Another Hilton Head Island timeshare company has come under fire.
Two North Carolina residents filed a federal class-action lawsuit Friday against Spinnaker Resorts.
The
lawsuit alleges the company broke the law by not registering with the
state to sell timeshares at Bluewater by Spinnaker -- its resort on
Squire Pope Road -- until September 2014. Before that time, the company
"knowingly sold unregistered timeshares to the general public," the suit
says.
The company has not responded to the lawsuit. Attempts Tuesday to reach representatives from Spinnaker were unsuccessful.
Legal
experts say the case could devastate the company since state law allows
timeshare owners who bought from an unregistered company to cancel
contracts, according to the lawsuit and the S.C. Timeshare Act.
"If
owners can reverse most of the sales before that time, I'm sure this
company would be seeking Chapter 11 relief," said Mike Finn, a Largo,
Fla., attorney whose firm specializes in timeshare law.
It was not
known Tuesday how many owners bought timeshares before Spinnaker
registered Bluewater. The company started building the 86-unit complex
on the banks of Skull Creek in 2005.
It registered Bluewater on
Sept. 2, 2014, according to a copy of the registration included in the
lawsuit. Spinnaker also runs Waterside, Southwind, Egret Point and
Carolina Club on Hilton Head, as well as resorts in Florida and
Missouri.
The lawsuit was filed by Mark and Paula Fullbright, who
bought a $26,000 timeshare at Bluewater in June 2014, according to court
records.
After buying, the Fullbrights found out the company was not registered to sell Bluewater timeshares.
"My
clients filed a federal lawsuit ... To void the timeshare contract and
obtain a full refund of all monies paid under the contract," Joseph
DuBois, a Hilton Head attorney representing the couple, said in a
statement. The lawsuit asks that other owners who bought before
September 2014 have the option to receive the same refund.
FESTIVA SALESMAN ARRESTED FOR GHB
This is why Timeshare Tricks does background checks.
HPD arrests 2 in after-hours club raid
Posted: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 12:00 am
Hammond police
found small amounts of assorted drugs and drug paraphernalia in an
after-hours nightclub raid early Sunday in what club owners termed
"harassment."
The Edge, an
alcohol-free nightclub on West Thomas Street that is frequented by
teen-agers, was closed for an hour while police searched it and its
patrons, Sgt. Chuck Muse said. Two people were arrested.
"We want to make the public aware that we're
aware and let parents know that this is the kind of place they're
sending their kids to go out at night," Muse said.
Muse said the 2:40 a.m. raid was part of an ongoing undercover operation at the nightclub in response to public complaints.
While police had no search warrant, they were able to search the club because it is a public place, said Capt. Kim Barker, adding officers only frisked patrons and did not check pockets.
Police seized close to 2 liters of GHB, three tablets of Ecstasy, a small envelope of cocaine and almost an ounce of marijuana, Muse said. All were found discarded inside the club.
The GHB, or gamma hydroxybuterate, was found in four water bottles, police said. It is a clear liquid and a central nervous system depressant that has been linked to comas, seizures and death.
Muse said police also found discarded inhalers and decongestants used to enhance the high of Ecstasy, a euphoria-inducing drug.
"In raids like this, you find it on just a few people. They just get it off their person, walk off and leave it," Muse said.
About nine police officers blocked exits and bathroom doors while police sent each patron outside the club to be searched one at a time.
Two 15-year-olds were cited for curfew violation and released to the custody of their parents.
Police determined by a computer
search that more than 15 people without identification were over 16 and
therefore allowed to enter the club, but they wondered how the Edge
knew.
Father and son Terry and Brian Pettigrew opened the club in September. On weekends, it stays open until 6 a.m. and sells water and soda but no alcohol. They said the club has a dance license and is not regulated by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. An average night features DJs, a light show and a $2 to $4 cover.
Terry Pettigrew said his club is relatively clean, and the amount of drugs found in the Edge is on par with any local bar on any given weekend.
"There will be some people selling drugs, but if you're smoking a marijuana cigarette, they're smuggling it in," he said. "We don't sell drugs. We don't advocate doing drugs. Still, we've had trouble with the police since we've been there."
Pettigrew added that the police search was conducted unprofessionally and illegally.
"They banged our equipment while they were searching. They ransacked my concession stand, stuff they didn't have to do," he said.
Barker countered that even one joint is too much and that the Pettigrews should be aware of any drug use in their clubs.
"We go into barrooms on a regular basis and don't find that much drugs," he said. "They should be aware of what's going on in their place of business. It's unusual for all those people so young to be sniffing on Vicks inhalers."
Brandon Sharpe, 19, of Branson, Mo., was charged with possession of GHB. Jason B. McLain, 22, Covington, was charged with simple possession of marijuana
Muse said the 2:40 a.m. raid was part of an ongoing undercover operation at the nightclub in response to public complaints.
While police had no search warrant, they were able to search the club because it is a public place, said Capt. Kim Barker, adding officers only frisked patrons and did not check pockets.
Police seized close to 2 liters of GHB, three tablets of Ecstasy, a small envelope of cocaine and almost an ounce of marijuana, Muse said. All were found discarded inside the club.
