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Westgate Hit with $1 Million Lawsuit November 23, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, General, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares , add a comment

After nearly a three-week jury trial, Westgate Park City Resort & Spa has been sued for $1million in punitive damages. A Consumer Protection Group, created specifically to sue Westgate Resorts, did just that on behalf of nearly 30 Utah residents. A court in Utah County found the Florida-based timeshare firm guilty of attracting people to its resort using travel vouchers that were too difficult to redeem.

At BuyATimeshare.com we feel it is these types of unethical practices that add to the already negative reputation that timeshare is just beginning to escape. This kind of selling tactic has long been red-flagged as a scam in the timeshare resale industry. Customers of BuyATimeshare.com are always cautioned to avoid such companies. Never take bait!

Lawyer Scot Boyd, representing the plaintiff in this case explains that in exchange for touring Westgate’s new spa, the company promised free California trips including airfare and lodging for two. “They weren’t telling people they were getting a voucher, they were telling them they were getting an Anaheim trip.” Westgate will appeal a final civil judgment Boyd added.

“For all timeshares, they have to get bodies through the door so they can do the sales. Now how different companies choose to get people through the door may tell you who’s reputable and who’s not so reputable in the industry, said Boyd.”

Timesharing has proven to be very valuable to millions of vacation-goers. Unfortunately, the more people that buy from the developers, the more dastardly tactics companies will attempt to use. If you are genuinely interested in buying a timeshare, and you do not want to worry about sales pressure, hidden fees and underhanded sales tricks, BuyATimeshare.com is the answer to all of your timeshare needs.

Travel Industry Rebounds in Poor Economy November 8, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Bluegreen Resorts, Disney, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, JetShare, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, RCI, silverleaf, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

Despite folks paring costs anywhere they can, consumers have not completely cut leisure travel out of their lifestyle. The travel industry is bouncing back. People who do still travel are adapting their annual routine, staying closer to home for a change. The attitude that followed the U.S. financial crisis has caused people to vacation at their own part of the country—enjoying their nearby cities and mountains. People are seeking more local destinations, finding unbeatable deals on their own side of the ocean and not giving up their plans to travel.

Rather than buying airfare to cross the open seas, Americans are exploring Canada, Mexico, Central and South America. Both the Peso and the Canadian dollar have dropped significantly, making travel to these country and great value for neighboring Americans. Today, people are forced to look deeper for deals on everything from gas to Christmas presents. They are beginning to explore the timeshare industry as an alternative to hotels or staying the night on grandma’s futon.

Owners of timeshares at far-off tropical destinations for instance, have not been able to ante up to the airfare, let alone venture the cost of fun. So their international timeshare sits and waits while the owner searches further to get the best deal for this year’s holiday trip. At timeshare resale companies like BuyATimeshare.com we are seeing a tendency in those who rent and buy timeshares. Consumers are placing less emphasis on international trips, only traveling as far as Hawaii to vacation, and renting a resort near their family for the holidays.

People are become more educated about the timeshare industry they are reaping the benefits of the resale market. BuyATimeshare.com has made buying timeshares on the resale market as easy as it gets. Like everything, you always pay less when it’s ‘used.’ But a stay at a luxury resort does not carry any ‘used-car’ problems—and will cost far less than retail. The search for value is greater than ever and travelers will cut back on spending by shortening trips and down scaling the level of hotel they stay at, and have switched to a more local destination. With companies like BuyATimeshare.com looking to sell timeshares, there is no reason to spend too much or cut back too much on your next vacation.

BuyATimeshare.com Presents V.I.P Club Membership October 17, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Bluegreen Resorts, Customer Comments, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, RCI, silverleaf, Sunterra Timeshare, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

BuyATimeshare.com, the leader in timeshare resales, has recently developed a V.I.P Club for owners looking to sell their timeshares. Over the past year we have seen great success with ‘Featured Properties’ and ‘Hot Deals.’ In an effort to provide the maximum exposure possible, V.I.P members will receive 10 times the exposure and typically result in a quicker sale.

When a buyer searches through our extensive inventory, they have over 3000 resorts across the globe to choose from. By browsing the alphabetically organized directory, choosing B for Bahamas, U for Utah, buyers are ready to find their timeshare. 3-V.I.P Club advertisements will show up so you don’t have to search any further. As the buyer refines the search a new set of V.I.P ads that fit the criteria will appear.

