Which RCI unit to buy to trade into DVC

OK,

I know people will say don't do it, but my hubby won't buy DVC but will do this. What unit can I buy that has enough trade power to pull DVC.

Thanks!

vacationlover2 said:

OK,

I know people will say don't do it, but my hubby won't buy DVC but will do this. What unit can I buy that has enough trade power to pull DVC.

Thanks!

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There are no guarantees with RCI. I had six units that easily pulled all of the DVC, including the 2 bedrooms, then all at once, after an "enhancement" by RCI of 5/30, I couldn't see anything bigger than a studio. Now they have returned part of my trading power, and I can see SSR and VWL one bedrooms, that's it. There are 2 bedrooms out there, but I cannot see them.

Some others will chime in, but I gave up on it. I am just waiting for DVC to go back to II, in a year or so. This is just wishful thinking on my part. I have knowledge this will happen.

RCI Points is the way I can get whatever I want in DVC. I think it's the only "guarantee," if there is any guarantee out there.

There are so many possible answers to this. You don't indicate whether you have certain time periods (holidays or school vacation periods) you would need to attend or not.

Strong traders with RCI can take many forms. Some of the name brand systems (HGVC), SoCal coastal resorts and other popular places may draw a DVC exchange better than others, say a resort in Helendale, CA.

I know HGVC see's DVC with RCI...but that's not to say it will always be so or that DVC will remain with RCI forever. They switched from II a bit over a year ago.

The only certain way to get DVC is to purchase DVC.

Does anyone know if Marriott Desert Springs Villas Platinum pulls DVC?

Marriots are not in RCI.

Yes,

Some still are. DSV1 is one of them.

vacationlover2 said:

Yes,

Some still are. DSV1 is one of them.

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I stand corrected then.

I know people will say don't do it

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Don't do it. At least, don't do it in Weeks. If it were me, I'd be thinking Points.

My experience is not as bad as Cindy's, but I also suffered some degradation on 5/30 that made getting larger DVC units a little iffy (and took away Manhattan Club as an option, etc.). I would never buy a timeshare only because it was a "good trader", in any system, because that definition can always change.

Buy into RCI points. It is safer than any week.

janej said:

Buy into RCI points. It is safer than any week.

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That's your best way. Even better, you can get a Points lease for 3 years (look it up on this board) so you can cut bait when and if you wish and not be stuck paying MF's forever. Availability seems to be good with RCI Points for DVC but it does cost a lot.

Just checked for July 2010 (furtherest window out):
Wilderness Lodge: 2 BD (118,500)
OKR 1 BD (68,000)
SSR 1 BD (68,000)

So you can do the math to see how much it would really cost, taking into account Points/MF + $129 exchange fee. If you already have weeks you can use PFD to get extra points, or perhaps find a cheap week somewhere and do PFD on that.

cr4909 said:

That's your best way. Even better, you can get a Points lease for 3 years (look it up on this board) so you can cut bait when and if you wish and not be stuck paying MF's forever. Availability seems to be good with RCI Points for DVC but it does cost a lot.

Just checked for July 2010 (furtherest window out):
Wilderness Lodge: 2 BD (118,500)
OKR 1 BD (68,000)
SSR 1 BD (68,000)

So you can do the math to see how much it would really cost, taking into account Points/MF + $129 exchange fee. If you already have weeks you can use PFD to get extra points, or perhaps find a cheap week somewhere and do PFD on that.

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Yes, prime summer does cost a lot in a 2 bedroom, but it costs a lot for owners to use their DVC points, too. A 2 bedroom early December, early January, etc., is only 70K points, a 1 bedroom is about 43K points. Studios are even less. I love RCI Points!!!

I agree with the RCI Points lease route. bill_riney@yahoo.com is a good person to contact for the lease.

If you buy RCI Points to own, never buy anything in Orlando. You will be blocked from DVC. Bill's leases are for Club Trinidad in California.

Does anyone know what a week in a 1 BR toward the end of August, which is not prime summer, would be. And how much is the cost per point through the 3 year lease. Where can I do that?

Thanks so much!

vacationlover2 said:

OK,

I know people will say don't do it, but my hubby won't buy DVC but will do this. What unit can I buy that has enough trade power to pull DVC.

Thanks!

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I would go with HGVC.

4800 HGVC points (HGVC one bedroom) can get you a two bedroom exchange with RCI.
HGVC also has access to both RCI weeks and RCI points inventory.

If you can't get DVC for your desired travel dates, you can try to exchange into Bonnet Creek or the House in Summer Bay. In addition HGVC has three great resorts in Orlando however a two bedroom for HGVC may require more points than a RCI exchange depending on the HGVC season (platinum, gold, silver).

