How Can I Sell a Timeshare in California?

Wes Kogelman

July 30, 2023

Navigating the Timeshare Resale Market in California

Are you interested in selling a timeshare in California, but not sure where to start? The process of selling a timeshare can seem complex and daunting, but with the right knowledge and resources, it's quite manageable. If you are wondering “how can I sell a timeshare in California” here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Understanding the Resale Market

Before you advertise to sell your timeshare, it’s critical to understand the timeshare resale market in California. Unlike traditional real estate, the timeshare market is often considered a buyer’s market, meaning there's typically numerous options for potential buyers, which can result in lower prices. Therefore, sellers should temper their expectations regarding the potential return on their initial purchase.

A major factor assessing the timeshare resale marketplace is understanding how timeshares are sold at the resorts. Massive marketing campaigns are underway by the branded timeshare companies such as Wyndham, Marriott and Hilton, which create interest in the product and drives consumers to the resorts. That’s the good news, since there is a spill-over effect into resales as consumers look for better deals online than those offered at the resorts.

Those deals are so good primarily because of the way timeshares are initially sold. Those marketing campaigns and the commissions paid to sales staff are then recouped through inflated prices charged at the resorts, similar to the way cars are sold at the dealerships. Once the timeshare is sold, the value drops when that overhead is removed. Keep this in mind when assessing the value to sell your timeshare as a resale.

Estimating the Value of Your Timeshare

The first step to selling your timeshare is to get an estimate of its value. Factors that can influence your timeshare's worth include its location, the demand for the resort, the size and type of the unit, the season or week that you own and whether it is affiliated with a major hospitality brand. Units with better views, larger square footage, or desirable weeks can get higher prices.

Also, California has a mix of both deeded and non-deeded timeshares. This can also influence the value, since some buyers may like the security of deeded ownership in high demand coastal locations.

We have a free online tool available to help you estimate the value of your timeshare, which will give you an average asking price from among the sellers who are advertising to sell on our platform. It’s a great place to start, so click onto our free market analysis tool for more information.

If you are consider hiring a licensed appraiser to sell a timeshare in California, keep in mind that you do not need to pay money for a timeshare appraisal. Apart from our analysis tool, there are several licensed timeshare resale brokers that can provide excellent free advice regarding the value of your timeshare. One such broker is Timeshare Broker Associates (TBA), who are specialists in timeshares, unlike real estate appraisers who generally know little about the industry.

Putting Your Timeshare Up for Sale

Once you've assessed the value of your timeshare, you can put it up for sale. There are multiple online platforms dedicated to timeshare resales, such as SellaTimeshare.com. However, be cautious of any platform that asks for a large upfront fee; this is often a precursor for trouble.

Fortunately, SellaTimeshare.com does not charge upfront fees in order to use our platform. Sellers can upload their details and our automated system will create your advertisement to promote your timeshare online, all without paying upfront fees.

In addition to online outlets, you could consider hiring a licensed real estate brokerage specializing in timeshare resales. They can provide valuable advice and exposure to potential buyers, operating similar to the way a traditional real estate broker operates. Ensure that your broker is a member of the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), providing credibility and compliance with the state’s legal guidelines. The aforementioned Timeshare Broker Associates is also licensed with the California DRE.

Look for a company that has the resources and successful track record of selling timeshares on the resale market. The team at SellaTimeshare.com has been in timeshare resales sector since 2000 and has the support of the licensed agents from TBA, which is our sister company. TBA agents vet all inbound buyer offers to prove they are legitimate and work with our sellers to get the best deal possible.

Preparing a Contract

Once a potential buyer is found, you'll need to prepare a contract. This document should clearly state the terms of the sale, including the price, the payment method, who pays the closing costs, and the transfer of the title. It's advised to consult with a professional specializing in timeshares to ensure the contract meets all legal requirements. This is another benefit of working with us, since TBA agents will handle all the paperwork on behalf of our sellers.

Transfer of Ownership

When both parties have agreed to the terms and signed the contract, it's time to transfer ownership. This process involves a title or closing company, which ensures the title is clean (i.e., no outstanding debts against it) and will handle the exchange of funds. The process also involves notifying the resort management about the change in ownership.

In California, a licensed escrow agent is generally involved in timeshare closings. They ensure that all the legal requirements are met and funds are properly transferred. The closing company usually has escrow personnel who are experienced in handling timeshare transactions in California to ensure a smooth process.

Navigating Possible Resort Restrictions

Some timeshare resorts in California may have restrictions or "right of first refusal" clauses, meaning the resort has the right to buy the timeshare back before it's sold to a third party.

When a seller and buyer have a contract in place, it needs to be sent to the resort or management company for approval. This is when the resort may choose to buy it back, which still means the seller makes the sale, just to the resort instead of the intended buyer. Remain in communication with your resort to understand if any such restrictions apply and how they may affect your selling process.

Reporting the Sale

In California, the sale needs to be reported to the local County Recorder's office within a set period (typically 60 days) from the date of sale. This includes submitting a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) and a Deed, which are crucial to record the sale legally.

Post-Sale Activities

After the sale, it's important to cancel any automatic payments linked to your timeshare, such as maintenance fees or special assessments. You should also update your tax records in case the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to report the profit or loss from the sale of your timeshare.

Legal and Tax Implications

California has certain laws regulating the sale of timeshares. These include the need for certain disclosures to be made to potential buyers and as mentioned, the requirement to report the sale to the state. It's also important to understand the potential tax implications of selling a timeshare.

California law treats profits from the sale of a timeshare as capital gains, which however unlikely, are subject to state income tax. You may need to inform your tax professional that you intend to sell your timeshare to fully understand these implications.

Ready to Sell Your California Timeshare?

Remember that while selling a timeshare can be a lengthy and complex process, you don't have to navigate it alone. By taking the time to understand the process and properly preparing for each step, you can successfully answer the question “how can I sell a timeshare in California” and turn the task of selling your timeshare from daunting to doable.

While it may seem a bit overwhelming at first, remember that thousands of timeshare owners successfully navigate this process every year. With the right knowledge and resources, you too can join them in effectively selling your timeshare in California.

Ready to begin the process? Click here to get started.