We have been experiencing record sales and rental activity over the past quarter, and
traffic on our website continues to increase. We feel this addition to the search process will augment an ad’s exposure—making them even easier to find. “V.I.P Club members will receive unmatched exposure, and that means a faster sale” explains Wes Kogelman, Vacation Property Resales President. “People are finding it easier to buy online, and realizing the cost effectiveness of purchasing their timeshares at BuyATimeshare.com.” BuyATimeshare.com reported over $6.6milion in confirmed offers over the past month of September.

Wyndham Falls Victim to Economic Drought October 10, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, General, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

As the economic drought continues, the lodging industry is shedding weight and hording their last morsels of profit. Wyndham Worldwide has stayed fairly strong amid the tightening credit crunch and had optimistic expectations for its third quarter. But after Marriott reported a 28% decline, shares of Wyndham Worldwide Corp. dropped 87 cents, nearly 7%. In response the conglomerate announced staff cuts and a series of ‘restructuring’ charges.

Stephen Holmes, Wyndham chairman and chief executive, said he was confident that the restructuring would enhance profitability during ‘this turbulent environment,’ and position the group for growth. Holmes explained “the majority of our earnings are generated through our fee-for-service business model, which continues to generate reliable revenue and cash flow.”

Wyndham declined to give details about the number of job losses, but stated they would scale back all timeshare development and seek customers with sufficient credit quality. Marriott also stated that it expects to delay or even cut some current projects as current market conditions continue to hit the availability of credit.

This trend, set by Westgate in late September, has been adopted by numerous brands that had otherwise been performing well. Wyndham stated these charges will take place throughout the second-half of the year and the first quarter of 2009.

With an emaciated timeshare industry looking to score back some cash fat, why buy and pay inflated prices when the resale market offers the same thing for about 1/3 of the cost? BuyATimeshare.com has never been concerned with selling overpriced timeshares that require financing. Even with our continued relationship with Tammac Financial, most people don’t even need to finance. With an extensive inventory of top-brand resorts we offer hundreds of timeshares and vacation packages for well under $10,000.

Layoffs at Florida Westgate Timeshares October 1, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, Disney, General, New Features, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Westgate Timeshares , 1 comment so far

One of America’s largest timeshare companies has recently taken drastic measures during these shaky economic times. Westgate Resorts in Orlando, Florida are halting all sales, construction, and marketing, wincing in the current credit crunch. Unfortunately this plan calls for hundreds of layoffs. These cuts will inevitably affect all areas of business.

This won’t just halt the administration and sales end, like Westgate President Dave Seigel told the papers. The local shops and restaurants will be loosing the tourism that these thriving resorts usher in. Seigel says Westgate will be able to pay the bills, but has no money for new business until things get better.

Hospitality giant Westgate currently employs over 10,000 and has 10,000 units at 28 resorts in 11 states. Most other companies are flinching with the increasing price of energy and poor tourism. Many brands are simply cutting back; IHG is full steam ahead, while Westgate stops altogether. It is tough to know which innovative plan will work out. The timeshare industry has always been a resilient one, and we should be hearing of future endeavors by Westgate Resorts.

At BuyATimeshare.com we know the timeshare industry can be fickle. And while CEOs lick their wounds, developers are having a problem selling timeshares for $20,000 to $40,000. Our records indicate stability in today’s timeshare resale market however. Our buyer specialists have processed over $6 million in confirmed offers

Planet Hollywood Towers by Westgate, the New Timeshare Giant September 24, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, General, JetShare, New Features, News & Events, Planet Hollywood, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares , add a comment

When we last visited Planet Hollywood Towers by Westgate Resorts, the Fourth of July, star-studded topping-off celebration was underway. As time progresses and the project evolves, it is clear that these towers will offer a unique opportunity for vacation ownership. Westgate is looking to open the towers on New Year’s 2011. This 50-story glass giant will be the largest purpose-built timeshare resort in the world. “Own a piece of the strip” says Westgate, with their towers growing on the famed Las Vegas Strip.

The awe-inspiring blue glass towers will boast 1,200 beautifully appointed vacation villas. With a total of 3.2 million square feet of living space, the Planet Hollywood Towers will offer suites ranging in size from 1- to 4-bedrooms, with 28 exclusive suites ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet. The towers will be fully integrated with the all-new Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for an unparalleled Las Vegas vacation experience.

To go along with this tremendous undertaking, the neighboring Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino by Sheraton has recently completed its exterior and public-space remodel. The resort is also in the process of completely redoing their guestrooms. Wrapping itself around the Resort & Casino is The Miracle Mile Mall, which is also in its first leg of a major makeover. Though both properties are owned separately, they are directly connected. Together they will offer a vacation experience unavailable anywhere else in the world.

