Awesome Business! Awesome People! Awesome Place to Work! June 5, 2009
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : Customer Comments, General, News & Events, Timeshare Resource , add a commentA letter from one of our Customer Service Representatives Karen Content:
I have been working for BuyATimeshare.com in the New Hampshire office for 3 years now. I began only months after the owner Wes Kogelman established this office once moving back from Tampa, Florida to his native state.
It was after advertising my timeshare property for sale with BuyATimeshare.com that I got this job. One of the sales representatives was so friendly that we got to talking about new openings. When I went in to apply he welcomed me aboard, and 3 years later there I am still here.
When I started at the NH office there were about 7 employees including Wes himself who trained me personally. Over the years, out of the 7 people, the office has grown to more than 30 employees and there are still 3 of us “veterans†and doing a great job.
Today BuyATimeshare.com is comprised of dozens of talented people, not including the other office that Wes has established to house our Buyer Specialists, Rental Department, Brokers and Title company. The office manager Tim Bohn now sees over the weekly training sessions as the company has expanded over the years.
Coming from a background in banking, I never thought I would go into the timeshare resale industry. It’s amazing how big the resale business has become throughout the world and I am only a small part of it.
Wes Kogelman has developed this company into being the best reseller of timeshare in the world and I am lucky enough to be a part of that. He strives to better the business each and every day. He works one on one with each employee because he understands that each person has unique needs than their fellow coworkers and he accommodates wherever he can.
BuyATimeshare.com is an awesome company and an amazing place to work! The energy level in the office is incredible—everyone works together so well that when Wes and his office manager Tim Bohn need to be in the Tampa office, New Hampshire just runs itself! We know what we need to do to get the job done right!
FTC Cracking Down on Timeshare Company for “Robocalls” and DNC Violations June 5, 2009
Posted by JConnolly in : News & Events , 1 comment so farWith robocalls getting quite a bit of attention lately, it should not surprise anyone that there are timeshare-related companies using this practice to generate leads. For those who may not have ever experienced one of these so-called robocalls, it is a computer set to dial a list of phone numbers and when an unassuming person answers this call, there is a per-recorded message that plays that prompts the answerer to make a selection on the keypad of the telephone. For example, I could be sitting at home and answer a call and a pre-recorded message asks me if I am interested in buying or selling a timeshare. Press “1″ if you would like to sell, press “2″ if you want to buy and press “3″ if you do not own a timeshare. Many of these programs are set to call lists provided by a specific company, but others may just dial random number, akin to picking up a phone book and pointing to a number.
 The FTC has been cracking down on this sort of phone marketing most recently with companies offering to extend auto warranties. According to tmcnet.com, Westgate is also under investigation for using this practice to generate leads of people interested in buying a timeshare. The article goes on to say that Westgate purchased internet-generated leads from a company that gives away free products. The issue here is that many of these leads were also on the national DNC registry and due to a large amount of complaints, the FTC started investigating.
 If you have received such “robocalls” and your phone number is not currently registered with the national DNC registry, you should register for this free service and report any future calls. If you are already registered, you may file a complaint on the website www.donotcall.gov
ILX in bankruptcy June 3, 2009
Posted by cmurphy in : Timeshare Resource , 1 comment so farThe Arizona republic reports that ILX,independent timeshare developer based in Phoenix, has filed chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Warning From the NY State Attorney General June 1, 2009
Posted by Christopher Williams in : Timeshare Resource , 1 comment so farHello,
Christopher Williams is here to help! (800)882-0296 Ext.404
This information is taken directly from the A.G.’s website. See the below link for the complete story.
Important Considerations
Before you decide to buy a timeshare, you should examine whether the deal makes sense in light of the continuing financial and legal obligations involved. The purchase of a timeshare is likely to be a permanent benefit and commitment that you might have for the rest of your life.
Examine the special risks summarized at the front of the offering plan.
The factors to be considered include:
- In a right-to-use timesharing plan, if the sponsor declares bankruptcy, the rights of all purchasers may be terminated.
- Timeshares should be purchased for personal recreational use and not for profit or investment. Often no resale market exists for timeshares.
- Most real estate brokers will not list timeshares. You can try to sell your timeshare on your own, but this may bring you into direct competition with the sponsor who may have a large inventory of unsold units.
- Full control for the adequate operation and maintenance of the timeshare lies with the developer or a successor operator. Therefore, the facilities and services will be available only as long as the sponsor is able to provide them. During the early years of the project, the failure of the sponsor to meet his or her obligations will require a small number of timeshare owners to cover the costs of keeping the entire project going.
What’s It Worth? The Bottom Line
After the risks have been examined, you still have to decide whether the convenience and appeal of the timeshare is worth the price. You should compare the expenses with the cost of a comparable hotel or resort for the number of years you plan to own the timeshare and the time value of your money. Consider that you’re going to have to produce a down payment. If you borrow the balance due, in addition to any financing costs for the remainder of the purchase price, you have to factor in the annual timesharing charges necessary to maintain the unit. You might also be liable for any special assessments that timeshare management might deem necessary for future operations. These assessments are hard to predict and might arise when you least expect them. You will still be responsible for paying for typical vacation costs, such as meals, transportation and miscellaneous expenses. Again, you should consult with a financial advisor.
Marriott Vacation Club Owners Get Reward Program June 1, 2009
Posted by Jason Dobbins in : General, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events , add a commentAll Marriott Vacation Club Owners will now have access to the very successful Marriott Rewards. Timeshare Owners will now be entitled to Marriott’s Fifth Night Free Program. The program requires that the guest book a 5 night vacation and the 5th night will be free of charge.
The company is moving in a direction which will assign hotel category levels to the Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare Resorts. The Timeshares will be ranked in number categories (5,6, and 7) under the Marriott Rewards system. This level will determine how many points will be required for a 1 night say. Typically it will be 25,000; 30,000; or 35,000 points respectively. These will be based on a deluxe guest room and will depend on the ranking of the timeshare property. Obviously the higher end timeshare resorts or larger bedrooms will cost more points.