Looking to sell your Westin timeshare ownership? You’re in the right place. Whether your vacation needs have changed, your budget has shifted, or you just aren’t using your timeshare as often as you’d hoped, there comes a time when parting ways with your timeshare – even if that timeshare is from a luxury brand like Westin – is the best option. The good news? There is a well-established resale market for Westin properties, meaning if you’re looking for a safe, reliable way to exit your timeshare, you have options. Here’s everything you need to know to sell Westin timeshare on the resale market, as well as some alternatives to selling you may not have thought of. Let’s get started!
- How Do I Sell My Westin Vacation Ownership on the Timeshare Resale Market?
- How to Sell a Westin Timeshare (As a Westin Timeshare Owner)
- 1. Contact Your Resort, Brand, or Vistana Signature Network (Owned by Marriott Vacations Worldwide)
- 2. Before You Sell Your Timeshare, Westin Has the Right of First Refusal (ROFR)
- 3. Gather Your Ownership Details
- 4. Determine a Realistic Selling Price
- 5. Work with a Trusted Resale Company to Help Sell Your Westin Timeshare
- 6. Complete the Closing Process with a Trusted Title Company (and Don't Stop Paying Your Mandatory Resort Maintenance Fees Until You Do)
- Alternatives to Selling Your Westin Timeshare
- Learn More About How to Sell Westin Vacation Club Timeshare
How Do I Sell My Westin Vacation Ownership on the Timeshare Resale Market?
If you’ve made up your mind to sell your Westin timeshare, there are a few steps you’ll inevitably need to take. First, you must gather your ownership details. This is essential for creating an accurate and enticing ad for the resale market. You’ll also want to alert your resort or developer to ensure you’re current on your maintenance fees and legally permitted to put your ownership up for sale.
Westin owners can technically do all of this themselves. Your timeshare is your property, and anyone can advertise their ownership on the resale market. However, the resale market can be difficult to navigate, and selling a timeshare is a multi-step process that can take up to 90 days or more. To ensure things go smoothly and maximize your chances of a successful sale, it’s advisable to work with an advertising company like BuyATimeshare.com.
How to Sell a Westin Timeshare (As a Westin Timeshare Owner)
As we touched on already, the Westin timeshare resale process comprises several key stages. Having a solid understanding of each step helps you reach interested buyers and makes your resale journey less stressful overall.
1. Contact Your Resort, Brand, or Vistana Signature Network (Owned by Marriott Vacations Worldwide)
Before advertising your Westin Vacation Club ownership, touch base with your resort or the wider Marriott Vacations Worldwide network (Marriott’s timeshare ownership branch, which includes Marriott vacation clubs Westin and Sheraton, collectively branded as Vistana Signature Experiences). They can help you confirm what you own, that you don’t have outstanding maintenance fees or other financial obligations, and that you’re eligible to sell your ownership.
2. Before You Sell Your Timeshare, Westin Has the Right of First Refusal (ROFR)
Another reason why you should notify your resort before advertising your timeshare for sale is the right of first refusal, or ROFR. This clause, found in any standard timeshare contract, stipulates that the resort has the legal right to step in as the buyer before you accept an offer. The resort has to honor the terms agreed to by you and your buyer, so all that changes for you is whose name is listed as “buyer” on the sale certificate.
Right of first refusal is a standard part of the timeshare industry, and it doesn’t prevent you from selling your timeshare. It can be confusing, however. Hiring a resale advertising company is a great way to navigate the ROFR.
3. Gather Your Ownership Details
Transparency is key when posting a Westin timeshare for sale. Potential buyers want to understand exactly what it is they’re purchasing.
Key ownership details include:
- Deed and original purchase agreement
- Current maintenance fees and loan payment status
- Home resort and unit type
- Week number or points allotment
- Membership in the Vistana Signature Experiences network
Understanding your ownership details is crucial for earning buyers’ trust.
4. Determine a Realistic Selling Price
One of the biggest steps in selling your Westin timeshare is determining your resale value and pricing your ownership. Like most timeshare resales, Westin Vacation Club resales typically sell for less than their original purchase price.
