Jen - It can be overwhelming at first - you should not rush into anything.
The Sheraton flex that I bought (and mind you they never mentioned the words Sheraton flex to me) only gives me access to these at the 8 month mark if Avilable
Yes - This is always true with ALL
Staroption reservations -
whether you buy them from the developer or on the resale market. The reservation window opens at 8 mos. before check-in for all resorts in the VSE system, and reservations are never guaranteed.
Here is a summary of what has been posted above:
You can buy a VSE timeshare with Staroptions on the resale market for a fraction of what the developer is asking.
But, there are only 5 VSE timeshares that have Staroptions when purchased on the resale market.
* Harborside at Atlantis
* Vistana Villages (Bella and Key West phases only)
* Westin St. John (Virgin Grand - Hillside only)
* Westin Ka'anapali & Westin Ka'anapali-North
* Westin Kierland Villas
Generally, only 2 of them are recommended for purchasing for Staroptions, because the other 3 are too expensive:
1) Vistana Villages (Bella and Key West phases only) - much cheaper to buy, but higher yearly maintenance fees. (Estimate - less than $1,000)
2) Westin Kierland Villas - more expensive to buy, but lower yearly maintenance fees. (Estimate - $10,000 for a one bedroom)
With these Staroptions, you can make reservations at all of the VSE resorts, from 8-0 mos. before check-in, as available.
Some weeks cannot be reserved with Staroptions, like Christmas and New Years week at some resorts, and sometimes the prime holiday weeks like President's week, Easter week, and the 4th of July week aren't available with Staroptions - because the owners have already reserved them. But most non-holiday weeks are available right at 8 mos. before check-in.
This is exactly how you make a
Staroption reservation with Flex Options - it's just a lot cheaper when you buy resale.
There are many places where you can buy timeshares on the resale market - websites like TUG, Redweek, and eBay are often mentioned.
There are also reputable timeshare brokers who sell timeshares. You will pay more if you buy from a broker, but they will walk you through the process and protect your from fraud and mistakes, which can be very helpful the first time.
67,100 Staroptions is only enough for a studio during high season at the most popular resorts. It is usually recommended that you start with at least 81,000 Staroptions which is enough for a 1 bdm. You can add more Staroptions later, if you like it.
When you buy a deeded timeshare, you will receive a legal deed in your name, registered with the County Registrars Office, just like when you buy a home.
Every year - around November, you will receive a bill for the next year's maintenance fee which is usually due in early Jan.
Also - if you haven't already done so, you should "study" the FAQ:
http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63224