The partial article below pretty much cuts to the chase. Bluegreen's main focus is sales. Not providing owners with happy vacations but selling more VOIs or Vacation Ownership Intervals, so they can pay dividends to their stockholders who in turn can take you money and go on vacation themselves. I'm betting they do not own Bluegreen points. To read the entire article visit: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/11G025179-001.htm
The following provides financial and other information regarding our
assets, including our investment in Bluegreen and acquired operating
businesses, our real estate joint ventures, and our BankAtlantic legacy
portfolio of loans and foreclosed real estate.
Bluegreen Overview for the Third Quarter, 2014 Compared to Third Quarter 2013
Bluegreen Corporation: On April 2, 2013, BBX Capital acquired a
46% interest in Woodbridge Holdings, LLC ("Woodbridge"). BFC Financial
Corporation ("BFC"), BBX Capital's parent company, owns the remaining
54% of Woodbridge. Woodbridge's principal asset is its 100% ownership of
Bluegreen Corporation ("Bluegreen").
For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, net income attributable to
Woodbridge was $16.6 million, of which $17.2 million related to the
operations of Bluegreen. BBX Capital recognized 46% of the net income
attributable to Woodbridge, or $7.6 million, for the quarter ended
September 30, 2014. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2014,
net income attributable to Woodbridge was $47.8 million, of which $49.7
million related to the operations of Bluegreen. BBX Capital recognized
46% of the net income attributable to Woodbridge, or $22.0 million, for
the nine month period ended September 30, 2014.
During the third quarter of 2013 and the first, second and third
quarters of 2014, Bluegreen paid cash dividends of $18.0 million, $14.5
million, $19.0 million, and $19.0 million, respectively, to
Woodbridge. Woodbridge paid cash dividends to BBX Capital of $ 3.7
million, $6.4 million, $8.4 million, and $8.5 million, respectively,
during September 2013, April 2014, June 2014, and August 2014, based on
BBX Capital's pro rata 46% interest in Woodbridge.
Bluegreen Highlights for the Third Quarter, 2014 Compared to Third Quarter, 2013
(1) Bluegreen's sales of VOIs under its capital-light business
strategy include sales of VOIs under
fee-based sales and marketing arrangements, just-in-time
inventory acquisition arrangements. Bluegreen enters into agreements
with third party developers that allow Bluegreen to buy VOI inventory
from time to time in close proximity to the timing of when Bluegreen
intends to sell such VOIs and refers to this as "Just in Time"
arrangements. Bluegreen also acquires VOI inventory from resorts'
property owner associations ("POAs") and other third parties close to
the time Bluegreen intends to sell such VOIs. Such VOIs are typically
obtained by the POAs through foreclosure in connection with maintenance
fee defaults, and are generally acquired by Bluegreen at a significant
discount. Bluegreen refers to sales of inventory acquired through these
arrangements as "Secondary Market Sales."
System-wide sales of VOIs, net include all sales of VOIs, regardless
of whether Bluegreen or a third-party owned the VOI immediately prior to
the sale. The sales of third-party owned VOIs are transacted as sales
of timeshare interests in the Bluegreen Vacation Club through the same
selling and marketing process Bluegreen uses to sell its VOI
inventory. The growth in system-wide sales of VOIs, net during 2014 as
compared to 2013 reflects an increase in the number of tours and an
increase in the sale-to-tour conversion ratio. During the three months
ended September 30, 2014, the number of tours increased by 9% compared
to the same period in 2013. The increase in the number of tours reflects
efforts to expand marketing to sales prospects through new marketing
initiatives. Additionally, during the three months ended September 30,
2014, Bluegreen's sale-to-tour conversion ratio increased 1% compared to
the same period in 2013.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, cost of
VOIs sold as a percentage of sales of VOIs was 12% and 14%,
respectively. The decrease in cost of sales generally and as a
percentage of sales during 2014 is a result of a higher proportion of
Secondary Market sales, which typically carry a relatively lower
acquisition cost. Cost of VOIs sold as a percentage of sales of VOIs
varies between periods based on the relative costs of the specific VOIs
sold in each period and the size of the point packages of the VOIs sold
(due to offered volume discounts, including consideration of cumulative
sales to existing owners). Additionally, the effect of changes in
estimates under the relative sales value method, including estimates of
project sales, future defaults, upgrades and incremental revenue from
the resale of repossessed VOI inventory, are reflected on a
retrospective basis in the period the change occurs. Therefore, cost of
sales will typically be favorably impacted in periods where a
significant amount of Secondary Market VOI inventory is acquired and the
resulting change in estimate is recognized.
