Saturday, July 31, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Cape Cod Timeshare Owners Accuse a Local Developer of a Scam

For those owners who are trying to get out of their timeshares, one of their main reasons of doing so is due to the costs involved in it. However, some scammers use this as a scare tactic to prey on the unsuspecting victims. Recently, the members of a timeshare resort on Cape Cod are accusing a local developer of muscling in on their treasured vacation spot and bringing in slick out-of-state marketers to con them out of their property deeds.

The developer is Cliff Hagberg who took over the Sandcastle Resort in Provincetown two years ago when everyone agrees the timeshare had gone to seed. According to Hagberg, he's done right by the roughly 4,000 timeshare owners at the resort and he's overseen more than $1 million in repairs to the resort, which included new decks, landscaping and a poolside snack bar. He furher stated that they've literally gone room by room throughout the entire resort and have a detailed list of what each room needs. Moreover, he said that the idea is not to turn the Sandcastle into a Marriott, the idea is to make it the best Sandcastle that it can be. As far as I can tell, there's only good news at the Sandcastle.

Meanwhile, timeshare owners accuse Hagberg and his out-of-state partners of seizing control of the resort and then pressuring people to swap their deeds for membership in another timeshare. As one owners said, if they refused that deal, they were told they would be stuck paying the high cost of renovating the Sandcastle.

There are 49 timeshare owners at the Sandcastle who have filed complaints with the Attorney General's office. They claim Hagberg and representatives of a Texas company called Outfield Marketing of using scare tactics on the owners, convincing many of them that the only way to avoid a financial nightmare with such vacation property was to give up their deeds and pay more than three thousand dollars to join a national timeshare company called Festiva Resorts.
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july 31 pics

well, i´ven too busy last week,

so here´s more pics of girls in overalls

(this time a beauty in skirtalls)





























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Friday, July 30, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Feds Charge 3 Men in Illinois for Timeshare Fraud

There is a growing scam nowadays telling blatant lies on the phone to those owners who are desperate to get out of their timeshare contracts. Recently, some national heat is coming down about such fraud on three Palm Beach County pitchers. The federal grand jurors in East St. Louis, Illinois, indicted Darnell Disroe, 38, and Michael Lentine, 32, of Boynton Beach and Michael Starace, 42, of Lantana. Meanwhile, Boynton Beach police and US postal inspectors cooperated in an investigation that found more than 600 victims were bilked for more than $1.3 million in 46 states and Canada.

According to an unsealed indictment, Real Timeshare Marketing asked timeshare condo owners to pay thousands of dollars for costs associated with phony pending sales. Despite collecting $1.3 million in fees between Dec. 1 and April 28, the company was not instrumental in selling a single timeshare interest, as the federal officials said.

Similar cases also have become the top complaint to a state fraud hot line, surpassing mortgage scams, and involving more than 10,000 complaints against scores of companies. Palm Beach County has been a hotbed for the business with 10 of 17 companies subpoenaed by the Florida Attorney General's Office in March based in the county. Fines, settlements and pending civil charges at the state and local level have also addressed some of the complaints.

Currently, the federal authorities are pursuing charges of mail fraud and other offenses that carry up to 25 years in prison or fines up to $250,000 per count. Among others, an Illinois customer paid $1,886 after an agent for Real Timeshare Marketing promised someone wanted to buy the customer's timeshare interest for more than $20,000. But the sale of such vacation property never happened, as authorities said. The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois has recently announced the charges.
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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Fraud Case Filed Against a Father-and-Son Duo

Although there are several scams in the timeshare industry along with the increasing number of owners who are trying to get out of their timeshares every year, many vacationers are still into such vacation properties. Recently in Miami, a father-and-son duo was accused of timeshare fraud. They allegedly bankrolled their lavish lifestyles with $170 million in investors' money, and when investors began to question their activities, they responded with threats and intimidation, as the dozens of lawsuits filed in Federal Court stated.

According to the lawsuit, Frederick Elliott and his son, Derek Elliott, sold timeshares in luxury vacation properties in the Dominican Republic, promising investors a steady and predictable double-digit returns on allegedly safe investments. As the lawsuit stated, Frederick and Derek misused plaintiffs' hard-earned money to finance fanciful Hollywood productions, produce self promotional videos, purchase a half-a-million-dollar yacht, and pay off personal gambling debts in Las Vegas, among other things.

There are about 170 investors who have sued the Elliotts and their complex web of offshore companies and shell corporations that they have created to escape liability. As the lawsuits stated, they treated these entities as one collective 'piggy bank,' taking funds from one company indiscriminately to pay the obligations of another.

The Elliotts base their operations in Miami. According to the investors, they do this because Miami offered a sophisticated banking system with access to international financial markets, and willing bilingual professionals to assist them in their illegal pursuits. Most of their victims were found through presentations on cruise ships where they were invited to speak.

