How to get rid of a Bluegreen timeshare (real options)

Last updated 2026-07-25

How do you get out of a Bluegreen timeshare, exactly?

There's no single button to press. Getting out of a Bluegreen Vacation Club interest depends almost entirely on timing: whether you just bought it, whether you're current on maintenance fees, and whether Bluegreen itself will take the deed back. The order of operations that actually works, cheapest and fastest first: check your rescission rights, contact Bluegreen directly about its own exit or deed-back program, try selling it yourself or through a licensed resale broker, and only then look at deed-in-lieu of foreclosure or a paid exit service as a last resort. Skipping straight to a paid exit company before trying the free options costs owners thousands of dollars for something they may have been able to do themselves. Bluegreen Vacation Club points and fixed-week deeds are not treated the same by every state, and the company's own willingness to take a property back has shifted over the past few years as it has expanded its owner-services and resale programs. So the honest answer is: start with the free paths, document everything in writing, and don't assume any exit is a sure thing until you have a signed release in hand. For a broader walkthrough of the general process across resort brands, see how to get out of a timeshare.

Am I still inside my rescission window?

If you bought your Bluegreen interest recently, check the date on your purchase contract against your state's rescission (cooling-off) statute first. This is the cheapest exit there is: free, fast, and it requires no negotiation with anyone. Every state sets its own window and its own rules for how the cancellation notice must be delivered (certified mail is standard practice, even where not strictly required). Florida, where Bluegreen is headquartered and where many of its resorts sit, sets a 10-day rescission period for timeshare purchases under its timeshare statute, and the cancellation right cannot be waived by the buyer. Florida Statutes section 721.10 states that a purchaser "has the right to void the contract" within 10 calendar days after the later of the execution date or the date the buyer receives the required public offering statement ^[1]. Other states where Bluegreen sells, like South Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, each set their own separate day counts, and there is no single federal rescission period for timeshares. Confirm your state's rescission window before doing anything else. Don't rely on a salesperson's verbal promise about how many days you have; read the actual contract language, because the rescission clause is required to be printed in the document itself in most states. If you're past the window, don't panic, but do stop assuming this is your fastest way out. Move to the next section. For state-specific windows and how to send a valid cancellation letter, see timeshare cancellation and rescission-by-state.

Does Bluegreen have its own deed-back or exit program?

Bluegreen has, at various points, offered owners paths to surrender deeded weeks or points back to the company, sometimes called a deed-back, and it also operates an owner resale/transfer service through its Vacation Club owner services line. Availability and eligibility change over time and by resort, so the only reliable way to know your current options is to call Bluegreen's owner services department directly and ask, in writing, what deed-back or surrender programs exist for your specific contract. What tends to help your odds: being current on maintenance fees and having no outstanding loan balance on the interest. Resorts and clubs are generally far more willing to take back a paid-off, fee-current deed than one with debt attached, because a lien or unpaid assessment complicates the title transfer. If you still owe on a Bluegreen loan, ask what payoff amount would be required to qualify for a deed-back before assuming you're stuck. We are not a law firm and we don't contact resorts on a reader's behalf. This is information to help you ask the right questions yourself, not a promise that Bluegreen will accept any surrender. Keep every email and letter. If a Bluegreen representative tells you verbally that a deed-back is possible, ask for it in writing before you do anything else, including before you stop paying fees. Never stop making payments you legally owe based on a verbal promise; only a signed release or recorded deed transfer actually ends your obligation.

How do you sell a Bluegreen timeshare?

You can sell a Bluegreen timeshare the same way you'd sell any deeded property or club membership: through a licensed real estate broker who specializes in timeshare resale, through a peer-to-peer marketplace, or, occasionally, back to Bluegreen if it's exercising a right of first refusal or running a buyback program. The hard truth about resale value: most timeshares, including branded-club interests like Bluegreen points, resell for a small fraction of what the original buyer paid, often in the low hundreds to low thousands of dollars, sometimes less than $500, because the secondary market is flooded with sellers and buyers know it. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has warned that timeshare interests "generally do not appreciate in value" and that resale prices routinely fall far below what owners originally paid ^[2]. Don't expect to recoup your original purchase price. Expect, at best, to walk away with the deed gone and no more fees. Before listing anywhere, get a free market check: search completed (more than listed) sales for your exact resort and unit type on a licensed resale marketplace, and be skeptical of any broker who quotes you a high, suspiciously certain resale price up front. That's a common scam lure, covered more below. If a broker or 'transfer agent' asks for money before finding a buyer, that's a red flag, not a resale fee. Legitimate resale brokers typically get paid at closing, out of the sale proceeds, not before.

