BBB alerts consumers to steer clear of Blue Ridge International Sales, which claims to be located in Nashville, TN. Consumers report receiving unsolicited phone calls from a broker claiming to be with Blue Ridge International Sales with a resale offer for the consumer’s timeshare claiming they have a buyer for the property. Consumers are told they must pay a 5% commission of the sales price usually ranging from $2000 – $3000 prior to completion of the agreement. Blue Ridge International Sales also advises the need to pay Mexican SAT taxes to an agent up to $5160.00.
BBB visited the address where Blue Ridge International Sales claims to be located (566 Mainstream Dr. Suite 310, Nashville TN), and could locate no such business or suite number at that address. In addition, BBB called the advertised phone numbers 866-978-6925 and 615-866-5226 to inquire about the company’s physical location; however, the company representative indicated they were near a nonexistent business. Richard Donaldson, President & CEO for the company, called back indicating he did not want BBB to visit his location and wanted nothing to do with BBB.
BBB checked with the State of Tennessee, and Blue Ridge International Sales does not have a corporate filing, does not have a state business license, and does not have a real estate license.
If you have done business with Blue Ridge International Sales, BBB would like to speak with you. Please call 615.250.4223.
BBB advises timeshare owners to be wary of brokers who call out of the blue, ask for advance fees and say they have prospective buyers. Many times, consumers pay the fees and never hear back from the company. In addition:
Use a Business You Can Trust – Make sure the timeshare reseller you use has a good reputation and a good rating with BBB.
Confirm Licensing Requirements – Some timeshare resellers will use fake addresses or PO boxes in order to mislead timeshare owners. Confirm where the company is located and in what states it does business. Ask if the salespeople are licensed to sell real estate where your timeshare is located, and verify this with the licensing board.
Check the Facts/Figures and Get Everything in Writing – Find out if the business charges a commission. Do they handle the entire closing and provide escrow services? Do they charge an up-front listing or advertising fee? What does it cover and is it refundable?
Be Wary of Upfront Fees – Many complainants to BBB were burned by companies charging an advanced fee for services or were told that they just had to pay closing costs and that timeshare would be taken off their hands. Consider opting for a company that offers to sell for a fee only after the timeshare is sold.
Don’t fall for the Hard Sell or an Offer That Sounds Too Good To Be True! – Don’t agree to anything over the phone but instead ask the salesperson to send you written materials. Always take the time to think it over and don’t be pressured. Unscrupulous timeshare resellers may claim that your property is in demand and they can sell it immediately. Unfortunately, these are often empty promises.
