Upscale Resort Opens in Haiti

The famous Neg Mawon statue, Port-Au-Prince

Best Western, known in the United States for being a rest stop for budget conscious travelers, will open a “Premier” location in a suburb of Port-Au-Prince later this year.

Despite Haiti’s well known poverty, hotel executives believe business customers from Europe and South America.

“When you go into markets that a lot of people consider Third World, there’s a lot of business there and a lot of people who will pay for the quality of product,” says Mark Williams, their Vice President of North American Development.

The Premier branding means the location will possess more amenities than normal Best Westerns. Best Western Premier will have heavier towels, wider-screen televisions, more elegant landscaping, an on-site dining lounge and extensive personalized services.

The upgraded locations are also more profitable. Since Best Western began opening Plus and Premier locations last year revenue per room has gone upwards by 15%. Of the 2,200 Best Western hotels in North America, 800 are Plus branded and only 15 carry the Premier designation.

If you purchased a timeshare in Mexico or the Caribbean and can’t afford it any longer, we’re here to help. Transfer Smart is the only company with a legally recognized, 100% In-Writing Guarantee. Contact us today.

Convicted Felons Arrested in Timeshare Resale Scam

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents raided a Fort Lauderdale, Florida office July of last year, and are now taking testimony from thirteen former employees of Timeshare Mega Media and Marketing group as they build a case against timeshare resale con artists.

Joseph “Joey” Crapella and Pasquale “Posh” Pappalardo started the company and made over $5 million dollars in less than a year. The scam was simple: The company said they had a buyer for their timeshare, but they had to put up money upfront as part of an “administrative fee.” This money was promised to be returned to the timeshare owner at a later date. For this service, clients spent as much as $10,000.

But the buyers never existed, and now the Federal Trade Commission has arrested 15 low-level employees of Timeshare Mega Media. 13 have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, charges that can carry up to five years in prison. All sentences are pending.

Mr. Pappalardo served six years in prison in the mid-1990’s on drug, firearms and counterfeit money charges. Mr. Crapella spent eight years in a Florida prison after being convicted of racketeering and grand theft involving vending machines.

Transfer Smart is not a resale or listing agency. They offer a 100%, In-Writing Guarantee that they can get you out of a timeshare contract today. Call them today at 866-906-4494 and find about the exit solutions we offer.

Christmas Day Sports

The National Basketball Association finally kicked off its 2011-2012 season yesterday with a five game cross country marathon.

Beginning in New York City with Atlantic division rivals the Boston Celtics visiting the Knicks, and ending in Oakland with the Los Angeles Clippers taking on the Golden State Warriors, there were more than 15 hours of pro basketball on TV yesterday; a welcome sight after the entire season was in jeopardy just less than a month ago.

New York, Miami, Chicago, Oklahoma City and the L.A. Clippers all posted wins, besting Boston, Dallas, the L.A. Lakers, Orlando, and Golden State, respectively.

Easily the most thrilling game of the day was the Miami Heat in their revenge match against the Dallas Mavericks. After losing the last game of the last season, and therefore the NBA championship on that same floor back in June, the Heat were red-hot all game, leading by as much as 33 points and never trailing throughout the matchup. The Heat lost the championship four games to two last year to the Mavericks, and played with a chip on their shoulder. And according to their best player, LeBron James, all they have to go from here is up.

“I got a lot of work to do still,” James said matter-of-factly. “I’m just a better player than I was last year.”

The National Football League got in on the action as well, offering a marquee primetime matchup: the Chicago Bears visiting pro football’s defending Superbowl Champions, the Green Bay Packers.

Aaron Rodgers, by far the best player on the league’s best team, threw five touchdown passes as the Packers beat the Bears 35-21.

The Packers are so successful, they have already earned the number one see in the playoffs and the only question is whether they should play their starters in their season finale or rest them for game one of the playoffs, avoiding possible injury.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy weighed in on the situation: “We’ll look at all of our options,” McCarthy said. “But I’m not going to stand here and tell you we want to give away opportunities to win the game. We’re going to play to win the game next week. I’m not real excited about a division opponent coming in here and think we’re not going to do everything we can to get to 15-1. But health is an issue for us. I think that’s stating the obvious.”