As a percentage of system-wide sales, net, selling and marketing
expenses increased from 45% during the third quarter of 2013 to 48%
during the third quarter of 2014. Generally, the increase in selling and
marketing expenses and the increase in selling and marketing expenses
as a percentage of sales during the 2014 periods compared to the 2013
periods was a result of Bluegreen's continued focus on increasing its
marketing efforts to new customers as opposed to existing owners. Sales
to existing owners generally involve lower marketing expenses than sales
to new customers. Bluegreen expects to continue to increase its focus
on sales to new owners and, as a result, sales and marketing expenses
generally and as a percentage of sales may continue to increase.
KIMBERLING INN AND RESORT - Kimberlng City, MO
Just returned from Missouri and drove through Kimberling Inn, it appears only two or the motel type units were damaged in the tornado. I looked at all the other condos and they seemed fine. Stay tuned for pictures. I just wondering if they are intending to rebuild the motel type or assess the owners to build nice new townhomes. I wil be forwarding information to my Kimberling Inn clients.
2013 Banner Year for U.S. Vacation Timeshare Industry Industry Shows Significant Growth
The U.S. timeshare industry enjoyed significant growth in 2013, according to the
State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study 2014
Editionconducted by Ernst & Young. Compared to 2012, sales volume increased
nearly 11 percent, average sales price rose nine percent, and there are 29 percent more
resorts planned for the upcoming year.
"With 8.5 million intervals owned and a substantial increase in our key metrics, it's clear that timeshare growth is back," said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). "The results of this study are further proof that the incremental growth that we have been witnessing over the last 18 months is sustainable."
There were 1,540 timeshare resorts in the United States in 2013, representing about 192,420 units for an average resort size of 125 units. The sales volume rose from $6.9 billion in 2012 to $7.6 billion in 2013, an 11 percent increase. The average sales price increased/climbed nine percent to $20,460. Occupancy remained steady at around 76 percent, compared to a 621percent hotel occupancy rate.
Other interesting findings from the study include:beach resorts are the most common
type of resort, with urban resorts claiming the highest occupancy. Island resorts have
the highest average sales price and Florida has the most resorts (23% of the national
total) and highest total sales volume ($2.3 billion). Nevada has the largest average
resort size (283 units on average), and Hawaii has the highest average sales price
($27,712) and occupancy rate (85.2%).
The report was conducted by Ernst & Young and commissioned by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) International Foundation. For more details, see ARDA's State of the Industry infographic and for a copy of the full State of the Industry Study, visitwww.arda.org/foundation.
"With 8.5 million intervals owned and a substantial increase in our key metrics, it's clear that timeshare growth is back," said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). "The results of this study are further proof that the incremental growth that we have been witnessing over the last 18 months is sustainable."
There were 1,540 timeshare resorts in the United States in 2013, representing about 192,420 units for an average resort size of 125 units. The sales volume rose from $6.9 billion in 2012 to $7.6 billion in 2013, an 11 percent increase. The average sales price increased/climbed nine percent to $20,460. Occupancy remained steady at around 76 percent, compared to a 621percent hotel occupancy rate.
Other interesting findings from the study include:
The report was conducted by Ernst & Young and commissioned by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) International Foundation. For more details, see ARDA's State of the Industry infographic and for a copy of the full State of the Industry Study, visitwww.arda.org/foundation.
BRANSON'S ANYTIME VACATIONS AND ST LOUIS AREA RED ROCK TRAVEL SUED BY ATTORNEY GENERAL
Attorney General Chris Koster is suing a Taney County travel-club company for allegedly deceiving consumers about the benefits of memberships.
