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SMALL deposit only --- just to demonstrate good faith... (by KC):

maryr438 wrote:

We are in the process of purchasing from an add on REDWEEK. should we put a deposit before obtaining paperwork? What paperwork should we ask for? How do we verify that the seller is who they say they are?

In my opinion, before parting with ANY money you should have a simple, mutually signed purchase and sale agreement in writing with the seller. The agreement should clearly identify the seller / owner by full name and address, unit and week description, next year of usage, etc. Request from the seller either a copy of the deed or a recent maintenance fee bill to check for a "match" of name information. Then contact the resort directly to confirm for yourself that the resort also acknowledges the seller as the owner of record for the exact week being advertised / sold.

Frankly, I would recommend that you spend $300 to use a professional closing company to handle all subsequent details, including the handling all funds involved in the transaction, obtaining estoppel letter from the resort (to confirm that no back fees or bills are owed), preparation and official recording of new a deed, and resort notification of change of ownership. I personally recommend either Timeshare Transfer, Inc. of JRA Services (both are located in Florida), having had numerous successful dealings with both in the past as both buyer and /or seller.

Why take any risks with unknown people when a closing company protects both buyer and seller? You might ask the seller if he/she is willing to split the closing costs with you, but far more often than not closing costs are the buyers' responsibility.

Hope this helps. Good luck.