How much do timeshares cost, and is that why owners want out?

Timeshare purchase prices and ongoing costs vary a lot by brand and resort. Industry surveys have put average per-interval purchase prices in a broad range spanning roughly $16,000 to $24,000 in various recent years, with average annual maintenance fees commonly cited around $1,000 to $1,200. These are industry-wide averages, not Bluegreen-specific figures, and any individual contract can run higher or lower depending on unit size, season, and points volume, so treat these as a general sense of scale rather than a quote for your own deed. Maintenance fees are the recurring cost that pushes most owners toward an exit search, and they tend to rise most years. Add in special assessments, which many owners describe as unpredictable large bills for roof repairs, storm damage, or renovations, and the real lifetime cost of a timeshare can be two, three, or more times the sticker price once you count 15-20 years of fees and assessments. So when people ask 'how much are timeshares,' the honest answer is: the purchase price is only the entry fee. The real cost is the fee stream you're signed up for indefinitely, and that's the number that should drive your exit decision, not the sunk cost of what you originally paid. For a deeper breakdown of fee trends and what triggers special assessments, see our coverage under maintenance-fees.

Are timeshares scams?

The timeshare product itself is legal in every US state; it's a real form of vacation property or club interest, regulated under each state's real estate and timeshare statutes. The scam risk sits mostly in two places: the original sales pitch, and the exit industry that has grown up around frustrated owners. On the exit side, the FTC has brought enforcement actions against timeshare exit and relief companies that charged large upfront fees, sometimes thousands of dollars, and then did little or nothing to actually cancel the timeshare. In one such case, the FTC and the state of Missouri sued the operators of a timeshare exit operation, alleging they "made false promises to cancel consumers' timeshares" while collecting upfront fees that in many cases exceeded $3,000 per consumer ^[3]. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has separately cautioned consumers to be skeptical of unsolicited offers claiming a buyer is "waiting" to purchase their timeshare ^[2]. So: is the underlying Bluegreen product a scam? No, it's a regulated real estate or club product with real contractual obligations. Is the space full of predatory actors preying on people who want out? Yes, and that's where most of the actual financial damage happens to owners searching for an exit. Our guide to the common tactics is at exit-scam-awareness.

What are the biggest exit scams to avoid with a Bluegreen timeshare?

The most common scam pattern: a company cold-calls or advertises to owners, promises to get you out and claims a buyer is 'waiting' for your unit, and asks for a large fee (often $2,000 to $10,000+) paid up front before any work happens. Months later, the owner has no exit, no refund, and sometimes a damaged credit report because the company also told them to stop paying maintenance fees. Red flags worth memorizing: promises of a specific exit outcome with no risk to you, pressure to sign and pay same-day, requests for payment by wire or gift card, refusal to put fee structure in writing, and any instruction to stop paying your resort or lender. That last one is especially dangerous: stopping payment on a timeshare you still legally own can trigger foreclosure, collections, and credit damage, regardless of what an exit company promised. Never stop paying based on a company's promise; only a completed deed transfer, recorded deed-back, or court order actually ends the obligation. The FTC and Missouri's Attorney General alleged in their joint complaint against a timeshare exit operation that the defendants told consumers "there was little to no risk" in stopping payments to their timeshare companies, advice that in reality can lead directly to foreclosure and credit damage ^[3]. Before hiring anyone, check the company's standing with your state attorney general's consumer protection office and with the Better Business Bureau, and ask for a written contract that spells out exactly what happens if they don't succeed. See our full breakdown at timeshare exit companies and our vetted contacts list at timeshare call list.

What if I inherited a Bluegreen timeshare I never wanted?