The suit in Taney County Circuit Court alleges that Anytime Vacations promised consumers discounts on airfare, hotel accommodations, cruises, and other travel
benefits for joining its travel club and paying fees of hundreds and
even thousands of dollars. After joining, however, consumers found the
“discounts” were nonexistent, and that they could get better deals going
through standard, free services such as Travelocity and Orbitz.Koster said his office received 50 complaints against Anytime Vacations
,
alleging that consumers paid fees to the companies totaling more than
$140,000. In one case, a consumer paid $6,995 to join the club. Anytime
Vacations refused to cancel the consumer’s contract and refund his money
after he discovered it cost more to book a flight through Anytime
Vacations than through routine travel websites.The lawsuit also alleges that the company violated Missouri law by failing to register with the state or provide proof of sufficient reserve funds
to provide the services it promised. In addition, the travel-club
company told consumers they had just three days to cancel contracts,
when consumers legally had three years to cancel because the club was
unregistered.Koster is seeking restitution for consumers, as well as civil penalties and the costs of the investigation and prosecution. "Some travel clubs use high-pressure tactics to make it difficult for consumers to say ‘no’, and then put up roadblocks for consumers to cancel,” Koster said. “My office will pursue travel-club businesses that cheat Missouri consumers and violate our state’s laws.”
Koster said that before signing a contract, consumers can check with his Consumer Protection Hotline at
800-392-8222
to determine whether there are complaints filed against the travel
club, if the travel club is registered in Missouri, and if it has
demonstrated the financial ability to provide the discounted benefits
they are offering.The second suit, involves Red Rock Travel, LLC, doing business in Missouri as Endless Travel Vacations, and its owners, Jack Keefe and Sherri Wolff, in St. Louis County Circuit Court for the same type of fraudulent business practices.
The Attorney General's office received five complaints about Endless Travel Vacations, totaling $19,000 in fees paid.
Tenn. AG sues timeshare club Festiva
Cooper
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) – Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper announced a lawsuit on Tuesday against multiple entities operating a timeshare and membership vacation club that allegedly used deceptive techniques to market the operation’s products.
The lawsuit against the entities operating Festiva alleges the operators used fraudulent and deceptive telemarketing and direct mail tactics to lure Tennesseans into attending high-pressure sales presentations to buy vacation memberships. Festiva allegedly misled consumers into believing they won or were selected for a valuable prize, but the company failed to disclose multiple requirements, including the lengthy sales presentation.
In December, the states of Louisiana and Maine also filed suit against Festiva.
“If you are tempted by a travel or vacation company that uses high pressure sales, it’s probably best to take your time and do your homework before you pay thousands of dollars and commit to paying maintenance fees and special assessments,” Cooper said.
Festiva also allegedly used confusing terms and conditions to make membership to the vacation club difficult to use and to sell more products, made it almost impossible to book a vacation at Festiva resorts and surprised consumers with bills for increasing maintenance fees and special assessments.
The lawsuit, which was filed under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act and the Federal Telemarketing Act, named multiple associated businesses, affiliates and principal operators as defendants in the lawsuit.
The defendants include Escapes! Inc., Escapes Travel Choices LLC, Etourandtravel Inc., Festiva Development Group LLC, d/b/a Festiva Adventure Club, Festiva Real Estate Holdings LLC, formerly known as Festiva Resorts LLC, Festiva Resorts Adventure Club Members Association Inc., Human Capital Solutions LLC, formerly known as Festiva Resort Services LLC, Resort Travel & Xchange LLC, also known as RTX, formerly known as Festiva Travel & Xchange LLC, also known as FTX, Patton Hospitality Management LLC, formerly known as Festiva Management Group LLC, Zealandia Capital Inc., formerly known as SETI Marketing Inc., Zealandia Holding Company Inc., formerly known as Festiva Hospitality Group. Inc., Donald Clayton, Herbert Patrick and Richard Hartnett.
Diamond Resorts acquires two rival firms
LAS VEGAS -- Las Vegas-based vacation ownership firm Diamond Resorts
acquired two rival firms following the company’s initial public stock
offering, which closed a week ago.
Diamond Resorts said in a statement late Wednesday it bought seven properties in Florida operated by Island One and acquired seven properties in Las Vegas, California and Mexico owned by Pacific Monarch Resorts.
