Analysis of Equity Residences?

[jollibee]

I am new to the world of equity-based Private Residence Clubs. Specifically I'm interested in Equity Residences which, as far as I can tell is similar to Equity Estates, but with a lower barrier of entry and more flexibility. I did a quick search, but I was unable to find anything about this fund in the archives. Has anybody done research into Equity Residences? I would love to speak to somebody who is already an investor, or would love to hear other people's thoughts on pros and cons about the program, particularly about any tax issues that I am unaware of. Would appreciate anybody's input. Thanks in advance!

 

[TravelTime]

Have you spoken to an agent from ER? I was looking into these last week and someone called me today but I did not have time to talk to him. I have looked into these over the years. I spoke to a rep from one of the companies awhile back but I do not remember the details of how it works.

One thing I would forewarn you about. It is not easy to get good exchanges through Elite Alliance and ThirdHome. I have deposits with both and I have not been able to get anything I want through EA. I got a horrible exchange with bedbugs through TH. If the rep tries to sell you on those exchange programs, do not fall for it as a benefit. You would be depositing very expensive real estate with the hope you could find a similar property for the dates you want. It is not like II that gets many deposits.

 

[jollibee]

Thanks! Yes I did talk to them. That's great insight on Elite Alliance and ThirdHome.

 

[Eric B]

I am new to the world of equity-based Private Residence Clubs. Specifically I'm interested in Equity Residences which, as far as I can tell is similar to Equity Estates, but with a lower barrier of entry and more flexibility. I did a quick search, but I was unable to find anything about this fund in the archives. Has anybody done research into Equity Residences? I would love to speak to somebody who is already an investor, or would love to hear other people's thoughts on pros and cons about the program, particularly about any tax issues that I am unaware of. Would appreciate anybody's input. Thanks in advance!

There aren't many folks that use TUG that own Equity Residences as far as I can tell. I had looked at them a while back, but the cost seemed too high for me.

As far as the upper tier exchange systems (Elite Alliance & ThirdHome) go, you do need to thoroughly research the places you exchange to through them. I don't have any experience with Elite Alliance, but have done pretty well in ThirdHome. There are actually people that own Equity Residences and other really nice vacation homes that deposit stays there, making a judicious use of them a fairly efficient way to vacation if you have good but not horribly expensive ownerships to trade with. The ownerships I have that cost a lot are not ones that I would deposit there, though.