Have you found yourself pondering how to step away from your Marriott Vacation Club ownership? Perhaps your travel habits have changed, your financial situation has shifted, or you simply aren't utilizing the benefits as much as you anticipated. You're not alone in this consideration. Many owners reach a point where they explore their exit options. While the process can seem daunting, there are indeed pathways to exiting your Marriott Vacation Club timeshare. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various avenues, providing you with the knowledge and steps to make an informed decision.
The Journey to Exiting Your Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare: A Step-by-Step Guide
Exiting a timeshare isn't always a quick or simple process, but understanding your options and approaching it strategically can make a significant difference. Let's delve into the steps you can take.
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| How To Exit Marriott Vacation Club |
Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation and Goals
Before you embark on any specific exit strategy, it's crucial to understand the details of your Marriott Vacation Club ownership and what you hope to achieve. This self-assessment will help you determine the most suitable path.
Sub-heading: Review Your Contract Thoroughly
What exactly did you sign up for? Pull out your original Marriott Vacation Club contract and any accompanying documents. Pay close attention to:
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Type of Ownership: Is it a deeded week, points-based ownership (like the Abound program), or something else? This significantly impacts your options.
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Remaining Mortgage Balance: If you still owe money on your timeshare, your options will be more limited than if it's fully paid off.
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Annual Maintenance Fees: These ongoing fees are often a primary driver for wanting to exit. Understand their current amount and how they've increased over time.
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Right of First Refusal (ROFR): Many timeshare contracts, including Marriott's, include a ROFR clause. This means Marriott may have the right to purchase your timeshare back if you find a buyer on the resale market, often under the same terms as your external sale. This can affect how smoothly a resale goes.
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Perpetuity Clause: Does your contract state that the ownership is in perpetuity, meaning it lasts forever and can be passed down to heirs? This is a common feature and has implications for inheritance.
Sub-heading: Define Your "Why"
Why do you want to exit? Be clear about your motivations:
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Financial burden of maintenance fees.
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Lack of use or changing travel preferences.
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Difficulty booking desired vacations.
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Health reasons or inability to travel.
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Desire to simplify your financial commitments.
Having a clear understanding of your reasons will help you evaluate different exit options and articulate your needs to any parties you engage with.
Step 2: Explore Direct Options with Marriott Vacation Club
Surprisingly, your first point of contact should often be Marriott Vacation Club itself. They have dedicated teams and programs designed to assist owners who wish to exit.
Sub-heading: Contact Marriott's Exit Services Team
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Marriott Vacation Club has an "Exit Services Team" or similar department that can provide information and guidance.
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How to contact them: Look for contact information on the official Marriott Vacation Club owners' website (owners.marriottvacationclub.com) or in your ownership documents. You can often find a dedicated email address (e.g., exit.services@mvwc.com) or a direct phone line.
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Be prepared for discussion: They will likely want to understand your situation. Be polite but firm about your desire to exit. Avoid being upsold on new programs or upgrades if your goal is truly to leave.
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Inquire about specific programs: Ask about any current "deed-back" programs, "surrender" options, or other initiatives they may have in place for owners looking to relinquish their ownership. These programs are often designed for owners who are current on their maintenance fees and have their timeshare paid off.
Sub-heading: Understand Deed-Back or Surrender Programs
If offered, a deed-back or surrender program typically involves the developer taking the timeshare back from you.
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Conditions: These programs often have specific conditions, such as the timeshare being fully paid off and all maintenance fees being current.
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Benefits: If successful, this is often the cleanest and most direct way to exit, as it absolves you of future financial responsibility.
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Availability: These programs are not always available or guaranteed, and terms can vary. Marriott is known to have an Exit Services Team, so this is a very important avenue to explore directly with them.
Step 3: Consider Selling Your Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare
For many, selling their timeshare on the secondary market is a viable option, especially if the timeshare is paid off. However, it's crucial to have realistic expectations.
Sub-heading: The Timeshare Resale Market Reality
The resale market for timeshares is not like selling a traditional piece of real estate.
