[2017] Just Joined Marriott Vacation Club - Was it a good choice?

[GoldenVIKE]

No need to google, here's the link to Marriott Resales Operations. Click on the "Buy Weeks" tab to search their available inventory, and use the contact information there to discuss Bundle Packages. It is not necessary to deal with an onsite sales rep in order to get these packages.

GoldenVIKE, in your shoes I would still be rescinding and taking a little bit more time to get answers from those of us who own and use Marriott products. At least two things that your sales rep is saying are not true now: "I'm told MVCI will block you via ROFR 6-7 times before a deal at that level goes through. Also there's apparently a new policy at MVCI where resale points are subject to tighter booking windows than points purchased direct." What is true is that ROFR sometimes has no rhyme or reason; we certainly haven't noticed a pattern of 6-7 or any other set number of times ROFR will be executed. And MVW can't implement a "new policy" of restricting resale Points in the manner suggested to you without substantially amending the Destination Club governing documents.

I agree with the others who think there's more value - in purchase price, usage options and maintenance fee costs - in a Bundle Package, and, that it's important to select a Weeks component that will work with your anticipated usage.

[eta] GoldenVIKE, one other thing. Using your real name as a TUG Username leaves you open to spam bots and other bad internet things. You may want to review this info: [How to] Change your BBS Username.

Thanks I wasn't aware that the name i was entering was the name that would display. I'll fix this now! The thing above about the 6-7 ROFR blocks came from a broker, not from MVCI. In any event, we're pretty comfortable with where we've landed and while I've obviously put a ton of time into this over the past several days, I'm about to the point I'd like to be done to go back to focusing on other life priorities. Thanks again!!!

 

[JIMinNC]

Why do so many people think someone who does his homework is a Marriott salesperson in disguise? There are probably some here who still think I am. I personally am very impressed with the way the OP approached this, and his result seems pretty good too, provided there is not a different week he would rather have. (My prejudice is showing here: I am one of the few (apparently) TUGGERs who rank Ocean Pointe in the bottom 20% of the 30 MVCI resorts we have been to.)

I agree. I was accused of the same thing a year or so ago.

I wasn't going to mention this, but since it came up again, it occurred to me the other day that there is a certain irony in the fact that in the same thread where we had the arguments being made that it is perfectly rational to trust someone from the internet to complete what could be a $2000-$3000 or more person-to-person timeshare rental transaction, we also had people unable to trust the simple fact that the OP in this thread is who he says he is and not a Marriott salesperson in disguise. I'm not trying to pass judgement on the validity of either one of those two issues, just the irony that some seem to find it easier to trust a stranger from the internet to complete a big $$$ transaction, than to trust that a person who appears to have done his homework doesn't have some nefarious motive.

 

[Saintsfanfl]

No need to google, here's the link to Marriott Resales Operations. Click on the "Buy Weeks" tab to search their available inventory, and use the contact information there to discuss Bundle Packages. It is not necessary to deal with an onsite sales rep in order to get these packages.

Good point

[eta] GoldenVIKE, one other thing. Using your real name as a TUG Username leaves you open to spam bots and other bad internet things. You may want to review this info: [How to] Change your BBS Username.

This is good advice GoldenVIKE. It took me 2 minutes to find where you work, live, and pictures of your adorable children. I only looked because I thought you might be in the timeshare business and posting with an agenda. You seem like a nicer person than me and won't step on toes but I had a bad experience after calling out a highly questionable timeshare resale operator here in Florida. I wasn't using my real name but he found my personal details by matching my TUG username to my ebay ID and then finding an old failed ROFR resale contract from one of his former companies. He contacted me and threatened me and since he knew where I lived and I have young children I obviously removed all of my information on him. I can't see you having that problem but it is still better to stay anonymous on a forum that often includes opinions, emotion, and strangers with agendas.

 

[JIMinNC]

Discuss other weeks with your marriott sales report to try to get the lowest possible maintenance fee per point on your resale week. It's a more important long term metric than price per point.

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The $0.40 per point maintenance fee in the offer the OP now has on the table is actually pretty attractive. It's $0.13 less than the rate for Trust Points. The Gold Grande Ocean OF would be a bit better at $0.36 for almost the identical points, but that week costs $6,200 more upfront than the Ocean Pointe week. That 4-cent savings equates to about $150/year, meaning it would take about 40 years of maintenance fee savings to offset the higher upfront cost. Purely from a point generation efficiency standpoint, Ocean Pointe sounds like a pretty good deal.