Winning or losing their season finale will not matter to the Pack, who go into the playoffs as the Superbowl favorites.

Merry Christmas Update- Presents for everyone, even you!

My last blog was just before Thanksgiving, and this blog comes to you just before Christmas! I’ve been so busy since then. The kids have been great, but they just got out of school and I’ve finally taken off some time to be with them!

As you guys know, I’m a former timeshare owner who is so happy to be out of my strangling timeshare contract. With the money I’ve saved, I’ve bought a bicycle for Tommy and a dollhouse for Samantha. I even got Irene, my mother-in-law.

So what company did I use to get me out of my “black-hole” contract? TransferSmart of course!

I won’t tell you what I bought Julia, she reads my blog! But lets just say I love my wife very much!

Time To Be Thankful

Giving thanks is hard to do when your stuck with an unwanted timeshare. There are many timeshare resale companies who are just waiting for desperate timeshare owners to purchase their services. However, many of these companies are just scams and all they will do is give you empty promises and take your money. Therefore, make sure to do your research and trust in a company who understands what your going through and sympathizes. That is why you need to contact Transfer Smart and get out of your timeshare the right way.

Is Selling Your Timeshare Turning Into A Pain?

People have often described getting into timeshare ownership like getting into a financial trap. They call it a trap because of the way timeshare owners are misguided into thinking their timeshare is an investment and that they can make a profit from it when they are tired of it. For these misled owners their timeshare has caused financial hardships that they were not prepared for.
This popular phrase has created quite the bad reputation for timeshares. What you need to know is that a timeshare vacation can easily be the perfect vacation option for some. If you have no problem with how much it can cost to own a timeshare then it can easily provide unforgettable vacations for many years. A timeshare can actually make some of the best vacation experiences possible.
For the other timeshare owners who cannot afford the financial obligations of a timeshare it simply does not provide the expected experience. If you are an owner who dreads the thought of increasing maintenance fees or a special assessment for unexpected damages or remodeling then you probably should not own a timeshare. Chances are you were ill-informed about the potential cost of timeshare ownership.
If you are one of these owners who now realizes what an expense owning a timeshare is and you want to get out there still hope. Most people will try to sell timeshare weeks to make up for the cost of ownership. The problem with this is that it is really hard to sell a timeshare used. Unless you own a really high end luxurious timeshare there really is not much demand for it.
The fact is that there is simply no resale market for timeshares. A lot of owners try to go this route of selling their timeshare on the resale market and this usually ends in a huge waste of time and money. And so after falling victim to purchasing a timeshare without knowing just how much it can end up costing they are now in the trap of trying to resell. There are many fraudulent and scam companies that are trying to take advantage of people who are trying to sell their timeshare unit.
It is important to remember that getting out of your timeshare contract is what is most important. Thankfully there are some timeshare relief companies that can get you out once and for all. They will usually provide a written guarantee so that you know you will be timeshare free.

Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Exchange and Rental Giant Acquires ResortQuest

Despite the number of owners trying to get out of their timeshares every year and the negative perception of owners with such properties, this industry still remains resilient. As a matter of fact, some timeshare companies today are expanding their operations. One of these is the Wyndham Worldwide which recently announced that its Exchange & Rentals business unit, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and European leader in vacation rentals, has agreed to acquire ResortQuest, a leading provider in full-service vacation rentals in the US.

The acquisition price is approximately $56 million (USD) which is subject to adjustments. With this acquisition, Wyndham Worldwide becomes the world’s largest full service vacation rental business. It currently provides access to more than 85,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Meanwhile, ResortQuest will provide a strong platform for the Company’s expansion into the US serviced vacation rentals market.

According to Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO of Wyndham Worldwide, since 2000, they have successfully acquired at least 30 European rental brands, creating what today represents the leading serviced rentals business in Europe, with 2009 revenues of $460 million. He added that building upon this success, the acquisition of ResortQuest gives us a unique opportunity to build a sizable growth platform in the US rentals market, a $10 billion industry that currently lacks a significant player.