Here's what I see in RCI with HGVC points for the month of May. The number of HGVC points required is listed after each set of travel dates - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106974 (need to login as a TUG member to view Sighting)

Good Luck

Thanks! How much are HGVC points? And what unit are you searching with? Thanks!

How much do you pay in MF's for 4800 points? I have been considering HGVC for a long time. Of course, with RCI there are no guarantees.

vacationlover2 said:

Thanks! How much are HGVC points? And what unit are you searching with? Thanks!

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When it comes to RCI, HGVC is a pure point system. It doesn't matter what you own. You don't have to deposit anything to perform an online search.

For the HGVC RCI point chart - see "CLUB POINTS VALUES FOR RCI EXCHANGES" at the bottom of the HGVC advice page - http://www.tug2.net/advice/hgvc.htm

rickandcindy23 said:

How much do you pay in MF's for 4800 points? I have been considering HGVC for a long time. Of course, with RCI there are no guarantees.

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It depends on the HGVC resort. I believe the HGVC Las Vegas resorts have the lowest annual maintenance fee.

Maintenance Fees history can be found in the HGVC Sticky - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58716 (see post #4)

vacationlover2 said:

Thanks! How much are HGVC points?

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Ooops.. forgot to answer your first question.

Here's the latest TUG ROFR discussion - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105032

Here's the latest TS4MS ROFR information - http://www.timeshareforums.com/foru...rofr-info-reported-sales-last-two-months.html


4800 HGVC points (for a one bedroom during platinum season) used to run about $7500 (a little higher than a two bedroom during gold season for 5000 HGVC points) but that was a long time ago before prices started coming down.

NOTE: HGVC Maintenance Fee (MF) is generally based on resort and unit size (not view or season) therefore a two bedroom bronze season owner (2,500 annual HGVC points) may pay the same annual MF as a platinum season (7,000 annual HGVC points), gold season (5,000 annual HGVC points) and silver season (3,500 annual HGVC points) at the same resort. See this old thread http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104659

Because of the Sightings posted in post #13, I'm moving this to the Sightings/Distressed forum.

General comments about what you can "pull" are OK in the general forums but not specific sightings.

Edited: moved back after Sightings removed. Thanks.

philemer said:

Because of the Sightings posted in post #13, I'm moving this to the Sightings/Distressed forum.

General comments about what you can "pull" are OK in the general forums but not specific sightings.

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Sorry I'll remove the sighting in post #13 and post a link to the sighting board so you can move it back.

Stick with points not weeks. Check out the points leasing option if you want to try it without a long term commitment.

I would think about buying some DVC SSR points resale. There are reports of people getting those through ROFR for $65 a point.

After buying HGVC points and paying the maintenance fees and membership to RCI, plus exchange fees, I don't see it being worth the headache and expense when you can just own some SSR points resale and call DVC up and book what you want. Plus, there's always the uncertainty of DVC changing exchange companies again.

Owning some SSR points would allow you to book the new DVC 3 bedroom treehouse villas - those are the same amount of points as the two bedrooms.

Of course, if you buy HGVC and DVC goes away from RCI, you can always use your ownership at HGVC in Orlando. I guess you could look at it like that.

Don't forget about the DVC Annual Pass discount - that's $100 off for members. We love having the DVC discount and combining it with the Chase Disney Visa reward card.

As stated above there is a risk if you decide to buy some other timeshare just for exchanging. Any number of things can change that can impact your ability to exchange into DVC (RCI rules, HGVC rules and/or DVC rules).

With exchanging keep in mind, DVC generally deposits more studios and one bedrooms than two bedrooms. So if you really need a two bedroom you have to ask yourself whether you're willing to accept a one bedroom or willing to accept any dates available in order to trade into a two bedroom. I also won't count on ever getting a three bedroom unless you get a stroke of luck. Three bedrooms deposits are very rare (In the past, the number per year seemed to be in the single digits). So again if you need a three bedroom, you're better off buying DVC.

Also consider that Saratoga Spring, Old Key West, and now Animal Kingdom Villas are the largest resorts on property so you can expect most of the DVC availablity here. So if you have your heart set on the other resorts, your also might want to consider buying DVC instead of doing the exchange game.
NOTE: Here's a link to the number of room types available at each DVC resort - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29234071&postcount=3

However DVC is going to cost you much more than HGVC but if you require a specific resort (Beach Club, Boardwalk, etc) or a specific week (Presidents Week, Spring Break, NJ Week, Thanksgiving, XMAS, etc) each year you're not going to be happy with the exchange game.

If you have some experience with the exchange game when DVC was with Interval International then you know that the more flexible you are (any resort, any week, any size), the better your chances for success. Of course, it always helps to get your request in early.

I personally sold most of my DVC points since I can easily exchange into the DVC resorts. Before the switch to RCI, I used WorldMark(WM) for exchanges into DVC. Now I have a choice of using HGVC or WM.