 

[Fasttr]

In any event, we're pretty comfortable with where we've landed and while I've obviously put a ton of time into this over the past several days, I'm about to the point I'd like to be done to go back to focusing on other life priorities. Thanks again!!!

If you are at peace with the deal, put the $$ thoughts behind you and spend your time, research and energy planning your next vacation.

Not sure if you saw my reach out via private message (called Conversations now in the new bbs system they recently flipped over to), but very early on, shortly after your initial post, I reached out via a Conversation. Not sure if you never saw it, or did and just had nothing to say in reply, but on the off chance you have not figured out how private Conversations work, click on your name in the upper right corner of the screen, then click Conversations. Its like a email inbox. The offer still stands to reach out directly if you have any questions on how to use the system from a points perspective. Here's to some great vacations!!!!

 

[cp73]

I enjoyed looking at your analysis. You must be in finance or accounting. Here is what I don't like. You are young with a new family and financing. This is the last thing you should be financing. If you have to borrow for this purchase don't do it. This is a luxury item and its value the day after you purchase it will be at about $3.50 per point. Run an analysis which shows a sale in 10 years at $3.00 per point and see how that compares to renting. As others have pointed out this is not a slam dunk system to use. You have to take time and work it. Based on some of your comments I don't believe you will want to take the time to preplan to get the trips you want. You just don't decide you want to go travel in three months to Hawaii. Most trips require long term planning, unless you can drop everything and go without much notice. Rescind while you can.

 

[JIMinNC]

I enjoyed looking at your analysis. You must be in finance or accounting. Here is what I don't like. You are young with a new family and financing. This is the last thing you should be financing. If you have to borrow for this purchase don't do it. This is a luxury item and its value the day after you purchase it will be at about $3.50 per point. Run an analysis which shows a sale in 10 years at $3.00 per point and see how that compares to renting. As others have pointed out this is not a slam dunk system to use. You have to take time and work it. Based on some of your comments I don't believe you will want to take the time to preplan to get the trips you want. You just don't decide you want to go travel in three months to Hawaii. Most trips require long term planning, unless you can drop everything and go without much notice. Rescind while you can.

I believe the OP said in an earlier post that the financing was only for short term convenience due to recent relo (he still needs to sell his old house) and for the incentives, not because they had a financial "need" to finance. As I recall, he said the full intent was to pay off in full at the end of the required 18 month holding period (required for incentive).

I agree with your other points that the OP needs to be sure they understand the planning that needs to take place to visit the higher demand locations. While the Points booking process itself is more satisfying and straightforward than the uncertainty and waiting inherent in weeks trading, it's still first-come-first-served, so there is still considerable advance planning required to be ready to pounce when reservation windows open.

 

[Fasttr]

I agree with your other points that the OP needs to be sure they understand the planning that needs to take place to visit the higher demand locations. While the Points booking process itself is more satisfying and straightforward than the uncertainty and waiting inherent in weeks trading, it's still first-come-first-served, so there is still considerable advance planning required to be ready to pounce when reservation windows open.

To help aid in OP's education on how to use the system....here is a link to MVC's recorded training seminars which may prove helpful. Focus on the Points Owner Webinar and Enrolled Owner Webinar (as your Ocean Pointe week will be an enrolled week).
https://vacationclub.readytalk.com/?p=r

 

[BocaBoy]

.....there is a certain irony in the fact that....some seem to find it easier to trust a stranger from the internet to complete a big $$$ transaction, than to trust that a person who appears to have done his homework doesn't have some nefarious motive.

I couldn't agree more......this drives me nuts.

 

[GoldenVIKE]

I enjoyed looking at your analysis. You must be in finance or accounting. Here is what I don't like. You are young with a new family and financing. This is the last thing you should be financing. If you have to borrow for this purchase don't do it. This is a luxury item and its value the day after you purchase it will be at about $3.50 per point. Run an analysis which shows a sale in 10 years at $3.00 per point and see how that compares to renting. As others have pointed out this is not a slam dunk system to use. You have to take time and work it. Based on some of your comments I don't believe you will want to take the time to preplan to get the trips you want. You just don't decide you want to go travel in three months to Hawaii. Most trips require long term planning, unless you can drop everything and go without much notice. Rescind while you can.

