Which Way to Go?

It is a known fact that several timeshare owners are already attempting to find paths to gain timeshare relief. It is perhaps because of that circumstance that assorted companies making an attempt to help timeshare owners who are looking for for relief were established. The corporations are timeshare re-sellers, timeshare renters, and timeshare transfer companies. Either company can help you in setting yourself free of the contract you are in the way most convenient for you. What you have got to do is to determine which way is the best for you in terms of safety and quickness in delivering you out of your timeshare contract. 

Selling Your Timeshare 

If you are decided to sell the vacation package, the best company to approach is a timeshare re-seller. Such corporations can help you define the proper price for your timeshare, market the property, and process the transfer of the contract from you to the buyer. The hardest part for them is finding a potential customer. Not too many individuals are ready to spend on a timeshare particularly now that they know maintaining a timeshare can be financially draining. And because of that, timeshare re-sellers need a fee for their service. Some also ask a portion of the sale. So it might be best to chat about the payment scheme first before you ultimately cope with the company. And don't forget to sign on the dotted line with the company representatives. 

Hiring Out Your Timeshare 

If you think that you can still use your timeshare in the succeeding years, you can decide to just lease it out. That way, you can offset a portion of the upkeep fee and still own the package. Just remember that you still have to pay the upkeep fees and special assessments for the rest of the year. 

You can then approach a timeshare rental company. Know that most timeshare re-sellers also offer timeshare rentals, so you can check with any of these companies. Such service can also cost much so do not expect to earn from it. 

Transferring your Timeshare 

If you need to shed the vacation package fast, the best company to approach is a timeshare transfer company. They offer the service of transferring the contract name to another. It is the contract that generally decides the possession of the timeshare. So if the contract is under your name, it is automated the financial responsibilities are yours also. 

There are numerous corporations who offer this approach to eliminate your timeshare. It is with much hope that you meet legal and trustworthy companies. Two timeshare fraudulent corporations also exist so your attention is obligatory. Handle trustworthy corporations for you to be able to enjoy real timeshare relief.

Give Transfer Smart a call today and see how they can help you out of your timeshare. They have already helped dozens of timeshare owners and they are just waiting to hear from you! 

Beware

Thomas Wesley, a Twenty-three years old man, was arrested and prepared for lying to a timeshare owner that he sold his timeshare for him. Though he did not actually sell the timeshare he accepted $30,000 from the seller. Wesley is now scheduled at the Palm Beach Local lock up and is being held with a $3,000 bail. 

After receiving several beefs from Gary Zoromski of Michigan, investigators began looking into the situation and discovered that Wesley together with two others have been conning timeshare owners into believing that they'd help them sell their timeshare at a cost. Zoromski stated that he was called by a person named Jim Reynolds who informed him that his timeshare had been sold and he needed to pay the closing costs before the deal would close. After wiring the money, Zoromski discovered that his timeshare hadn't been sold and he had been defrauded by these 3 men. 

One important thing to remember is to never pay an front-loaded charge. Many corporations have started scamming timeshare owners by convincing them that they're a credible business. Whenever a company or business asks for an upfront charge be sure to do your analysis and always be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau.

Internet Scams

Transfer Smart exposes the top five web swindles in the world today. In a recent Nielsen survey, just about 60 % of all customers stated that they would rather go shopping at home then at a mall. With the expansion of the net, shoppers are now in a position to purchase almost everything imaginable with a straightforward click. Nevertheless what many don't realize is the growing quantity of cons flowing through the web today. In this piece, Transfer Smart reveals the 5 most popular cons and the way to avoid them. 

Cruise Deals 


With the fantastic deals presented online though sites such as Expedia and Priceline it is hard to say no. But one particular thing to avoid is booking a cruise online. Though not all booking sites are tricks, it is difficult to say no to a good deal. The Better Business Bureau received over 1,000 beefs about ship purchases. Many scammers have mailed out postcards saying that you have received a free cruise and so as to claim your prize you need to call them. 

One important thing to always look for when booking a cruise is the key words like free, exceptional offers, or discounted. Any site connected with those key words usually end up being a sting. Another way to avoid being scammed is by doing a touch of research. Read reviews provided by other clients and never give out your Mastercard info until you are guaranteed that the company is 100% valid. 


Temp jobs 

Students in high school or varsity tend to seek summer jobs when they haven't any prior work experience. Many times they are interested in apply for jobs that offer high incomes that need almost no previous work experience. Often times these job offers tend to finish up as swindles rather than a real career opening. 

