About Andreas Rossler Expertise I'm able to answer general questions on timeshares and specifically in regard to purchasing, renting or exchanging timeshares on the secondary or resale market and through the Internet. I have expert knowledge in sales, mechanics (how and why timeshares work), and timeshare exchanges.
I am also well versed in timeshare financing and may be able to guide you to better financing or refinancing options for your timeshare purchase.
If you ask questions of a legal nature, or those requiring tax advice - I may not be able to answer fully.
Experience I have 10 years of industry experience in sales, management and processing. I'm currently CEO of Timeshare Village, a resource for timeshare owners and industry professionals.
Organizations Mensa - Life Member
Publications I have been interviewed by Channel 7 News in the Bay Area of California regarding my opinions on Worldmark, the Club timeshares as developed by Trendwest-Wyndham Resorts.
Education/Credentials MBA - Master's in Business Administration
BS - Mathematics
BA - Economics
California Real Estate Broker
Time-Shares - Can't sell, can't donate, only owe maintenance fees. Can we not pay?
Expert: Andreas Rossler - 10/22/2007
Question We own two timeshare weeks that we can't sell and can't donate because the maintenance fees are so high- the resort has maintenance fees and special assessment fees to the tune of $1143 a year for a two bedroom and $900 for the one bedroom. We own these free and clear but these fees are killing us. We have our own business that has recently suffered a set back and we've had to charge the maintenance fees for the last two years. We desperately want to get rid of these. If we just don't pay the maintenance fees, what legal action can they take? I've read other posts of a similar nature, but just read one that compares the non-payment of maintenance fees to the non-payment of gym membership fees.
I might also mention that our resort was previously mismanaged and there was a question of embezzelment with the previous managers, with a couple years back taxes not paid by them. That is part of the reason for the special assessment that we see no end to.
I would love to hear any help you may have. I've been trying to get rid of this albatross for more than a year.
Jennifer
Answer You've thrown in an additional complication of possible fraud by managing members. I would contact a lawyer - my guess, although not qualified to give legal advice, is that you might be able to simply give these timeshares back to the developer and be free of them without repercussion. You should not have to be responsible for the criminal acts or negligence of others.
Normally, I would say just don't pay - let them try to collect and take the timeshare back - however, this would affect your credit. A good lawyer might find a reason for a class action on behalf of the owners.
If I were a lawyer, I could give better advice - however, this is outside my expertise. I am answering the question because it might open the possibility for others in similar situations to take action that would free them of bad management.