I'd generally agree with you and would certainly recommend the same to people considering financing luxury purchases. JIMinNC is right that we just did the financing because the benefits seemed to outweigh the cost. We have the pleasure of paying 39.6% tax on some of our income so it's all good Main motivation for all of the analysis is just to ensure that we're not getting ripped off, because this is a big decision and just want to make it once! I'm sure glad I posted on here because had we not, we would have eventually realized we got swindled.

 

[SueDonJ]

GoldenVIKE, I'm happy to see you've successfully changed your TUG Username. As you can see many of us are on a comfortable first-name basis but to be on the safe side I've gone through the thread and edited all references to your real name. If you or anyone else notice any I've missed please don't hesitate to let me know.

It's now your choice whether or not you want us to be on a first-name basis with you; we'll happily take the cue if you add your name to any of your future posts. And belatedly, welcome to TUG!

 

[Quilter]

I agree. I was accused of the same thing a year or so ago.

I wasn't going to mention this, but since it came up again, it occurred to me the other day that there is a certain irony in the fact that in the same thread where we had the arguments being made that it is perfectly rational to trust someone from the internet to complete what could be a $2000-$3000 or more person-to-person timeshare rental transaction, we also had people unable to trust the simple fact that the OP in this thread is who he says he is and not a Marriott salesperson in disguise. I'm not trying to pass judgement on the validity of either one of those two issues, just the irony that some seem to find it easier to trust a stranger from the internet to complete a big $$$ transaction, than to trust that a person who appears to have done his homework doesn't have some nefarious motive.

Renting doesn't always have to be with a stranger. And it doesn't have to be a commitment year after year.

Signing on the timeshare line commits you to year after year. When you get bitten by the timeshare concept you envision your family taking that annual vacation. The options seem endless and you're just sure your vacation needs will be fulfilled by one of them.

I try to be upfront with my renters that there's an element of trust that needs to be established when dealing through the internet. For this I provide links to who we are and history to ethical business practices. When I can't fill the request from my friends I coach them how to find who they will rent from.

Golden did such a good job running the numbers and talking the talk that it was reasonable to question if he was a salesperson. The start of the thread sounded more like he was trying to convince us instead of ask questions. "I got such a good deal. Didn't I? Let me tell you why." When that failed it morphed into "Well, I finally see the light and I'll rescind." "But wait! There's an even better deal through Resale Hybrid." If you can't sell the idea of convenience through the avenue of straight points then sell the hybrid.

It was the description of the sales dept. that turned my opinion in favor of legitimacy. So-o-o nauseatingly typical of the sales team.

 

[JIMinNC]

Renting doesn't always have to be with a stranger. And it doesn't have to be a commitment year after year.

Signing on the timeshare line commits you to year after year. When you get bitten by the timeshare concept you envision your family taking that annual vacation. The options seem endless and you're just sure your vacation needs will be fulfilled by one of them.

I try to be upfront with my renters that there's an element of trust that needs to be established when dealing through the internet. For this I provide links to who we are and history to ethical business practices. When I can't fill the request from my friends I coach them how to find who they will rent from.

Yes, renting from someone you know, that you've built a relationship of trust with (either because you've personally met them or have gotten to know them well online in some form) is certainly a transaction that would have considerably less risk than renting from someone who is just a name on Redweek, VRBO, etc. That would be very easy to get comfortable with. But as I noted in post #98, that only really works if I'm traveling to the places where that person owns units that they can rent to me. For other locations, then I'm back to square one looking for someone that has the reservation I need and potentially dealing with someone I don't have any history with. If I only wanted to travel to a handful of destinations, then finding a small group of trusted friends/owners who own units in these places might be a viable low cost solution. It becomes much harder to execute if I want to travel to a wide variety of places.

The advantage of booking with my own points or weeks, is - with adequate advance planning - I can go to MVC and book whatever reservation I might want. A one-stop-shop. Yes, there will be times when even MVC doesn't have what I need, but they certainly have a much larger pool of available inventory than any single owner-renter will have. I really only have to deal with one entity every time I want to travel to an MVC location. It'll cost me more, but it requires a lot less shopping, sleuthing, and validating the legitimacy of an individual owner that I don't know. In the end, I've saved money over what it would cost me to book with cash from the other various one-stop-shops (marriott.com, orbitz.com, expedia.com, etc.) or at minimum, allowed me to book a larger unit/condo for what it would cost me to book a hotel room on those same online sites.