To avoid ending up as a victim of this trick, never send cash to a company in exchange for a job position. Other examples include costs for info kits, materials, or executive costs. Many times the client will pay these charges and finish up receiving nothing in turn. One gigantic no-no is to give out your private info. Never give out your bank accounts or PayPal information to a company till you are One hundred percent certain that they're not a scam. 


Timeshares 

With timeshares being such an awful investment, many internet scams have surfaced in the past few years. Because of the economic downfall, many timeshare owners are now unable to keep up with the annual upkeep charges. This ended in many owners trying to sell their timeshare online. Nevertheless the BBB warns timeshare owners to be careful of timeshare resale corporations that ask for an front-loaded charge. The BBB even goes so far as to point out never sell a timeshare on the web. 

A method to avoid being a victim to a timeshare resale trick is to never trust a company who asks for an front-loaded fee like processing or title transfer charges. In addition, sellers shouldn't give out any personal info such as their social security or bank information. The BBB advises timeshare owners to use an organization that charges a fee only after the timeshare is sold. 

Make sure to always read the small print especially when making an attempt to sell a timeshare. Read each contract meticulously and ensure the company is basically selling your timeshare not just charging a fee to publicize the listing. Be certain to never wire money to a reseller or seller. Cards usually offer fraud protection that wire transfers don't offer.


Stipends and Financial aid 


As students graduate many of them have obligations that must be paid off steadily. Since debt should be avoided at any cost, many scholars and elders are on the lookout for grant opportunities that might be utilized towards higher education. Nevertheless the BBB warns parents to never fall for sites that need a charge to access the bursaries or financial help packages. 

Many fraudsters have used sites that require a charge for grant possibilities. Students and parents alike have fallen for these grant frauds and lose about $100 million yearly. All legitimate scholarships and financial aid information are free and don't require any upfront payment. 


Designer Goods 

With the economy as it is, many buyers are looking for a way to save some money. Many designer purses sold at half price is most probably a knock-off sold by unscrupulous people. What many customers fail to realize is that designer products will always remain at a serious price unless the company is having a sale. Fake goods are now a enormous world industry. Counterfeit products sold and shipped to U.S. Firms have made them lose millions of dollars each year. 

The right way to avoid getting a counterfeit or knock-off is to just buy the item at the official store or from a credible dealer. 

Employees of VO Group Indicated

A man was arrested for being involved in a mortgage fraud scheme last week. This scheme had more than 225 victims and robbed them of $2.6 million dollars. The man, Adam Lacerda, pleaded not guilty in his hearing at the federal court last Monday. Lacerda graduated from Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School and was CEO of VO Group. The VO Group was a timeshare firm located in Nashville, TN that was based in New Jersey. Lacerda currently faces charges of “mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering”. He, along with his wife and six others were indicated.

Allegedly, the workers of VO Group contacted timeshare owners and convinced them to sell their timeshare for a cut-rate price. They also had these sellers send them money to sell or cancel their timeshare. The money was mailed to a P.O. Box in New Jersey where Lacerda withdrew the money and used it for personal expenses.

The investigation revealed that these schemers tried to cover their tracks by purchasing another timeshare in the clients name in the ‘bait and switch’ tactic. In addition, Lacerda and his wife were also receiving unemployment while working for the company. The jury trial is scheduled for July 9^th in New Jersey.  

Transfer Smart warns all timeshare owners to be careful when hiring a company in regards to timeshares. There are a lot of timeshare fraud companies who have taken thousands of dollars from timeshare owners. 

Southwest's Customer of Size Policy

Transfer Smart reports on a woman who was allegedly told that she was ‘too fat to fly’. Kenlie Tiggeman, was told by a Southwest Airlines gate agent that she was too fat to fly last year. After receiving an apology Tiggeman continued to fly with the said company. However, the incident happened again this year and Tiggeman has taken matters into her own hands and proceeds to sue the airline company.

Tiggeman is a woman from New Orleans and once weighed over four-hundred pounds. Unhappy with her weight she decided to go on a quest to lose some unwanted pounds. However, her biggest gripe with airlines is their inconsistent ‘Customer of Size’ policy.

Tiggeman commented, “The problem I have with Southwest is not that they may want me to purchase two seats. It’s that sometimes they want that, and other times they don’t.”

Last year, a gate agent humiliated her in front of other passengers by stating that she was too fat to fly and would have to purchase an additional seat. After filing a complaint, the agent apologized to Tiggeman and Tiggeman agreed to fly with Southwest again.  After flying with the airline on two separate occasions without having to purchase a second seat, she was surprised to be told that she was again too fat to fly.

