Newbie seeking help on what to buy

[mitch mitchell]

I am not sure where and how to start a new thread for my survey for condos
1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?

Great Smokies mt the one with the waterpark, we have little kids


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? yes


3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?

Orlando, destin, vegas, California and dells

4) How many people do you usually travel with? 6


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


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

yes

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

Only in the summer

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

Three or more stars

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

$2,500

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? $200


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 are responsible for all fees, until you do? yes

 

[Makai Guy]

Split from "What to Buy" Questions for Newbies. Sorry we didn't see this sooner.

 

[WinniWoman]

I think it is pretty clear you should not acquire a timeshare. You have a limited window to take vacations and an unrealistic maintenance fee affordability. I suggest renting where you want to go.

 

[RNCollins]

Hi Mitch,

Do you suggest you would like to own at Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge? I’m not too familiar with Wyndham so I hope someone else will chime in.

You can book less than 7 day stays with Wyndham. And I believe Wyndham has Resorts in all the locations you mention (California might be difficult to get). I would suggest a 2 bedroom, maybe even a 3 bedroom.

Look at the resale prices. Check out Tug2.com, RedWeek, eBay, myresortnetwork.com. Better yet try out renting first.

Article about buying Wyndham Points:
https://tug2.net/timeshare_advice/buying_wyndham_points.html

You could also try the Wyndham section under the Tug Timeshare Resort Systems:
https://www.tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?forums/wyndham-vacation-resorts.47/

Hopefully someone with knowledge about Wyndham will offer some suggestions.

Edit: There are currently 2 Rentals for Great Smokies Lodge for late August on Tug2.com

 

[taterhed]

Agree with the above.

I wouldn't plan on purchasing a TS unless I had $800 a year to spend on MF's.

Do you know of a hotel with a kitchen, nice 'resort' amenities and lots of room for less than $100 a night?
If you do, then that's your solution. Cause $200 a year is $30 a night. An I don't think you want your vacation spent in a $30 hotel room.

That said, I think you can get some great rental deals in the forum. Take a look!
Welcome to TUG