Westgate does not have a buyback program so there is no method to sell your timeshare back to them. The only ways you can sell it are either selling it yourself or by using a timeshare resale provider such as an online marketing company or a resale broker.

Selling your Westgate timeshare yourself could mean using social media outlets or contacting friends or family. Maybe using traditional advertising such as newspapers or magazines. But ask yourself where the buyers would be looking for a timeshare? They search for timeshares like anything else – by searching online for bargains. That’s why it makes sense to use a company that understands online marketing to promote timeshares for sale.

An online marketing company specializing in timeshare resales will typically provide you with an advertisement on their website to promote your timeshare, along with the ability to add details, photos and provide customer support. In this case, you would handle the negotiation with the buyer and agree on a sale price, then take the deal to a closing company to be finalized. All it would cost would be the cost of the ad.

A timeshare resale broker operates like a real estate agent – handling the negotiation for you. This is often the more expensive option of the two when the timeshare sells, as commissions can run 15 percent of the sale price or $1,500, whichever is higher, so keep that in mind.

There are a few options to get out of your Westgate timeshare, but it really depends on what you own and the financial status of your ownership.

Westgate has created a program call the Legacy Program, which is a customer service program designed to listen to owners looking to exit their timeshare. However, there is criteria that must be met in order for Westgate to consider taking back a timeshare, such as the ownership being mortgage-free and all annual fees paid.

There is no guarantee that they would take it back, since it depends on what inventory Westgate is looking to get back so they can resell it. The more in-demand the resort with peak season ownership, the more likely they may consider it. Also – keep in mind that there is no compensation for the owner, just the potential to walk away from their ownership.

Westgate has also been known to use this program as a way to upsell owners into their travel club program, so watch for that as well if you speak with them about this program.

One area you will want to avoid is the so-called timeshare exit company. These companies claim to be able to get owners out of their timeshares, but they take upfront fees as high as $5,000. They will contact Westgate to try and convince them to take back the owner’s timeshare, but owners can do that themselves and save themselves the money. Westgate is the only company that can authorize such an arrangement, not a third-party exit company. Plus, these exit firms have run into legal trouble and attracted state Attorney General investigations for questionable business practices.

Remember that selling your Westgate timeshare is always an option if you want to get out of your ownership.

Yes, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort is open for owners and guests. The resort has rebuilt nearly all of the buildings damaged by the fires a few years ago, with the new units and amenities now better than ever.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort is about two and a half miles from downtown Gatlinburg - about a 10 minute drive along Highway 331 and the East Parkway.

Situated close to the Great Smoky Mountains, this is the perfect mountain resort retreat. Wild Bear Falls Water Park is the iconic feature attraction of the resort, an indoor water park with heated pool, lazy river and water slides over 60,000 square feet.

The Flying Bear Zipline lets you “fly” over the Smokies, you can work out in the Fitness Center or relax afterwards in the onsite Spa with a massage. Even take in a game of mini-golf with the kids.

Onsite restaurants and bars mean you’re covered for food and drink options without needing to leave the resort. Grab a home cooked meal at Southern Comfort or a burger at The Roaring Fork. The Mountain Top Pool Bar or the Southern Comfort Lobby Bar give you all the refreshments you need.

Beyond the resort, there are the amazing outdoor adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and viewing the wonderful wildlife. The mountain views and sunsets are worth the experience.

This is a true four season destination, with incredible fall foliage along with snow skiing and snowboarding at Ober Gatlinburg. Go shopping in downtown Gatlinburg, ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, head up the Gatlinburg Space Needle or take in a show at nearby Dollywood.