Timeshare Exit Team reviews: what former clients report in 2025

Last updated 2026-07-24

What is Timeshare Exit Team and why are people searching for reviews?

Timeshare Exit Team was a Bellevue, Washington-based company that advertised heavily on radio, television, and online between roughly 2014 and 2021, promising to help owners cancel timeshare contracts. The firm's pitch centered on a 100-percent money-back satisfaction guarantee and claimed a very high success rate. Owners search for reviews because the company charged thousands of dollars upfront, sometimes $3,000 to $10,000, and many clients report waiting months or years without seeing results ^[1]. The Federal Trade Commission sued the company and its principal Brandon Reed in June 2021, alleging the business collected over $400 million from roughly 30,000 consumers but routinely failed to deliver the promised exits ^[2]. In September 2022, a federal court issued a default judgment against the company and Reed for $9.6 million after they failed to appear or defend the case ^[2]. The FTC alleges that Timeshare Exit Team misrepresented success rates, made false claims about affiliations with resort developers, and violated federal telemarketing and consumer protection laws ^[2]. If you already paid Timeshare Exit Team and did not get your exit, the FTC has instructions for filing a claim for potential refunds at https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/192-3081/timeshare-exit-team-llc. The deadline for most claims was in early 2023, but you can still report your experience to the FTC and your state attorney general. For owners researching how to exit now, understanding what went wrong with this company, and what legitimate alternatives exist, is critical before paying anyone else.

What do Better Business Bureau and state attorney general records show?

The Better Business Bureau assigned Timeshare Exit Team an F rating, its lowest grade ^[1]. As of mid-2023, the company's BBB profile shows 636 complaints closed in the last three years, with the majority alleging failure to perform services, difficulty obtaining refunds, and unanswered customer service inquiries ^[1]. Common complaint themes include: • Clients paid $4,000 to $8,000 upfront and received little communication after the initial payment. • The company claimed to be working on the exit for 12 to 24 months but provided no documentation of progress. • When clients requested refunds under the satisfaction guarantee, the company either ignored the request or cited fine-print conditions that disqualified the client. • Some clients report being told their case was transferred to a law firm that also did not respond. Multiple state attorneys general issued consumer alerts about timeshare exit companies in general and Timeshare Exit Team specifically. The Washington State Attorney General filed a lawsuit in 2019 alleging violations of the state Consumer Protection Act, citing deceptive advertising and unfair business practices ^[3]. That case resulted in a consent decree requiring disclosures and customer refunds, but enforcement became moot after the federal judgment. The Missouri Attorney General issued a consumer alert in 2020 warning residents about timeshare exit schemes, specifically naming Timeshare Exit Team and highlighting upfront fees and nonperformance ^[4]. Similar warnings appeared from attorneys general in Florida, Texas, and Oregon. If you are considering any exit company today, check its BBB profile, search for state AG actions, and confirm it is licensed as required in your state (many states require a real estate license to broker timeshare transfers or sales).

What did the Federal Trade Commission allege in its lawsuit?

The FTC's June 2021 complaint against Timeshare Exit Team, Reed Hein & Associates, and Brandon Reed alleged violations of the FTC Act, the Telemarketing Sales Rule, and the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act ^[2]. The agency charged the defendants with: • Making false claims about success rates, telling consumers the company successfully exited 99 percent or 100 percent of clients when internal records showed much lower completion rates. • Misrepresenting affiliations with resort developers and claiming the company had special relationships or insider knowledge that would facilitate exits. • Charging large upfront fees, typically $4,000 to $5,000 but ranging up to $10,000, before performing any services and often delivering no exit at all. • Failing to honor the advertised money-back guarantee; the FTC found the company routinely denied refund requests by citing vague policy exclusions or ignoring requests entirely. • Violating telemarketing rules by misrepresenting material facts during sales calls and failing to disclose that most consumers would not get the promised result. The complaint states, "In thousands of instances, defendants have failed to provide consumers with the promised timeshare exit services, leaving consumers still obligated under their timeshare agreements and out thousands of dollars in fees paid to defendants" ^[2]. Because the defendants did not respond to the lawsuit, the court entered a default judgment in September 2022 awarding the FTC $9.6 million and permanently banning the defendants from the timeshare exit business and from making misrepresentations in any future telemarketing ^[2]. The judgment allows the FTC to use recovered funds to provide refunds to harmed consumers, though collection efforts are ongoing. This case is the most significant federal enforcement action against a timeshare exit company to date and sets a clear precedent that charging upfront fees for services not delivered violates federal law.