“Paying double because a gate agent may or may not have something against overweight people is not realistic…nor should it be necessary.”

Frustrated Tiggeman decided to take action against Southwest. She stated that the legal action isn’t about money but to have the airline clarify its Customer of Size policy.

Tiggeman commented, “As a consumer, I may not have been born with the innate right to fly, but as a consumer who is willing to pay, I do have a right to understand the rules clearly at the point of purchase. [Right now], it’s left to interpretation. So if they can take the guess work out of it then everyone will be better off moving forward and that’s what I’m trying to accomplish."

When asked to comment, Southwest stated that their policy and rules are clearly stated online. The airline advises consumers that if they encroach upon the neighboring seats they need to purchase an additional seat. Tiggeman understood this policy and stated that she is able to sit in any seat with the armrest down but when she wanted to demonstrate this to the gate agent, they turned her down and firmly stated that she needed to purchase an additional seat.

A blogger commented, “Nobody deserves to be embarrassed at the gates. However, I also understand the airline’s perspective. Making clear-cut guidelines is absolutely not as simple as you think it is. The policy could not be based on weight, because people carry [it] so differently.”

TSA Agent Returns Lost Envelope

Transfer Smart reports on a Transportation Security Administration officer who has been credited for returning an envelope with $9,500 to a passenger, Carlos Palma, who had allegedly lost the carry-on item. The envelope was dropped at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on April 11 at the security checkpoint. The passenger was unaware that he had dropped the envelope and continued on his flight to Iowa.

The TSA officer, Don Williams, commented, “I picked it up off the floor and palmed it in my hand so that no one could see it. At that point, I took it to a private screening area, where it was counted and saw it was 95 $100 bills.”

Williams made an announcement and asked passengers if anyone had lost anything. However, no one responded. When Palma reached Iowa he realized that he had dropped his money and called the airport to see if it was discovered. After confirmation, the money was returned to Palma and he stated that he was proud of the way the TSA handled the situation.

Williams stated that he lives by “always do[ing] the right thing, and that way you can live with yourself.”

How to Transfer a Timeshare

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Transfer Smart is your first choice to get out of a timeshare contract, contact us today. If you’d like to attempt to transfer your timeshare contract on your own, here’s how. Use helpful steps to transfer your timeshare out of your name and get back into financial freedom.

1. Call the resort and ensure that you are paid up on all fees, and find out if there are any fees incurred while transferring your timeshare.
2. Provide the buyer with the resort’s contact information, location and rules. 
3. Write up a contract between you and the buyer. It should include the weeks that you are able to use, information on special assessment and maintenance fees, and the contact info of both you and the buyer.
4. Get a new deed for the timeshare from the county clerk (or other applicable authority) where the timeshare is located. This information should be found on your deed.
5. Fill out the deed and have both you and the buyer sign it in front of a notary public. Hire an attorney if you think you need further assistance with this document.
6. Submit the (new) original deed to the county clerk’s office.
7. Finally, submit a copy of the new deed to the resort or timeshare management company. Include a letter stating the transaction details, including your information and the information of the buyer. Depending on the resort, you may have to submit a transfer fee (see step one) along with the deed.

If you have any questions ask me here at the Transfer Smart Help Page or call us at 866-906-4494.

New Sonesta Hotel Opening In South Carolina

Yellow Crab at Hilton Head.

The Sonesta Collection Group, one of the world’s largest timeshare and resort sales operators, is opening a new interval-ownership resort in South Carolina. On 27 April, reservations will be accepted at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, just minutes away from famous Savannah, Georgia on the South Carolina/Georgia state line. Sonesta operates a cruise line, and it’s not yet known if they plan to dock out of the Hilton Head Island location.

Beach activities like parasailing, jet-skiing and swimming will be located just steps from the timeshare resort. All rooms will have high-speed wireless internet access and a private balcony. Golf courses and tennis courts can be found just 20 minutes away in neighboring Savannah.

Sonesta group runs hotels in such diverse places as Miami, Boston, Sint Maarten, Colombia, Peru and Egypt. Planned expansion in the upcoming years includes sites in Panama and Argentina.

Homeless Hotspots

Clarence, happy to work.

In an interesting twist combining blatant advertising with a rampant social issue, BBH Labs, a British advertising agency, came up with the idea of giving homeless people in Austin Texas wireless routers and allowing them to sell wi-fi time to people on the street at The Southwest Music Conference and Festival (SXSW) is an annual film and music festival. Billed as the festival where “The World Comes to Austin,” the festival gets a good showing from the local college crowd and visitors from all over the world.

