HELP! Newbie to timeshare ownership

My husband and I bought a Mayan Palace Vacation Club timeshare (1 bedroom; 1 floating week; 1 vacation fair week) in 2003. 2004 we started our family and haven't been able to get away to use the timeshare since. We have been donating our timeshare to charity which has been a good deal for the tax benefits so we aren't in a big hurry to do anything with our timeshare. We are now in a position to start taking vacations again but I'm not sure I want to be locked into a certain resort. I've looked into selling our timeshare but the pay up-front companies seem like it could be a scam. SO, my question: Is it really that difficult to sell a timeshare without the use of these pay up front companies? Is the paper work and cost that prohibitive? I would like to hear anyone that has experience with selling timeshares ESPECIALLY anyone that has used the pay up front method.

Even though we've owned our timeshare for almost 6 years we haven't really understood what we have and how we can use it to our benefit so any advice or words of wisdom is appreciated. Thanks. Angela

Selling timeshares now, in these economic conditions, is very tough. Look at Ebay and you'll find many timeshares being dumped for $1 just the the owner can avoid annual amin fees. Many charities are no longer accepting timeshares as a gift, as it burdens them with the main fees.

NEVER, EVER, EVER pay any company or person an upfront fee to sell your timeshare for you. Without fail, these are money-hungry scammers.

Here on redweek you can attempt to exchange your week if you'd rather not visit what you own. You could also attempt to rent out your week to recoup some cash.

Redweek, TUG, myresortnetwork, vacationtimesharerentals are just a few of the place you can list a for sale ad for no or minimal fees. Keep in mind that you will not be able to sell it for anything near your original purchase price.

However at this time it might be easier to learn how to most effectively use your TS. Use it perodically and rent it or exchange it during the years you don't want to go to your home resort.

I saw you also posted on TUG. You'll get some good advice from them as well.