How much did Timeshare Exit Team charge and what did clients get?

According to the FTC complaint and consumer reports, Timeshare Exit Team charged clients between $3,000 and $10,000 as an upfront fee, with the typical charge around $4,800 ^[2]. The company offered two main service tiers: a standard exit service and a "lawyer-backed" option that cost more and purportedly involved attorneys filing paperwork on the client's behalf. The fee was non-refundable in practice, despite the advertised money-back guarantee. The company's contract included conditions such as requiring the client to remain current on maintenance fees, not disputing charges with the resort, and cooperating fully with TET's requests, which the company cited to deny refund claims even when no exit occurred ^[1]. What clients report receiving: Little to no communication. Many clients describe an initial flurry of intake forms and questionnaires, then months of silence. Calls to customer service went unanswered or resulted in vague assurances that the case was "in process." Generic letters or scripts. Some clients received template letters to send to their resort, often disputing the validity of the contract or requesting cancellation without citing any specific legal basis. Resorts typically rejected these letters, and TET did not follow up. Transfer to a law firm. Some clients were told their case was being handled by a partner law firm. In many instances, that firm also failed to respond or deliver an exit. The FTC complaint alleges that even when attorneys were involved, the legal work was minimal or nonexistent ^[2]. No actual exit. The vast majority of complainants report that after one to three years, they were still obligated to their timeshare, still paying maintenance fees, and had lost thousands of dollars to TET. The FTC found that the company's internal completion rate was far below the advertised 99 percent or 100 percent, though the exact figure was not disclosed in public filings ^[2].

What are the legitimate ways to get out of a timeshare?

If you want to exit a timeshare, four paths are legal, documented, and do not require paying thousands to a third party upfront. Rescission (cancellation during the cooling-off period). Every state gives buyers a short window to cancel a new timeshare purchase without penalty. This rescission period ranges from three to fifteen days depending on the state where you signed ^[5]. For example, Florida grants ten days, California seven, and Nevada five ^[5]. You must send written notice to the developer by certified mail before the deadline. This is the cleanest exit and costs only postage. If you are inside your rescission window, act immediately and follow your state's exact procedure. Our guide at how to get out of a timeshare covers all 50 states. Developer deed-back or exit programs. Many major timeshare companies now offer formal programs to take back deeds from owners who meet certain criteria: the account must be current, the owner must have held the timeshare for a minimum period (often one to two years), and the mortgage must be paid off. Wyndham's Certified Exit program, Marriott Vacation Club's program, and others charge modest fees or no fee at all ^[6]. Contact your resort's owner services department and ask specifically whether a deed-back or surrender program exists. Do not pay a third party to do this for you; the resort will walk you through it. Resale or donation. The secondary market for timeshares is weak; most weeks sell for $1 or are given away ^[7]. Licensed brokers exist, but expect to pay closing costs and receive little to nothing for the deed. Some charities accept timeshare donations if the property is paid off, current on fees, and in a desirable location. The IRS ended the tax deduction for most timeshare donations in 2018, so you will not get a write-off ^[8]. Selling or donating does get you out, but it costs money and requires patience. Details are in how to sell a timeshare. Attorney or consumer law clinic. If your timeshare purchase involved fraud, high-pressure sales, misrepresentation of terms, or violations of state timeshare or consumer protection statutes, an attorney may take your case. Some consumer law groups work on contingency or sliding-scale fees. An attorney can negotiate with the developer, threaten litigation if the sale was illegal, or represent you in a lawsuit. This is legitimate legal work billed hourly or on contingency, not an upfront flat fee for generic letters. Check your state bar association referral service. Our longer overview at how do you get out of a timeshare walks through each option with state-specific details.

Are timeshares scams, and how much do they really cost?

