[ 2008 ] SVO eBay Sales

[timesharepro]

DavidnRobin,

Thanks for the reply . The sore spot was just the quick remark on the Montana air and the IQ. It hits a chord, personally and professionally, especially when speaking about a company I work for and have helped grow in the 3 years I have been here. I appreciate the email to Keith about the inaccuracy of the auction.

Please let me know if there is something I can do to make our auctions more friendly for Tuggers as well as others, and I will continue to contribute to the tug forums.

I see that you purchased the WSJ, a couple of years before I was here, and I can tell you I wish we were still getting those prices.

Thanks,
John Kushman

 

[DavidnRobin]

DavidnRobin,

Thanks for the reply . The sore spot was just the quick remark on the Montana air and the IQ. It hits a chord, personally and professionally, especially when speaking about a company I work for and have helped grow in the 3 years I have been here. I appreciate the email to Keith about the inaccuracy of the auction.

Please let me know if there is something I can do to make our auctions more friendly for Tuggers as well as others, and I will continue to contribute to the tug forums.

I see that you purchased the WSJ, a couple of years before I was here, and I can tell you I wish we were still getting those prices.

Thanks,
John Kushman

Sorry for the comment - I was being sarcastic (and writing too quickly) - I honestly didn't recall the deleted comment (DeniseM said it had to do with IQ, but I thought she was joking... that of course is over the top) - I must have been having a bad day at work and the overt inaccuracy of the auction set me off.

I edited my post above with a suggestion - and that is to tell your sales people about TUG and feel free to ask questions (as long as you are not promoting). However, you are allowed to put a link to your company in your signature (one of those weird grey-area TUG rules).

The posts here are dynamic - meaning (like in this instance) the auction was about to end when the comments were made. I just happened to open my saved searches on eBay - and thought 'What a Deal - an OF WKORVN for under $10K!' (heck - I almost bid...), but upon further review found the faults - and posted them.

My eBay WSJ auction years ago was pretty much what they are currently selling for - unfortunately the MFs have doubled causing an Owner revolt that is getting nasty.

You should note that WSJ Virgin Grand (Hillside) VOIs are actually fixed weeks (including checkin day) and fixed units (even though SVO states they can float - factually true, but rare) Also, the current MFs has a Special Assessment (ending in 2011) that is about 50% over the base MFs.

Understanding what SVO resorts are SVN Voluntary and Mandatory (and the implications) would also be useful in auctions as too many buy resale V+M resorts thinking thay maintain SO to SP conversion. Plus V resorts do not allow for use of SVN exchanging. Many eBay auctions do not capture this accurately.

Now go enjoy that fresh air...

 

[DeniseM]

To add to what David said - if you haven't already, you might want to read the Starwood FAQ at the top of the forum, or have your new sales person read it. It is a fairly concise summary of the main points of Starwood ownership.

You and your staff are more than welcome to post here. We appreciate hearing from the dark side as long as you aren't promoting your business.

 

[PamMo]

A pretty stand up guy from my experience

My two bits worth. I was the winning bidder on that oceanfront/island view unit at WKORV-N for $8988.88. I was thrilled and surprised that I won the bid, and was hoping that it was at least an oceanview. I am well aware that eBay ads are often full of errors - even when the actual owner does the listing (mistakes are definitely not unique to resellers). Yes, the ad was wrong. Confusing. But that's why buyers need to do due diligence. When it was confirmed to be an island view through the resort, I spoke with the obviously new salesman, and then John, who was very cordial. The sale was cancelled and we moved on. I was out nothing. He was out his listing fee.

There are sellers I wouldn't touch with the proverbial ten foot pole, but I would buy from John in the future if he had what I want. I thought he was a pretty stand up guy. (But, oh!!! How I wish that WKORV-N unit was oceanview!!!!!!!! ) Heck, it's looking like $9,000 is a very good price for island view now - maybe I should have gone through with the sale? (No. I like seeing the water out my window...)

 

[DavidnRobin]

I would definitely agree that many Owners know less about their Ownership than TS brokers (especially the lack of SO-SP conversion, and V resorts losing SVN upon resale).

 

[trader14]

I won the following, called the title company and they verified all information, 2 bd lockoff annual with island view. It's a lot of money and i'm still nervous based on what i have read here. can the thetimesharecompany.com be trusted?

