1. Start with the direct option

Before hiring a third party, contact the resort, developer, lender, or owner-services department using contact information from your agreement or official account. Ask whether a current deed-back, surrender, voluntary relinquishment, hardship, transfer, or other owner program may apply.

• Ask for the current program requirements and any fees in writing.
• Confirm how financing, maintenance fees, assessments, and delinquency status are handled.
• Keep copies of emails, letters, forms, and reference numbers.
• Do not rely only on a phone promise when a written policy is available.

2. Red flags before hiring anyone

Pause and verify the details if a provider:

• Claims to be affiliated with your resort, developer, lender, or a government agency without verifiable proof.
• Guarantees cancellation, a release, a specific savings amount, or a fixed timeline.
• Pressures you to sign immediately, stop communicating with the resort, or stop making payments without explaining the consequences.
• Requests a large upfront fee while offering vague scope, cancellation, or refund terms.
• Will not provide a written agreement identifying the services, fees, participation required, and responsible business entity.
• Requests sensitive information that is not needed for an initial review, such as a Social Security number, banking credentials, or complete account numbers.

3. What to gather for a review

A useful review starts with accurate records. Gather what you have; do not delay simply because a document is missing.

• Purchase agreement, deed, membership or exchange documents, and amendments.
• Current statements, financing information, payment history, and assessment notices.
• Written communications from the resort, lender, collection agency, reseller, or prior provider.
• Your desired outcome, timing concerns, and any payments or commitments already made.

Use the Owner Education hub to review the ownership-cost calculator and document guidance before requesting a private review.

4. How Aldenworth approaches a review

Aldenworth begins with a confidential, case-specific review of the ownership, financing, payment status, available documents, and desired outcome. Matters are accepted selectively. If a matter fits the process, the expected participation and recommended next steps are explained before an owner decides whether to proceed.

See how the private review works and what information the initial inquiry requests.

5. Questions to ask any provider

• What specific service are you providing, and what is outside your scope?
• What fees are due, when are they due, and what happens if I cancel?
• What participation will you need from me?
• How will you communicate with my resort or lender, if at all?
• What outcomes are possible, and what outcomes cannot be promised?
• Which written policy explains cancellation, refunds, and complaints?

6. Cancellation and refund terms

Read the agreement and refund terms before paying or signing. Keep a copy of every version you receive. Aldenworth’s current terms are available on the Cancellation and Refund Policy page.