The idea was inspired by Street Newspapers. This is the national paper printed by the NASNA and sold to homeless people for them to sell and deals editorially with homeless and unemployment issues in America.

The shirts the people wear offer their name and password, and once the prospective customer logs on with their phone or laptop, they can make a payment of whatever amount they like. The suggested value is $2 for every 15 minutes of usage. All money paid will go directly to the homeless individual, who is also making an hourly wage for his work.

BBH Labs felt that selling newspapers was an outdated commercial model, and that turning homeless people into Wi-Fi hotspots was more intelligent and sound for the smartphone age.

Some media outlets have criticized the move, but all of the volunteers embraced the idea. "They're giving us the opportunity to work," says Mark West. "You're proving a service for the public. It's like an individual business."

Al Gore is the headline speaker for SXSW 2012 and Andrew Bird is the featured musical performer. Transfer Smart will do a presentation at the show. The official site for Homeless Hotspots provides information on the 13 men who worked the event as hotspots.

Wells Fargo May Close Branches Says CFO

                          In this tale, a story of downsizing.

In order to become more profitable, Wells Fargo is considering closing branches that are near each other, according to CFO Tim Sloan. CEO John Stumpf claims the company will cut costs by $1.5 billion over the next nine months. Transfer Smart activity has gone up over the same time period.

By contrast, Chase Bank is expanding. In a statement released last month, they outlined a plan for opening 900 new branches in 2012. The majority of their new businesses will be built in Florida, California and Georgia. In 2011, Chase opened 240 branches. Wells Fargo closed 638 branches in 2010.

Wells Fargo is the national leader in home lending and mortgage servicing, overtaking Bank of America. Bank of America was shelled last year as the Fed determined they had given out many faulty loans.

GM Lays Off Workers

                               The Chevy Volt, not on fire.

Slower than projected sales of the part-gas, part-electric Volt vehicle has led GM to lay off 1,300 employees from March 19^th to April 23. The vehicle was introduced last year and fell short of its projected goal of 10,000 sold by almost 25%. As of February 2012, Chevrolet has sold 1,626 Volts.  Instead of expanding production, they will suspend manufacture for five weeks at their Detroit plant.

The car became a political lightning rod last year when accusations of cover-up by the White House were suspected. President Obama’s administration, wishing to promote electric and hybrid cars to the American people, allegedly covered up the fact that two Volts burst into flames weeks after severe NHTSA crash testing.

The car has a high selling point of $40,000, but government subsidies knock the price down to $32,500, still pretty steep for a small car that still uses gasoline. And rival Ford released a statement today that their new Focus Electric is “officially America's most fuel-efficient five-passenger car."

The government famously purchased the first 100 volts made as part of its promise to lead America in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

GM released this through a spokesman: “Even with sales up in February over January, we are still seeking to align our production with demand.”

Costa Cruise Line Disaster Strikes Again

Just a month removed from the Costa Concordia disaster off the coast of Italy, another Costa Cruise lines ship has suffered a major disaster in an exotic location.

The fire was in the generator room of the ship. No one was hurt, but it occurred while the ship was 200 miles away from land in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

The Costa Allegra fire was contained quickly according to a company spokesman. The ship returned to port in the Seychelles Islands and all passengers departed safely.

DRI Uses Technology to Improve Customer Service

Diamond Resorts International, one of the nation’s largest timeshare sellers by volume, is using a new software program to ensure their customers get improved, personalized service. It’s called Customer 360, and it basically notes customer tendencies and requests on a standard form and is accessible from any DRI resort in the world.

For example, a family from Arizona checked in at a DRI resort in Hawaii. Their son has autism, and didn’t wanted a room above the second floor but as far from an elevator as possible. DRI listed this information on the families’ Customer 360 profile, and ensured they would never have to make the special request again. The benefits even extend to front-desk greetings. If a guest is enjoying their first stay in Hawaii or their 10^th, the clerk can see that and offer them an appropriate greeting.

The next area where customers will see improved service is while using DRI’s call center. There, workers can see tendencies of guests and offer them solutions on how to use their points better or plan vacations.

"Technology sometimes makes life more complicated, but we're trying to use it to make life simpler and more enjoyable," said company president David Palmer.

The Florida Timeshare Resale Accountability Act

Florida AG Pam Bondi.