Inherited timeshares are one of the most common reasons people search for an exit, and the rules are different from a voluntary buyer's remorse situation. If the deceased owner's estate has already gone through probate and the timeshare was formally distributed to you, you generally become the legal owner with the same fee obligations as anyone else, whether you asked for it or not. If probate hasn't closed yet, talk to the estate's executor or an estate attorney about disclaiming the inheritance, a formal legal process that lets an heir refuse an inheritance before accepting it, so the timeshare interest never legally transfers to them at all. Many states base their disclaimer rules on the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act framework, but the filing deadline and required form vary by state, so this is a decision to make with a probate attorney, not a solo one. If you've already accepted the deed, your options collapse back to the same list as any owner: check if Bluegreen has a deed-back path, try resale, or consider a deed-in-lieu. Don't pay a company that promises to 'undo' an inheritance after the fact; that's not something an exit company can legally do once the transfer is recorded.

What is a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, and does Bluegreen offer it?

A deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is a legal agreement where you voluntarily transfer the deed back to the resort or lender in exchange for them not pursuing foreclosure over unpaid fees or loan balance. It's a real, recognized alternative to foreclosure used across real estate generally, not a timeshare-specific invention, and it typically requires the owner to be significantly behind on payments already, since it's designed as an alternative to a foreclosure that's already in motion. Whether Bluegreen offers deed-in-lieu arrangements depends on your specific loan status and resort, and it's a conversation to have directly with Bluegreen's owner services or loan servicing department. It generally still shows up on your credit report similarly to a foreclosure, so it's not a clean, cost-free exit; it's a damage-limitation tool for owners who are already in financial trouble with the account, not a first-choice strategy for someone current on payments who just wants out. If you're current on fees and just don't want the timeshare anymore, deed-in-lieu isn't really the right tool. It's built for owners already in default, not as a shortcut around the fee-current deed-back conversation covered above.

Should I pay a company to get rid of my Bluegreen timeshare?

Sometimes, yes, but only after you've exhausted the free paths (rescission, Bluegreen's own deed-back conversation, and a serious resale attempt), and only if you go in with clear eyes about what you're buying: organization and paperwork help, not a certain legal outcome. A legitimate paid service should tell you upfront, in writing, exactly what it will do (send certified letters, help assemble your contract history, walk you through deed-back or resale paperwork) and what it won't promise (that Bluegreen accepts a surrender, that a lender forgives a balance, or that any specific timeline applies). No legitimate company can promise you'll be released from a valid contract; only the resort, lender, or a court can actually do that. This is where a flat-fee, do-it-yourself kit can make sense instead of an open-ended retainer. ExitHonest's $149 one-time Timeshare Exit Kit is built to give owners the letter templates, rescission-window lookups by state, and document checklists to run their own deed-back and resale requests, rather than paying a company thousands of dollars to make phone calls you can make yourself. It's not a promise of any outcome (nobody can offer you that, and you should distrust anyone who does) but it's a fixed, small cost compared to the $2,000-$10,000+ up-front fees common in the exit-company industry. Whatever route you choose, verify any company's standing with your state attorney general's office first.

How long does it actually take to get rid of a Bluegreen timeshare?

There's no fixed timeline, and anyone who promises you an exact number of days or weeks before reviewing your specific contract is guessing or selling. Rescission, if you're still inside the window, is the fastest path: often resolved within the statutory window itself plus whatever time the company takes to process your cancellation, generally weeks. A deed-back negotiated directly with Bluegreen can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on whether fees are current, whether a loan balance exists, and current program availability. Resale timelines are the least predictable of all; some owners sell within months, others list for a year or more without a serious offer, because demand for secondary-market timeshares is thin relative to supply. The realistic range most owners should plan for, based on the paths above, is somewhere between a few weeks (rescission) and 6-12 months (deed-back or resale), with deed-in-lieu situations sometimes taking longer because they involve a formal default and negotiation process. Patience and paperwork matter more than speed here. Rushing into a paid exit promising a fast, no-risk release is one of the more reliable signs of the scam pattern described above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get out of a Bluegreen timeshare?

Start by checking your state's rescission window if your purchase is recent. If that's passed, contact Bluegreen owner services directly about deed-back or surrender options, try resale through a licensed broker, and treat paid exit companies as a last resort, only after checking their standing with your state attorney general's office.

How do you get out of a timeshare in general, more than Bluegreen?

The same order applies across brands: confirm your rescission window first (it's state-specific and short), ask the resort directly about deed-back or surrender programs, attempt resale through a licensed broker, and consider deed-in-lieu of foreclosure only if you're already behind on payments. Avoid any company demanding large upfront fees and promising a risk-free release.

How much is a timeshare, on average?