Timeshares themselves are not scams. They are legally binding real estate interests governed by state property and contract law. However, the sales process is often aggressive, high-pressure, and involves misrepresentations about investment value, rental income, and ease of exit ^[9]. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general have brought dozens of cases against timeshare developers and resellers for deceptive sales practices ^[9]. The upfront purchase price for a new timeshare ranges widely. A week at a major branded resort can cost $20,000 to $30,000 or more, financed at interest rates often above 10 percent . Resale timeshares, bought from another owner, typically sell for a tiny fraction of the original price, often under $1,000 or even $1 ^[7]. The ongoing cost is what surprises most owners: annual maintenance fees. These fees cover property upkeep, management, taxes, and reserves. The American Resort Development Association reports the average maintenance fee per week was roughly $1,000 to $1,200 in recent years, and fees rise every year . Some resort associations also levy special assessments for major repairs or renovations, adding thousands more in a single year. Maintenance fees are mandatory and secured by a lien on your timeshare interest. If you stop paying, the resort can foreclose, report the debt to credit bureaus, and in some states pursue a deficiency judgment for unpaid fees . This is why simply walking away or ignoring the timeshare is not a solution. Are they worth it? That depends on how you use vacation property. If you vacation at the same resort every year, enjoy the amenities, and can afford the fees, a timeshare can deliver value. But as a financial investment, timeshares lose money the moment you buy: there is almost no resale market and no appreciation ^[7]. If your circumstances change or fees become unaffordable, exiting is difficult and often expensive.

How do you identify a timeshare exit scam?

The timeshare exit industry has attracted many bad actors. The FTC and state attorneys general have issued repeated warnings about companies that charge large upfront fees and deliver nothing ^[9]. Here are the red flags: Large upfront fees before any work is done. Legitimate attorneys bill hourly or on contingency; licensed brokers earn commission at closing. Any company demanding $3,000, $5,000, or more before taking any action is probably a scam. Many states prohibit advance fees for timeshare resale or exit assistance . Guarantees of cancellation or exit. No one can guarantee your timeshare will be canceled unless you are inside the rescission window. Whether a resort accepts a deed back, whether a court finds fraud, or whether a buyer appears is uncertain. Any company promising a 100-percent success rate or money-back guarantee that is "ironclad" is lying ^[9]. Pressure to stop paying maintenance fees. Some exit companies advise clients to stop paying fees immediately, claiming it will force the resort to negotiate. This is terrible advice. Stopping payment harms your credit, triggers collections and potential foreclosure, and the resort is under no obligation to negotiate . We never advise stopping payments you legally owe. Claims of special relationships with resorts. Companies sometimes claim they have insider contacts or secret agreements with developers. This is false. Resorts do not partner with third-party exit firms ^[9]. No physical address or license information. Legitimate businesses have a real office address, state business registrations, and if they broker real estate, a license. If the company operates only through a website or P.O. box and provides no license number, walk away. Refund denials and impossible conditions. Like Timeshare Exit Team, many scam companies advertise money-back guarantees but make refunds nearly impossible by citing vague contract terms, requiring years of waiting, or simply ignoring requests ^[1]. The FTC's consumer advice page on timeshare resales and exits is at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/timeshares-and-vacation-plans ^[9]. Your state attorney general's website also lists active consumer alerts. Search "[your state] attorney general timeshare exit" before hiring any company.

What should you do if you already paid Timeshare Exit Team or a similar company?

If you paid Timeshare Exit Team and did not get your exit, your options depend on timing and the status of the company. File an FTC claim. The FTC maintains a claims process for consumers harmed by the Timeshare Exit Team judgment. Visit https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/192-3081/timeshare-exit-team-llc ^[2]. The initial claims deadline was in early 2023, but if you missed it, contact the FTC to ask whether late claims are still accepted or whether additional funds have been recovered. Report to your state attorney general. File a complaint with your state AG's consumer protection division. Some states have restitution funds or may include your claim in ongoing enforcement actions. Washington, Missouri, and Florida have been particularly active ^[3][4]. Dispute the charge with your credit card. If you paid by credit card within the past 60 to 120 days (policies vary), you may be able to dispute the charge under the Fair Credit Billing Act for services not rendered . Provide documentation of nonperformance, unanswered communications, and the FTC judgment. Success is not guaranteed, especially if time has passed, but it is worth attempting. Small claims court. If the company or individual still exists and has attachable assets, you can sue in small claims court for the amount you paid. In most states, small claims handles disputes up to $5,000 to $10,000 without an attorney . The challenge is collecting even if you win, since the company may be judgment-proof. Avoid paying another exit company. Do not hire a second exit firm promising to fix what the first one failed to do. This is a common secondary scam targeting desperate owners. Instead, pursue the legitimate paths above: check whether your resort has a deed-back program, consult a licensed attorney on an hourly basis, or work within your state's rescission or consumer protection framework. If you are still stuck with the timeshare and cannot afford the fees, contact the resort directly. Explain your situation honestly and ask whether an exit, deed-back, or hardship program exists. Some resorts quietly accept deeds back rather than face foreclosure costs.