According to Park Brady, CEO of ResortQuest, they are very excited about the competitive advantage that joining the Wyndham family will bring in providing additional distribution and marketing services to their homeowners, increased benefits to their employees, and superior marketing in the US. He added that ResortQuest’s goal has always been to provide vacation rental customers with the best choices wherever they want to travel and they are glad to continue their mission to build on the quality vacation rentals they offer customers as part of one of the largest and most global companies in the serviced vacation rental market.

Despite the number of owners trying to get out of their timeshares every year and the negative perception of owners with such properties, this industry still remains resilient. As a matter of fact, some timeshare companies today are expanding their operations. One of these is the Wyndham Worldwide which recently announced that its Exchange & Rentals business unit, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and European leader in vacation rentals, has agreed to acquire ResortQuest, a leading provider in full-service vacation rentals in the US.
The acquisition price is approximately $56 million (USD) which is subject to adjustments. With this acquisition, Wyndham Worldwide becomes the world’s largest full service vacation rental business. It currently provides access to more than 85,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Meanwhile, ResortQuest will provide a strong platform for the Company’s expansion into the US serviced vacation rentals market.
According to Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO of Wyndham Worldwide, since 2000, they have successfully acquired at least 30 European rental brands, creating what today represents the leading serviced rentals business in Europe, with 2009 revenues of $460 million. He added that building upon this success, the acquisition of ResortQuest gives us a unique opportunity to build a sizable growth platform in the US rentals market, a $10 billion industry that currently lacks a significant player.
According to Park Brady, CEO of ResortQuest, they are very excited about the competitive advantage that joining the Wyndham family will bring in providing additional distribution and marketing services to their homeowners, increased benefits to their employees, and superior marketing in the US. He added that ResortQuest’s goal has always been to provide vacation rental customers with the best choices wherever they want to travel and they are glad to continue their mission to build on the quality vacation rentals they offer customers as part of one of the largest and most global companies in the serviced vacation rental market.

Smartly Identifying those Timeshare Resorts Worth Visiting

Although there are many owners today who are trying to get out of their timeshares, such properties still remain one of the most popular vacationing options. Choosing a timeshare for your vacation is not an easy task. It basically depends on what you want from your timeshare resorts. This article presents some timeshare destinations worldwide which are worth visiting.

First, you have the Teton Club at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. If you want to acquire a timeshare here, be quick as the lack of land to develop and the luxurious surroundings has made the prices increase quite quickly. Meanwhile, the Private Residence Club is located at the base of the mountain resort. It has a unique, relaxing and comforting interior.

Another good choice is the Marriott’s Phuket Beach Club in Mai Khao, Phuket, Thailand. This is just 10 miles away from the airport. Here, the vista is exceptional and lush. There are swaying palms, beautiful lilies and natural water features. There are also swimming pools that overlook the Andaman sea or enjoy the spa facilities before returning to your clean air conditioned villa that includes an extra large tub, large mirrors, a full kitchen and washing machine/dryer.

Then, you can opt for RCI’s Riviera Maya at Playa del Carmen for your vacation. It offers light, spacious and airy accommodation with fantastic relaxation options. You can take a trip on the ferry across to Cozumel, relax on the soft white sands, take a quick dip in the blue sea or go on a tour. Moreover, you can go fishing or try a round of golf on the 18-hole par 54 Jack Nicklaus designed golf course.

Transfer Smart News: TATOC Announces Two New Sponsors for its Sister Website

With the negative perception on timeshares and the many owners today who want to get out of their timeshare contracts, the Timeshare Association (Timeshare Owners and Committees) known also as TATOC launched its sister website Sharetimemagazine.com. The aim of the magazine is to provide the latest timeshare and holiday news to timeshare owners and helpful information to active owners who give up their time to sit on resort committees. Recently, TATOC has two new sponsors for its recently launched sister website.

Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket and RCI Europe have become annual sponsors of the magazines dedicated website. They have also chosen a number of advertising opportunities both on the site and in the quarterly magazines. Moreover, they join Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership and the Holiday Letting Shop who are also sponsoring the website.

According to Harry Taylor, TATOC CEO, they are delighted that the two companies who already support TATOC have extended this to their new magazine and website. They are very excited about the magazine now it is in digital format and really believe it will reach more timeshare owners and perspective buyers.