The key to managing the fact that timeshare is a year after year commitment while renting is not, is to make sure you don't buy more points (or weeks) than you know you can use every given year. Then use point rentals to supplement what you own for those times when your account balance falls short. That is why I think the new point-based systems are such an improvement over the old weeks based approach - they offer so many more ways to manage the utilization of what you own. Instead of the old binary "use my week" or "trade my week" choice - we can now book a week, 5 days, or 3 days; we can bank or borrow into other use years to combine points take that "big " trip; if plans change outside of 60 days, we can just cancel the reservation and rebook and not have to worry about lost deposits, re-trades, etc etc. It makes it a lot easier to limit what you buy and not have more than you need or can use.

 

[dioxide45]

We did rescind the MVCI direct offer, and they came back with a counter to add on a traditional week for a "hybrid" or "bundle" package. One of our aims was to get to the Executive level anyway (13-mo bookings, access to the Homes, etc) so this was very interesting. The add-on has a DC conversion value of 3,825 and costs $10,700 ($2.80/pt) plus $1,519 annual MF ($.40/pt). We don't intend to actually use this week ever, so it doesn't really matter where it is. (It's Ocean Pointe though)

The cardinal sin of rescission is talking to the sales staff again regarding your purchase. The idea of being able to recind is getting some time to cool off and learn more about the product and what is all involved in how it works. It seems you have perhaps done a lot of research, but I will tell you that you have hardly scratched the surface. After talking to the sales staff again and them convincing you to buy more, you may have reduced your per point costs, you still ended up spending even more money. However, in the end if you are happy with it then go for it. Don't let hundreds of years of combined Tugger experience stop you.

 

[Hi I'm new here]

GoldenVike, this thread is bringing back memories of our buying experience. We were also very impressed with our sales agent. When we got home I wanted to rescind but pride was on the line and we didn't want to let our sales agent down. He was so nice, so articulate and worked very hard for our business. He shared his personal phone number and told us to call anytime if we had questions or issues. Six months later we had a question and called his office number. We learned he was no longer at Marriott. So don't worry too much about the sales person.

Regarding tricks used by timeshare people- we signed papers in the morning and were still in the excited phase. While we were at dinner the sales guy left us a lengthy message. He said a second buyer wanted to buy the exact week we had purchased. He told us our contract was in force but if we were willing to purchase something else they would give us a "better unit". I wasn't sure if his story was legit but we had chosen the week based on what we thought was best for the family . We did not switch.
We paid cash and purchased.
Years later a neighbor purchased an off season Ocean Point, the salesman had assured them it was a good purchase and would trade well. They shared they had received a phone call after signing the contract with another story about a second buyer wanting to purchase what they had. Hmmm, what a coincidence.
Anyway the neighbors went forward with their purchase. The unit was not strong enough to pull quality trades. They were on the old wait list Marriott kept of owners wanting to sell. Marriott eventually offered them a buy back at a poor price, the neighbors declined the offer. They moved away and I lost track of their timeshare story.

 

[JIMinNC]

The cardinal sin of rescission is talking to the sales staff again regarding your purchase. The idea of being able to recind is getting some time to cool off and learn more about the product and what is all involved in how it works. It seems you have perhaps done a lot of research, but I will tell you that you have hardly scratched the surface. After talking to the sales staff again and them convincing you to buy more, you may have reduced your per point costs, you still ended up spending even more money. However, in the end if you are happy with it then go for it. Don't let hundreds of years of combined Tugger experience stop you.

The typical TUG answer of "rescind, rescind" is absolutely the right advice for the typical new purchaser who comes onto TUG. In this case however, GoldenVIKE is not the typical newbie. He has clearly done his homework, knows what he is looking for, and managed to squeeze out an even better deal - for only $10,000 or so more than his original deal, he will now be Executive status instead of Select. Heck, if I didn't already own what I own, I would take his exact deal myself and walk away happy.

So in this case, I think the "hundreds of years of combined Tugger experience" may not be as relevant to his specific situation. He clearly has the money to do this, it meets his needs, and as developer purchases go, it seems to be a pretty good deal.

