Newbie needs advice on first purchase

[Brianhillmaui]

Looking to purchase our first time share. I think I’m heading down the right path, but I’d like some advice nonetheless. Looking at a HGVC Flamingo 2/2 Gold 5k points unit, resale.



1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?

We live on Maui. I foresee us visiting O’ahu and the Big Island the most. Although, we have four kids who have never seen snow so a ski vacation is in order at some point too. Occasional visits to Vegas would be good too.

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 like the idea of points the best as I don’t want to be tied to one location.

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?

Hawaii
Vegas
Colorado
Park City
Carlsbad/San Diego


4) How many people do you usually travel with?

6. 2 adults, 4 children

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?

School schedule. Although, in Hawaii we get a fall break (10 days in mid October w/weekends). We tend to travel over fall break mostly.

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?

Yes. We do this now. I’m addicted to planning!

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?

Yes. Both of us are self-employed.

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?

4 stars.

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?

2k-3k upfront

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?

$2k max

11) Are you a detail oriented planner?

Very much so

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?

Yes.

 

[K2Quick]

Sounds like you're pretty set with HGVC which, given your travel wishlist, makes a lot of sense. If you could stretch the budget a little on the upfront price, it might make more sense to spring for a platinum week instead of a gold week. That would provide you with a little more flexibility.

Just to throw another scenario out there, I think Marriott might also make a good fit for you. They cover pretty much the same locations you're after plus a few more (Marriott is less concentrated geographically than Hilton). I like the location of Marriott's Newport Coast Villas a lot more than Hilton's Carlsbad location. It would also open up west coast destinations like Kauai, Tahoe, and Phoenix for you where HGVC has no presence. You'd have to play the exchange game with Marriott through Interval International but if you bought the right week, you shouldn't have that much difficulty getting into the week you want with Marriott's trading preference.

Or another alternative would be to grab a lower cost alternative that trades into either HGVC or Marriott and others. The downside is that you wouldn't have internal trading preference with Interval International.

 

[vacationtime1]

I agree with your choice of HGVC given your travel destinations but agree with K2Quick that you should at least consider purchasing 7000 points.

The 5000 point package will work for you in the short run; you want to travel to Oahu or the Big Island during October, HGVC's low season during which 5000 points will get you the two bedroom unit you need. But if your destination or your timing changes, you lack flexibility.

 

[dayooper]

Welcome to Tug!

Since HGVC at The Flamingo has no ROFR, you might be able to negotiate a pretty decent price on a platinum unit. I agree with the advice above, if you can stretch your budget, a 7000 point 2 bedroom platinum unit is the way to go. While I agree that Marriott has great locations, the MF's on Marriott properties are generally much higher than HGVC. If you stick with the 5000 point gold, I would suggest HGVC on the Boulevard. They have some of the lowest MF's ($873) this side of Craigendaroch in Scotland (but you are at the whim of the value of the American dollar vs the Scottish Sterling Pound.

Stop by the HGVC forum (or the forum of any system you are interested in) to learn more!

 

[Kevin Fun]

Newport Coast is Solid! I own several. No matter what time of the year if you don't use it they will more than cover your maintenance fees and trade out great. Lots to do in the area too! Good luck!