Looking to buy: need help

Hi

I am interested in buying a timeshare and cant find answers to the below questions. I am new to the world of timeshares so I apologize if these are elementary questions. Any direct responses or referrals to existing threads would be much appreciated.

1) If I buy a one bedroom unit to start, can I eventually put more money into it and trade up to a 2 bedroom or higher rated unit? The initial cost to get a great unit is too much so the ability to slowly trade up over the years would be great. (assuming this is an option)

2) If you have a 2 bedroom lockout unit and chose to "lockout" the unit and trade both sides in for an exchange, would you receive back a full 1 bedroom with kitchen and a regular one 1 bedroom (similiar to hotel room) or can you get back 2 full one bedrooms both with kitchens?

3) If you split a lockout unit and want to use both sides of the locked out unit at different times to take take 2 seperate vacations, are there any restrictions on this? Any reason you cant get 2 seperate weeks using the lockout feature?

Thanks so much

jkatz1420 said:

1) If I buy a one bedroom unit to start, can I eventually put more money into it and trade up to a 2 bedroom or higher rated unit? The initial cost to get a great unit is too much so the ability to slowly trade up over the years would be great. (assuming this is an option)

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Sort of. But it is a bad plan as it seems to mean you are making the first purchase retail (developer). By finding that desired 2 bedroom from the start resale you'll pay far less despite the more desirable unit type and not have to deal with costly upgrades.

jkatz1420 said:

2) If you have a 2 bedroom lockout unit and chose to "lockout" the unit and trade both sides in for an exchange, would you receive back a full 1 bedroom with kitchen and a regular one 1 bedroom (similiar to hotel room) or can you get back 2 full one bedrooms both with kitchens?

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Depends on the exchange system and resort for the trade(s). Some will only have 2 bedroom so thats what you get. Others are strictly limited to the same or smaller size. There isn't one answer to this one.

jkatz1420 said:

3) If you split a lockout unit and want to use both sides of the locked out unit at different times to take take 2 seperate vacations, are there any restrictions on this? Any reason you cant get 2 seperate weeks using the lockout feature?

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Usually no restrictions except for split weeks (3 day / 4 day stays) usually can't be 2 weekends and the 7 day weeks usually carry a split fee 0f some amount. That is a feature we liked at our first resort & have used it a few time in nearly 20 years to get 2 week for one annual fee (plus a $59 "split week" fee - still a great deal).

Welcome to TUG. If you haven't already checked out the Advice section here, click on the word Advice in the red bar at the top of the page on the right. There is a ton of information there.

jkatz1420 said:

Hi

I am interested in buying a timeshare and cant find answers to the below questions. I am new to the world of timeshares so I apologize if these are elementary questions. Any direct responses or referrals to existing threads would be much appreciated.

1) If I buy a one bedroom unit to start, can I eventually put more money into it and trade up to a 2 bedroom or higher rated unit? The initial cost to get a great unit is too much so the ability to slowly trade up over the years would be great. (assuming this is an option)

Click to expand...

Only if you buy in a points system, you can't buy a regular 1 bedroom and then add money to make it a 2 bedroom in a regular weeks timeshare, you can however in some of the points memberships .

2) If you have a 2 bedroom lockout unit and chose to "lockout" the unit and trade both sides in for an exchange, would you receive back a full 1 bedroom with kitchen and a regular one 1 bedroom (similiar to hotel room) or can you get back 2 full one bedrooms both with kitchens?

Click to expand...

Depends, if you are searching and your units are valuable enough, you can take 2 bedrooms in exchange. This will depend upon the trade company, the strength of your week, etc

3) If you split a lockout unit and want to use both sides of the locked out unit at different times to take take 2 seperate vacations, are there any restrictions on this? Any reason you cant get 2 seperate weeks using the lockout feature?

Click to expand...

Every resort has their own policies, so yes on some, no on others. it will depend upon where you purchase

Thanks so much

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Your welcome,

Greg

Here are some questions for you to answer so we can narrow the field:

New buyer questions:

1) Where do you want your home resort to be?
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?
3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
4) How many people do you usually travel with?
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
8) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
9) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?
10) Are you a detail oriented planner?
11) 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?