Scaffolding, that shielded the tower for so many months, is finally gone, exposing the dynamic shape of the first of two towers. The unique balconies can be seen as the immense building takes form. Connecting the Towers and the Planet Hollywood Resort will give guests and owners direct access to amenities like the all new Planet Hollywood Casino. The list continues with 12 premium restaurants featuring an eclectic range of cuisine and a full-service shopping mall with more than 140 shops.

At BuyATimeshare.com there are multiple Westgate and Sheraton properties available—including various Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino packages. Enjoy a resort by a leading brand name in the hospitality industry and gain access to numerous vacation properties priced thousands of dollars less than what developers will sell them for—see what we have to offer.

Brokers Buy A Timeshare Too September 9, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, Donate a Timeshare, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Hilton Head Island, JetShare, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, RCI, Sunterra Timeshare, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

Lately brokers have been stepping up to the resale industry by shopping the BuyATimeshare.com website. For the past two months brokers have increased the use of our extensive inventory and are buying properties by the throng. Often they have numerous clients and have exhausted their own supply. BuyATimeshare.com, a leader in the timeshare resale industry, comes to the rescue. This relationship gives our clients the superior advertising they need, and coupled with brokers’ buying power; we have been making record sales every month for close to a year.

Many brokers and timeshare skeptics claim that timeshare resales are too complex for advertising to successfully work—but we really help each other. At Buyatimeshare.com we make sure your timeshare is seen by millions of potential buyers worldwide, when a broker makes a bid, we negotiate to get you the most, make sure your timeshare becomes a sold Advertisement. In the past two months we can attribute over $178,640.00 worth of Marriott sales and over $213,000.00 worth of WorldMark sales by brokers alone.

Not only do we offer an advertisement in multiple domains, but we are the only company in the industry to have developed a Buyer Specialists department. These dedicated professionals are available to answer questions and guide buyers through the process. We have also employed a LiveChat option, for folks to discuss any questions or concerns they have along the way.

With the most extensive inventory of vacation properties in the industry, we can work with the broker so you don’t have to. BuyATimeshare.com allows you the chance to sell your valuable timeshare for what you want, instead of the lowest bid a broker will offer. There is commission to consider as well—with a broker charging upwards of 10% of the original cost. So, if you sell a $20,000.00 timeshare, you are liable to be charged $2,000.00. An advertising fee is nominal compared to the percentage brokers take. BuyATimeshare.com deals with these professionals anyway—so would you trade an upfront fee for a hefty commission, or would you rather keep the equity for yourself?

Rentals Offered Through RCI EXchange Company August 27, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Hilton Head Island, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, RCI, Sunterra Timeshare, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, VOIC, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

RCI, the major timeshare exchange company in the world, has introduced a new concept to their repertoire. This latest exchange scheme will allow timeshare owners to rent out their vacation property when they’re not using them. BuyATimeshare.com has been offering people the option to rent, sell and buy vacation property for years. With a dedicated Rental Specialist Department, BuyATimeshare.com gives owners a way to get cash from their timeshare, to pay maintenance fees, or toward their next getaway.

With this RCI program you do earn RCI point that can be accumulated and put toward a different week or a stay at a different destination altogether. This offer is only good for RCI affiliated resorts however. This is where BuyATimeshare.com really shines, with rentals offered by most owners across the globe.

RCI will arrange the renters, but the owner only receives 70 percent of the income—along with some bonus points. This is an ingenious twist to their already impressive portfolio. Though they will probably guarantee a renter, BuyATimeshare.com guarantees that you will receive 100 percent of the rental income—that pays for your annual maintenance fees! Interested buyers enjoy renting, often as a first step to buying. This gives you a week away at a luxury resort, anywhere in the world you wish. Renting a vacation property has always proven to be a cost effective alternative to staying a week in a hotel. Save thousands when buying and cash for your timeshare!

Hawaii Timeshare Vacations Still Thriving August 25, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, RCI, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , 1 comment so far

Hawaii has always been an individual among a flock of seemingly interesting vacation destinations. Since the 1950’s-60’s this tropical paradise has stood alone, introducing the world to the Aloha spirit: a warm atmosphere and people that compliment the island’s wonderful temperature. Despite the awkward American economy, timeshare occupancy on all of Hawaii’s six islands remains high and stable. BuyATimeshare.com, a leader in the timeshare resale industry, has been offering affordable deals on Hawaii timeshares for almost ten years.

