Totally Annoyed by Notary Public Signature Process as a Canadian Buyer

[LisaLuvsVacations]

Here's my vent...we made an offer to purchase on two Aulani packages - a 150 pt package and a 35 pt package. They passed ROFR earlier in March. Finally get the closing docs for the 150 pt package via courier earlier this week and still waiting for the closing docs on the 35 pt package.

Our agent mentioned NOTHING about the need to have the signatures on the Interval Warranty Deeds to be notarized and THEN authenticated by the US Embassy?! This is beyond ridiculous for a TIMESHARE resale.

I was already stressing on the timeline to have closing docs all completed and sent off so that we could book our January 23-30, 2017 Aulani holiday (2 bedroom suite) but now it looks like its not going to be until at least the end of May until we can even have our new MS numbers?!

I am totally unimpressed with the process. But we have to march forward or else we will lose our $2,000 USD deposit. Am I getting my hopes up for nothing that a 2 bedroom suite or even a broom closet will be available for a return trip to Aulani in January?

Canadian and International Buyers...beware of the extra process to get your Public Notaries signature further authenticated by the US Embassy in your country. This process adds considerable length to the process. OH and I live 8 hrs away from our nearest US Embassy. I know have to send our docs to the Foreign Affairs office in Ottawa for the signature to be authenticated and then back to the US Embassy for their authentication. Delays, delays, delays!! So terribly unimpressed. I almost walked yesterday as I am so angry. Who has time to do all this stuff?!

But will we have a chance come late May to book anything at Aulani for Jan. 23-30, 2018? Preferably a 2 bedroom suite??

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

Going Direct is more expensive, but you could have points tomorrow, if that is important. Sorry, I'm sure you must have considered this

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Unfortunately, these procedures are forced on sales agents by your government. I'm fairly sure Disney and the resale brokers would love t make it easier. Heck, Disney can't even sell to some Canadian provinces if you call and ask to buy direct; you have to be on-site to buy.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Going Direct is more expensive, but you could have points tomorrow, if that is important. Sorry, I'm sure you must have considered this

Depends on the province. They won't sell to several of them.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

But will we have a chance come late May to book anything at Aulani for Jan. 23-30, 2018? Preferably a 2 bedroom suite??

I haven't gone at that specific time but have a bit later and it's a slow time for Aulani - I think you'll be fine. I've always booked there much closer in.

 

[DougEMG]

Is that a new change to have the US Embassy authenticate? I've bought a number of contracts; nothing since 2014; and never had to do that. Or is this something the broker is requiring?

 

[Daddio]

This is required by the Hawaiian government for all timeshares located in Hawaii. When I purchased some Maui property two years ago, I had to do the same thing. Luckily, I was in the Bahamas when the documents were prepared so I was able to print them out and take them to the US Embassy in Nassau.

 

[D-Trick]

This is speaking of someone who works for an airline: late January is THE SLOWEST time of the year for travel. Kids are already back in school, and most people have used their money for big trips over the holidays.

Aulani is not affected by theme park events, festivals, or a marathon weekend. The demand is more in tune with traditional travel cycles.

I think you have reason to the a deep breath and realize you'll be fine.

 

[montrealdisneylovers]

Does it have to be a US embassy? Will a US notary not work?? We did not have to have any documents notarized when purchasing DVC in Florida in 2011. However, when we added our daughters to the deed in 2014, it was considered like a sale and required a US notary. Initially we were told to go to the US embassy which was time consuming and was fairly costly. I then somehow found out that we could also use a notary located in the US. We live fairly close to the border and I made some calls. Turns out THE UPS STORES (at least in Vermont) can notarize documents. That's where we went and used them to mail back all signed documents at the same time. Cheap, quick and efficient.

 

[TonyaG83]

Whoa - had no idea. Scratching Aulani off my list of places where I want to hold points.

 

[Dean]

Whoa - had no idea. Scratching Aulani off my list of places where I want to hold points.

Even for systems like Marriott where there is a high % of owners returning year after year (HHI for example) HI is only about 50% owner usage. It still can be a difficult exchange for Marriott because of the volume and the way II runs the exchange program but it's workable other than possibly Maui. Even then I've had exchanges into the Maui Marriott and Westin Kaanapali. I have several exchange requests in for HI Marriott's for a year and a half from now, we'll see how they go.

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

Is the notary thing specific to Aulani? We did not have to do that when we booked resale at SSR.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Is the notary thing specific to Aulani? We did not have to do that when we booked resale at SSR.

See post #7 above - it seems to be a requirement of the State of Hawaii.

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

See post #7 above - it seems to be a requirement of the State of Hawaii.

Thank you - sorry I totally missed that

 

[LisaLuvsVacations]

Is that a new change to have the US Embassy authenticate? I've bought a number of contracts; nothing since 2014; and never had to do that. Or is this something the broker is requiring?

This is something that our Escrow agency First American Title is requiring. It sounds as though this is a requirement for any international buyer purchase of real estate in the state of Hawaii. A direct purchase through DVC at Aulani would be automatic.

 

[LisaLuvsVacations]

I haven't gone at that specific time but have a bit later and it's a slow time for Aulani - I think you'll be fine. I've always booked there much closer in.

Thanks - I sure hope so!!

 

[LisaLuvsVacations]

Does it have to be a US embassy? Will a US notary not work?? We did not have to have any documents notarized when purchasing DVC in Florida in 2011. However, when we added our daughters to the deed in 2014, it was considered like a sale and required a US notary. Initially we were told to go to the US embassy which was time consuming and was fairly costly. I then somehow found out that we could also use a notary located in the US. We live fairly close to the border and I made some calls. Turns out THE UPS STORES (at least in Vermont) can notarize documents. That's where we went and used them to mail back all signed documents at the same time. Cheap, quick and efficient.

This is the best idea yet...we live only 4 hrs from Minot, ND and online search turned up 5 NP services in Minot with 3 of them located at UPS Stores! I have sent off an email to our agent to see if this is acceptable. Fingers crossed!!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I rescind my statement about the Canadian government in this case (although I know DVC cannot sell remotely into a couple provinces), but Imma sticking to "I'm sure Disney would prefer it otherwise." Disney is always in favor of ease in separating you from $$$.

 

[montrealdisneylovers]

This is the best idea yet...we live only 4 hrs from Minot, ND and online search turned up 5 NP services in Minot with 3 of them located at UPS Stores! I have sent off an email to our agent to see if this is acceptable. Fingers crossed!!

If it is acceptable, make sure you call ahead to be sure the person who can notarize the document will be there. They are not necessarily available all the time!

 

[pangyal]

I'm not sure whereabouts you live or whether I am understanding the situation correctly, but have you looked for a notary closer to you who is also recognized as a US notary? We are in Toronto and there are a multitude of notaries here who are accredited by the US.