WKORVN 2Bd Island View (EY) - $6,156.51 (4/7/10) plus $435 closing plus2010 maint

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&view=all&item=220579204212&tid=0&ssPageName=ADME:X:UPIOB:US:1123

 

[trader14]

I would definitely agree that many Owners know less about their Ownership than TS brokers (especially the lack of SO-SP conversion, and V resorts losing SVN upon resale).

hopefully that doesn't apply to tuggers - but in general most don't know that s.o won't transfer from "voluntary" resorts but then again they don't know what the term voluntary would even mean

 

[DavidnRobin]

hopefully that doesn't apply to tuggers - but in general most don't know that s.o won't transfer from "voluntary" resorts but then again they don't know what the term voluntary would even mean

I could only hope that Tuggers would know better - but we likely represent <1% of SVO VOI Owners (sadly).

Congrats on your purchase - hopefully, MFs will come back to a reasonable level - and that you bought where you intend to go. I had a work-friend who paid ~$47K for the same VOI just a few years ago (ouch!), but at least they got 80K SPs as an incentive...

 

[PamMo]

I won the following, called the title company and they verified all information, 2 bd lockoff annual with island view. It's a lot of money and i'm still nervous based on what i have read here. can the thetimesharecompany.com be trusted?

WKORVN 2Bd Island View (EY) - $6,156.51 (4/7/10) plus $435 closing plus2010 maint

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&view=all&item=220579204212&tid=0&ssPageName=ADME:X:UPIOB:US:1123

Is that for every year or even years? If every year, I'd definitely be concerned about ROFR at that price! Good luck with a smooth and successful closing! I LOVE that resort (both WKORV and WKORV-N)!

Hey, Trader14 - why aren't you a TUG member?

 

[DavidnRobin]

My two bits worth. I was the winning bidder on that oceanfront/island view unit at WKORV-N for $8988.88. I was thrilled and surprised that I won the bid, and was hoping that it was at least an oceanview. I am well aware that eBay ads are often full of errors - even when the actual owner does the listing (mistakes are definitely not unique to resellers). Yes, the ad was wrong. Confusing. But that's why buyers need to do due diligence. When it was confirmed to be an island view through the resort, I spoke with the obviously new salesman, and then John, who was very cordial. The sale was cancelled and we moved on. I was out nothing. He was out his listing fee.

There are sellers I wouldn't touch with the proverbial ten foot pole, but I would buy from John in the future if he had what I want. I thought he was a pretty stand up guy. (But, oh!!! How I wish that WKORV-N unit was oceanview!!!!!!!! ) Heck, it's looking like $9,000 is a very good price for island view now - maybe I should have gone through with the sale? (No. I like seeing the water out my window...)

As mentioned - I did buy from this group as well (Tarpey Bros.) - in the long-run I had no issues and the deal went thru quickly. I was not happy that I was forced to use their Closing Company (a practice I do not like...) - especially when I discovered (via due diligence) that James was not licensed to practice law in Montana (at the time was listed as Legal Representative for Resort Closings). This has been discussed ad naseum on the Buying thread (with James stating his position) - as said - no issues. And they do sale a lot of TSs and most buyers/sellers seem to be happy (in a biz where a lot can go wrong).

Pam - if you are looking for full-on OF (and can afford it) -> WKORV over WKORVN - and a center villa if you want lower MFs. Plus you get a full oven.

 

[PamMo]

Pam - if you are looking for full-on OF (and can afford it) -> WKORV over WKORVN - and a center villa if you want lower MFs. Plus you get a full oven.

We've spent three weeks there in the last six months, and enjoyed both sides of the resort, but I would definitely agree with you about the OF villas at WKORV. That full-on view of the ocean is truly spectacular! Surprisingly, we used the oven a lot in the south villas - we took the suggestion of another Tugger and baked fresh cookies (using store bought cookie dough) everyday. It was a perfect way to get our grandson out of the sun.

I'm afraid I'm one of those Tuggers who already has several timeshares and would buy another one, if the price was right. When I can trade into, or rent a week at low cost (one II Getaway week in a 2BR oceanview at WKROV-N was only $1,000, booked almost a year out) - there is very little incentive to pay a lot extra for ownership. Those ridiculously low rents won't continue as the economy picks up, but I'm sure MF's are going to go up, too. Starwood has been increasing MF's at an alarming rate on Maui. Marriott not so much...

But, then I think about our grandson playing in the Pirate Pool and dragging us by the hand down to the beach so he can point out the whales offshore. My heart has been able to push my brain into a compromise, "OK, go ahead and buy IF the price is right!" So, I'll keep on looking.

