Best MVC to purchase resale?

[Wolfpack5407]

What is the best MVC to purchase resale? II trading power, reasonable maint. fees, etc

 

[DanCali]

There is no obvious answer to your question. Some owners care about II trading power, some don't. Some care about lockoffs, some don't. My advice would be:

1) Buy in a place you wouldn't mind going to yourself, because in the end that's the only guaranteed thing.
2) Buy in a place where rental values exceed maintenance fees by a significant amount. This will typically come at a higher cost, but it's perhaps justified by the higher rental value (up to you to do the math, and it will be subjective).

I own several weeks at NCV (Platinum and Platinum+). Summer weeks have great trading power in II, but these are all 2BR non lockoffs so II enthusiasts will point out you can do much better when playing that game. I personally don't care about that because I haven't traded weeks in II since around 2011. I like the rental value compared to maintenance fees. I bought early enough that I have some of these weeks enrolled in the DC points system at the Presidential level. And, most importantly, I envision using these weeks almost annually in retirement to escape the hot FL summers. In the meantime, if I don't use my weeks, I can rent them or convert (some of them) to points which I can then use or rent. It offers a lot of flexibility.

 

[DRH90277]

I agree with DanCali's assessment and would add two points - 3) Buy a timeshare that is within a reasonable driving distance. 4) Buy the Platinum season.

NC is a great resort and we own 6 there from before we fled CA. We have now bought 3 OceanWatch in Myrtle Beach, SC - all resales. We live 3 hours away for an easy drive. The resort is right "on the beach and the ocean is warmer. We did keep our NC weeks and use them.

One reservation disadvantage of NC is the Platinum season weeks are from weeks 23 to 51 (excluding July 4th week). There is much competition for the summer weeks. OceanWatch Platinum season is from week 20 to 32 (excl July 4th week) so less competition for reservations.

We also own Custom House in Boston, Timber Lodge in Tahoe, and Grand Chateau in Las Vegas. Each resort provides different experiences and we've found we never tire of the ocean resorts.

 

[capjak]

Not enough information.
What locations do you want to go? What upfront cost will you be ok paying? Do you want short stays for 1 week long, fly to locations, drive to locations? etc......

 

[Wolfpack5407]

Not enough information.
What locations do you want to go? What upfront cost will you be ok paying? Do you want short stays for 1 week long, fly to locations, drive to locations? etc......

I love to travel. I travel with my wife and 2 year old daughter. I live in PA so I prefer to travel in Winter and Fall, however once my daughter starts school I will be forced to travel in summer. I prefer under 5K. I prefer to fly however i am willing to drive as well. I drove to Hilton Head island in 2020 and I flew to Orlando Florida Nov 2021. I would also consider driving to FL. I typically stay a week to 10 days.

 

[Dean]

What is the best MVC to purchase resale? II trading power, reasonable maint. fees, etc

For exchanging my list of resorts to purchase for Marriott's are Willow Ridge, Grand Chateau, Manor Club (Sequel only), Harbour Lake and Grande Vista. For some I'd include both Gold and Platinum for Desert locations depending on price, fees and how one will use it. WR & HL will likely be the cheapest up front, WR and GC the cheapest fees and GC will be the most flexible. I say GC will be the most flexible because of the long Platinum season, number of good weeks to trade and nigher points if one enrolls it later. None will be super strong traders but all will get you good choices MVC to MVC if you plan a full year our, reserve a top week in season and deposit a year out. If there's one you might use, that would be a plus. My parameters are that the resort has reasonable fees, decent trade power, comparatively low up front costs and a lock off option. Even better if it has a Thursday start date.

I'd suggest you first decide where you want to go as buying that if ofter a better choice over buying a trader for those new to the game.

 

[chemteach]

I purchased a grand chateau for trading purposes. It was great - saw all the Marriott sightings. I wound up not needing so many weeks, so am in the process of selling it for a bit more than I paid for it. I don't know about the other Marriotts mentioned, but MGC is definitely a good one for trading. I had a 3 bedroom that locked out to a 2 bedroom and 1 bedroom. Many people on TUG have said a 3 BR is overkill. A 2 bedroom would give you a 1 bedroom and a studio for trading. The 1 bedroom could pull everything from the sightings board. Also - if you aren't going to use at least 2 weeks every year, you should consider purchasing an every other year unit that could give you 1 week of vacation every year by locking out and getting 2 weeks every other year.

 

[eyedude]

Very difficult question to answer and all the advice given above is excellent. I am currently struggling with this question. I currently have 5 legacy weeks (MOC fixed week 35 and 50, NCV week 52, NCV platinum, Mountainside platinum ski. I have deposited my NCV summer week with 150 TDI. I generally use this to secure a 2 bedroom Hawaii week to go with my week 35 or 50 in Hawaii. I find this to be a good trade because my MF and purchase price of the NCV week is much lower than the MF and purchase price of the Hawaii weeks. It also has very good trade value with II and I have been able to match relatively quickly which gives me the chance to plan my vacations accordingly. However, many have noted that you might not need a 2 bedroom to trade into Hawaii and thus I have been toying with the idea of getting a good trader that locks off. Currently, I am struggling between DSV and another Mountainside platinum ski. I know....very different purchase prices. DSV is about 2-3K and Mountainside is 16-18K. However, as others have advised, it is wise to purchase in a place you would be willing to use. For me, Mountainside is the clear winner when it comes to a place I would use regularly. If I do not use it I could rent (for way over MF), or trade (TDI is 150 in II). I could use the 13 month rule (used with my other Mountainside week) to book top ski weeks that could rent for maximum dollar value (think Sundance). The MF for Mountainside is a little cheaper than DSV ($1500) and I do not have to pay a separate property tax bill. I have only traded once with a one bedroom Mountainside ski week. I got a 2 bedroom Waiohai week within 3 weeks of my deposit so from my N =1, Mountainside ski week has great trading power.

