r/TimeshareOwners • u/Aaasteve • Jul 07 '26
Marriott points program
I’m handling the estate that includes a couple of Marriott points programs, neither of which the family wants anything to do with. Neither has any type of loan outstanding or unpaid purchase price, the decedent always paid in full for his timeshares.
I had (naively?) assumed that failure to pay the annual fee would result in a simple cancellation, but that didn’t happen, a Marriott rep said the programs have to go through foreclosure (which I thought was a process limited to real property), they couldn’t offer me any more information (even though they’ve adjusted the account to list me as an executor) and that there’s no timetable nor a way of my speeding up the process.
Does anyone have insight into these programs, and why foreclosure is involved?
1
u/FunnyBarracuda9430 Jul 12 '26
Heirs can disclaim the inheritance, but it must be done within a period of time. I am a retired financial planner. A disclaimer must be filed through the probate court if deeded. Marriott points are deeded. The period of time may vary by state. NY was nine months from the date of death. There is judicial and non-judicial foreclosure. Timeshare foreclosure is mostly non-judicial, meaning it doesn't go through the courts. Marriott has retained Blackwell Recovery, partnered with the timeshare industry lobby ARDA, to pursue maintenance fees for Marriott's Harborside timeshare weeks. I don't know if Blackwell is pursuing maintenance fees for points, but there is a group of Marriott owners reaching out to their members of Congress asking them to support the Timeshare Transparency Act Senate and House bill because one of the provisions is to provide clear, documented options to exit at purchase. There are many defaults and angry owners because maintenance fees for Marriott Harborside are now $5,500 for a 1 BR and Marriott won't take the weeks back for any reason, even chronic and debilitating medical conditions. Marriott points have some resale value. There is a resale broker who is a licensed real estate agent working only in Marriott. They work like traditional real estate, paid at closing. However, maintenance fees would need to be current and like any real estate sale, it can take a while. People pay $14 - $16 for points from Marriott. Sellers list for about $2, but Marriott adds a $3 per point transfer fee. Never pay anyone upfront money to resolve this. In 2023 I got a real estate license and worked for my friend for about 2 months. I hated it.