensed to operate in your state

At Stonegate, we don’t consider defaulting on a contract to be a legal exit. Just walking away and hoping nothing happens is not the same as being released

If anything feels off, walk away. You can learn more red flags in our guide: 7 Timeshare Scams to Watch Out For.

5. Consider exit companies that offer escrow payments

If you’re hiring a timeshare exit company, prioritize working with one that uses escrow. This means your money stays with a third party, and the company doesn’t get paid until your timeshare is successfully exited.

No legit company should ask for a large, nonrefundable upfront fee. Escrow can help protect you from scams and keep the company accountable.

One example of a reputable exit company is The Stonegate Firm, which has many positive, verified consumer reviews.

6. Check for free or discounted exit help through your state or consumer orgs

Before you pay anyone, see whether your state offers free legal aid or discounted exit resources. Some consumer protection offices, real estate boards, or attorney general websites provide tools, sample letters, or even legal referrals for timeshare owners.

You can also check with national organizations:

• ResponsibleExit.com (supported by the American Resort Development Association [ARDA]) offers a checklist, educational guides, and a hotline for help vetting options.
• ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) promotes responsible exit practices and can help you understand your legal rights as a timeshare owner.

If you’re a senior, veteran, or low-income household, you might also qualify for legal aid clinics that specialize in real estate disputes. Call your local bar association or legal aid office and ask if they offer help with timeshare contract issues.

7. Warn your family about inheritance issues

Many timeshares don’t automatically expire when you’re done using them—and yes, they can sometimes be passed on to your heirs. That means your kids or grandkids could get stuck with maintenance fees they didn’t sign up for.

Exiting now, while you’re still able to, can prevent future legal and financial headaches. It’s one of the kindest financial decisions you can make for your family. It can also be a way to exit a timeshare without ruining your finances.

Timeshares can affect retirement planning due to ongoing costs, lack of appreciation, and limited liquidity. Clients must consider opportunity cost and ensure the purchase aligns with their long-term financial goals.
I recommend a clear exit strategy and a thorough cost-benefit analysis before buying. For estate planning, it’s important to name a beneficiary who is both willing and financially able to assume responsibility for the timeshare.

8. If all else fails, vet a timeshare exit company carefully

If you’ve hit a wall with your resort after telling them, “I want to sell my timeshare,” and you’ve made resale attempts and tried to get legal help, a timeshare exit company might be your last resort. But proceed with caution because the timeshare industry is full of scammers.

Stick with companies that:

• Offer escrow payment (they only get paid if they succeed)
• Have licensed attorneys on staff
• Show strong consumer reviews with no recent lawsuits

FAQ

Can you really sell a timeshare?

Yes, but usually not for a profit. Most timeshares resell for far less than their original purchase price, and some owners end up giving them away just to stop future maintenance fees.

If your resort won’t take it back through a deed-back or surrender program, legitimate resale platforms such as TUG and RedWeek can be good next steps.

What’s the safest way to sell my timeshare?

The safest path is to start with your resort and ask about an owner exit or deed-back program. If that isn’t available, list it yourself on a reputable resale site. Avoid anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, guarantees a sale, or demands high upfront fees; these are common red flags in the timeshare industry.

Should I hire someone to sell my timeshare?

Most owners don’t need a third party to sell a timeshare. If you do hire help, choose a company that uses escrow (not upfront, nonrefundable fees) and has licensed attorneys involved, like the Stonegate Firm. A real timeshare exit firm may be helpful if you’re unable to sell, but they can’t “guarantee” a buyer or cancellation.

Can you sell a timeshare with unpaid fees?

It’s possible, but difficult. Most buyers won’t take on past-due maintenance fees, and many resorts won’t process transfers unless all fees are current. If you’re behind, contact the resort first. Some will work with you to bring the account current or discuss a deed-back option. Avoid defaulting; it can lead to collections or foreclosure.