McCall is noted for its spectacular year-round vacation and recreation opportunities. There are a number of luxury properties and condominium offerings in the area that make it a center for sales and services.
A number of businesses take advantage of this location to branch out and reach potential clients from across the nation. So, when we hear about a condo-reseller based in the area, it didn’t sound suspicious until we checked into the address given on the company website.
Luxury Property Services claimed to represent some of the most pristine resorts in the Mexican Caribbean. It listed an office address in the newly developed Alpine Village complex. This is a mixed-use building with commercial and condos in the downtown area.
Kristin Amarante, director of owner services and events, says she’s been receiving calls for weeks asking for the Luxury Property Services.
“I’m so tired of explaining to people that this company is not in this building,” she says.
For weeks, she has fielded calls from potential investors trying to do their due diligence by investigating before buying. The callers become irate when she explains the office listed on the website is actually the office of First American Title Co. of McCall.
In addition, the website for Luxury Property Services lists a number with a 208 prefix.
I emailed and phoned the company, requesting more information on the company and its McCall location, and disconnected and received no return email replies.
BBB suggests some things to consider before buying or selling a timeshare or vacation interval:
Evaluate the location and quality of the timeshare. You want to do business with a reputable company in a location that you can see yourself visiting often in the long-term. Check BBB Business Reviews for information on timeshare companies at BBB.org.
Understand not just the benefits, but also the obligations of buying a timeshare. Though the cost may be lower than buying a second property, it does not mean that additional costs don’t exist. There are maintenance fees and property taxes on every timeshare.
Read and understand the contract before you sign. Be aware of cancellation policies and other fees. Ask someone who has experience in real estate to read the contract to ensure that you are getting a fair deal.
Always cancel in writing. The Federal Trade Commission suggests that when canceling a purchase, you send a letter through certified mail with a return receipt request. That way, there is documentation of the interaction.
Be cautious of buying outside of the United States. If you buy a timeshare with a company that operates outside of the U.S., it does not have the same obligations, and you will not be protected under U.S. law.
Robb Hicken is Better Business Bureau’s chief story-teller. His job is to tell stories of businesses acting ethically, issue warnings about scams and fraud and help people become more informed customers. Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization serving Southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon. Reach him at 947-2115 or rhicken@boise.bbb.org.
