Mac & Allie
newbie
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2018
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 1
- Resorts Owned
- None yet
I am looking to buy a timeshare, but I am lost! I called Mariott Vacation Club and they wanted to charge me $55k for 4k points, a $1890 maintenance fee, and a yearly fee of $195. Then they give you 4k points for signing up and another 4k points after 2 years financing, it sounds crazy to me to pay almost 20k in finance charges just to get some additional points.
After doing a bit of research I came upon SMTS.com and saw the resale timeshares for a fraction of the cost. I spoke with the salesperson and was also told I could buy the Mariott points from them for around $27k for 4k points, but I wouldn't get the bonus points. Also, the points were around $14k but Mariott charges $3 per point in a transfer fee, hence it ended up being $27k+/-.
Can someone explain the pros vs. cons of buying a resale vs. new plan with Mariott?
From what I gather, Mariott and Interval International are the more southern Caribbean destination handlers, right or wrong?
Please help I have no one to ask but the sales people, who at the end of the day make more $$ for the more I spend.
1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?
A.) Caribbean
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?
A.) Equal
3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
A.) Aruba, Bahamas, Italy, Tahiti, Caribbean in general
4) How many people do you usually travel with?
A.) 2-4
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
A.) anytime, but we are not really full week vacationers, usually 4-5 days max, obviously if it were a European trip then the 7 days would be a minimum
6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
A.) yes
7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
A. not always
8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
A. Is that a trick question? 5
9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
A.) 5k, more if worth the effort
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?
A.) 1000-1800
11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
A.) yes
12) 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?
A.) yes
After doing a bit of research I came upon SMTS.com and saw the resale timeshares for a fraction of the cost. I spoke with the salesperson and was also told I could buy the Mariott points from them for around $27k for 4k points, but I wouldn't get the bonus points. Also, the points were around $14k but Mariott charges $3 per point in a transfer fee, hence it ended up being $27k+/-.
Can someone explain the pros vs. cons of buying a resale vs. new plan with Mariott?
From what I gather, Mariott and Interval International are the more southern Caribbean destination handlers, right or wrong?
Please help I have no one to ask but the sales people, who at the end of the day make more $$ for the more I spend.
1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?
A.) Caribbean
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?
A.) Equal
3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
A.) Aruba, Bahamas, Italy, Tahiti, Caribbean in general
4) How many people do you usually travel with?
A.) 2-4
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
A.) anytime, but we are not really full week vacationers, usually 4-5 days max, obviously if it were a European trip then the 7 days would be a minimum
6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
A.) yes
7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
A. not always
8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
A. Is that a trick question? 5
9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
A.) 5k, more if worth the effort
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?
A.) 1000-1800
11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
A.) yes
12) 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?
A.) yes