To determine a competitive, realistic price:
- Do thorough research on comparable resales
- Explore resale platforms and marketplaces
- Consider your resort, season, and demand
Pricing your timeshare correctly helps attract serious buyers and may help you spend less time on the market.
5. Work with a Trusted Resale Company to Help Sell Your Westin Timeshare
Using a trusted resale advertiser like BuyATimeshare.com can make all the difference when it comes time to sell your Westin timeshare. With unrivaled market insight, they can help you accurately price your timeshare. And as professional marketers, they know what it takes to reach the maximum number of serious buyers. This includes not only clear ownership details, high-quality photos, and compelling copy, but the latest in SEO best practices and technology.
6. Complete the Closing Process with a Trusted Title Company (and Don’t Stop Paying Your Mandatory Resort Maintenance Fees Until You Do)
So, you’ve found a buyer? Don’t start celebrating just yet. You still have to close the deal. Some resale advertisers, like BuyATimeshare.com, can refer you to licensed agents, title companies, and other professionals to help you navigate this important last step.
The closing process typically includes:
- Signing the purchase agreement
- Navigating the ROFR (if applicable)
- Transfer of ownership through a trusted title company
Keep in mind that you should never stop paying your maintenance fees or loan payments until your timeshare is officially transferred to your buyer. Halting payments early can negatively impact your credit and delay the sale.
Alternatives to Selling Your Westin Timeshare
While selling on the resale market is a popular, safe, and reliable option, it’s not the only one. Depending on your situation, you may want to explore alternative paths.
Rescission Period (If You Recently Purchased)
Did you just purchase your Westin timeshare? You may still be within the rescission period. During this short window (typically 3 to 15 days), new owners can cancel their purchase agreement for a full refund.
While rescission is the most convenient option for exiting your ownership, it isn’t without its complexities. For example, your request to cancel must be sent by certified mail in the form of a physical cancellation letter. It must also be postmarked by the last day of the rescission period. You can find your developer’s specific rescission policies in your purchase agreement.
Developer Buyback or Deed-Back Programs
In some cases, Westin’s parent company, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, may offer buyback or deed-back programs for qualifying owners. Qualifying factors typically include your account status and whether your ownership is paid off.
The main difference between a buyback and a deed-back program is that with the latter, no money changes hands – you simply sign the deed back over to the resort – whereas with a buyback, you sell your Westin timeshare back to the resort. Buyback programs usually only pop up when resorts are running low on inventory relative to demand, although neither option is always available. It’s still worth contacting your sort to explore these options, however.
Exchange Through Interval International
Looking for a change of scenery? You don’t necessarily have to sell your Westin timeshare. If you still enjoy the timeshare lifestyle, you may want to look into vacation exchange. Westin Vacation Club is affiliated with Interval International, the world’s second-largest vacation exchange platform, offering access to thousands of other resorts, as well as discounted experiences and travel expenses, in top destinations worldwide. This flexibility is one of the key benefits of Westin timeshare ownership.
Rent Out Your Timeshare
Struggling to keep up with the rising cost of maintenance fees? Renting your timeshare can be a great alternative to selling. When you rent out your timeshare on the resale market, you can earn passive income while you aren’t using it, ensuring your pre-booked vacations never go to waste, leaving the door open for future vacation time with your family, and possibly recouping some or all of your maintenance fee expenses.
Be Cautious of Timeshare Exit Companies
Many Westin Vacation Club owners exploring ways to sell their timeshare ownership run into fraudulent companies promising guaranteed results for a large upfront fee.
If you’re looking for a company to help you get out of your Westin timeshare, keep these rules of thumb in mind:
- There are no guarantees in the world of timeshare resale
- Requests for large upfront fees are a red flag
- Only work with companies in good standing with ARDA
Learn More About How to Sell Westin Vacation Club Timeshare
Ready to sell your Westin timeshare? It doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation, realistic expectations, and support from a trusted resale marketplace, you can find the right buyer and close with confidence. To learn more about how BuyATimeshare.com can help, visit our Sell Timeshare page at the link below. Or, simply call or email us to speak with one of our friendly resale experts today!