When we bought our smaller hybrid bundle back in 2014, we also did our homework prior to the purchase. That didn't stop a number of TUGgers from telling us to rescind as well, even though we bought what we had researched and what we felt would work for us. We haven't regretted it for a minute. I think sometimes people assume that getting the cheapest possible price is the only goal - if that were true everyone would be flying Spirit and Frontier instead of American and Delta.

 

[Beefnot]

What is peculiar about the OP though is the sheer volume of research and analysis he has done, yet has a phobia of applying that same diligence to his vacation planning. On the other hand, a leopard doesn't tend to change its spots, so although this may be a valid thought in his mind currently, when it comes down to it in practice, he will eventually get just as rabid about maximizing his vacations as he is about maximizing his purchase. Same as I was when I bought, same as I am with my vacations.

As much as folks on TUG, myself included, like to downtalk those who take more costlier ownership approaches due to convenience concerns (e.g., JIMinNC, SueDonJ), if my disposable income was such that I didn't notice $40k fall out my pockets, I would probably be the same way. But since I'm not, I maximize my vacation dollar (and apply some of those savings to splurges while on vacation). Ok well, I'm lying. Even if I did have money falling out my pockets, I would still probably not go retail. I get too much of a thrill from saving money. But at least I envision the scenario where I would be better able to appreciate the pro-retail crowd.

 

[Beefnot]

I think sometimes people assume that getting the cheapest possible price is the only goal - if that were true everyone would be flying Spirit and Frontier instead of American and Delta.

Setting aside FF program entrenchment, if I could get the same flight experience from Spiritless that I can American, then I absolutely would fly Spiritless. But since there is a chasm of difference between the two carriers, I'll gladly pay more and fly American.

 

[Quilter]

But as I noted in post #98, that only really works if I'm traveling to the places where that person owns units that they can rent to me. For other locations, then I'm back to square one looking for someone that has the reservation I need and potentially dealing with someone I don't have any history with.

As I noted in post #43 the simplest way to work the MVC system is to find a seasoned owner at the Chairman level who can reserve 13+ months out. Then you would benefit from their benefits. They would do the work. You wouldn't be limited to just the resorts they own but to their membership in the DC. If you wanted to plan for a 13 month reservation you let them know in advance. If you want to wait until last minute you have the same risks as they do.

We've taken many friends to MVC properties because we consider these our roaming cottage. They've been honest to say they enjoyed the trip but they're not into limiting their vacations to one supplier (Marriott). I can understand that completely. I'm not in the business of selling timeshares and will be glad to reserve them anything I can if they ask. One couple is visiting Ocean Pointe in March for a 50th birthday and another in June for an anniversary. Another will be going us at Grande Ocean in just a couple weeks. They have no year to year commitment to get any benefits I passed on to them.

There might be lots of flexibility in MVC but many (many, many) times it just doesn't take you to the spot you want to go. Then, no matter how many points you own or whatever level you're at, you're back to that same square one looking for a room from another supplier.

 

[frank808]

Half the fun is the thrill of the hunt!

Otoh when are you coming back to mko beefnot?

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

 

[GoldenVIKE]

What is peculiar about the OP though is the sheer volume of research and analysis he has done, yet has a phobia of applying that same diligence to his vacation planning. On the other hand, a leopard doesn't tend to change its spots, so although this may be a valid thought in his mind currently, when it comes down to it in practice, he will eventually get just as rabid about maximizing his vacations as he is about maximizing his purchase. Same as I was when I bought, same as I am with my vacations.

As much as folks on TUG, myself included, like to downtalk those who take more costlier ownership approaches due to convenience concerns (e.g., JIMinNC, SueDonJ), if my disposable income was such that I didn't notice $40k fall out my pockets, I would probably be the same way. But since I'm not, I maximize my vacation dollar (and apply some of those savings to splurges while on vacation). Ok well, I'm lying. Even if I did have money falling out my pockets, I would still probably not go retail. I get too much of a thrill from saving money. But at least I envision the scenario where I would be better able to appreciate the pro-retail crowd.

Haha this could be very true. I do like data-driven challenges but not process-driven challenges. The whole exchange world sounds endlessly frustrating to me; but yeah if there are ways to learn to work the system that just involve crunching numbers and pressing buttons and stuff can happen seamlessly and instantly - sign me up for the rehab program now!

 

[Saintsfanfl]

Haha this could be very true. I do like data-driven challenges but not process-driven challenges. The whole exchange world sounds endlessly frustrating to me; but yeah if there are ways to learn to work the system that just involve crunching numbers and pressing buttons and stuff can happen seamlessly and instantly - sign me up for the rehab program now!

