How to Negotiate Your Timeshare Exit Cost

Leaving a timeshare might sound straightforward at first, with promises of easy exits and stress-free solutions. But many owners quickly learn that getting out can come with unexpected complications. Here are some of the challenges you may face:

  • Confusing contracts that make negotiation tough.
  • Higher costs if you still owe a mortgage.
  • Difficulty finding honest, experienced exit companies.
  • The risk of losing money to scams or upfront fees.
  • Damage to your credit if payments aren’t kept up during the process.

 

In this article, we’ll break down how to negotiate your timeshare exit cost and help you protect both your finances and your peace of mind as you plan your next steps.

What to Do First When You Want Out

First, know your situation. Check your timeshare contract to see what you own and what you owe. If you still have a mortgage, your cost will be higher. Many resorts let paid-off owners exit more easily​. 

If your timeshare is paid off and all fees are current, call your resort. Some resorts even take deeds back for free or at a very low cost in these cases​. Write or call and explain why you want out. If you own the deed and your account is in good standing, the resort might work with you for little or no fee.

If you bought recently, check your rescission period. This is a short window (usually 3–14 days) after purchase when you can cancel for just the paperwork fee​. Rescission usually costs only a few hundred dollars. After this window closes, those easy options are gone.

Next, get multiple quotes. Contact at least two timeshare exit companies to compare prices. Tell each company the facts of your case, including any hardship like job loss or medical bills. Being upfront about your hardship can sometimes get you a break. A company may lower its fee or suggest a plan to help if it knows you have serious financial reasons.

Pro Tip: Before reaching out to any exit company or the resort, gather all relevant documents, including your contract, recent maintenance fee bills, and any correspondence. Having everything on hand makes the negotiation faster and less stressful.

What to Ask an Exit Company

Before you choose, ask each company these questions:

  • Fee details: Will any part of the fee be due before the exit is done? 

 

(Real exit firms use escrow, so you only pay after the contract is canceled​.)

  • Guarantees: Do they offer a refund or guarantee if they fail to cancel your timeshare?

  • Experience: How long have they been in business? A company with years of experience is more likely to handle tricky resort contracts.

  • Timeline: How long might the process take? You should keep paying your annual fees until you’re free of the contract.​

  • Escrow and contract: Confirm they use an escrow service and will give you a signed contract that spells out services and fees.

Now you can negotiate carefully with the exit company. Ask if the price is the best they can do. Highlight your hardship again. A good company may offer to reduce the fee or break it into installments, since they still want to help and get paid. 

Remember, don’t stop paying your timeshare fees or mortgage until you have an official exit. Not paying can ruin your credit or lead to foreclosure. Keep your payments current while you work this out.

Important Note: Never trust any exit company that pressures you to pay before seeing a signed contract and a clear breakdown of all fees. Escrow is your safety net; insist on it.

Spotting Scam Red Flags

  • Up-front payments: Legitimate companies will not ask you to pay anything until your exit is done​. They hold your payment in escrow and only get it when the contract is cancelled.

  • Unrealistic promises: Beware of anyone promising a “guaranteed exit” or an immediate sale of your timeshare. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

  • Pressure tactics: If a caller or email pushes you to decide quickly or sign papers, be cautious. Scammers rush you so you don’t have time to check them.

  • No credentials: Check each company’s reviews and Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. If they can’t provide references or have no track record, be wary.

  • High listing fees: Don’t pay large upfront costs for someone to list or sell your timeshare. Legitimate resale sites charge only small fees. As one guide warns, paying more than about $150 to advertise is almost always a scam​.

  • Resort transfer fees: If you deal directly with your resort, ask upfront about any fees for a deed-back. Often it’s just a year’s maintenance fee or a few hundred dollars, not thousands.

 

Remember: Never give your credit card or banking details over the phone to a company you haven’t researched. Check reviews and BBB ratings first, and don’t be afraid to walk away if anything feels off.

Negotiate Directly with Your Resort

You can also try talking to your resort’s customer service or Owner Services. Explain why you want to cancel and be polite. If you show genuine financial strain, they may offer a hardship exit or deed-back program. Keep expectations realistic. 

ARDA notes that no resort will cancel your contract just because you can’t pay or decide you no longer want it​. Still, politely ask if any options exist. Some small resorts have special programs for long-time owners in need.

If you talk to a resort rep, take notes. Record the date, the person’s name, and what was said. After each call, write a short summary in your own words. That creates a paper trail. If the resort offers anything, get it in writing, even if it’s just an email. These notes can protect you later.

Important Note: The timeshare exit industry changes fast. What works today may change in the future, so double-check every step, keep records, and trust your instincts. If in doubt, seek help from consumer protection groups or your state’s attorney general

How Can We Help You?

Let’s face it, getting out of a timeshare can feel like trying to untie a thousand tiny knots. MyTER makes the whole thing simpler and far safer. 

First, we never push you to pay upfront. The exit company only gets paid after your contract is gone for good, so your money stays protected in escrow until the job is done. 

Second, you’re never on your own. We connect you with legitimate exit companies that have already earned BBB accreditation and a history of real wins. 

The result? Owners who once felt trapped now walk away free, without surprise fees, empty promises, or sleepless nights.

Before you spend a dime, why not take five minutes to talk with us? You might save up to $1,000 just by understanding your options. There’s no pressure, just honest guidance so you can make the choice that feels right for you. Give us a call and see for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get out of a timeshare? 

Costs vary. Canceling during the rescission window often costs only a few hundred dollars. If you’re outside that window, using a legitimate exit company usually costs several thousand dollars, depending on your situation​.

Can I negotiate fees with my timeshare company? 

You can try. If you have no outstanding loan and are current on fees, many resorts offer a low-cost or free exit. If you owe money, ARDA warns they generally won’t cancel just because you can’t pay. It never hurts to ask and explain your situation calmly.

Is it safe to use a timeshare exit company?

It can be, if you choose carefully. A safe company will never ask for full payment up front​. They should use escrow and provide a clear contract. Timeshare Exit only connects you to accredited, escrow-backed firms. These companies have good ratings and only get paid after your contract is cancelled, protecting your money.

How do I avoid timeshare exit scams? 

Watch for warning signs. No legitimate company will demand big fees right away​. Be skeptical of promises of quick results or guaranteed refunds. Use a service like Timeshare Exit that vets companies. Make sure the company uses escrow. Check reviews and BBB ratings to confirm they’re real.

What is escrow in a timeshare exit?

Escrow is when a neutral third party holds your payment. You deposit the fee in escrow, and the exit company only gets it once you’ve successfully exited. Escrow protects you from fraud and ensures the company finishes the job.

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