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Depreciating Asset: Timeshares generally depreciate significantly in value from the original purchase price. Do not expect to recoup what you paid for it. Many timeshares sell for a fraction of their original cost, sometimes even as low as $1.
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Demand: The demand for resales can be low, making it a challenging market to navigate.
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Beware of Scams: The timeshare resale industry is unfortunately rife with scams. Be highly skeptical of any company that asks for large upfront fees promising a quick sale at a high price.
Sub-heading: Working with a Licensed Resale Brokerage
If you choose to sell, engaging with a reputable, licensed timeshare resale brokerage is often the safest approach.
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No Upfront Fees: Legitimate brokers typically work on commission and do not charge large upfront listing fees. They earn their fee when the sale closes.
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Market Expertise: They understand the nuances of the timeshare resale market and can help you price your timeshare realistically.
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Marketing and Negotiation: They will market your timeshare to potential buyers and handle negotiations.
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Right of First Refusal (ROFR): A good broker will be experienced in navigating Marriott's ROFR process, which is a critical step in any resale.
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Due Diligence: Always check a broker's reputation with organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and look for independent reviews.
Sub-heading: Self-Listing (with Caution)
You can attempt to sell your timeshare yourself on online marketplaces or dedicated timeshare forums.
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Pros: You avoid commission fees.
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Cons: It requires significant effort, knowledge of the transfer process, and exposes you to the risks of dealing with unknown parties and potential scams. You'll also need to manage the ROFR process yourself.
Step 4: Explore Timeshare Exit/Cancellation Companies
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
When direct options or resale prove difficult, some owners turn to timeshare exit or cancellation companies. This is an area that requires extreme caution.
Sub-heading: Understanding How They Operate
Timeshare exit companies typically aim to relieve you of your timeshare obligations, often by identifying legal loopholes, challenging contracts, or negotiating directly with the developer on your behalf.
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Legal vs. Non-Legal Approaches: Some companies employ legal teams, while others focus on direct negotiation or "pressure campaigns."
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Fees: Many timeshare exit companies charge significant upfront fees, which is a major point of contention and risk.
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Timeframe: The process can be lengthy, often taking many months or even years.
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Sub-heading: Exercising Due Diligence is Paramount
If you consider an exit company, research is absolutely critical.
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Reputation: Check their BBB rating, read online reviews (both positive and negative), and look for any complaints filed against them.
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Upfront Fees: Be extremely wary of companies demanding large upfront payments with "guarantees." Reputable firms may offer escrow services for fees, where the payment is held by a third party until the service is rendered.
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Legal Counsel: Some exit companies work with or are themselves law firms. An attorney has a professional and ethical obligation to you. If a company claims to be able to get you out, ask if they are providing legal services and if they are licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction.
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Realistic Expectations: No company can guarantee a specific outcome, especially a quick one. Be skeptical of promises that seem too good to be true.
Step 5: Consider Alternatives to a Full Exit
While your primary goal might be to exit entirely, there are temporary or alternative solutions that could alleviate the burden of ownership.
Sub-heading: Renting Out Your Timeshare
If you're struggling with maintenance fees but aren't ready to fully divest, renting out your Marriott Vacation Club points or week can help offset costs.
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Marriott's Rental Program: Check if Marriott Vacation Club offers an official rental program for owners.
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Third-Party Rental Sites: There are various online platforms dedicated to timeshare rentals.
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Points vs. Weeks: Renting points can be more flexible than renting a fixed week, depending on your ownership type.
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Guest Certificates: You may need to arrange for guest certificates for your renters.
Sub-heading: Gifting or Donating Your Timeshare
While seemingly simple, gifting or donating a timeshare can be complicated.
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Finding a Recipient: It's often hard to find someone willing to take on the financial responsibility of maintenance fees.
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Charitable Donations: Many charities are reluctant to accept timeshares due to the ongoing financial obligations. If a charity does accept it, ensure it's a legitimate 501(c)(3) organization.
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Transfer Fees: There will still be transfer fees involved.
Step 6: Understanding the Risks of Non-Payment
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
This is generally considered a last resort and comes with significant negative consequences.
