Are you ready to say goodbye to your Marriott Vacation Club points? We understand that life changes, and sometimes your vacation ownership no longer fits your needs. Perhaps you're looking to downsize your commitments, consolidate your finances, or simply explore new ways to travel. Whatever your reason, selling your Marriott Vacation Club points is a significant decision, and navigating the process can feel overwhelming.
Don't worry, we're here to help. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing your ownership to finding a buyer and closing the deal. We'll break down each step so you can proceed with confidence and make an informed choice.
Step 1: Understand What You Own and What You Can Do
This is the most critical first step. Before you can sell anything, you need to be absolutely certain of what you own and what your options are.
What are you selling? You are selling your Marriott Vacation Club Destinations points, which are a type of timeshare ownership. These are not the same as Marriott Bonvoy hotel loyalty points. The points you own are associated with a deeded real estate interest, which is what gives them value on the resale market.
Gather your documents. You'll need to locate your original purchase contract, deed, and any other relevant paperwork. This will contain vital information like your home resort, the number of points you own annually, and any specific terms of your ownership. Don't fret if you can't find everything; you can contact Marriott Owner Services to get a detailed overview of your ownership details.
Check your financial standing. Before you can sell, you must be in good standing with Marriott. This means all maintenance fees, annual dues, and any outstanding mortgage payments must be paid in full. Buyers on the resale market will not take on these debts, and the sale cannot be completed until they are cleared.
Explore all your options. Selling isn't the only way out. You should first call Marriott Vacation Club's Exit Specialists or Owner Services. They may offer a buy-back program for certain properties or provide other solutions to help you exit your ownership. This should be your first point of contact, as they can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific ownership.
Step 2: Decide on Your Selling Strategy
Once you have a clear picture of what you're selling, you need to decide how you're going to sell it. There are a few different paths you can take.
Selling Directly to Marriott. As mentioned above, this is an important option to explore. Contacting Marriott directly is the best way to determine if they have a buy-back program or other options available for your specific points package.
The DIY Approach (For the Brave). You can choose to sell your points yourself on an online marketplace like RedWeek.com. This approach can save you on commission fees but requires a lot of work. You'll be responsible for creating the listing, negotiating with buyers, preparing the sales contract, handling the paperwork, and coordinating the closing process. This can be complex, especially with things like the Right of First Refusal (more on that later!).
Working with a Timeshare Resale Broker. This is the most common and often the most successful route. A licensed real estate broker who specializes in timeshare resales will handle the entire process for you. They will:
Provide a free consultation to understand your ownership.
Help you determine a realistic asking price based on current market trends.
Create and promote your listing to a network of potential buyers.
Handle all negotiations and bring offers to you.
Manage all the necessary paperwork and work with a closing company.
When choosing a broker, look for one that operates on a no upfront fee model. This means they only get paid a commission after the sale is closed, which aligns their interests with yours.
Step 3: Pricing and Listing Your Points
This is where you determine the market value of your points and create a compelling ad to attract buyers.
Setting a Realistic Price. It's important to understand that resale prices for timeshare points are significantly lower than what they are sold for on the retail market. A reputable broker can provide a free market analysis to help you set a competitive price. Factors that influence the price include the number of points, the home resort, and the current demand for that specific package.
Creating a Detailed Listing. Whether you're using a broker or doing it yourself, your listing needs to be clear and comprehensive. It should include:
The total number of points you own.
The home resort associated with your ownership.
Whether the points are available annually or every-other-year (EOY).
The current year's points availability (have you used them, banked them, or are they still available?).
The asking price.
Step 4: The Sales and Closing Process
Once a buyer is interested and an offer is made, the real work begins.
Negotiating the Deal. Your broker will present any offers to you. You can accept, reject, or counter-offer. They will handle all communication with the buyer and work to get you the best possible price.
The Contract and Escrow. Once a price is agreed upon, a contract is drafted. The buyer will place their funds in a neutral escrow account, which is a secure third-party holding service. This ensures the money is protected until the ownership is legally transferred.
The Right of First Refusal (ROFR). This is a crucial step specific to timeshares. Marriott Vacation Club has the right to review any third-party resale contract. They can choose to "step in" and purchase the ownership themselves under the exact terms of the buyer's offer. This process can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days. If Marriott waives their ROFR, the sale can proceed. If they exercise it, they become the buyer, and the sale closes with them instead.
The Final Transfer. After the ROFR is waived, the closing company will finalize the paperwork, record the new deed with the county, and officially transfer the ownership to the new buyer. Once this is complete, the funds from the escrow account are released to you, minus any agreed-upon commissions or fees.
Congratulations! You have successfully sold your Marriott Vacation Club points.
10 FAQ Questions and Answers
How to find a licensed timeshare resale broker? You can find licensed timeshare resale brokers by searching online for "Marriott Vacation Club resale brokers" or by looking for members of the Licensed Timeshare Resale Brokers Association (LTRBA). Always verify their license and check for a no-upfront-fee policy.
How to price my Marriott Vacation Club points for sale? To price your points realistically, consult with a licensed timeshare resale broker who can provide a free market analysis. They will help you set a competitive price based on current resale trends, as these prices are typically lower than the original purchase price.
How to avoid timeshare resale scams? Be wary of any company that demands a large upfront fee to list or sell your timeshare. Legitimate, licensed brokers work on a commission-only basis, meaning they only get paid after the sale is complete. Never pay to have your timeshare "appraised" or to have a list of potential buyers.
How to find my Marriott Vacation Club ownership details? You can find your ownership details on your original purchase contract and deed. If you can't locate these, log in to your owner account on the Marriott Vacation Club website or call Marriott Owner Services directly. They can provide you with all the necessary information.
How to sell my Marriott Vacation Club points if I still have a mortgage? You must pay off your timeshare mortgage in full before the sale can be finalized. The proceeds from the sale can be used to pay off the remaining balance during the closing process.
How to handle maintenance fees during the resale process? You are responsible for paying all maintenance fees until the ownership is officially transferred to the new owner. If a fee comes due during the sale, you must pay it to keep your account in good standing.
How to get a copy of my deed for my Marriott points? You can usually obtain a copy of your deed from the county recorder's office where the timeshare property is located. Alternatively, a timeshare closing company can help you acquire this document.
How to transfer my Marriott Vacation Club points to a new owner? The ownership transfer process is handled by a timeshare closing company. They will prepare the new deed, ensure it is properly recorded, and notify Marriott Vacation Club of the change in ownership.
How to know if Marriott will exercise their Right of First Refusal (ROFR)? There is no way to know for certain if Marriott will exercise their ROFR. It is entirely at their discretion. This is a standard part of the timeshare resale process and should be anticipated.
How to ensure a smooth closing process for the sale? To ensure a smooth closing, work with a reputable timeshare resale broker and a licensed, insured closing company. Keep all of your ownership documents organized and be responsive to any requests for information or signatures during the process.