One of the largest continual scams in Florida are timeshare resellers. They take money upfront from timeshare deed holder and verbally promise to have their timeshare sold. They never offer anything in writing and almost never deliver on their promises.

Well the state of Florida has decided to fight back. The Florida Timeshare Resale Accountability Act, sponsored by state house representative Andy Gardiner of Orlando, has new outlines that anyone who solicits a timeshare contract holder with claims of potential resale must follow.

“This legislation is a needed first step by state authorities to take action against dishonest companies whose actions taint the industry’s reputable resale companies,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of American Resort Development Association (ARDA).

The bill also provides sellers with an “unwaivable right to cancel” a listing for ten days after it is signed, but exempts condominium and other timeshare developers who offer resale services to owners. A similar law has been passed in South Carolina, and at least three other states are considering legislation.

Transfer Smart has helped timeshare owners from Hawaii to Florida and everywhere in between get out of their contracts FOREVER. Contact us today.

Great Ski Vacations in Western Canada

An unusually high amount of snow has hit Western Canada this year, primarily due to the La Nina weather pattern. Hotels and resorts in the area are enjoying tourists that usually pick the Rockies over Alberta have wandered north this winter, following the great snowfall.

Red Mountain Resort was able to open 100% of its runs three weeks earlier than normal this year. Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia has seen 17 feet of snowfall this winter, two of those in the month of January. The site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the two mountains offer over eight-thousand skiable acres of land, more than any other range in the U.S. or Canada.

The Canadian dollar is also improving in worth, attracting U.S. travelers. In 2008, the Canadian dollar was only worth $0.80. As of today, the two are virtually even.

Ben Fields, manager at Blackcomb’s Pine Mountain resort said the fact that Canada’s unusually high snowfall and the Rockies unusually light snowfall wasn’t necessarily good for the industry. “We’re happy to have it, but it benefits the whole industry if it snows all over North America,” he said. “We’d love to see you here though. We’re only three hours away from Los Angeles by plane.”

Ski vacations are awesome, but don't get roped into buying a timeshare while on one. If you do, Transfer Smart can help you get out of it. We offer a 100% In-Writing Guarantee! Contact us now.

Indianapolis Hotels Cash In On City’s First Super Bowl

Indianapolis, Indiana is smaller than some of the previous hosts of the Super Bowl like San Diego and Miami, and caters to a smaller tourist industry. The few hoteliers there are well pleased with the large amounts of people that have signed up for rooms this weekend in advance of this year’s Super Bowl.

Many rooms are being offered at five, six, or seven times their normal prices. A search on Travelocity netted only 12 open properties with rooms out of a possible 260. The National Football League has been at this for a long time, and bought 90% of the rooms within a thirty-mile radius of the city’s football stadium four years ago when Indy’s host bid was approved. They then use those rooms for their people internally, as well as resell the rooms to corporate partners, media and the like. That usually leaves the hotels with rooms remaining to charge exorbitant prices. The closest room from the Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indy was an America’s Best Inn, which was charging $399 for their cheapest room. That’s an increase of 625.5% from its usual rate of $55.

There’s no question the bump is from the “Big game”. 91.3% of rooms are booked in the city’s region for this weekend, compared with less than 26% booked for the Super Bowl weekend last year, when the game was played in Arlington, Texas.

If you're traveling to Indy for the first time, don't get duped into buying a timeshare. If you already own a timeshare, we can help! Contact Transfer Smart today for rundown of exit solutions we offer to get you out of your timeshare, and our 100% In-Writing Guarantee.

The Travel Agent Lives On

With the rise of online price sites, the profession of travel agent was knocking on death’s door. But a recent catastrophe shows the usefulness of a travel agent can go way beyond price cutting.

Travel agents take hours of specialized training. Many hold certifications from large private companies and can therefore speak on the ins and outs of those companies. They may be a certified Alaska Cruise or Westin Resort specialist. They can offer insight on travel services the discount sites can’t match.

Travelers are always looking to save in a recession, but on average spend nine hours on 21 different websites just to book a trip. They have an idea of what they want, but the price cutter sites don’t offer personalized advice.

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) says the number of agents and agencies has gone down in the last six years. In order to cater to a generation that has never dealt with a travel agent for their vacation needs, agencies have combined forces, cut commission fees and offer better services to consumers than ever before.

Book your small travels to destinations you are familiar with on the discount sites, but if you’re planning a big getaway to an exotic location, let’s say a week-long surf trip to Indonesia, do yourself a favor and use a travel agent.