The Elliotts allegedly sold timeshares in some resort properties that weren't finished like a hotel in Juan Dolia, and then rented them out through travel agencies such as Expedia and Travelocity. Timeshare owners were supposed to get a cut of the rent of such vacation property. But in typical Ponzi fashion, the Elliotts used money from new investors to pay the original timeshare purchasers. Among other things, investors accuse the Elliotts and their companies of racketeering, wire fraud, money laundering, civil conspiracy and breach of contract.
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A Smart Look at the History of Florida Timeshares

Although there is a negative perception regarding the timeshare industry as well as there are several owners who are trying to get out of their timeshare contracts every year, Florida still houses several timeshare resorts and considered one of the main contributors in its tourism industry. Decades ago, the Florida government decided to capitalize on their lovely location and climate conditions, and provided several business incentives for the tourism industry to develop.

Meanwhile, the timeshare concept originated in the early 60's and although many people who are visiting the sunshine state desired a vacation property, there are only a few who could afford it. The 60's brought in the decade of peace and love and the popularity of owning your hotel room as opposed to renting it as a one off.

By the 70's, some of the larger management companies evolved such as RCI and Consolidated TS Inc. and Florida was a natural fit for those companies due to its popularity, climate, attractions and ease of access. Since then, there are several smaller industries which have grown around the larger tourism industry, to service and support it. These include the hotel industry, the entertainment industry, the nightlife, the various sports facilities, and so on. All these combine to create an environment which is very attractive to anyone traveling on vacation inside the state.

Due to all the reasons cited above, Florida is one of the most reputed vacation destinations in the US and will continue to be so for a long time. Furthermore, the flexible nature of Florida timeshares means that the timeshare packages can be customized to suit any kind of vacationer.
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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Relief Launches New Website

For those owners who want to get out of their timeshare contracts, timeshare transfer companies may be the best solution to do so. One of such companies well-known today is the Timeshare Relief. This company alleviates clients of their burdensome timeshare contracts and recently reveals their new website (www.timesharerelief.com), making it easier for customers to navigate.

The new website has several added features including, most notably, a video tour of the corporate headquarters on the home page. It was designed to be more intuitive and user-friendly. One notable addition to the new site is its video tour of the corporate headquarters located in Torrance, California. It has been entirely redesigned to provide a faster, more user-friendly layout. The website’s navigation has been streamlined through the organization of specific areas of interest, giving it a sleeker, cleaner look.

But prior to the update, the site had a significant amount of information per page and less total pages. Also, the new site has a focused amount of specific, congruent information per page and more pages on the site. Moreover, it aims to give every specific section its own area, clearing up any confusion which makes the site navigation more intuitive, improving the overall functionality of the website.

On the other hand, Timeshare Relief is not a timeshare resale company. It guarantees their clients an exit solution to get rid of their timeshares as long as the timeshare is paid off and maintenance fees are current. It has already helped more than 45,000 timeshare owners transfer more than 52,000 timeshare contracts.
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Saturday, July 24, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Resale Companies Get Sued and Subpoenaed in Florida

As more and more owners are trying to get out of their timeshare contracts every year, the incidences of scams are also increasing in this industry. But the authorities are determined to combat such issue. Just like in Florida, three companies were sued last Tuesday while four others were issued subpoenas. All of these companies are accused of luring customers into paying upfront fees for advertising of their timeshares. The sellers were then told companies already had buyers lined up to buy their timeshares. But when the properties didn't sell in the amount of time the company promised they would, customers could not get refunds.

The suits and subpoenas issued are the latest in a series of attacks on the industry by the Florida Attorney General's Office. Over the past year, there were a total of 10 timeshare resellers which have been sued and 60 are under investigation. In the US, Florida is considered the concentration of timeshare properties. According to the American Resort Development Association or ARDA, about a quarter of the country's timeshare resorts are in this state.

The lawsuits were filed against Timeshares Direct, International Marketing and Finance Group, and Gold Crown Property Management. Meanwhile, the subpoenas were issued to Eclipse Property Solutions of St. Petersburg, Super Timeshare Resales of Tampa, International Resort Properties of New Port Richey and Ace Timeshare of Pinellas Park for information about sales and business practices, copies of contracts, licenses, marketing materials, telephone transcripts, the identity of affiliate businesses and other documents.

Currently, the attorney general's office is working with the Federal Trade Commission, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local law enforcement to combat fraud regarding vacation properties such as timeshares. So far, customers have been repaid about $1.8 million.
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Friday, July 23, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Florida AG Files Lawsuit against Timeshare Companies

While the number of owners eager to get out of their timeshares is increasing every year, timeshare resale industry is also flourishing. However, the resale industry has been the favorite haven of the fraudsters and scammers nowadays, and thus, giving it a negative perception among the consumers. Recently, the Florida’s attorney general has filed lawsuits against three timeshare companies. This includes one in Palm Beach County which is allegedly engaged in deceptive and unfair practices. It is alleged that the companies used misleading sales pitches to get consumers to pay upfront fees for their advertising services.

One lawsuit which was filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court is against International Marketing and Finance Group. It said that the timeshare reseller engaged in deceptive business practices by, among other things, misrepresenting the availability of refunds for upfront fees paid by consumers and, in some instances, unlawfully charging consumers’ credit cards prior to the receipt of signed contracts.