On the other hand, Dimitris Manikis, RCIs Vice President, Europe & Middle East Business Development, said that RCI has long supported the efforts of TATOC and the Sharetime website and magazine are a great way for them to get their message across to timeshare owners.

The Timeshare Association recently announced that Sharetime, its official quarterly magazine, will be available in digital format only and accessible from its own dedicated website. The next edition of the magazine is due for publication later this month, September 2010.

Taylor hoped that this magazine will stimulate members to become more active and support their vacation resorts. He explained that the digital version means they can spread a positive message of the benefits of timeshare to more people than ever before.

With the negative perception on timeshares and the many owners today who want to get out of their timeshare contracts, the Timeshare Association (Timeshare Owners and Committees) known also as TATOC launched its sister website Sharetimemagazine.com. The aim of the magazine is to provide the latest timeshare and holiday news to timeshare owners and helpful information to active owners who give up their time to sit on resort committees. Recently, TATOC has two new sponsors for its recently launched sister website. 
Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket and RCI Europe have become annual sponsors of the magazines dedicated website. They have also chosen a number of advertising opportunities both on the site and in the quarterly magazines. Moreover, they join Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership and the Holiday Letting Shop who are also sponsoring the website.
According to Harry Taylor, TATOC CEO, they are delighted that the two companies who already support TATOC have extended this to their new magazine and website. They are very excited about the magazine now it is in digital format and really believe it will reach more timeshare owners and perspective buyers.
On the other hand, Dimitris Manikis, RCIs Vice President, Europe & Middle East Business Development, said that RCI has long supported the efforts of TATOC and the Sharetime website and magazine are a great way for them to get their message across to timeshare owners. 
The Timeshare Association recently announced that Sharetime, its official quarterly magazine, will be available in digital format only and accessible from its own dedicated website. The next edition of the magazine is due for publication later this month, September 2010. 
Taylor hoped that this magazine will stimulate members to become more active and support their vacation resorts. He explained that the digital version means they can spread a positive message of the benefits of timeshare to more people than ever before.

FTCs Consumer Alert about Selling a Timeshare

Last month, the Federal Trade Commission’s released a Consumer Alert entitled “Selling a Timeshare through a Reseller: Contract Caveats.” This is very important for those who are trying to get out of their timeshares through a reseller. As we all know, there are several scams these days involving timeshare resales.

The Federal Trade Commission is the only federal agency with both consumer protection and competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy. It pursues vigorous and effective law enforcement, and advances consumers’ interests by sharing its expertise with federal and state legislatures and US and international government agencies.

Meanwhile, a reseller is a real estate broker or agent specializing in reselling timeshares. The FTC strongly cautions the consumers to check out resellers and to deal only with licensed brokers and agents. To avoid scams, it is also appropriate to ask resellers for references of satisfied clients and to ask that any oral representations by salespeople be put in writing.

On the other hand, the FTC suggests that consumers should ask the resellers how they intend to advertise and promote the timeshare unit. It is always better to do business with a reseller that takes its fee after the timeshare is sold. If you must pay a fee in advance, you should clear out the refund policies.

Moreover, the FTC reminds the consumers that it is a mistake to assume you’ll recoup your purchase price for your vacation property especially if you’ve owned it for less than five years and the location is less than well-known. You may also consider using a licensed timeshare appraisal service if you are interested in establishing value. More importantly, before signing any contract with a reseller, do the due diligence and get all terms and conditions in writing.

Transfer Smart Alert: Timeshare Resale Services through Ads and Emails that You Should Avoid

Timeshare resale service ads on websites and e-mails might be tempting for those owners who want to get out of their timeshares. But the US Federal Trade Commission and several state attorneys general have issued alerts warning consumers about selling a timeshare through a reseller. They gave similar warnings like you should know who you are dealing with and what you are getting before you sign an agreement.

Take for instance the case of one consumer who was promised of fast cash for selling her timeshare points similar to frequent flyer miles through an unsolicited e-mail. With this tight economy, the deal is tempting. But the agent would take her points from her Florida timeshare and sell them with $1,000 as an upfront fee. There’s also a sample contract attached to the e-mail saying that the upfront fee was to cover marketing costs for 90 days.

