Dear Edith: I am sure this question is one that many people have and an answer certainly would be appreciated. I need to get rid of a timeshare but have paid dollars after dollars to get that done with no results. I would not wish this problem on my worst enemy, much less sell it to a friend which is what most people say to do. Can you help? -- Via e-mail
Answer: If you'd asked me at the start, the first thing I would have advised is not to pay anyone an upfront fee to "advertise" your timeshare.
Ask the developer or the management if they'll take it back.
Advertise in that area's newspaper and Craig's List that you'll give it away for free.
Contact local real estate agents in that town to see if they'd take it on for a high commission rate and a low sale price (but again, don't deal with anyone who wants an upfront fee.)
Talk with your own lawyer about possible consequences if you just stop paying property taxes (often nothing bad happens). That advice will work only if you don't have a mortgage.
If you do have a mortgage, I'm about running out of advice.
As for selling to a friend -- why not, if the friend wants the place and can use it? A timeshare is a problem only when the owner's situation changes and the place becomes a burden instead of a vacation opportunity.
Who Owns The Listings
Ms. Lank: If an agent leaves a company can they take their listings with them? Or do they stay with the broker? -- J.F., licensed salesperson
Answer: Those listing contracts are actually made between the homeowner and the brokerage company. The agent who leaves has no right to take them to another firm.