Sub-heading: Foreclosure and Credit Impact
Do not stop paying your maintenance fees or mortgage payments without fully understanding the repercussions.
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Credit Score Damage: Non-payment will severely damage your credit score, making it difficult to obtain loans, mortgages, or even rent apartments in the future.
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Foreclosure: Marriott Vacation Club, like any other lender, can and will initiate foreclosure proceedings if payments are missed. This is a legal process that can be costly and further harm your credit.
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Deficiency Judgments: In some states, if the timeshare is foreclosed upon and sold for less than the outstanding debt, the developer could pursue a deficiency judgment against you for the remaining balance.
Sub-heading: Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure (DIL)
A Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure is an agreement where you voluntarily transfer the deed to the timeshare back to Marriott Vacation Club to avoid a formal foreclosure process.
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Developer Discretion: Marriott is not obligated to accept a DIL. They typically only consider it if the timeshare is paid off or if the outstanding balance is minimal, and you can demonstrate genuine financial hardship.
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Less Damaging to Credit: While still impacting your credit, a DIL is generally less damaging than a full foreclosure.
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Professional Guidance: If you're considering this, consult with a timeshare attorney to understand the implications and ensure it's handled correctly.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Contact Marriott Vacation Club for Exit Options?
You can typically contact Marriott Vacation Club's dedicated "Exit Services Team" by looking for their contact information on the official owners' website (owners.marriottvacationclub.com) or by calling their main owner services number and asking to be directed to the exit or surrender department.
How to Sell a Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare on the Resale Market?
To sell your Marriott Vacation Club timeshare, you can either self-list it on online platforms or, more safely, work with a reputable, licensed timeshare resale brokerage that specializes in timeshares and doesn't charge large upfront fees. Be prepared for a significantly lower sale price than your original purchase.
How to Avoid Timeshare Exit Scams?
To avoid scams, never pay large upfront fees to a company promising to get you out of your timeshare quickly. Research companies thoroughly through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and independent reviews, and consider working with a licensed attorney or a resale broker who only charges commission upon sale.
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
How to Determine the Value of My Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare for Resale?
The value of your Marriott Vacation Club timeshare on the resale market is typically far less than what you paid. You can get an estimated value by looking at comparable listings on legitimate timeshare resale websites or by consulting with a licensed timeshare resale broker for a realistic assessment.
How to Understand the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) with Marriott Vacation Club?
The Right of First Refusal (ROFR) is a clause in your contract that allows Marriott Vacation Club to purchase your timeshare back if you find an external buyer, often under the same terms you negotiated. It's a standard step in the resale process and can either be waived by Marriott or exercised by them.
How to Rent Out My Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare?
You can rent out your Marriott Vacation Club timeshare by checking if Marriott offers an official rental program for owners, or by using reputable third-party timeshare rental platforms. Ensure you understand any rules or fees associated with renting, such as guest certificate requirements.
How to Handle Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare Inheritance?
If you inherit a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare, you can choose to accept it (and its associated fees), sell it on the resale market, or in some cases, refuse the inheritance through a "Disclaimer of Interest" document. It's advisable to consult with an estate attorney to understand your specific legal options.
How to Get a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure (DIL) from Marriott Vacation Club?
A Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure (DIL) is an option where you voluntarily transfer the deed back to Marriott. It's typically considered for paid-off timeshares or those with minimal outstanding balances and often requires demonstrating financial hardship. Marriott is not obligated to accept a DIL; direct negotiation with them or legal counsel is usually necessary.
How to Know if a Timeshare Exit Company is Legitimate?
A legitimate timeshare exit company will have a strong reputation (check BBB and reviews), will not demand large upfront fees without an escrow option, and may involve licensed attorneys in the process. Be wary of companies making guaranteed exit promises or pressuring you into immediate decisions.
How to Protect My Credit Score When Exiting a Timeshare?
To protect your credit score, it's crucial to continue making all mortgage and maintenance fee payments until your ownership is legally and formally transferred out of your name. Stopping payments will negatively impact your credit, potentially leading to foreclosure and further financial complications.
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