Westgate Resorts is one of the largest privately held timeshare companies in the world, with a major presence in Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach, Branson and Park City. Usually, a new Westgate unit typically ranges from $15,000 to over $35,000, and that figure does not include closing costs, developer financing interest, or annual maintenance fees that increase every year. So, how do you cancel a Westgate timeshare?

Continue reading this guide if you’re an owner weighing your options for a potential timeshare exit of a Westgate contract. But if you’re a prospective buyer who’s researching before a sales presentation, you should also understand all the legitimate paths available as exit options depend on many things, such as how long you have owned the unit, whether it's paid off, and where the contract was signed. As you will see, no single approach works as a one-size-fits-all.

What is Westgate timeshare ownership?

Westgate Resorts primarily operates on a deeded interest model. That means that when you own a Westgate timeshare, you only receive a deed to a fractional share of the real property, meaning that you have a genuine real estate transaction, with the legal weight of a mortgage and the same credit consequences if it goes into foreclosure. 

Most Westgate products are structured as fixed or floating weeks. A fixed week gives you usage rights to the same week every year, while a floating week means that you can compete for available dates within a designated season. There are point-based systems, but that’s mostly through its cruise and Travel Collection. No matter the type of contract you own, you must understand that the contract is perpetual, meaning that you need to pay maintenance fees until you sell the property to a new owner, or transfer it back to the resort.

How does Westgate’s ownership work?

As mentioned before, there are three different types of Vacation Ownership options: Fixed, Float and Fixed Event. This last one combines the predictability of one with the flexibility of the other one. 

Still, the average maintenance fee of the industry is around $1480, according to ARDA. Not only that, but usually there is a 3 to 5% increase per year, and ownership is lifelong. If you took out a loan in addition to the initial investment price, things do add up to the point that you might need a timeshare calculator to see the true cost of ownership over a lifetime.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Westgate has a Right of First Refusal clause on its contracts. This means that if you’re thinking of selling or buying a second-hand timeshare, the resort can refuse the sale and purchase the unit.

Where are Westgate Resorts located?

Westgate has many resorts in states such as:

  • Florida
  • Nevada
  • Tennessee
  • South Carolina
  • Missouri 
  • Utah
It’s important to note where you signed your contract, as the rescission period has to do with where you signed, not where you live or where the resort is located. For example, if you signed a contract in Florida, but you bought a resort in Nevada, it has a completely different period to somebody who bought a Nevada timeshare and signed in that state.

What are the realistic cancellation paths for a Westgate timeshare?

There are certain proven methods that you can follow to ensure a timeshare contract cancellation. There is no one-size-fits-all, so you can check them out one by one to see what approach would work best for you. Some of the things that you should keep in mind include your loan status, payment history, purchase date and the state governing your contract.
  1. Rescission period
  2. The deed back program
  3. Sell 
  4. Rent
  5. Timeshare exit company

How to choose a legitimate Westgate timeshare exit company?

For many, a timeshare exit company is their best option to move forward on the termination of their timeshare contract. This is because exit teams are well-versed in the different strategies needed to exit big brand and smaller timeshares and they handle all the paperwork while keeping their customers informed about the process, no matter how difficult they are.

However, timeshare exit scams are not uncommon. As with any major financial decision, you should research thoroughly the timeshare exit company that you’re considering to ensure that you’re with a legitimate and the best timeshare exit company for your case.
Green flags
  • Verified BBB profile with substantive, recent client reviews
  • Attorney-backed exit strategies, not informal negotiation only
  • Multiple exit methods offered, matched to your specific contract
  • No substantial upfront fee before a case review is completed
  • Transparent communication about realistic timelines, typically 12 to 18 months
  • Written confirmation of the exit provided upon completion
 
Red flags
  • They guarantee a specific outcome or timeline before reviewing your contract
  • They advise you to stop paying maintenance fees or mortgage payments
  • They contact you unsolicited claiming to have a buyer for your timeshare
  • They have no verifiable BBB profile or have unresolved complaints on file
  • They request full payment before any case review or service agreement is in place

Why professional help is better than DIY for most Westgate owners

Since Westgate contracts are deeded real estate instruments, the process is more complex than it lets on. Owners cannot simply stop paying, as that can trigger a foreclosure process, similar to any other real estate asset, and impact credit scores.

If an owner does not meet the Legacy Program’s eligibility thresholds, their best bet is to talk to a seasoned exit professional who understands Westgate’s process and has attorney-backed methods for cancellation.
Serenity 1 Consulting Group works with Westgate owners to assess their specific contract and ownership history and identify the most appropriate exit strategy. Our attorney-backed methods include Judicial Based Cancellation for complex cases and the ABS Recovery Program for non-litigation contract release. Every engagement begins with a free consultation before any fee is discussed.

Frequently asked questions about Westgate timeshares

How do I cancel a Westgate timeshare?

If you are within your state's rescission period, submit a written cancellation via certified mail to the address in your contract immediately. If that window has passed, contact Westgate's Legacy Program. If you carry an outstanding loan or have been denied by the Legacy Program, a professional timeshare exit company with Westgate experience is the most comprehensive path forward.

What is the Westgate Legacy Program?

The Westgate Legacy Program is Westgate's official internal exit channel for qualifying owners. It offers options including returning the ownership to Westgate, exploring the resale market, or transferring to a family member. Eligibility is assessed individually and is not guaranteed. Owners with open mortgages are generally not eligible for deed-back through this program.

How do I get out of a Westgate timeshare if I still have a loan?

Carrying an outstanding loan significantly limits your immediate options. A professional exit company can assess whether your loan balance, combined with any misrepresentation during the sales process, creates legal grounds for a negotiated cancellation. 

Will canceling my Westgate timeshare hurt my credit?

It can, especially if you don't follow proper procedures and you stop paying altogether. The best way to avoid most major credit damage is by following the resort's exit program or contacting a specialized company that will avoid damaging your credit before any fee is discussed. 

How long does Westgate timeshare cancellation take?

Timeshare cancellation can take between 12 to 18 months depending on how complex the case is. Some cases can be done in a couple of weeks, following the rescission period, but these are few and far between. It is of paramount importance that you never stop paying any fee, as that can trigger a foreclosure on your timeshare and damage your credit.