What Is the Right of First Refusal on a Timeshare?
The Right of First Refusal (ROFR) is a contractual clause in most timeshare purchase agreements that gives the resort developer the right to match any offer made by a third-party buyer and take back your timeshare at the sale price. If the developer exercises ROFR, the sale to your intended buyer does not go through; instead, the developer takes ownership. Most major developers (Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton, Disney) include ROFR clauses and exercise them on the majority of resale attempts.
How ROFR Works
- You find a buyer willing to purchase your timeshare for $X
- You submit the sale paperwork to the developer for ROFR review
- The developer has 15-45 days (varies by contract) to decide
- If they exercise ROFR: The developer takes ownership at price $X. Your buyer gets nothing. You get $X minus any closing costs.
- If they waive ROFR: The sale proceeds to your buyer. (This is rare for most developers.)
Developer ROFR Behavior
| Developer | Exercises ROFR? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott Vacations | Almost always | Exercises on most resales, especially desirable weeks/locations |
| Disney Vacation Club | Frequently | Exercises on lower-priced sales to protect resale market value |
| Hilton Grand Vacations | Frequently | More active since Diamond Resorts acquisition |
| Wyndham | Sometimes | Less aggressive than Marriott; varies by property |
| Bluegreen | Occasionally | Less frequent than the Big Three |
ROFR Can Actually Help Your Exit
Counterintuitively, a developer exercising ROFR can achieve the same goal as a cancellation: the timeshare is no longer in your name, and your maintenance fee obligation ends. Some exit strategies intentionally trigger ROFR by listing the timeshare at a low price, knowing the developer will take it back. This approach works best when your goal is to simply end ownership, not to profit from a sale.
Need help navigating ROFR or planning your exit strategy? Call (888) 530-7268 for a free consultation.
Related Questions
- How to Get Out of a Timeshare Without a Lawyer
- How Much Does Timeshare Exit Cost in 2026?
- How to Choose the Best Timeshare Exit Company in 2026
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