The GHB, or gamma hydroxybuterate, was found in four water bottles, police said. It is a clear liquid and a central nervous system depressant that has been linked to comas, seizures and death.
Muse said police also found discarded inhalers and decongestants used to enhance the high of Ecstasy, a euphoria-inducing drug.
"In raids like this, you find it on just a few people. They just get it off their person, walk off and leave it," Muse said.
About nine police officers blocked exits and bathroom doors while police sent each patron outside the club to be searched one at a time.
Two 15-year-olds were cited for curfew violation and released to the custody of their parents.
Police determined by a computer
search that more than 15 people without identification were over 16 and
therefore allowed to enter the club, but they wondered how the Edge
knew.Father and son Terry and Brian Pettigrew opened the club in September. On weekends, it stays open until 6 a.m. and sells water and soda but no alcohol. They said the club has a dance license and is not regulated by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. An average night features DJs, a light show and a $2 to $4 cover.
Terry Pettigrew said his club is relatively clean, and the amount of drugs found in the Edge is on par with any local bar on any given weekend.
"There will be some people selling drugs, but if you're smoking a marijuana cigarette, they're smuggling it in," he said. "We don't sell drugs. We don't advocate doing drugs. Still, we've had trouble with the police since we've been there."
Pettigrew added that the police search was conducted unprofessionally and illegally.
"They banged our equipment while they were searching. They ransacked my concession stand, stuff they didn't have to do," he said.
Barker countered that even one joint is too much and that the Pettigrews should be aware of any drug use in their clubs.
"We go into barrooms on a regular basis and don't find that much drugs," he said. "They should be aware of what's going on in their place of business. It's unusual for all those people so young to be sniffing on Vicks inhalers."
Brandon Sharpe, 19, of Branson, Mo., was charged with possession of GHB. Jason B. McLain, 22, Covington, was charged with simple possession of marijuana
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET OUT?
Start now and you could be out by summer vacation. Email timesharetricks@gmail.com
TIMESHARE TRICKS OR AN ATTORNEY
Why should you use Timeshare Tricks over an attorney?
An attorney will charge a couple of thousand dollars to start. If they do the time consuming task of gathering research they will charge by the hour, then they will take a portion of your winnings.
Joining a class action usually gets results, takes a couple of years and the law firm is the only one who makes money.
Timeshare Tricks will charge a small amount to cover the cost of buying records, we will do the research and background checks to make certain when we ask for your release from the contract and your money back, the timeshare will know it is better to pay you off and shut you up. Then once you are out and have your money in hand Timeshare Tricks get a small commission. With Timeshare Tricks you may be out of this mess in as quick as 60 days. Plus we will send them a Dispute Notification alerting them you are disputing the purchase and you no longer authorize them to withdraw from your checking account or credit card account.
As soon as you sign up using the "Buy Now" button on the right I will send you a Dispute Notification and a Questionnaire that will help you to remember the sales presentation and what lies you were told.
Want to DIY the work yourself? Check out www.timesharetricks.blogspot.com You can order DIY Get Out ebook. There are sample letter and where to send them. You can even order the research.
An attorney will charge a couple of thousand dollars to start. If they do the time consuming task of gathering research they will charge by the hour, then they will take a portion of your winnings.
Joining a class action usually gets results, takes a couple of years and the law firm is the only one who makes money.
Timeshare Tricks will charge a small amount to cover the cost of buying records, we will do the research and background checks to make certain when we ask for your release from the contract and your money back, the timeshare will know it is better to pay you off and shut you up. Then once you are out and have your money in hand Timeshare Tricks get a small commission. With Timeshare Tricks you may be out of this mess in as quick as 60 days. Plus we will send them a Dispute Notification alerting them you are disputing the purchase and you no longer authorize them to withdraw from your checking account or credit card account.
As soon as you sign up using the "Buy Now" button on the right I will send you a Dispute Notification and a Questionnaire that will help you to remember the sales presentation and what lies you were told.
Want to DIY the work yourself? Check out www.timesharetricks.blogspot.com You can order DIY Get Out ebook. There are sample letter and where to send them. You can even order the research.
WANT TO BE RID OF THAT TIMESHARE FOR GOOD
Timeshare Tricks will help you get out from that timeshare or travel club contract and get you your money back.
If the salespeople lied to you and misrepresented what you were buying you have every right to demand out.
Timeshare Tricks will help you with the entire process, we are not through until you are out.
Email me at timesharetricks@gmail.com or click on the "Buy Here" button on the right.
If the salespeople lied to you and misrepresented what you were buying you have every right to demand out.
Timeshare Tricks will help you with the entire process, we are not through until you are out.
Email me at timesharetricks@gmail.com or click on the "Buy Here" button on the right.
DIAMOND RESORT WEEK OWNERS
Do you own a week instead of points at a Diamond Resort and find they keep making you attending the "owners updates", which turns out to be a sales pitch to sell you more points. They will even sabotage your Interval International weeks you try to bank. All in order to sell you their points. They're salespeople are notorious for this trick.