Last year, Diamond Resorts acquired most of Pacific Monarch management agreements.
The company did not disclose financial details for the transactions.
“These types of acquisitions represent an excellent strategic growth platform for our business,” Diamond Resorts Chief Executive Officer David Palmer said in a statement. “Coinciding with our initial public offering, these transactions will benefit our business by adding significant cash flow to our hospitality management segment.”
Diamond Resorts has a network of more than 300 vacation destinations in 33 countries.
Shares of Diamond Resorts closed at $15.40 on the New York Stock Exchange, up 7 cents or 0.46 percent.
Diamond Resorts said in a statement late Wednesday it bought seven properties in Florida operated by Island One and acquired seven properties in Las Vegas, California and Mexico owned by Pacific Monarch Resorts.
Last year, Diamond Resorts acquired most of Pacific Monarch management agreements.
The company did not disclose financial details for the transactions.
“These types of acquisitions represent an excellent strategic growth platform for our business,” Diamond Resorts Chief Executive Officer David Palmer said in a statement. “Coinciding with our initial public offering, these transactions will benefit our business by adding significant cash flow to our hospitality management segment.”
Diamond Resorts has a network of more than 300 vacation destinations in 33 countries.
Shares of Diamond Resorts closed at $15.40 on the New York Stock Exchange, up 7 cents or 0.46 percent.
Wyndham time shares pitch more, sell more
The world's largest time-share developer reported an increase in sales for the second quarter, driven by a higher volume of guests going on tours to hear sales pitches.
Wyndham Worldwide Corp., the parent company of Orlando-based Wyndham Vacation Ownership, said its time-share operation had revenue of $630 million for the three months that ended June 30. That figure was up 11 percent compared with the same period a year earlier.
Partly driving the increase was Wyndham's acquisition of Shell Vacations Club, an early pioneer in the time-share business.
Wyndham said its time-share sales were up 5 percent from a year ago, driven by a 10.8 percent increase in "tour flow," or the number of people sitting through its sales pitches. But the company's marketing efforts were less effective, as the "volume per guest" — or the amount of revenue generated per tour —- decreased by 4.4 percent.
HOW DOES IT WORK
HOW IT WORKS: No Timeshare provides you with hundreds of pages of research on your resort. This will include consumer complaints, past lawsuits against the resort, State Attorney Generals complaints and news articles. All showing where hundreds of other people have been scammed. I then provide a demand letter stating you are disputing the purchase and giving them 30 days to respond or this information will go public. It works, contact me today.
This program works if you were misled and lied to during your presentation. Resorts can no longer place the blame on the salesperson, they allow it and the salesman is a representative of the resort. Hold them accountable.
San Luis files suit against Wyndham Worldwide
And we wonder how these resale company's get a timeshare owners name.
GALVESTON, Texas — The San Luis
Resort, Spa & Conference Center is
suing two former managers and
Wyndham Worldwide Corp., accusing
them of conspiring to poach
employees and of stealing proprietary guest lists.
Island-born billionaire Tilman Fertitta owns the The San Luis, 5222
Seawall Blvd.
The lawsuit never specifies which Wyndham-managed property is at issue
in the lawsuit. Court papers describe a beach-front hotel and spa on the
seawall managed by Wyndham. Wyndham Corp. manages Hotel Galvez &
Spa, 2024 Seawall Blvd.
GALVESTON, Texas — The San Luis
Resort, Spa & Conference Center is
suing two former managers and
Wyndham Worldwide Corp., accusing
them of conspiring to poach
employees and of stealing proprietary guest lists.
Island-born billionaire Tilman Fertitta owns the The San Luis, 5222
Seawall Blvd.
The lawsuit never specifies which Wyndham-managed property is at issue
in the lawsuit. Court papers describe a beach-front hotel and spa on the
seawall managed by Wyndham. Wyndham Corp. manages Hotel Galvez &
Spa, 2024 Seawall Blvd.
TRAVEL CLUB RECISSIONS
Cancelling your travel club membership varies from state to state.