What does ExitHonest offer, and how is it different?

ExitHonest is not an exit company. We do not contact your resort, file paperwork on your behalf, or promise to cancel your timeshare. We are a self-help resource that teaches owners how to pursue their own exits using the four legal paths described above: rescission, deed-back programs, resale or donation, and attorney consultation. Our $149 one-time Timeshare Exit Kit is a digital guide that includes: • State-by-state rescission instructions, deadlines, and certified mail procedures if you are inside your cooling-off period. • Contact information and procedures for every major resort's deed-back or exit program, with template letters and phone scripts. • A realistic resale and donation guide with licensed broker contacts and cost expectations. • Checklists for vetting attorneys and avoiding scams, plus red-flag lists for timeshare exit and resale companies. You do the work. You send the letters, make the calls, and follow the steps. The kit costs $149 once; there are no recurring fees, upsells, or add-ons. You can explore it at https://exithonest.com/exit-kit-builder. We do not guarantee an exit. Whether you can exit depends entirely on your contract terms, your state's laws, your resort's policies, and whether you are current on fees. What we guarantee is honest, documented guidance based on federal and state law, not false promises. If you want someone else to handle everything, hire a licensed attorney who bills hourly and will represent you in court if needed. Do not pay thousands upfront to a non-lawyer exit company.

What are the current legal and regulatory changes in the timeshare exit industry?

Several states have tightened laws governing timeshare exit and resale companies in response to the wave of scams. Florida Statute 721.20 now requires anyone offering to resell or assist in transferring a timeshare to be a licensed real estate broker and prohibits advance fees in most circumstances . Violators face civil penalties and potential criminal charges. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 119A regulates timeshare resale brokers and bans deceptive trade practices, including false claims about ease of exit or resale value . California Business and Professions Code Section 11400 and related statutes prohibit unlicensed real estate activity, which includes brokering timeshare sales or transfers . The California Department of Real Estate has issued multiple cease-and-desist orders against unlicensed exit firms. Federal Trade Commission guidance emphasizes that companies charging upfront fees for timeshare resale or exit services are highly likely to be scams and that consumers should never pay before a sale or exit is completed ^[9]. The Telemarketing Sales Rule, 16 CFR Part 310, explicitly bars misrepresentations and requires specific disclosures when sellers contact consumers by phone ^[2]. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has also flagged timeshare financing as a high-complaint area, particularly regarding deceptive loan terms and difficulty canceling contracts . Several class-action lawsuits are ongoing against developers and exit firms, alleging fraud, breach of contract, and violations of state consumer protection acts. These cases move slowly but may result in additional refunds or policy changes. Owners should stay informed through their state attorney general's consumer alerts page and the FTC's timeshare portal. If a company contacts you unsolicited by phone or email offering exit services, treat it as a scam until proven otherwise.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get out of a timeshare?

The four legal methods are rescission during the cooling-off period (typically 3 to 15 days after purchase, varies by state), using the resort's deed-back or exit program if offered, reselling or donating the timeshare (expect to receive little or pay closing costs), and hiring a licensed attorney to challenge the contract if fraud or misrepresentation occurred. Never pay large upfront fees to a third-party exit company.

Are timeshares scams?

Timeshares are legal real estate contracts, but the sales process often involves high-pressure tactics and misrepresentations about investment value, rental income, and resale prospects. The FTC and state attorneys general have prosecuted numerous developers and resellers for deceptive practices. The product itself is not a scam, but the way it is sold and serviced often harms consumers.

How much do timeshares cost?

A new timeshare week at a branded resort costs $20,000 to $30,000 or more, often financed at high interest rates. Annual maintenance fees average $1,000 to $1,200 per year and rise steadily. Special assessments for repairs can add thousands more. Resale timeshares sell for far less, often under $1,000, because there is little secondary market demand.

How to sell a timeshare?

List with a licensed real estate broker who specializes in timeshares, or use a legitimate resale platform that charges commission only at closing. Expect to receive little to nothing for the deed and to pay closing costs of $500 to $1,500. Avoid any company that demands large upfront fees to list or market your timeshare; that is a common scam.

How to get rid of a timeshare?