Meanwhile, the Florida attorney general’s office said most resale companies require an advance listing fee before the sale can take place. But they strongly recommend choosing a company that collects its fee after the sale goes through.

On the other hand, timeshares are big business. It has total sales of $9.7 billion in 2008 alone. With that amount of money, it’s no wonder scammers look for ways to prey on their victims. However, these can be avoided by following a number of tips from the AGs office. As a rule, don’t give your credit card number or other personal information over the phone. Also, do your research before doing business with any company and compare their offers to industry competition. Moreover, be wary of companies that charge upfront fees and choose a company that offers to sell for a fee only after the vacation property is sold.

Smart Things You Can Do With an Unwanted Timeshare

For many vacationers, owning a timeshare may be an excellent idea. But as years go by, a number of reasons arise why a timeshare may not be that excellent that it once was. This drives the owner to get out of his timeshare. This article presents some things that an owner can do with an unwanted timeshare.

The most common choice is to sell your unit. Be aware that this option is not an easy task to do. It often requires a financial loss. To successfully sell your timeshare, you must price it not more 50% of what you originally paid for it.

Another option is to rent out your timeshare. This is a good alternative if you have difficulty selling your unit or if you still would be interested in using your vacation weeks later. Many owners opt for this to make up for those annual fees. This option is also easier as there is less paperwork and no advanced or difficult transactions take place.

Meanwhile, you can also donate your timeshare. There are several timeshare donation companies today who might accept your timeshare and then sell it to raise funds for a certain charity. This option can take your timeshare off your shoulders relatively quickly compared to any other options.

Moreover, you can also convert your weeks to points. Today, there are a few resorts which allow you to convert your weeks into points and then each year after that you can earn more points. The point system enables an owner to save, earn, trade, and buy points to arrange for vacation accommodations at destinations within a specific timeshare resort network.

For many vacationers, owning a timeshare may be an excellent idea. But as years go by, a number of reasons arise why a timeshare may not be that excellent that it once was. This drives the owner to get out of his timeshare. This article presents some things that an owner can do with an unwanted timeshare.
The most common choice is to sell your unit. Be aware that this option is not an easy task to do. It often requires a financial loss. To successfully sell your timeshare, you must price it not more 50% of what you originally paid for it.
Another option is to rent out your timeshare. This is a good alternative if you have difficulty selling your unit or if you still would be interested in using your vacation weeks later. Many owners opt for this to make up for those annual fees. This option is also easier as there is less paperwork and no advanced or difficult transactions take place.
Meanwhile, you can also donate your timeshare. There are several timeshare donation companies today who might accept your timeshare and then sell it to raise funds for a certain charity. This option can take your timeshare off your shoulders relatively quickly compared to any other options.
Moreover, you can also convert your weeks to points. Today, there are a few resorts which allow you to convert your weeks into points and then each year after that you can earn more points. The point system enables an owner to save, earn, trade, and buy points to arrange for vacation accommodations at destinations within a specific timeshare resort network.

Transfer Smart News: Triton Timeshare Software Shows a Remarkable Upward Trend

Most timeshare companies these days have to deal with a number of challenges like the declining. One issue also that they have to deal with is the increasing number of owners who are trying to get out of their timeshares. With the latest of the technology today, some of these companies utilize a timeshare software to combat such challenges. One of these software is the Triton Timeshare Software. This is a Sarasota-based technology solutions provider which reports that it has seen a remarkable upward trend in new business during the second quarter of 2010.

According to Delaina Probus-Staley, President of Triton, they actually saw more business in the past 90 days than they saw all last year. She added that as a vendor of Property Management and Sales and Marketing Software to the shared ownership industry, they are taking this as a very positive sign of some movement in the economic horizon.

It offers a suite of tools like billing, accounts receivable, inventory control, front desk, point of sales and reservations. In addition to property management, Triton Timeshare Software also offers award-winning Sales and Marketing software. Some of its features include lead tracking, marketing management, payroll and forecasting tools, to name a few.