Missouri has a three day rescission period, but there is a clause "as
long as your membership benefits have not been accessed." Which is why
the travel club will try and sell you a motel stay or show tickets. This
is a trick used by them to keep you in the deal. Be very careful, they
may even give you a restaurant gift card or "free tickets".
When you do cancel, mail everything back to the club registered mail along with a letter stating you are cancelling. You do not have to give a reason.
Visit www.timeshareschool.blogspot.com for more information.
When you do cancel, mail everything back to the club registered mail along with a letter stating you are cancelling. You do not have to give a reason.
Visit www.timeshareschool.blogspot.com for more information.
Couple sued for scamming 30,000 timeshare owners
SEATTLE (AP) - An Olympia couple is being sued by the state of Washington for scamming 30,000 timeshare owners.
The civil lawsuit announced by Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Thursday is part of a national crackdown coordinated by the Federal Trade Commission.
The attorney general's office says Jonathan and Christine Gibbs fooled elderly consumers into paying them thousands of dollars to transfer ownership of their vacation timeshares to shell corporations.
Ferguson describes the scam as a large, complicated scheme that harmed about 30,000 consumers nationwide, including 1,500 people in Washington state. He says the couple collected more than $70 million while operating as 25 different companies.
It took Washington investigators 18 months to investigate and shut down the scam.
The Federal Trade Commission is announcing more than 80 civil lawsuits in 27 states.
The civil lawsuit announced by Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Thursday is part of a national crackdown coordinated by the Federal Trade Commission.
The attorney general's office says Jonathan and Christine Gibbs fooled elderly consumers into paying them thousands of dollars to transfer ownership of their vacation timeshares to shell corporations.
Ferguson describes the scam as a large, complicated scheme that harmed about 30,000 consumers nationwide, including 1,500 people in Washington state. He says the couple collected more than $70 million while operating as 25 different companies.
It took Washington investigators 18 months to investigate and shut down the scam.
The Federal Trade Commission is announcing more than 80 civil lawsuits in 27 states.
Thousands of timeshare owners face unexpected repair bill
CALGARY- Timeshare owners at the Sunchaser Villas in Fairmont B.C.
were taken by surprise when they were billed for repairs at the resort.
Glenn and Terry Graversen of Calgary have had a two-week timeshare at Sunchaser Villas for the past 16 years.
They now have to pay $4,000 for renovations to the villas or as an alternative, pay $3,000 to cancel their contract.
The vacation villas at Fairmont went bankrupt several years ago and the new owner says the assessment is necessary because maintenance had been neglected for years.
But the Graversens say this isn’t what they signed up for. The couple says they have paid maintenance fees every year and it isn’t their fault the previous owners of the resort let maintenance slide.
“My concern is that they purchased it and now they’re making us pay
for their mistake of purchasing a property that wasn’t worth what they
paid for,” says Terry Graversen.
The new company running Sunchaser says timeshare members weren’t charged enough for upkeep in the past, and without this renovation, they stand to lose their investment.
“We believe the owners probably should have been charged about $300 to $400 a year more for the last 15 years to properly address the maintenance of the resort,” says Kirk Wankel of Northwynd Resort Properties.
The company says most of the money will be be used to replace the Poly-B piping throughout the resort. The plastic piping has been banned because it leaks.
Timeshare members in Alberta and B.C. have hired lawyers to fight the case.
They will be in court next month.
Glenn and Terry Graversen of Calgary have had a two-week timeshare at Sunchaser Villas for the past 16 years.
They now have to pay $4,000 for renovations to the villas or as an alternative, pay $3,000 to cancel their contract.
The vacation villas at Fairmont went bankrupt several years ago and the new owner says the assessment is necessary because maintenance had been neglected for years.
But the Graversens say this isn’t what they signed up for. The couple says they have paid maintenance fees every year and it isn’t their fault the previous owners of the resort let maintenance slide.
The new company running Sunchaser says timeshare members weren’t charged enough for upkeep in the past, and without this renovation, they stand to lose their investment.
“We believe the owners probably should have been charged about $300 to $400 a year more for the last 15 years to properly address the maintenance of the resort,” says Kirk Wankel of Northwynd Resort Properties.
