My $0.02 worth...
<snip> I did contact Festiva. I was told there would be a $225 charge for deed transfer. That is reasonable. I asked about release. The charge is twice the maintenence fee. I thought that was a bit too much. What do you think? <snip>
I realize and understand that "paying out of pocket just to get out" is not an option with a particularly pleasant or palatable taste, but I will nonetheless just remind you that many ownerships offer
no such
legitimate and responsible option at all --- at
any price. I'd probably be inclined to take advantage of that option while it's even still offered and available to you; it might very well "go away" without any notice.
Frankly, a Festiva ownership may be very hard to sell --- or perhaps to even give away for free, but it might still be worth a
very brief attempt to give it away for free as a TUG "Bargain Deal", while presumably offering to pay the closing costs and transfer fees yourself.
Personally, I'd give
very serious consideration to "biting the bullet" and dealing directly with Festiva to just get "out" quickly, ethically, cleanly and expediently, despite the clearly unwelcome "out of pocket" cost.
Any and all other options and approaches will necessarily involve additional time --- with uncertain results.
In the final analysis, it's your decision and your call. Good luck with whichever exit route you choose.