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Another... What should I buy

skotm

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1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where? East coasr within 8 hours of central New Jersey. We would like ny, dc. But want to also hit Florida and Hawaii one day.

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?
We do like to create traditions so yes. At least I. The begging.

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Washington DC
Hawaii
Disney FL
Nantucket
Niagra falls





4) How many people do you usually travel with?
3
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule? Yes school for 10 more years

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 and more
8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
4
9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing? 5k prefer 1k or even less I am willing to wait.

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?
1200-1800
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 areresponsible for all fees, until you do? Yes

We are both in our 40s and have one 8 year old. Child. We do rent houses and time shares generally we stay in nags Head onc one a summer and occasionally new year's. We liked wyndam in national harbor alot a few Easter's ago. My wife and I get close to 30 days off a year and do like to vacation with .ore then half of those.

In 10 years we are buying a second house in the outer Banks North Carolina so that needs to be taken into consideration of places we can drive to in a day. This will be our retirement home in 15 to 20 years from now.

If a timeshare is in my future I would like Sunday to Sunday once a year 2 bedrooms and always a kitchen and pool.
 

WinniWoman

TUG Review Crew: Veteran
TUG Member
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Location
The Weirs, New Hampshire
Resorts Owned
Innseason Pollard Brook
How about Smugglers Notch in Vermont? We have made so many memories with our son there and at 30 years old he still visits with us when we are there!

Being an only childe he made friend with kids that also came year after year with their families. Lots of activities to do, or quiet time as well.
 

Passepartout

TUG Review Crew: Veteran
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It looks like you have a pretty good handle on what works and the costs involved. I think I'd look at perhaps a usable size bundle of Wyndham points with a base of Smoky Mountains. There are lots of resorts within driving distance to choose from and they're flexible enough (once you get over the learning curve). There is a TUG forum for Wyndham, and they are available as resales in quantity. Others more familiar with the more nuanced attributes can guide you through the process.

Jim
 

taterhed

TUG Member
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Location
Virginia
Resorts Owned
Westin WKORV OFD
Marriott's Grande Vista
Worldmark x2
SVV Bella 81k
Welcome.

So, a few defining points:
  • 4 star--at multiple locations, including east coast and Hawaii--indicates a larger 'hotel' chain system; HGVC, Marriott, Hyatt, VSE etc... Others will have smaller networks (resorts) or variable quality.
  • There are lots of timeshares in locations you mentioned; not so sure about Niagara Falls though.
  • Your MF's are adequate, but your purchase price will limit what's available in 4*; you can get a lower-end Marriott (Williamsburg?, Orlando, maybe HHI?)Heck, I think somebody might PAY you take Fairway Villas--if that's your thing. HGVC/Hyatt are too high. Certainly there are some VSE properties that would work.
  • Home resort would depend on the System: Marriott would have NJ, Williamsburg, maybe HHI and Orlando. VSE would be Orlando, NC/SC beaches...not sure about others. You could go with an independent as suggested above...but that would entail some sacrifices at exchange/trade time.
  • Trading. Not the easiest thing to do. But, certainly not the hardest either. If you're driving vs flying, then you've got lot's more choices.
    • Interval Intl has the better quality resorts (my fav) but RCI has more resorts (lower overall quality, hard to get top resorts)
    • Marriott and VSE have special preference in II that makes trading easier. Marriott has a lot of resorts, so that means easier trading--especially in areas like Florida
    • Many opportunities to exchange, upgrade, 2 for 1, lower cost 'getaway' rentals in Interval exchange; must factor in the cost of exchanging and membership
    • Peak locations (beach) in peak season (summer holiday, spring break, etc...) can be hard to get unless you are very flexible
So, that's my points.
Consider renting a timeshare (on TUG, Redweek etc...) in a system location that you'd like for repeated/home use. Get a feel for the resort system, quality and locations.

a member above suggested Wyndham. Not a bad fit, but the quality on these results runs very hot/cold. The nice resorts are quite a few points as well. Also, you're looking at Wyndham locations or RCI. II is uncommon for this ownership. Not a bad choice....lots of locations and ok cost, but check the quality of the locations you would use. TUG members have access to resort reviews and more.


Please take care and get advice before buying. There are lots of details that make some timeshares a great value...and others a real liability.
Study, learn and choose carefully.

Buy once, buy smart.
Welcome to TUG!
consider becoming a member. It's the best $15 you'll ever spend.

cheers.
 

skotm

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Thank you all so far. I am leaning towards Wyndham and am researching the lowest mf's. I've rented wyndam in the past and it's a point system I understand. I am not going to jump and buy right away.. just looking g for deals. I feel 300k Wyndham points or so may be good for me and my family.
 

WinniWoman

TUG Review Crew: Veteran
TUG Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2010
Messages
10,791
Reaction score
7,074
Points
749
Location
The Weirs, New Hampshire
Resorts Owned
Innseason Pollard Brook
Thank you all so far. I am leaning towards Wyndham and am researching the lowest mf's. I've rented wyndam in the past and it's a point system I understand. I am not going to jump and buy right away.. just looking g for deals. I feel 300k Wyndham points or so may be good for me and my family.

Yes- and Smugglers Notch is affiliated now with Wyndham. Though I did not convert to Wyndham and I chose to keep my prime deeded fixed and floating weeks.
 
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