Buying a points-based resale

[cooperhs]

Hello. I hope someone can help with some or all of the questions I have.

I am looking to buy a points-based TS, as it appears to be most flexible. I would probably only use the home resort periodically.

My questions are:
1. Is there a conversion ratio for Marriott, Hilton, or Starwood to their respective exchange programs (RCI or II)? I have read that the answer is no for Hilton, so how do you know how much your points are worth at a non-Hilton property?
2. If I want x points from a program, since I'm going to bounce around, should I just look for a combination of the lowest price/lowest maintenance cost? Does it really make a difference which property I buy at?
3. If I buy a week, rather than points, in Marriott or Starwood, would they be convertible to points? If so, how do I know how many points it would convert to? Am I better off just buying points?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

 

[vacationhopeful]

Welcome to TUG!

First off ... in what area of the country/world do you live?

Where are you looking to travel? Drive or Fly most times?

Price of MFs yearly you want to pay?

Number of people you will be travelling with?

Seasons and size of unit?

Timeshares work BEST for 7 night stays .. starting most time on either Fri or Sat with some locations having a Sun checkin also.

Type of place: mountains, beach, city who prefer.

From your list of systems... do you prefer only the higher end resorts?

 

[SmithOp]

If you buy HGVC its best to use the points within the system, you can book as few as 3 day stays. You are correct there is no direct conversion to RCI points but you can book that inventory if you don't mind paying the fee, up to $209 depending on number of nights booked. There is a conversion for RCI weeks based on unit size, up to 4800 HGVC points for a 2br in RCI, so that would be the HGVC sweet spot IMO, get a one br platinum HGVC unit.


Sent from my iPad Mini 4 using Tapatalk

 

[cooperhs]

Thanks for your comments. I'm in touch with an agent who said that HGVC is really the only way to go for a points based TS.

 

[vacationhopeful]

Thanks for your comments. I'm in touch with an agent who said that HGVC is really the only way to go for a points based TS.

Please understand the "agent" is a salesman who gets PAID when you buy their listing/product. It is like asking which ice cream flavor you should get ... then saying, Almond because that is this store's only flavor.

I have several points based systems ... for different reasons (like area of country or a niche location):
Disney Vacation Club
RCI Points
Wyndham Points
Wyndham Fixed Weeks
VRI resorts
Shell Vacation Club points

My relatives and friends don't care which system or whether it is points or Fixed Week usage ... I care because some locations are VERY HARD to book or are not available where I eed to be.

Do more research, ask more questions ... I am sure the salesperson will be more than happy to "resell" your ownership if you are unhappy in 2 years. Save your money and time .. research a lot MORE.