Can You Sell Timeshare Points? Navigating the Marketplace

Wes Kogelman

June 20, 2023

When considering the question "Can you sell timeshare points?", it's important to understand the unique structure of timeshares and the way points function within this system. Timeshares, essentially, are agreements that allow multiple individuals to share the ownership of a vacation property, with each owner allotted a specific time of the year for usage.

In a points-based timeshare system, instead of a fixed week, owners receive points that can be redeemed for different times of the year, types of accommodations, or even various locations, depending on the timeshare company's policies.

The question arises: if you own timeshare points and no longer wish to use them, can you sell them? The short answer is yes, but there are complexities to consider.

Selling Timeshare Points: A Closer Look

In the resale marketplace, the process of selling timeshare points is essentially the same process as selling your timeshare ownership. However, you are basically selling the right to use the points, rather than selling the points individually. Your points are tied to your membership in the timeshare or vacation club, and it's your contractual rights to those points, not the points in isolation.

These timeshare points cannot exist independently of the membership; thus, selling the points essentially means selling your timeshare.

It's important to understand, however, that selling timeshare points or club memberships isn't as straightforward as selling other assets. Here are a few things you need to be aware of:

Understanding the Value

Understanding the actual value of your timeshare points is key to making an effective sale. Unfortunately, timeshare points often sell for a fraction of their original purchase price because of the marked-up prices of points sold at the resorts. The price you can get will depend on various factors such as the location, the resort's reputation, the flexibility of points, and the current market demand.

Existing Obligations

Before you can sell your timeshare points, you need to ensure that all annual fees, dues, and any mortgages are paid in full. Buyers will not be interested in taking over a timeshare that comes with a backlog of financial obligations.

The Selling Process

If you choose the right pathway, selling a timeshare doesn’t have to be complex and time-consuming. There are companies such as SellaTimeshare.com that specialize in selling timeshares, but caution is needed, as the industry has been marred by upfront fee companies in the past. This is why you should look first for a company such as ours that does not charge upfront fees.

Building a Successful Sale Strategy

If you've decided to sell your timeshare points, developing a comprehensive sale strategy can streamline the process.

Firstly, it's important to set realistic expectations regarding the price you can achieve. You can research the current resale market for similar timeshares by using our free market analysis tool, which gives you the average asking price for your points from the sellers who are advertising on our platform.

Keep in mind that the original purchase price is not a good indicator of resale value. Points sold at the resort are marked up 50-60 percent to cover sales and marketing costs and commissions, which is overhead that does not exist on the resale market. So, removing that amount gives you a better potential starting price point.

Secondly, be strategic in your marketing, which could mean advertising on a reputable online platform such as ours dedicated to timeshare resales or working with a specialized timeshare resale agent. Fortunately, advertising on our platform gives you the best of both worlds – using the successful promotional strategies of our platform with the support we offer from the licensed agents of our sister company, Timeshare Broker Associates.

Your advertisement should highlight the essential features of your timeshare – is it affiliated with a well-known resort brand? What season or annual usage can you use your points? Highlighting these aspects can make your timeshare more appealing to potential buyers.

Lastly, be patient because, unlike traditional real estate, timeshares can take longer to sell due to the nature of the market. Don't be disheartened if your timeshare doesn't sell immediately. Persistence can pay off.

What to Avoid and How to Maximize Success

While you're preparing to sell your timeshare points, it's also important to understand potential pitfalls and red flags that can hinder the process.

Some of the common mistakes made by owners in the resale market can be avoided with the right knowledge. The most common error is overestimating the value of their points. As we mentioned earlier, the resale value is likely far lower than the original purchase price, so setting your expectations correctly can save you from frustration and disappointment.

Be careful of any "too good to be true" offers and avoid any companies that ask for upfront fees to sell your timeshare. Unfortunately, scams are common in the timeshare resale market, and any company that guarantees a quick sale or asks for upfront fees should be viewed with skepticism.

Maximize Exposure

It's important to maximize the visibility of your ad. Consider multiple platforms, such as different social media groups in addition to specialized timeshare resale websites such as SellaTimeshare.com. The wider the audience you can reach, the better your chances of finding a new owner.

Be Responsive to Offers

When potential buyers reach out with offers or inquiries, be ready to respond quickly and professionally. This is why we ask for your most up to date contact details when signing up for a free ad with us, so we can present offers as soon as possible.

Every offer that comes into our system is verified by agents from Timeshare Broker Associates to prove they are legitimate and not some sort of phishing scam trying to get personal information. This is a big advantage for our sellers, since these agents are much more likely to respond in a timely manner to engage the buyer – lessening the chance that you may miss out on the offer.

Once the offer is verified, we send it to you to act on – whether to accept, decline or counter the offer. The agent will negotiate on your behalf, with no upfront fees needed, so stay flexible and consider all options.

Transfer of Ownership

Transferring timeshare points ownership is a process that involves preparing a new deed or trust certificate to convey ownership to the new owner. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may need an attorney or notary. The transfer document may need to be recorded with the appropriate government office. However, pure points programs generally require an internal transfer by the timeshare company into the trust account in which the points are held.

Time to Sell Your Timeshare Points?

If you’re still asking, “can you sell timeshare points”, which effectively means selling your timeshare ownership, it is indeed possible, but it requires a well-informed and strategic approach. By understanding the market, setting realistic expectations, and receiving professional help, you can navigate the complexities of this unique marketplace.

While selling your timeshare points isn't the same as selling a traditional piece of real estate, it is feasible. Be patient and remember that every journey begins with a single step. Your first step is arming yourself with the necessary knowledge which you are already doing.

Although it may not always be a quick or highly profitable undertaking, with the right tools and patience, it can lead to a successful outcome, freeing you from an unwanted obligation and potentially providing an opportunity for someone else to enjoy the benefits of timeshare points ownership.

If you’re ready to sell your timeshare points, get started with a free ad here.