Timeshare Newbie seeking advice

[Canuckski]

We are a couple in our 50s looking to explore some winter getaway options. Not committed to any single approach (buy rent timeshare) yet but friends who own some vacation club weeks encouraged us to consider this kind of approach to planning our winter vacations.

Where do you want your home resort to be?
We love Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?
I would expect at least half of our time would be in Cabo.

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Vallarta, Cancun, maybe some Florida spots,

4) How many people do you usually travel with?
Just 2 maybe occasionally 4 but rare.

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
Very flexible.

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
yes

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Yes or more we do like 10 days

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
3-4

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
3500 *for this type of purchase would not wish to go higher

10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?
1200
11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
yes
12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you do?
yes


Thank you so much!
Last edited: Mar 6, 2016

 

[Ty1on]

As you study timeshare before you buy, you are going to find that your Mexican locations are easy to trade into, so you'll want something in the states.

PS "Last Edited, March 6, 2016, my head is fixing to explode.

 

[Canuckski]

Thanks. I hope this isn't a dumb question if it is please forgive me, but are you suggesting the states because they are more desirable for exchange?

 

[Ty1on]

Thanks. I hope this isn't a dumb question if it is please forgive me, but are you suggesting the states because they are more desirable for exchange?

Yes, more desirable for exchange, it's real ownership and not a right to use, you can find one within a reasonable travel distance so that in a year where you can't or don't want to fly, you can always go chill at the home resort. A system with location in your area could also work. Though if you're in Canada, I've heard some horror stories about some timeshare schemes up there.

 

[Ty1on]

If you really want to exchange a lot btw, set your maintenance fee budget at $700-$800. That way, you have cushion for the exchange fee and the annual increase in MF for a few years.