DO THE MATH....DVC vs HGVC

Purchase price
HGVC Las Vegas resort one bedroom platinum (4800 HGVC pts) or two bedroom gold (5000 HGVC points) for $7,500 (worst case scenario)
DVC Saratoga Springs two bedroom (286 DVC points @ $65/pt) for $18,590

NOTE: However 286 DVC points will give you enough points to reserve a two bedroom at DVC Saratoga Springs for three out of the five seasons. Here's a link to the DVC point charts to see the number of points required for all seasons. http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts (NOTE: Make sure you look at the 2010 point chart)

Maintenance Fee
HGVC Las Vegas resort one bedroom platinum (4800 HGVC pts) or two bedroom gold (5000 HGVC points) will run anywhere between $600 to $900 depending on the resort and unit type.
DVC Saratoga Springs two bedroom (286 DVC points @ $4.34/pt) for $1,241

NOTE: Here's a link to the MF for each DVC resort for each DVC point. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28885989&postcount=46

RCI Fee
HGVC members, like DVC members, have a corporate membership with RCI. HGVC members don't pay a separate RCI membership fee. HGVC members only have to pay the exchange fee.

What's the RCI exchange fee using HGVC points for DVC? You still have the $95.00 resort services fees for WDW DVC through RCI, right? How many HGVC points does it take to get a 1 bedroom DVC unit?

For some reason I thought when I've looked at HGVC resales that the RCI membership fee was billed separately from the maintenance fees - so your HGVC RCI membership is included in the maintenance fees? On this Holiday Group listing I was looking at, it lists club dues of $95 separate from the maintenance fees - what is that?

http://www.holidaygroup.com/timeshares/unit/62324/

littlestar said:

What's the RCI exchange fee using HGVC points for DVC?

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According to the 2009 HGVC Club Member Guide, it is $164
NOTE: See page 147 of the 2009 HGVC Club Member Guide for a complete list of Club Fees - http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/mg/

You still have the $95.00 resort services fees for WDW DVC through RCI, right?

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Correct, the DVC fee applies to all who exchange into DVC

How many HGVC points does it take to get a 1 bedroom DVC unit?

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It takes
- 3400 HGVC points to exchange into a one bedroom in any RCI resort
- 4800 HGVC points to exchange into a two bedroom in any RCI resort
- 5800 HGVC points to exchange into a three bedroom in any RCI resort

For a DVC example see sighting post #13 above.
See page 141 of the 2009 HGVC Club Member Guide for the RCI point chart - http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/mg/

For some reason I thought when I've looked at HGVC resales that the RCI membership fee was billed separately from the maintenance fees - so your HGVC RCI membership is included in the maintenance fees?

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Yes, it is included with our maintenance fee.
It's similar to DVC, we don't see a separate line item in our annual MF for our corporate RCI membership.

On this Holiday Group listing I was looking at, it lists club dues of $95 separate from the maintenance fees - what is that?

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When you receive your HGVC bill a $95 club fee is included. For example, here's what I posted in 2007 regarding my 2008 HGVC bill when the club fee was $90.

Sea World Two Bedroom Gold (5,000 HGVC points)
Maintenance Fee and Tax Breakdown
Description Due Date Balance
2008 Operating Fee 01/01/08 $553.50
2008 Reserve Fee 01/01/08 $110.87
Real Estate Taxes 01/01/08 $100.89
2008 Club Dues 01/01/08 $90.00
Total Current Balance: $855.26
Voluntary Arda & Roc/Pac $3.00
Total Current Balance: $858.26

NOTE: Total 2009 MF for the same unit was $878.52 (which includes the $95 club fee)

http://www.holidaygroup.com/timeshares/unit/62324/

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This ad is for a two bedroom during Silver Season (3500 HGVC points).
See page 145 of the 2009 HGVC Club Member Guide for the HGVC point chart - http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/mg/
Honestly, in Orlando or Vegas, I won't pay more than $1/pt for Gold Season and closer to .50/pt for anything was under 4800 points.

As I noted in post #16 above, HGVC Maintenance Fee (MF) is generally based on resort and unit size (not view or season) therefore a two bedroom bronze season owner (2,500 annual HGVC points) may pay the same annual MF as a platinum season (7,000 annual HGVC points), gold season (5,000 annual HGVC points) and silver season (3,500 annual HGVC points) at the same resort.

For RCI exchange purpose, you'll be better off with either a
- one bedroom platinum season (4800 HGVC points) OR
- two bedroom gold season (5000 HGVC points) **Of course, platinum season (7000 HGVC) would be best since it will give you the maximum number of points for the same MF.

With at least 4800 HGVC points, you have the option of exchanging into a one or two bedroom with RCI.
See page 141 of the 2009 HGVC Club Member Guide for the RCI point chart - http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/mg/