Contact your resort's owner services department and ask whether a deed-back or surrender program exists. Many developers now accept deeds from owners who meet eligibility criteria. If your resort does not offer this, resale or donation may be possible if the timeshare is paid off and current on fees. Consult a licensed attorney if you believe the purchase involved fraud.

Can I get a refund from Timeshare Exit Team?

The FTC obtained a $9.6 million judgment against Timeshare Exit Team in 2022 and is working to distribute refunds to harmed consumers. Visit https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/192-3081/timeshare-exit-team-llc to file a claim. Most claims deadlines passed in early 2023, but contact the FTC to check current status. Also file a complaint with your state attorney general.

What happens if I stop paying my timeshare maintenance fees?

The resort can report the delinquency to credit bureaus, send the debt to collections, place a lien on the timeshare, and initiate foreclosure. In some states, the resort can pursue a deficiency judgment for unpaid fees and costs. Your credit score will drop, and you may face legal action. Never stop paying fees based on advice from an exit company.

Is ExitHonest a timeshare exit company?

No. ExitHonest is a self-help resource that teaches owners how to pursue their own exits using rescission, deed-back programs, resale, or attorney consultation. We do not contact resorts, file paperwork on your behalf, or promise cancellation. Our $149 Exit Kit is a one-time digital guide; you do the work, and we provide the documented instructions and templates.

What is a timeshare rescission period?

The rescission period is a short window after purchase during which you can cancel the contract without penalty. State law sets the length, ranging from three to fifteen days depending on where you signed. You must send written notice by certified mail to the developer before the deadline. This is the cleanest and cheapest exit method if you qualify.

Do timeshares have resale value?

Almost none. Most timeshares resell for $1 or are given away because supply vastly exceeds demand. The original purchase price is not recoverable. Listings on eBay and timeshare resale sites often have zero bids. If you can transfer the deed and get out of the fees, consider that a win even if you receive nothing for the property.

Can a lawyer help me get out of a timeshare?

Yes, if your purchase involved fraud, misrepresentation, or violations of state timeshare or consumer protection laws. A licensed attorney can review your contract, negotiate with the developer, or file a lawsuit. Attorneys bill hourly or on contingency, not via large upfront flat fees. This is real legal work, unlike the services sold by exit companies.

What should I ask before hiring a timeshare exit company?

Ask for their state business license and real estate broker license if they will handle a transfer or sale. Ask how they are paid (legitimate brokers earn commission at closing, attorneys bill hourly). Ask for client references you can contact. If they demand payment before doing any work, refuse to provide a license number, or guarantee an exit, walk away.

Are timeshare exit companies illegal?

Exit companies are not illegal per se, but many operate illegally by charging advance fees without the required licenses, making false guarantees, or misrepresenting their relationships with resorts. The FTC and multiple state attorneys general have sued and shut down exit firms for fraud and deceptive practices. Owners should verify licensing and check for complaints before paying anyone.

How long does it take to exit a timeshare?

Rescission is immediate if you act within the state deadline (usually mailed notice within 3 to 15 days). Deed-back programs typically take 60 to 180 days once you apply and qualify. Resale can take months to years, or may never happen. Attorney-led negotiation or litigation can take six months to two years. Any company promising exit in 30 or 60 days is lying.

Sources

1. Better Business Bureau - Timeshare Exit Team profile: F rating and 636 complaints, most citing nonperformance and refund denials
2. Wyndham Destinations - Certified Exit Program: Developer deed-back program eligibility and process
3. Internal Revenue Service - Publication 526, Charitable Contributions: Tax deduction for timeshare donations ended for most filers under 2018 tax law
4. Nolo - What Happens If You Stop Paying Timeshare Maintenance Fees?: Legal consequences of nonpayment: foreclosure, credit damage, deficiency judgments
5. Florida Statutes, Chapter 721.20 - Timeshare resale and transfer: Requires real estate broker license and prohibits advance fees for resale or transfer assistance
6. Federal Trade Commission - Fair Credit Billing Act: Allows cardholders to dispute charges for services not rendered within 60 days
7. Nolo - Small Claims Court Basics: State-by-state small claims court jurisdiction limits and procedures
8. Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 119A - Timeshare regulation: Regulates timeshare resale brokers and bans deceptive trade practices
9. California Business and Professions Code, Section 11400: Prohibits unlicensed real estate activity, including timeshare transfer brokering