The company says most of the money will be be used to replace the Poly-B piping throughout the resort. The plastic piping has been banned because it leaks.
Timeshare members in Alberta and B.C. have hired lawyers to fight the case.
They will be in court next month.
DIY MADE EASY
With my DIY Book you can follow the easy step by step guide to build a winnable case against your timeshare or travel cub.
I also have hundreds of pages of research that includes: Complaints by owners, court records where the resorts have been sued for misrepresentation, news articles from media investigations and who's who behind the resorts and clubs.
Click here Resort and Club Research to check out what's available.
Have you hired an attorney already? This research will help him prepare your case. If your attorney put the hours required into gathering all this information it would cost you a small fortune in billable hours.
I also have hundreds of pages of research that includes: Complaints by owners, court records where the resorts have been sued for misrepresentation, news articles from media investigations and who's who behind the resorts and clubs.
Click here Resort and Club Research to check out what's available.
Have you hired an attorney already? This research will help him prepare your case. If your attorney put the hours required into gathering all this information it would cost you a small fortune in billable hours.
It Works
You can get out of that timeshare or travel club. When you do they will make you sign a nondisclosure and retract any posted complaints on the internet,
Order my book or email me at notimeshare@gmail.com
Order my book or email me at notimeshare@gmail.com
UPDATE: Fire Damages Silver Leaf Hill Country Resorts at Canyon Lake Thursday, June 6th, 2013
Will be interested in seeing who will pay to rebuild.
http://kgnb.am/news/update-fire-damages-silver-leaf-hill-country-resorts-canyon-lake
http://kgnb.am/news/update-fire-damages-silver-leaf-hill-country-resorts-canyon-lake
Order Research on Your Timeshare or Travel Club. http://timesharegetout.blogspot.com/2013/06/get-research-on-your-resort.html
Thinking of buying a timeshare or Travel Club? Do you
have an appointment for a sales presentation scheduled? Planning a
lawsuit against your timeshare?
I have worked several years and countless hours researching complaints, court records, news articles and emails from timeshare and travel club owners who were tricked and lied to during their sales presentation.
You can now buy the past research on your resort or club. All research is compiled from public records, internet and newspapers. If you are ordering the DIY Get Out book then the research with save you many hours of work.
If your resort or club is not listed to the right please email me at notimeshare@gmail.com to find out what research is available. I have information on lots of resorts, too many to list on the Buy Now buttons.
Order Research
I have worked several years and countless hours researching complaints, court records, news articles and emails from timeshare and travel club owners who were tricked and lied to during their sales presentation.
You can now buy the past research on your resort or club. All research is compiled from public records, internet and newspapers. If you are ordering the DIY Get Out book then the research with save you many hours of work.
If your resort or club is not listed to the right please email me at notimeshare@gmail.com to find out what research is available. I have information on lots of resorts, too many to list on the Buy Now buttons.
Order Research
Get Yourself Out - The Timeshare How To Book for Getting Out
USE THE "BUY NOW" BUTTON ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PAGE AND LEARN THE SECRET TO GETTING OUT OF THAT TIMESHARE OR TRAVEL CLUB WITHOUT SPENDING A TON OF MONEY. ONLY 49.95 THROUGH PAYPAL.
Ready to get out of that Timeshare or Travel Club? My new book will guide you step by step on how you can get that fraudulent contract cancelled and get money refunded.
My book will guide you step by step on how to present your case to the resorts or travel club demanding out of your contract and money back.
It includes letters you need to cancel your autodraft, stop harrassing collection calls, contacting the proper government offices and how to get help from the media.
You will start by sending a dispute letter stating your intentions, and informing them to stop the auto payments and you will be sending evidence to back up your claim.
The book also includes a questionnaire for you to answer that will remind you of your sales presentation and what promises we're made that we're just not true.
Don't pay some company 1500-2000 dollars to get you out of your contract. You can do it just as effectively at a fraction of their cost. Besides most of these companies list in their fine print, if you are foreclosed on, then they have gotten you out of your timeshare.
Follow these steps and get free of that burden before your next maintenance fees are due.
Email notimeshare@gmail.com for more information or order using Paypal button at right.Book will be delivered in two to three weeks on disk in a pdf format.