Are you blessed with excitement from any type of thrill seeking endeavor? Exchanging can be very exciting. You can take something that cost a few hundred and get an exchange that would cost thousands. It's like the upside of gambling but without any downside.

We will usually have two or three reservations for a Spring or Summer vacation. We will wait until much closer to check-in when we know the weather and then we will decide which one to stick with and re-exchange out of the other ones. I guess it's a by product of having too many deposits. I love buying timeshares with free usage.

 

[Saintsfanfl]

Years later a neighbor purchased an off season Ocean Point, the salesman had assured them it was a good purchase and would trade well.

I don't know if there is any such thing as an "off season" Ocean Pointe ownership. Shoulder season maybe, but that would be the Gold season and not Silver. I say this because Sept, which is off season, is part of Silver, but so is Nov/Dec which should be Platinum. Silver Ocean Pointe "can" trade extremely well provided a decent demand week is booked. Not as well as Feb/Mar because not much does but much better than your average Marriott week. Ocean Pointe has nothing remotely close to the low demand silver and bronze HHI weeks or mud on the slopes. South Florida keeps a fairly steady demand the entire year.

 

[JIMinNC]

Setting aside FF program entrenchment, if I could get the same flight experience from Spiritless that I can American, then I absolutely would fly Spiritless. But since there is a chasm of difference between the two carriers, I'll gladly pay more and fly American.

And that is precisely my point about owning DC Points vs. just buying cheaper resale weeks or renting...if I could get the same booking and reservation experience, the same one-stop-shop source of potential bookings, and the same security that the reservation will be there when I check in, I would absolutely just buy resale weeks or rent from owners. But there is a chasm of difference between the DC Points booking experience and waiting for trades to come through, searching for owners with the dates and location I want, or having to trust that the owner I booked with did everything right and the reservation will be there when I check in. I'll gladly pay more to buy DC Points - at the best price I can - to avoid, whenever possible, the sub-optimal booking and reservation experience of the other options.

Yes, I know the accommodations I get with DC Points are the same as what I would get with resale week-based trades or owner rentals - but both Spirit and American can get me from Point A to Point B with a similar flight time...it's just the experience on American is better, and worth the price difference. IMHO, it's the same with DC Points vs. the cheaper options...it's not about where you are going, but how you get there.

 

[Saintsfanfl]

And that is precisely my point about owning DC Points vs. just buying cheaper resale weeks or renting...if I could get the same booking and reservation experience, the same one-stop-shop source of potential bookings, and the same security that the reservation will be there when I check in, I would absolutely just buy resale weeks or rent from owners. But there is a chasm of difference between the DC Points booking experience and waiting for trades to come through, searching for owners with the dates and location I want, or having to trust that the owner I booked with did everything right and the reservation will be there when I check in. I'll gladly pay more to buy DC Points - at the best price I can - to avoid, whenever possible, the sub-optimal booking and reservation experience of the other options.

Yes, I know the accommodations I get with DC Points are the same as what I would get with resale week-based trades or owner rentals - but both Spirit and American can get me from Point A to Point B with a similar flight time...it's just the experience on American is better, and worth the price difference. IMHO, it's the same with DC Points vs. the cheaper options...it's not about where you are going, but how you get there.

It can many times depend on affordability but people tend to view a correct decision through their own lens. My brother made 3.5 million last year and has absolutely no use for any type of timeshare. He simply books when and where he wants to go and pays the price because it's affordable to him and takes the time of a few clicks. To him time is extremely valuable. For me I buy resale and maximize every possible scenario I can. Mostly because I like it but also because it makes it affordable to me.

I agree on renting. I hate to say it because I rent out more and more often but I don't like renting a unit for myself. I don't like feeling like I am not in control of my own reservation. Fortunately there are plenty of renters out there that have no issue with it at all. They don't want to get into timesharing, they need a large unit, they don't like marriott.com prices, and don't mind paying up front to a stranger. Lately I have had a few renters asking if they can skip the down payment option and just pay the full amount. They don't want to waste the time. A few weeks ago I rented a unit 11 months out, then I went to contract to sell that same unit to someone else. Usage won't happen for almost two years but they want to make sure they lock it up. I couldn't do that a few years ago. The economy is going pretty good.