If you’ve ever tried to sell your timeshare, you might have run into an unexpected obstacle: the Right of First Refusal (ROFR). It’s a clause buried deep in many timeshare contracts, and while it sounds harmless — even protective — it can quietly control the resale market in favor of the developer.
What Is the Right of First Refusal (ROFR)?
The ROFR gives your resort the right to match any offer you receive when selling your timeshare.
Here’s how it works:
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You find a buyer willing to pay $5,000 for your timeshare.
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Before the sale goes through, you must submit the offer to the resort.
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The resort can step in and buy it at that price instead of letting your buyer purchase it.
On the surface, this may seem fair — after all, you still get your $5,000. But the reality is much more complicated.
The Impact on Timeshare Owners
The ROFR can:
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Reduce the number of interested buyers – Potential buyers may walk away once they realize the resort can snatch the deal.
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Keep resale prices artificially low – Developers often let low offers pass but match higher ones, discouraging the resale market from rising.
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Delay your sale – Every offer has to be reviewed by the resort, adding weeks or months to the process.
In short: You’re not truly free to sell on your own terms.
Why This Clause Is “Hidden”
Developers frame ROFR as a way to “protect property value” and “maintain resort standards.” While this sounds reassuring, it’s also a powerful way to keep control over the resale market.
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It lets them buy back prime units at low prices.
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It helps them block owners from setting their own market value.
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It allows them to steer inventory back into their sales pipeline at a profit.
What You Can Do
If you’re considering selling:
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Review your contract carefully to understand how your ROFR works.
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Consult an experienced timeshare exit professional — they can help you navigate the process.
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Be realistic about price — setting a fair, market-based asking price may help avoid delays.
Bottom Line: The Right of First Refusal may sound like a safeguard, but in practice, it can keep you tied to your timeshare longer and for less money than you deserve. Before you list your timeshare, know your rights — and the clauses that could hold you back.