 

[trader14]

I won the following, called the title company and they verified all information, 2 bd lockoff annual with island view. It's a lot of money and i'm still nervous based on what i have read here. can the thetimesharecompany.com be trusted?

WKORVN 2Bd Island View (EY) - $6,156.51 (4/7/10) plus $435 closing plus2010 maint

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&view=all&item=220579204212&tid=0&ssPageName=ADME:X:UPIOB:US:1123

Is that for every year or even years? If every year, I'd definitely be concerned about ROFR at that price! Good luck with a smooth and successful closing! I LOVE that resort (both WKORV and WKORV-N)!

Hey, Trader14 - why aren't you a TUG member?

It is every year, hopefully they won't want the unit. re being a tug member, I don't know what that means. I am a on again/off again member of the forum.

 

[DeniseM]

TUG "member" means that you have paid $15 and joined TUG. Under your name it says "guest" so either you haven't joined, or you haven't changed your membership status.

 

[RLOGO]

TUG "member" means that you have paid $15 and joined TUG. Under your name it says "guest" so either you haven't joined, or you haven't changed your membership status.

.........and it helps support this fantastic BBS.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Westin Lagunamar - EOY Studio - Plat Plus - $1375 (4/16/10)
seller: snownsun4ever

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200459694512&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[Transit]

Westin Lagunamar - EOY Studio - Plat Plus - $1375 (4/16/10)
seller: snownsun4ever

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200459694512&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

All I can say is WOW.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Westin Desert Willow (WDW)

I wanted to post this because I cannot recall a WDW (a new resort) having a completed auction eBay.

Westin Desert Willow EOY (even) 2Bd LO - float (deeded as week 23) - $2026 - (4/13/10)
eBay seller: vaca4life2
closing costs paid by seller.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390179443799&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

If I recall correctly... this VOI was originally priced at ~$18K by SVO

 

[DavidnRobin]

WSJ 3Bd (Virgin Grand) - week 28

...and because the value of 3Bd pool villas were recently being discussed (here and on another thread)... as a reminder (DanCali originally posted this)

WSJ 3Bd Pool Villas (Virgin Grand - Hillside) Week 28, Villa #4313 (104.1K SO) - $15401 (2/28/10)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270535551639&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[gores95]

Looks like someone is going to get a good deal on a lockoff ski season unit

We have stayed in the Sheraton Mountain Vista and they are nice lockoff units. Even the lockoff side has a w/d and full kitchen...not a typical studio. I was actually thinking of bidding on this one but the seller's feedback seems just a bit low. I wonder if this has stronger trade value in II than my Aruba Surf Club Gold? Anyway hopefully a TUGger wins this!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280492489480&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[vacationtime1]

Westin Princeville EOY $4,400

Westin Princeville (WPORV) EOY (even) closed 4/22/2010 for $4,400

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300418199852&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[vacationtime1]

We have stayed in the Sheraton Mountain Vista and they are nice lockoff units. Even the lockoff side has a w/d and full kitchen...not a typical studio. I was actually thinking of bidding on this one but the seller's feedback seems just a bit low. I wonder if this has stronger trade value in II than my Aruba Surf Club Gold? Anyway hopefully a TUGger wins this!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280492489480&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Closed for $7,100. If the MF's really are $1,270 as advertised, this platinum week will provide some reasonably priced ski weeks for someone.

 

[DavidnRobin]

SVV-Amelia (2Bd EY, non-LO, Gold Plus)

SVV-Amelia (2Bd EY, non-LO, Gold Plus) - $1026 (4/28/10)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110513397748&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

do not see many of these as they are somewhat new - this is a monster discount to SVO pricing

 

[DeniseM]

SVV-Amelia (2Bd EY, non-LO, Gold Plus) - $1026 (4/28/10)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110513397748&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

do not see many of these as they are somewhat new - this is a monster discount to SVO pricing

IMNSHO, it's because of the poor maintenance fee to Staroption ratio for this phase.

 

[DavidnRobin]

IMNSHO, it's because of the poor maintenance fee to Staroption ratio for this phase.

I agree - and it is a Voluntary resort - what did/does SVO sell these for?

 

[DeniseM]

In 2008, they were asking $25,900 for Plat Season and $20,900 for Gold - http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh119/DeniseMM/SVV_PRICING_January2008.jpg