Yesterday, a television station in Portland Oregon ran a story about an older couple who had been "taken" for nearly $1,000 in their efforts to sell timeshare. In the interview they said "We can't really tell if they're crooks or not. They don't have a license. We were told by the one outfit they're a good outfit to work through. What do you do? You just go with it".

I guess there was the first red flag: they weren't licensed. When a timeshare owner decides to sell their timeshare, using a broker with a license will give you some assurance that there is some control, ethics, training, and regulation. An unsolicited inbound call (cold call) to your home from someone you don't know is never a good way to start a business relationship. These companies will often use very shady tactics, have no physical address, hold no license to do business in any state, and so on.

Stroman Realty, Inc recently published a comprehensive guide for timeshare owners on how to identify and avoid timeshare resales fraud and scams. Stroman Realty has been in the business nearly 28 years in the same location, holding the same broker's license, has the same management, and many of the same sales agents for many many years. Take the time to read the personal letter from Wayne Stroman, President and CEO. Mr. Stroman's credentials cannot be matched by anyone in the world when it comes to the timeshare resales industry. For example, Wayne Stroman currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) (2000-2009); the Board of Directors for the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) (1999-2001 and 2007-2008); and HAR Secretary Treasurer 2008. In addition, Mr. Stroman is active with the Houston REALTOR® Information Service, Inc. (HRIS) and served on their Board of Directors (2002-2006). He was the HRIS Secretary-Treasurer (2002) and Vice Chairman (2003). He also sits on the Board of Directors for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) (2003 & 2008). He was Chairman of the HAR International Council (2005 & 2006) and the HAR Technology Task Force for 2005. He was past Chairman of the HAR MLS Advisory Group (2003); and past Chairman of the HAR Statistical Information Subcommittee (1997). He also served on the MLS Advisory Group Committee (1990-94 & 1997-present); and the Y2K Task Force (1998-2000).

Check it out and see for yourself.