One of the most notorious tactics in the timeshare industry is the use of high-pressure sales presentations. Potential buyers are often lured to these presentations with offers of free vacations, meals, or gifts, only to find themselves trapped in a room for hours, unable to leave until they commit. These presentations are designed to wear people down emotionally and mentally until they give in.

Real-Life Horror Story

Dale and June, an elderly couple, found themselves stuck in a Las Vegas timeshare presentation after asking how to lower their $2,500 annual maintenance fee. They were kept for over four hours, verbally pressured into purchasing a new timeshare for over $10,000, even though they had no intention of buying more. The sales rep even prevented them from using the bathroom until they agreed to the purchase​. Unfortunately, stories like this are common, with many buyers feeling physically trapped and emotionally exhausted.

Many timeshare buyers are sold on false promises that make the investment seem more appealing than it is. Sales reps often claim that timeshares are great financial investments that will appreciate in value, or that they can be easily resold for a profit. In reality, most timeshares lose significant value over time and are extremely difficult to sell.

Real-Life Horror Story

A couple in their early 40s was told that their $15,000 timeshare would increase in value and that they could sell it for a profit. Years later, they found out there was virtually no resale market, and their timeshare was worth a fraction of what they had paid. Like many owners, they were left paying maintenance fees while being unable to sell.

Even after purchasing a timeshare, the financial burden doesn’t stop. Timeshare companies often downplay the ongoing costs, such as maintenance fees, special assessments, and property taxes. Many buyers are not fully aware of how quickly these fees can escalate, sometimes doubling or tripling over a few years.

Real-Life Horror Story

Many timeshare owners find themselves trapped by rising maintenance fees. One buyer reported paying $2,500 annually in maintenance costs, only to find that these fees continued to increase each year without any improvements in the resort’s condition. Owners have little control over these fees, and in some cases, are forced to pay even when they don’t use their timeshare.

One of the most significant problems with timeshare ownership is the lack of viable exit options. Many timeshare owners find themselves stuck in contracts with no way out. Companies rarely offer clear information on how to exit a timeshare, and when they do, the options are often expensive or require hiring third-party exit companies, which can also be scams.

Real-Life Horror Story

An elderly couple found that after 10 years of ownership, they could no longer use their timeshare due to health issues. Despite paying thousands in maintenance fees over the years, they were unable to sell the property or exit the contract without incurring high penalties. They ended up working with a timeshare exit company, only to lose more money without successfully canceling their contract​.

Many timeshares are sold with the promise of flexible vacationing. However, limited availability and blackout dates often prevent owners from booking during their desired times. Buyers are frequently misled into believing they’ll have access to their dream destination anytime, only to discover that prime vacation weeks are nearly impossible to reserve.

Real-Life Horror Story

One buyer was promised that they could book their timeshare in a popular Florida resort “any time of the year.” When they tried to reserve their vacation, they found that all the desirable dates were blocked. Despite paying hefty fees, they were stuck with weeks that didn’t align with their family’s schedule.