Disclaimer: I am a consumer protection attorney with experience pursuing legal actions against Wyndham and a wide range of other timeshare companies. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are just that—thoughts and opinions. They are not statements of fact and should not be construed as legal advice for your specific situation.


How the Sales Pitch Begins

In my experience, many consumers are introduced to WorldMark by Wyndham ("Wyndham") through promotions like raffle entries, prize giveaways, or free vacation offers—just for attending a timeshare presentation. Most people I’ve spoken with never intended to purchase a timeshare. However, once inside, these presentations can be high-pressure and filled with emotionally manipulative tactics.

As someone who has worked with dozens of clients in these situations, I’ve seen several common patterns in the misrepresentations they report:

  • Claims that the timeshare builds equity, like a home mortgage (they even describing the timeshare loan as a mortgage when really it is a high APR loan);
  • Assurances that the timeshare can be resold easily or will appreciate in value;
  • Assurances that the timeshare will be a valuable asset that they can leave to their heirs;
  • Representations that the owner will be able to rent out some of their points to cover all or some of their costs; among many others.

In reality, many later learn that their timeshare has no value, is nearly impossible to sell, there is no exit program, and they are stuck in the timeshare for life, paying ever-increasing maintenance fees.


What the Resale Market Really Looks Like

As of today, Wyndham timeshares are frequently listed on eBay for $1 or less, including those with hundreds of thousands of annual points and fully paid off mortgages. Examples as of May 9, 2025, include:

  • Wyndham Grand Desert – 618,000 annual points: Listed for $1

  • Wyndham Clearwater Beach – 931,000 annual points: Listed for $1

  • Wyndham Riverside Suites – 112,000 annual points: Listed for $1

In my opinion, this shows there is little to no resale demand for these timeshares—even when the mortgage is fully paid off.


When People Want Out

In my experience, some Wyndham owners enjoy their timeshare at first. But over time, they travel less, realize they aren’t saving money, or their life circumstances change. That’s when they try to exit—only to discover how difficult it is.

Wyndham promotes a program called Certified Exit by Wyndham, but I’ve found it’s often:

  • Only available to owners with paid-off contracts (fully paid off "mortgages"),

  • Subject to vague and unpublished eligibility criteria,

  • Requires payment of an exit fee, just to surrender the interest.

Meanwhile, maintenance fees continue to increase year after year—and remain in place for life.


The Only Reliable Exit Options I’ve Seen

From my experience helping people in these situations, there are only two consistently effective ways to get out of a Wyndham timeshare:


1. Sue Wyndham (or File for Arbitration)

Most Wyndham contracts I’ve reviewed contain mandatory arbitration clauses, which means formal disputes must be resolved through private arbitration instead of court.

Arbitration can be faster and less expensive than a trial. It often allows:

  • Streamlined evidence collection,

  • A quicker resolution,

  • A neutral third-party decision-maker.

In cases without arbitration clauses, I’ve helped clients file lawsuits in state courts—often in the jurisdiction where the sales took place or where Wyndham is incorporated as a business.

In my opinion, litigation or arbitration gives owners the best chance of cancellation and compensation, especially when the sales tactics were deceptive.


2. Default on the Timeshare Loan

Some owners I’ve worked with choose to default on the loan or maintenance fees. While I don’t recommend this lightly, it is a route many take when legal help is out of reach.

Consequences may include:

  • Damage to credit scores,

  • Persistent collection efforts,

  • Eventual non-judicial foreclosure,

  • Risk of being sued for a deficiency judgment (very rare but not impossible).

From what I have observed Wyndham, and other timeshare companies will usually make aggressive collections attempts for between 2-5 years and then eventually reclaim the timeshare interest through a non-judicial foreclosure, but rarely pursues further legal action. However, beware, Wyndham could pursue a deficiency judgment if they so choose.


Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the timeshare industry, including WorldMark by Wyndham, relies on misleading and high-pressure sales tactics that leave many consumers with long-term regrets. Exiting is not easy, but it is possible. I strongly recommend speaking with an attorney experienced in timeshare law before deciding how to proceed. You may have more options than you think. NEVER HIRE A TIMEHARE EXIT COMPANY. They are just as bad as the timeshare companies themselves.

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