The two other suits on the other hand were filed against Timeshares By Owner and against Gold Crown Property Management and its owners, Roy Xiques and Jason Kres. The suit against Timeshares By Owner alleges that such company is in violation of a 2001 settlement agreement in which it was prohibited from using misleading sales tactics.

Meanwhile, the suit against Gold Crown and its owners was filed in Pinellas County Circuit Court. It seeks refunds and stops the company from making false promises that a buyer is ready and available to purchase a client’s vacation property. It also seeks to prohibit the company from claiming that clients can easily obtain a refund even if a buyer is not found. Since 2007, the Florida AG’s office has received more than 180 complaints alleging that the company was not honoring the conditions of the settlement.
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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Knowing Smartly Why it is Hard to Sell A Timeshare

With the current economic climate, most individuals are looking for ways to lessen their expenses. For those regular vacationers who own a vacation property, this might mean getting out of a timeshare contract. Most owners find that this might be the best solution to stop paying those maintenance and other fees.

Anyone who owns a timeshare these will notice that their fees have gone up or they have been charged a special assessment of some kind. So, they decided to sell their timeshare. But it is not easy to sell timeshare properties and many timeshare owners can testify that it is a difficult process.

Well, there are several reasons why it is hard to sell a timeshare these days. One that's going to be the most relevant has something to do with the state of the economy. As the economy is making everything harder, timeshares are thus becoming harder to own. If they're harder to own, it's going to be even harder to sell it.

Today, more Americans have realized that paying in advance for a vacation does not make sense. For them, paying for an asset that only drains one’s pocketbook does not make sense. Thus, for those who are looking to sell a timeshare, be mindful of the economy and the mindset and bank account of the average consumer.

Moreover, it is important to understand that there is an incredibly tough timeshare resale market. Many timeshare owners were unable to sell their timeshare. As they've been through the hassle of trying to list their timeshare on resale sites, they did not have any luck. They just could not sell such vacation property for anything.
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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Transfer Smart News: Disney Vacation Club Revives Effort for the Aulani Project

With the number of owners trying to get out of their timeshares nowadays along with the negative perception of consumers regarding the vacationing option, timeshare companies must extend their marketing efforts to regain the thrusts of end-users. Like the Disney Vacation Club, the Disney Co.'s timeshare arm which recently added an Aulani-specific plug to a television commercial that has been airing in the Orlando market promoting the timeshare club. It has also scheduled a special sales preview aimed at Walt Disney World annual passholders soon that will include giveaways, a dance party and Disney character appearances.

Meanwhile, Aulani is a critically important project for Disney. This 841-room hotel and timeshare is the first test of the company's strategy to build stand-alone resorts and niche attractions in markets beyond its massive theme-park resorts.
On the other hand, the company is also hoping the Hawaiian resort will help expand Disney Vacation Club's membership base, which currently is heavily concentrated on the US East Coast.

Aulani will be Disney's second timeshare offering in the west of the Mississippi, following the opening last year of 50 units at Disney's Grand California Resort & Spa at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. It also becomes one of five properties that the Disney is currently peddling interests in, joining the California villas as well as Bay Lake Tower, Animal Kingdom Villas and Treehouse Villas, all of which are at Disney World. The three tourism properties in Central Florida are up for auction. These include including a 123-acre development in Kissimmee and a 77-acre property in Orlando's International Drive tourist corridor.
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

july 20 pics

Well, more pics from high school girls in overalls

(that is a lucky guy, certainly)
















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Transfer Smart News: Timeshare Company Becomes Official Reseller The Crane Resort

With the current economic climate, consumers have a need to unload some of their unnecessary expenses. For the holidaymakers, this could mean getting out of a timeshare contract and one of the ways to do this is through the aid of resale companies. One such company is the Sell My Timeshare Now which has become an Authorized Reseller for The Crane Resort in Barbados. As a result, this will expand timeshare resales opportunities for owners at The Crane Resort and it will extend Sell My Timeshare Now’s network in the Caribbean.

As Kim Goddard, sales director at The Crane Resort commented, they are excited to enhance their resale program by partnering with Vacation Property Solutions, the Resort Services Division of SellMyTimeshareNOW.com and Timeshare Broker Services, the company’s brokerage organization, to best represent the weeks that The Crane owners may desire to sell.

Meanwhile, the Barbados resort boasts breathtaking beachfront setting and it is often described as the Caribbean’s first resort. Built in 1887, the facility has now been fully updated but it still retains the elements of its original style which made give it elegance and sophistication.

On the other hand, Jay Bade, a registered resort professional and Vice President of Business Development for Sell My Timeshare Now stated that although The Crane Resort has a successful resale program in place, affiliating with Sell My Timeshare NOW increases visibility for The Crane Resort resales. Sell My Timeshare NOW is also thrilled to be recognized as an authorized reseller for The Crane Resort’s active resales program and to represent current owners at the resort when they want to sell vacation ownership and fractional weeks.
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Monday, July 19, 2010

july 19 update!

more pics found!















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july 19 pics

more pics of girls in overalls.

i want to share wiht you people...

more and more pics will come soon!

























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Sunday, July 18, 2010

july 18 update

more pictures of girls in overalls













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july 18 pics

Some pics of girls in overalls / dungarees





















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