Over the past year the American economy has taken countless blows. Travel and leisure have taken the brunt of the spending lull. Because of this pause, airlines and hotels have taken action—inflating their prices and shrinking inventory. Hawaii alone has lost 3,000 jobs, 95,000 airline seats and five overnight cruise ships during this economic downturn. Timeshare resorts throughout the state, like Westin Ka’anapali and Wyndham, were 88.6 percent full in the second quarter. That number is expected to increase to 91.9 percent for the third quarter, according to a recent study released by the American Resort Development Association.

Mitch Imanaka, chair of ARDA Hawaii said “these figures demonstrate once again that even during downturns in tourism, timeshare continues to stand out as a reliable source of revenue for Hawaii’s economy and provide jobs for Hawaii’s people. Ownership is the highest form of loyalty. It is clear timeshare owners are suing their scheduled vacation time in Hawaii because they have already paid for their accommodations. With the expense of their stay pre-paid, it’s easier for them to cover today’s higher airline ticket costs and overcome other economic concerns that are impeding travel to Hawaii.” In 2007 timeshare owners generated $41.4million in tax revenue. As of last year 6,952 Hawaii residents owned timeshare units throughout the state. Regardless of economic trends, BuyATimeshare.com has affordable array of vacations at Hawaii. These are top-shelf resorts like Marriott, Shell Vacations Club, and Diamond Resorts—priced to sell thousands of dollars less than what the developer would offer them

The incredible group of islands is almost its own country with sights that can only been seen while at Hawaii. There are spectacular shows of glowing lava from Kileaua Volcano, the world’s most active volcano, on Hawaii’s Big Island. Here travelers can gain access to regularly scheduled tours of the scorching scenery. Enjoy the surfing at the famed North shore of Oahu. Anytime of year is a good time to visit Hawaii. Summer months (April thru November) are warmer and dry at 75-80degrees Fahrenheit. The winter months (December thru March) are a bit cooler at 68-80degrees. It is the trade winds that keep things comfortable year-round.

BuyATimeshare.com Has the Vacation for You July 16, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

BuyAtimeshare.com is one of the few timeshare resale companies out there to offer top resorts brands in the hospitality industry, premium vacation properties and amazing savings. With the value and sales volume on a constant rise, timeshares are proving to be resilient in the face of economic trouble, and an ideal investment in vacationing and lifestyle.

From Marriott to Wyndham, there are hundreds of sought-after locations available for thousands of dollars less than if you purchased them from the resort developer. The resale market is ideal for those looking for a stay at a high-end resort, for regular hotel prices. Regardless of the current U.S. economic situation, timesharing continues to be a great alternative when traveling. Rent or buy property most anywhere in the world, enjoying top shelf suites like Hilton, Westin, and Manhattan Club with superior value and locations. Even with the trustworthy accounting firm Ernst & Young predicting that demand for vacation lodging would be down nationwide, like in 2007 when a .5% drop was recorded, as an industry timesharing is growing strong each year.

In a recent study of the U.S. vacation timeshare industry conducted by Ernst & Young, a survey was conducted by 628 of the 1,641 timeshare resorts. The study illustrated that timeshares across the country have experienced sales growth of almost 70% since 2003. Exchange companies are showing popularity as well, with nearly all owners being a member of RCI or Interval International. Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) stated “the continued growth of the timeshare industry in today’s economy is a direct indication of strong consumer satisfaction and demand. Vacation ownership, with its flexible and spacious accommodations, continues to be a preferred travel choice for American families.”

ARDA has indicated that as of 2007 4.4million households owned one of more U.S. timeshares, weekly intervals or point equivalents. Regardless of the slump in residential real estate, states like Florida, with great sales volume as well as the largest resorts, have prospered with a timeshare market of 3.9billion by the end of 2007. Nusbaum explains “Timeshares have proven resilient despite a tough real-estate market in part because people who view them more as a travel expense and not a real-estate investment. They buy it because they believe they get better vacationing people don’t buy timeshares for the price appreciation, they buy it for use.” These vacation properties improve the quality of your vacation experience!

Many resort brands have added sophistication to the way owners can buy timeshare intervals. BuyATimeshare.com has been offering increased flexibility for owners to customize their vacations and offering “points” as well as weeks per year. Points can allow vacation-goers or extend their vacation weeks, travel during other times of the year, or stay in various units at a range of locations.