Busted: Timeshare agents?
According to the S.C. Department of Revenue:
- Hilton Head timeshare agent Leigh Anne Hoppe was arrested in July for failure to file state income tax returns for years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Hoppe, 48, earned income of $190,465 during years 2007 - 2009 with a tax liability of $8,944. Hoppe was required to file a South Carolina income tax return on or before April 15 for these tax years. If convicted, Hoppe could face up to three years in prison or fines of up to $30,000, or both.
- Robert Ray Lauderman was arrested by S.C. Department of Revenue investigators for failure to file income tax returns. During 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, Lauderman, a timeshare sales agent in Hilton Head, brought in $417,302 and allegedly failed to file his state individual income taxes during that time. Lauderman’s state tax liability for these years is $21,809. He’s facing up to five years in prison and/or fines of up to $50,000 if convicted.
- On July 12, state Department of Revenue investigators arrested Freda G. McKinney, a licensed Hilton Head timeshare sales agent, allegedly failed to file her state income tax returns for tax years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. During this time she hauled in $633,269. Her tax liability is $25,771. McKinney, 58, could go to prison for five years or get a $50,000 fine or both, if convicted.
- Hilton Head timeshare agent Leigh Anne Hoppe was arrested in July for failure to file state income tax returns for years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Hoppe, 48, earned income of $190,465 during years 2007 - 2009 with a tax liability of $8,944. Hoppe was required to file a South Carolina income tax return on or before April 15 for these tax years. If convicted, Hoppe could face up to three years in prison or fines of up to $30,000, or both.
- Robert Ray Lauderman was arrested by S.C. Department of Revenue investigators for failure to file income tax returns. During 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, Lauderman, a timeshare sales agent in Hilton Head, brought in $417,302 and allegedly failed to file his state individual income taxes during that time. Lauderman’s state tax liability for these years is $21,809. He’s facing up to five years in prison and/or fines of up to $50,000 if convicted.
- On July 12, state Department of Revenue investigators arrested Freda G. McKinney, a licensed Hilton Head timeshare sales agent, allegedly failed to file her state income tax returns for tax years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. During this time she hauled in $633,269. Her tax liability is $25,771. McKinney, 58, could go to prison for five years or get a $50,000 fine or both, if convicted.
Families Celebrate Summer with Wind Down Rates at Wyndham Orlando Resort
Wyndham owners: Have you been wondering why you cannot book a week with your timeshare/ Maybe because it is being rented to the general public starting at $67 per night.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Located in the heart of one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations, Wyndham Orlando Resort encourages families to soak up Orlando fun and sun this summer while winding down from the hectic pace of the school year, with rates starting as low as $67 per night now through Sept. 30, 2012.
Guests
can take advantage of these great Florida savings and make their
reservations by visiting www.wyndham.com/hotels/MCOWD/main.wnt or
calling (407) 351-2420. Rates are subject to availability.
Families can celebrate summer in sunny Orlando with spectacular vistas of more than 42 well-manicured acres filled with lush gardens and lagoons. The Wyndham Orlando Resort has a grand history of providing guests with the simple pleasures of summertime from the comfort of 1,052 guest rooms sprinkled throughout 16 two-story, villa-style accommodations and close proximity to the exciting pace of Orlando’s magic.
A
myriad of activities instantly embrace families at Wyndham Orlando
Resort, from splashing in one of three swimming pools and enjoying a
casual stroll along the lush garden path, to enjoying refreshing ice
cream sundaes at the resort’s on-site Scream’s Ice Cream Parlor. With
Florida’s most thrilling theme parks just minutes away, guests enjoy the
resort’s complimentary shuttle service to nearby Universal Orlando
Resort, Wet ‘n Wild Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando parks.
After a busy day hitting the theme parks or attending business meetings, guests can unwind poolside at Gatorville Poolside Bar & Restaurant, while enjoying “Floribbean” specialties merging Key West and Caribbean influences. As the sun sets on the day, Augustine’s Bar and Grille – Wyndham Orlando Resort’s signature restaurant – offers continental cuisine, including sumptuous seafood and superior steaks in a casual atmosphere.