State sues second Branson travel club
FORSYTH — Less than a week after filing suit against a
Branson-area travel club, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is
suing another one.
On Dec. 15, Koster filed court documents in Taney County Associate Circuit Court against JD&T Enterprises, Inc. of San Diego, California, and against Forever Grand Vacations, of Branson. Forever Grand Vacations sells travel club memberships in Branson for its partner, JD&T Enterprises, which is doing business as Travel to Go, according to the suit.
On Dec. 11, Koster filed a similar suit against VSA, LLC; VSA
Holdings; Vacation Services of America, LLC; and International Travel
Solutions, LLC; and the individuals Thomas Wood, of Orlando, Florida and
Denver Wood, of Branson.
In this most recent suit, Koster is seeking a permanent injunction that would prevent the defendants from doing business in Missouri and would prevent the defendants’ representatives and employees from selling vacation benefits. Koster is also asking the court to require the defendants to provide full restitution to customers, and to pay refunds to all Missouri customers who provided notice to have their memberships rescinded. He is also asking the court for the defendants to pay the state an unspecified civil penalty, to pay the state 10 percent of the total restitution paid, and to pay all court costs.
According to the suit, Forever Grand Vacations and and Travel to Go were selling travel club memberships to customers in Branson.
The companies told the customers that the membership would give them access to large discounts. However, according to the suit, customers found that they were not able to get the discounts advertised and customers had difficulty getting out of their memberships.
According to Koster, the defendants have accepted at least $100,000 from at least 37 consumers for goods or services that were not provided.
Examples
The suit gives two examples:
On Jan. 26, 2013, a customer from Waynesville attended a presentation and purchased a membership for $3,288. He was told he would have six months to cancel and receive a full refund. After making payments for four months, the man decided to cancel; however, he was told it would cost him an additional $500 to cancel and he still had to pay the $3,000 balance on his membership fee.
He was also offered, for $500, an opportunity to sell his membership. The customer paid the balance on his membership, as well as the $500 listing fee. His membership was listed on a site with hundreds of others and he never received a refund. He is also still being contacted by the defendants with other offers.
Another customer, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, attended a travel club presentation in Branson in March and was told by his presenter that the presenter had gone to Hawaii on a 50-70 percent discount and that airfare can generally be purchased for 50 percent less than the normal rate.
The customer paid the membership fee of $5,544 up front. The customer then tried to book a cruise but found this his membership could not get him a lower price. He eventually got a $2,500 refund after attempting to cancel his membership, but he is still owed $2,044.
Counts
The suit accuses Forever Grand Vacations and Travel to Go of three counts of misrepresentation and one count of deception. It also accuses Travel to Go, specifically, of operating as a travel club in Missouri without being registered as a travel club in the state.
On Dec. 15, Koster filed court documents in Taney County Associate Circuit Court against JD&T Enterprises, Inc. of San Diego, California, and against Forever Grand Vacations, of Branson. Forever Grand Vacations sells travel club memberships in Branson for its partner, JD&T Enterprises, which is doing business as Travel to Go, according to the suit.
In this most recent suit, Koster is seeking a permanent injunction that would prevent the defendants from doing business in Missouri and would prevent the defendants’ representatives and employees from selling vacation benefits. Koster is also asking the court to require the defendants to provide full restitution to customers, and to pay refunds to all Missouri customers who provided notice to have their memberships rescinded. He is also asking the court for the defendants to pay the state an unspecified civil penalty, to pay the state 10 percent of the total restitution paid, and to pay all court costs.
According to the suit, Forever Grand Vacations and and Travel to Go were selling travel club memberships to customers in Branson.
The companies told the customers that the membership would give them access to large discounts. However, according to the suit, customers found that they were not able to get the discounts advertised and customers had difficulty getting out of their memberships.
According to Koster, the defendants have accepted at least $100,000 from at least 37 consumers for goods or services that were not provided.
Examples
The suit gives two examples:
On Jan. 26, 2013, a customer from Waynesville attended a presentation and purchased a membership for $3,288. He was told he would have six months to cancel and receive a full refund. After making payments for four months, the man decided to cancel; however, he was told it would cost him an additional $500 to cancel and he still had to pay the $3,000 balance on his membership fee.
He was also offered, for $500, an opportunity to sell his membership. The customer paid the balance on his membership, as well as the $500 listing fee. His membership was listed on a site with hundreds of others and he never received a refund. He is also still being contacted by the defendants with other offers.
Another customer, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, attended a travel club presentation in Branson in March and was told by his presenter that the presenter had gone to Hawaii on a 50-70 percent discount and that airfare can generally be purchased for 50 percent less than the normal rate.
The customer paid the membership fee of $5,544 up front. The customer then tried to book a cruise but found this his membership could not get him a lower price. He eventually got a $2,500 refund after attempting to cancel his membership, but he is still owed $2,044.
Counts
The suit accuses Forever Grand Vacations and Travel to Go of three counts of misrepresentation and one count of deception. It also accuses Travel to Go, specifically, of operating as a travel club in Missouri without being registered as a travel club in the state.
BLUEGREENS TRUE COLORS
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.
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
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