Industry survey data puts average purchase prices for a timeshare interval at roughly $16,000 to $24,000 in various recent years, with average annual maintenance fees commonly cited around $1,000 to $1,200. Actual prices vary widely by resort, unit size, season, and points volume, so treat these as general benchmarks, not a quote for your contract.

Can I sell my Bluegreen timeshare for what I paid?

Almost never. The secondary market for timeshares is heavily oversupplied, and resale prices routinely land far below the original purchase price, sometimes under $500 for the deed alone. The CFPB warns that timeshares generally do not appreciate in value. Expect to recover little or nothing financially; the realistic goal of resale is usually just eliminating future maintenance fees.

Is Bluegreen a scam?

No. Bluegreen Vacation Club is a regulated timeshare company operating under state real estate and timeshare laws, not an illegal scheme. The scam risk in this space usually comes from third-party exit companies charging large upfront fees, not from the underlying resort product itself.

What is a rescission period, and how long do I have to cancel a Bluegreen contract?

A rescission period is a state-mandated window after signing during which a buyer can cancel a timeshare contract for a full refund, no penalty, no reason required. In Florida, where many Bluegreen resorts sit, Florida Statutes section 721.10 sets a 10-day window. Other states set their own separate day counts, and there is no single federal rescission period for timeshares.

Does Bluegreen offer a deed-back program?

Bluegreen has at times offered owners paths to surrender deeded weeks or points, sometimes through owner services or a deed-back process, but availability changes by contract type and resort. Contact Bluegreen owner services directly and get any offer in writing before proceeding; don't assume a deed-back will be accepted.

What happens if I just stop paying my Bluegreen maintenance fees?

Stopping payment on fees you legally owe can lead to late fees, collections, loss of usage rights, and eventually foreclosure or a negative mark on your credit report, regardless of any exit plan you're pursuing. Never stop paying based on a verbal promise from any company; only a signed release or completed deed transfer ends the obligation.

How can I tell if a timeshare exit company is a scam?

Warning signs include upfront fees before any work is done, promises of a specific outcome with no risk, pressure to pay by wire or gift card, and instructions to stop paying your resort. The FTC and Missouri's Attorney General have sued exit companies that made these kinds of false, risk-free promises to consumers, so check any company's background before paying anything.

What is a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure for a timeshare?

It's a legal agreement to voluntarily transfer your timeshare deed back to the resort or lender instead of going through foreclosure, typically used when an owner is already significantly behind on payments. It still generally affects your credit similarly to foreclosure, so it's not a cost-free exit, more a damage-limitation option for owners already in default.

I inherited a Bluegreen timeshare I don't want. What are my options?

If the estate hasn't finished probate, ask an estate attorney about formally disclaiming the inheritance under your state's law, which can prevent the timeshare from transferring to you at all. If you've already accepted the deed, you're in the same position as any owner: check rescission (if recent), ask about deed-back, or try resale.

Should I hire a lawyer or an exit company to get rid of my timeshare?

It depends on complexity. Simple rescission-window cancellations rarely need a lawyer; contested inheritances, active foreclosure, or a lender dispute usually do. For general deed-back and resale help, verify any company's fee structure and state attorney general standing first, and consider a flat-fee DIY toolkit before an open-ended retainer.

Sources

1. Florida Statutes, Section 721.10, Cancellation of purchase contract: Florida sets a 10-day rescission period for timeshare purchase contracts, running from execution or receipt of the public offering statement, and the right cannot be waived
2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "What is a timeshare and what should I know before purchasing one?": Timeshares generally do not appreciate in value and resale prices are typically far below original purchase prices
3. Federal Trade Commission v. Branded Timeshare Exit Team, LLC, et al., Case No. 6:23-cv-00042 (M.D. Fla. 2023), FTC Press Release: The FTC and Missouri Attorney General alleged a timeshare exit company charged upfront fees exceeding $3,000 per consumer and falsely told owners there was little risk in stopping payments
4. Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 407.020, Merchandising Practices Act, unlawful practices: State unfair and deceptive practices law provides the legal basis used against timeshare exit companies for false and misleading conduct
5. Florida Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection, Timeshare Resale Scams Alert: State attorney general consumer alert warning owners about timeshare resale and exit fraud
6. Uniform Law Commission, Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act: Many states model their inheritance disclaimer rules on this uniform act, allowing an heir to formally refuse an inherited property interest before it transfers