Quick Comparison: All Exit Methods
| Factor | Professional Exit | Resale | Deed Back | Attorney | Stop Paying | Donation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Success Rate | 95%+ | <5% | 20-30% | 40-60% | N/A | <10% |
| Credit Impact | None | None | None | Varies | Severe | None |
| Guarantee | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Timeframe | 3-12 mo | 6+ mo | 6-18 mo | 6-24 mo | Immediate | 3-12 mo |
| Stops Fees | Yes | If sold | If accepted | Maybe | Eventually | If accepted |
Detailed Analysis of Each Exit Solution
BBB A+ Rated Specialists
Cost
$$$ - Varies by contract
Timeframe
3-12 months
Success Rate
95%+
Credit Impact
None
Advantages
- 100% money-back guarantee
- No credit damage
- Legal protection throughout
- Handles all paperwork and negotiations
- Stops maintenance fees permanently
- Works with mortgaged timeshares
- BBB A+ rating and proven track record
- Personalized strategy for your situation
Disadvantages
- Upfront cost required
- Takes several months to complete
- Not all companies are legitimate (research required)
Best For:
- Owners who want guaranteed results
- Those with mortgaged timeshares
- People who value their credit score
- Owners tired of failed DIY attempts
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- • Companies asking for payment before services
- • Promises of 'instant' exits
- • No BBB rating or negative reviews
- • Pressure tactics or limited-time offers
Sell Your Timeshare
Cost
$500-$3,000 in listing fees
Timeframe
6 months - Never
Success Rate
Less than 5%
Credit Impact
None (if successful)
Advantages
- Could recoup some money (rare)
- No credit impact if successful
Disadvantages
- 95%+ of timeshares never sell
- Upfront listing fees with no guarantee
- Still paying maintenance fees while listed
- Scammers target desperate sellers
- Most timeshares have $0 resale value
- Can take years with no results
- May lose thousands in fees and maintenance
Best For:
- Owners with highly desirable locations
- Paid-off timeshares in premium resorts
- Those willing to accept $1 sales
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- • Companies requiring large upfront fees
- • Promises of quick sales
- • Cold calls from 'buyers'
- • Requests for wire transfers
Return to Developer
Cost
$0-$5,000
Timeframe
6-18 months
Success Rate
20-30%
Credit Impact
None (if accepted)
Advantages
- No ongoing fees if accepted
- Direct resolution with resort
- No credit damage
Disadvantages
- Most resorts refuse or have long waitlists
- Must have mortgage paid off
- All fees must be current
- May require transfer fees
- No guarantee of acceptance
- Can take 12-18 months
- Still paying fees during process
Best For:
- Owners with paid-off timeshares
- Those with fees current
- Resorts with active deed-back programs
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- • Resorts may not respond to requests
- • Hidden fees in deed-back process
- • Acceptance not guaranteed
Legal Representation
Cost
$3,000-$15,000+
Timeframe
6-24 months
Success Rate
40-60%
Credit Impact
Varies
Advantages
- Legal expertise and court representation
- Good for fraud cases
- Professional advocacy
Disadvantages
- Very expensive with no guarantee
- You pay even if they fail
- Most don't specialize in exits
- Hourly billing adds up quickly
- May recommend litigation (more costs)
- No refund if unsuccessful
Best For:
- Cases involving fraud or misrepresentation
- Complex legal situations
- Those with significant financial resources
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- • Attorneys without timeshare experience
- • No clear fee structure
- • Pushing unnecessary litigation
Walk Away Strategy
Cost
$0 upfront
Timeframe
Immediate
Success Rate
100% (but at high cost)
Credit Impact
Severe (500-700 points)
Advantages
- Immediate relief from payments
- No upfront costs
Disadvantages
- Destroys your credit score (500-700 points)
- Collections harassment for years
- Potential lawsuit from resort
- May still owe accumulated fees
- Affects ability to get loans, jobs, housing
- Stress and legal complications
- Not a real 'solution'
Best For:
- Absolutely no one - this is not recommended
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- • This will severely damage your financial future
- • Collections can pursue you for years
- • May face legal action
Donate to Charity
Cost
$2,000-$5,000
Timeframe
3-12 months
Success Rate
Less than 10%
Credit Impact
None (if accepted)
Advantages
- Potential tax deduction (minimal)
- Feels charitable
Disadvantages
- Most 'charities' are scams
- Charities rarely accept timeshares
- High upfront fees
- Tax deduction usually worthless
- Still responsible if charity refuses
- Many fraudulent companies
- IRS scrutiny on timeshare donations
Best For:
- Almost no one - very limited legitimate options
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- • Companies cold-calling about donations
- • Promises of large tax deductions
- • Upfront fees before acceptance
- • Unverified 'charities'
Cancellation Rights (Rescission Periods)
Every state has its own laws governing the rescission period (a short window in which a new timeshare purchase can be canceled).
A trusted consumer-law resource, Nolo.com, publishes a detailed state-by-state chart explaining these cancellation timelines. We encourage owners to review this information and check their contract dates to see whether they may still qualify for rescission.
View Nolo's State-By-State Timeshare Rescission Chart
We are not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This resource is provided for general consumer education only.
For a broader overview of how timeshares work, common problems, and potential scams, Nolo also publishes a detailed FAQ: Are Timeshares a Scam? (Nolo FAQ).
Why Professional Exit Companies Have the Highest Success Rate
Specialized Expertise
Professional exit companies handle hundreds of cases annually. They know every resort's policies, legal requirements, and negotiation strategies that work.
Financial Guarantee
Reputable companies offer 100% money-back guarantees. If they can't exit your timeshare, you get a full refund. No other method offers this protection.
No Credit Damage
Unlike defaulting or stop-paying strategies, professional exits are completely legal and won't harm your credit score.
Handles Complex Situations
Mortgaged timeshares, delinquent fees, multiple owners, inherited properties - professional companies have solutions for situations that other methods can't handle.
Ready to Exit Your Timeshare the Right Way?
Work with a team that backs accepted clients with a written 100% money-back guarantee on our service fee. Free consultation to review your options and create a personalized exit strategy.
100% Guaranteed
Full refund if we can't help
BBB A+ Rated
4,500+ successful exits
Since 2011
Over a decade of expertise