Meanwhile, Triton’s Property Management System is now employed by more than 150 organizations that include timeshare companies and vacation clubs. Recently, it signed contracts with Costa Del Sol (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Silver Lake Resort (Orlando, FL) and Trophy Run (Branson, MO).

Most timeshare companies these days have to deal with a number of challenges like the declining. One issue also that they have to deal with is the increasing number of owners who are trying to get out of their timeshares. With the latest of the technology today, some of these companies utilize a timeshare software to combat such challenges. One of these software is the Triton Timeshare Software. This is a Sarasota-based technology solutions provider which reports that it has seen a remarkable upward trend in new business during the second quarter of 2010.
According to Delaina Probus-Staley, President of Triton, they actually saw more business in the past 90 days than they saw all last year. She added that as a vendor of Property Management and Sales and Marketing Software to the shared ownership industry, they are taking this as a very positive sign of some movement in the economic horizon. 
It offers a suite of tools like billing, accounts receivable, inventory control, front desk, point of sales and reservations. In addition to property management, Triton Timeshare Software also offers award-winning Sales and Marketing software. Some of its features include lead tracking, marketing management, payroll and forecasting tools, to name a few. 
Meanwhile, Triton’s Property Management System is now employed by more than 150 organizations that include timeshare companies and vacation clubs. Recently, it signed contracts with Costa Del Sol (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Silver Lake Resort (Orlando, FL) and Trophy Run (Branson, MO).

Transfer Smart News: Wyndham Dominates Steamboat Timeshare Market

The past years have depicted a downturn for the timeshare industry as a result of the economic crisis. It was characterized by low sales and many owners trying to get out of their timeshare units. This year however, shows a recovering industry. In Steamboat Springs, Wyndham Vacation Owner­ship has sold more than 650 timeshares through the first eight months of 2010. This is equivalent to $45 million revenue.

According to statistics gleaned from the Routt County Assessor’s page by Bruce Carta of Land Title Guarantee Co., Routt County had closed 986 real estate transactions through the end of July. The Village at Steamboat, selling timeshare condominiums under the brands WorldMark by Wyndham and Wyndham Vacation Resorts, can claim more than half the total sales. The Village at Steamboat has also accounted for 15% of Routt County’s dollar volume in 2010.

Through July, the total Routt County market saw $292 million in sales while the average transaction for Wyndham was $69,250. The combined Wyndham Vacation ownership and Wyndham Vacation Resorts had logged 161 sales in July or an equivalent of $7.65 million.

As Rich Folk, executive vice president of sales and marketing for WorldMark by Wyndham stated, they have a great product and steamboat is not one of their largest projects but it’s among their top performers. According to him, “people can’t go there and pay less to vacation than they can with us.” Moreover, flexibility in the range of prices is an important part of the company’s business model. For as little as $16,000, people can avail Wyndham timeshares.

Transfer Smart News: Hawaii’s Timeshare Industry Remains Strong during the Severe Industry Downturn

Although the many owners are trying to get out of their timeshares every year, such industry in Hawaii still shows resiliency. According to data released yesterday by American Resort Development Association (ARDA), a national timeshare trade association, Hawaii’s timeshare industry kept growing during the severe visitor industry downturn.

In 2009, the statewide occupancy rate for timeshare units averaged 90.8% as compared to 66.5% at Hawaii hotels, as stated by Joseph Toy, president and chief executive officer of Hospitality Advisors LLC, the firm contracted by ARDA to conduct its most recent Hawaii timeshare study. Troy added that the vacation ownership industry continues to grow in importance to our state’s economy, with timeshare owners providing a stable base of visitors to the islands.

Last year, at least 13% of the Hawaii’s visitor accommodations were timeshares and the percentage is growing. In 2009, $138.7 million in capital expenditures went to timeshare development and this year, another $64.3 million was spent. There are currently about 8,600 timeshare units in Hawaii with another 4,881 units or so in the pipeline.

According to Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and chief executive officer, Hawaii’s timeshare growth has been good for Hawaii and for the vacation industry. The contribution of the timeshare industry on local economies goes beyond the resort footprint. In addition to sales and corporate operations, development of new resorts and renovation projects, it also includes the impact of expenditures from vacationers during timeshare stays.