The Orlando Sentinel writes:
"We sold it for $1,500," Punzo said. "We had paid $7,400.
But Punzo also said she was satisfied with the Web site she used to sell the unit. That site, sellmytimesharenow.com, lists a large number of units and tops the results list when someone surfing the Internet enters key phrases such as "time-share resales" in Google's search engine.
"Until a few years ago, before the Googles and Yahoos appeared, there was no good avenue for selling these things," said Jason Tremblay, chief executive officer of sellmytime sharenow. "Sellers are easy to find. We estimate between 15 to 20 percent of owners would like to sell."
The time-share industry insists the percentage is far lower. But there is a growing acknowledgment that the industry's rapid growth also means ever more prospective sellers.
Time-share companies spend large amounts on marketing, and many consider the secondary market a source of competition. But that may be changing. Orlando-based Marriott Vacation Club now offers to buy back some, though not all, units from those who want out.
"We have a relatively low percentage of units that are available for resales -- less than 2 percent," said Marriott Vacation Club spokesman Ed Kinney. "Resales are a byproduct of the industry. People have products that don't fit their needs. We know that."
Other companies aren't as receptive to reselling.
David Siegel, president of Westgate Resorts in Orlando, said his company warns prospective buyers that time shares are difficult to resell. And Westgate doesn't offer a formal resale program.
"It's a conflict for developers, because they have their own inventory to sell," Siegel said. "We tell owners that it is not an investment, and that they are really prepaying their vacation."
And Siegel said his sales staff is upfront about its stance.
"We tell people we won't sell it for you and we won't rent it for you," Siegel said. "But if they have to sell, we say go to friends or neighbors or advertise it in the paper."
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