You May Own It Outright—But You’re Still Paying
Paying off your timeshare loan might feel like the finish line—but it rarely is. Even after the balance is cleared, you’re still responsible for:
- Annual maintenance fees (which typically increase every year)
- Special assessments for repairs and upgrades
- Club or exchange dues if you’re in a points-based system
- Taxes and HOA costs
In short, you may not owe the resort money for the purchase anymore—but you’re still financially tied to it for life unless you take steps to get out.
Why It’s Hard to Get Rid of a Timeshare
Timeshares are designed to be easy to buy and hard to sell. The resale market is saturated, and most contracts include fine print that:
- Gives the developer “Right of First Refusal” (ROFR)—meaning they can block your sale.
- Restricts transfers to family members or “approved” buyers only.
- Includes perpetual clauses, which pass ownership (and fees) to your heirs.
That’s why even paid-off timeshares often become financial burdens owners are desperate to eliminate.
1. Contact the Resort or HOA (Deed-Back or Surrender Program)
Some resorts offer a deed-back or surrender program that lets you give your timeshare back voluntarily.
Here’s how it works:
- You request the resort’s owner services or HOA office to review your account.
- You must typically be current on all fees and have no pending loans.
- If approved, you sign transfer paperwork to return ownership to the resort.
It’s the simplest option—but not all resorts offer it. And some will charge a “processing” or “transfer” fee for accepting it back.
Tip: Always get written confirmation that you’ve been fully released from future obligations.
2. Try Selling or Transferring (But Be Realistic)
There’s an active resale market online—but prices are drastically lower than the purchase price. Many timeshares sell for $1 (or not at all).
If you want to try:
- Use trusted listing sites like RedWeek, Timeshare Users Group (TUG), or eBay.
- Avoid any reseller who asks for upfront marketing or “buyer location” fees—these are often scams.
- Disclose all fees honestly to potential buyers.
Selling can work for high-demand weeks or luxury resorts—but for most owners, it’s not a reliable solution.
3. Donate It (If a Charity Accepts It)
Some nonprofit organizations accept timeshare donations if:
- The property is paid off,
- Maintenance fees are current, and
- The resort is in good standing or high-demand.
However, most charities reject timeshares because they can’t resell them easily. You’ll also need to pay transfer fees and confirm the charity agrees to take full ownership (and future fees).
4. Work With a Professional Timeshare Exit Company
For many owners, the most effective way to eliminate a paid-off timeshare is through a professional, resort-compliant exit process.
A reputable company—like Lonestar Transfer—can:
- Audit your contract and HOA terms.
- Prepare and submit all cancellation paperwork correctly.
- Communicate directly with the resort or HOA.
- Provide written proof once your obligation is removed.
This approach protects your credit and ensures everything is done legally.
Important: Legitimate companies will clearly outline the process and provide documentation.
5. Don’t Just Stop Paying
It’s tempting to stop paying maintenance fees once your loan is paid off—but that’s risky. Doing so can:
- Damage your credit score.
- Lead to collections or legal action.
- Prevent you from completing a future cancellation.
Instead, handle your exit through a verified and compliant path so you can leave your ownership behind permanently and safely.
How Much You Can Save After Canceling
Let’s say you pay $1,500 a year in maintenance fees—and they rise by 5% annually. Over the next 10 years, you’ll spend roughly $19,000 on a property you might not even use.
Canceling your paid-off timeshare today can free up that money for better financial goals: vacations, savings, or investments you control.
FAQs
Can I just give away my paid-off timeshare?
Maybe—but you’ll need to find someone willing to take on the fees, and the resort must approve the transfer.
Will canceling affect my credit?
A legitimate, resort-compliant cancellation should not harm your credit.
How long does it take to cancel a timeshare?
Depending on the resort and paperwork, it can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months.
Your Paid-Off Timeshare Doesn’t Have to Be Forever
You did your part—you paid it off. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep paying for something that no longer fits your life.
At Lonestar Transfer, we help owners safely exit paid-off timeshares through a clear, documented process that permanently ends their financial obligations.
