Best way to get rid of Timeshare - Sell or get out of contract

I am interested in getting rid of my timeshare that I don't use anymore. I have read the threads on selling and have seen the post showing the legitimate resale sites. Selling my timeshare might net me $0 to several hundred dollars minus transaction costs which means me paying to get out.
Recently, I was contacted by a company that guarantees me to get out my contract. A similar company advertises on the radio a lot and guarantees the same. Both offer a money back guarantee - if they don't get me out of the contract, they will give me my money back. I have heard all the stories that say you should not pay upfront fees for selling a timeshare - but they don't offer a guarantee.
Has anyone used a service to get out of a contract? If they can get you out of the contract, why can't you call the timeshare and ask to get out of the contract and pay them a fee for allowing it.
Is there data that shows the percentage of listings that are sold and the typical ratio of the listing price to the sales price?
I will be calling some of the agents on the legitimate resale sites to see what they say. Thanks for advice on this, Rick

Have you contacted the resort HOA in writing to formally inquire if they will accept a "deedback"?

That avenue should be pursued energetically before you waste any time or money on fruitless efforts to sell something which may be of little or no value --- or getting involved with any so-called "exit" operation, whose "money back guaranty" is very likely nothing more than three empty and meaningless words.

There is also the TUG "Bargain Deals" forum, where you could attempt to just give the unwanted ownership away to a new home. You may have to pay the closing costs and transfer fee yourself as an additional inducement, depending on the nature (i.e., location, week, unit size, maintenance fee amount) of the interval at issue.

Good luck.

stromer said:

<snip> Is there data that shows the percentage of listings that are sold and the typical ratio of the listing price to the sales price? <snip>

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In a word for both questions, no. There is virtually no way to learn actual selling prices as compared to any ad listing prices, regardless of the site or advertising venue.
One exception is perusing completed eBay auctions, but the info gleaned there is only pertinent if you find completed listings for directly comparable intervals (i.e., same resort, same unit size, same or closely similar week).

What efforts have you made thusfar to list the timeshare for $1 in hopes of finding a willing buyer, or contact your HOA to see if they will accept the unit back?

is it paid off?

what system do you own in?

would you accept a money back guarantee from a guy selling speakers out of the back of his van? =)

stromer said:

Has anyone used a service to get out of a contract? If they can get you out of the contract, why can't you call the timeshare and ask to get out of the contract and pay them a fee for allowing it.

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That's exactly the reasoning many here on TUG use when someone comes on and asks "Has anyone heard of such-and-such a company that promises to cancel your timeshare?" Some resorts will take TSs back if you pay closing costs and perhaps the next year's MF.

Also, we often suggest to use the free giveaway method here on TUG:

http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132509

Based on their other posts, the OP owns 2, fall, one-bedrooms in Orlando. They are unlikely to have any resale value, so I think their best option may be to give it away:

How to give away your timeshare on TUG: http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132509

stromer - you may also want to review the answers to your previous posts on this topic:

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222630

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240790

Donate your Timeshare

[Deleted: This company is in trouble with the Attorney General and IRS right now - I would not use them.]

Enitsirhc777@aol.com said:

[Deleted: This company is in trouble with the Attorney General and IRS right now - I would not use them.]

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Diamond will take back a timeshare FREE. Stephen Cloobeck made a big deal out how he will take a timeshare back while on "Undercover Boss." You wasted $1,700.

Your post is nothing short of an ad for this company. And if you couldn't sell your timeshare, then how can they sell that timeshare for any amount of money to "donate." Baloney.