Business travelers enjoy the convenient option of more than 39 meeting rooms, anticipating any group’s needs by providing state-of-the-art technology and support. Offering more than 70,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, Wyndham Orlando Resort provides an unparalleled venue for seamless events, including three elegantly appointed ballrooms, as well as the Grand Lawn and Pool Pavilion for sensational outdoor galas. With tailored banquet options and creative food and beverage menus, Wyndham Orlando Resort provides exemplary service and attention to every detail.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Located in the heart of one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations, Wyndham Orlando Resort encourages families to soak up Orlando fun and sun this summer while winding down from the hectic pace of the school year, with rates starting as low as $67 per night now through Sept. 30, 2012.
Families can celebrate summer in sunny Orlando with spectacular vistas of more than 42 well-manicured acres filled with lush gardens and lagoons. The Wyndham Orlando Resort has a grand history of providing guests with the simple pleasures of summertime from the comfort of 1,052 guest rooms sprinkled throughout 16 two-story, villa-style accommodations and close proximity to the exciting pace of Orlando’s magic.
After a busy day hitting the theme parks or attending business meetings, guests can unwind poolside at Gatorville Poolside Bar & Restaurant, while enjoying “Floribbean” specialties merging Key West and Caribbean influences. As the sun sets on the day, Augustine’s Bar and Grille – Wyndham Orlando Resort’s signature restaurant – offers continental cuisine, including sumptuous seafood and superior steaks in a casual atmosphere.
Business travelers enjoy the convenient option of more than 39 meeting rooms, anticipating any group’s needs by providing state-of-the-art technology and support. Offering more than 70,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, Wyndham Orlando Resort provides an unparalleled venue for seamless events, including three elegantly appointed ballrooms, as well as the Grand Lawn and Pool Pavilion for sensational outdoor galas. With tailored banquet options and creative food and beverage menus, Wyndham Orlando Resort provides exemplary service and attention to every detail.
Westgate Owner David Siegel
Westgate Owners should read this article and watch the video. http://forward.com/articles/159145/the-biggest-mcmansion-of-them-all/?p=all
Monarch Resort Woes
If it hasn't happened already, Monarch owners will no doubt be receiving a call from Diamond Resorts to schedule an "owners" update.
Actually you will be attending a sales presentation telling you to pay big money to convert to Diamond or be stuck competing with Diamond Members for Monarch properties. Research Diamond Resorts before you do anything.
Actually you will be attending a sales presentation telling you to pay big money to convert to Diamond or be stuck competing with Diamond Members for Monarch properties. Research Diamond Resorts before you do anything.
Florida Passes Timeshare Law To Protect Consumers
Timeshare scams have been an ongoing problem and have reached the point that they are the largest consumer complaint made in many regions of the country. To help combat this growing problem, Florida Governor Rick Scott has signed a new timeshare law (the Timeshare Resale Accountability Act) giving consumers better protection against these scams which goes into effective on July 1, 2012.
The problem is that due to the current economic conditions, timeshare owners are finding it extremely difficult to sell their timeshare. Many of them find themselves in a situation where they can't get out of their timeshare even though they no longer want it. This has made them easy prey from scam artists who mislead them into thinking that they have someone who wants to buy their timeshare.
Once the timeshare owner bites, the scam artist then requests thousands of dollars in upfront fees for such things as title or closing costs. Once paid, the supposed buyer never materializes and the scam artists claim that they were merely offering advertising services for the upfront money paid.
While the new law provides a number of new consumer protections, the four main points are as follows:
1. Timeshare resale advertisers can't claim there's someone interested in the owner's timeshare without providing the purchaser's name and address.
2. Timeshare resale advertisers must provide a written contract for agreement of services that must be signed by the timeshare owner before it can collect any fees or engage in any resale advertising activities.
3. Timeshare owners have seven days to cancel any signed contract with a timeshare resale advertiser. If a timeshare owner cancels a contract, the timeshare resale advertiser has 20 to provide a full refund to the timeshare owner.
4. Any timeshare resale advertiser which violates the law's provisions can be hit with a penalty which may not exceed $15,000 per violation under the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
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