Original Message:
Re: avoiding delay in selling timeshare by "gifting"? (by Kevin G.):
Does not sound like a legit buyer, but rather a scammer.
All real estate is paid with cash at closing, either from the buyer or his lender, before the deed is transferred. That is why we have title companies because you can't "trust" strangers. If you take 25% rather than 100% you are essentially providing seller financing for 75% except that you have no paper to back you up and no lien or deed of trust. So you will have no recourse if he fails to keep his promise to pay.
If the issue is that the buyer wants to make a reservation now you could always offer to make him one in return for the 25% deposit (similar to renting it to him). That way you get something if he fails to close.