The advantage of DSV is the much cheaper purchase price. DSV also has Thursday check in so you can use that to lead a 13 month booking window and call a day earlier than the rest to secure your hard to get floating weeks.

My weeks are all purchased resale and are not enrolled. If I enrolled my weeks, the Mountainside week would be worth way more points than a DSV week. I do not plan to enroll my weeks unless there is an incredible offer by Marriott. However, it is something that I keep in the back of my mind. As you can see, there probably is no "Which is the best MVC to purchase resale" answer. It really depends on what your needs are and how you plan to use them. There are many variables to consider.

 

[Dean]

Very difficult question to answer and all the advice given above is excellent. I am currently struggling with this question. I currently have 5 legacy weeks (MOC fixed week 35 and 50, NCV week 52, NCV platinum, Mountainside platinum ski. I have deposited my NCV summer week with 150 TDI. I generally use this to secure a 2 bedroom Hawaii week to go with my week 35 or 50 in Hawaii. I find this to be a good trade because my MF and purchase price of the NCV week is much lower than the MF and purchase price of the Hawaii weeks. It also has very good trade value with II and I have been able to match relatively quickly which gives me the chance to plan my vacations accordingly. However, many have noted that you might not need a 2 bedroom to trade into Hawaii and thus I have been toying with the idea of getting a good trader that locks off. Currently, I am struggling between DSV and another Mountainside platinum ski. I know....very different purchase prices. DSV is about 2-3K and Mountainside is 16-18K. However, as others have advised, it is wise to purchase in a place you would be willing to use. For me, Mountainside is the clear winner when it comes to a place I would use regularly. If I do not use it I could rent (for way over MF), or trade (TDI is 150 in II). I could use the 13 month rule (used with my other Mountainside week) to book top ski weeks that could rent for maximum dollar value (think Sundance). The MF for Mountainside is a little cheaper than DSV ($1500) and I do not have to pay a separate property tax bill. I have only traded once with a one bedroom Mountainside ski week. I got a 2 bedroom Waiohai week within 3 weeks of my deposit so from my N =1, Mountainside ski week has great trading power.

The advantage of DSV is the much cheaper purchase price. DSV also has Thursday check in so you can use that to lead a 13 month booking window and call a day earlier than the rest to secure your hard to get floating weeks.

My weeks are all purchased resale and are not enrolled. If I enrolled my weeks, the Mountainside week would be worth way more points than a DSV week. I do not plan to enroll my weeks unless there is an incredible offer by Marriott. However, it is something that I keep in the back of my mind. As you can see, there probably is no "Which is the best MVC to purchase resale" answer. It really depends on what your needs are and how you plan to use them. There are many variables to consider.

You have a perfect portfolio to enroll if you ever decide to do so.

 

[jmhpsu93]

Don't let perfect be the enemy of good - lots of good options listed above just make sure you're comfortable with it financially then figure out how to best use your week(s).

 

[SteveinHNL]

For exchanging my list of resorts to purchase for Marriott's are Willow Ridge, Grand Chateau, Manor Club (Sequel only), Harbour Lake and Grande Vista. For some I'd include both Gold and Platinum for Desert locations depending on price, fees and how one will use it. WR & HL will likely be the cheapest up front, WR and GC the cheapest fees and GC will be the most flexible. I say GC will be the most flexible because of the long Platinum season, number of good weeks to trade and nigher points if one enrolls it later. None will be super strong traders but all will get you good choices MVC to MVC if you plan a full year our, reserve a top week in season and deposit a year out. If there's one you might use, that would be a plus. My parameters are that the resort has reasonable fees, decent trade power, comparatively low up front costs and a lock off option. Even better if it has a Thursday start date.

I'd suggest you first decide where you want to go as buying that if ofter a better choice over buying a trader for those new to the game.

Does anyone have input in whether a Shadow Ridge Deluxe Gold season would be a good trader? I am interested in staying at Marriott Timber Lodge, Newport Coast Villas and don’t mind at all traveling during non-peak/shoulder seasons.

 

[Dean]

Does anyone have input in whether a Shadow Ridge Deluxe Gold season would be a good trader? I am interested in staying at Marriott Timber Lodge, Newport Coast Villas and don’t mind at all traveling during non-peak/shoulder seasons.

My info suggests that the best few weeks at the CA desert locations Gold season should trade about the same as GV and maybe slightly better than WR & GC. Just look at the fees and compare. Unless you'd use it part of the time I'd still prefer one of the others personally.

 

[Mlvnsmly]

The advantage of DSV is the much cheaper purchase price. DSV also has Thursday check in so you can use that to lead a 13 month booking window and call a day earlier than the rest to secure your hard to get floating weeks.

As far as I know, the 13 month reservation day is always Monday, regardless of check in day.

 

[ljmiii]

What is the best MVC to purchase resale? II trading power, reasonable maint. fees, etc

The one you want to stay in every year (or every other year with an EOY contract). Unlike HGVC, resale MVC weeks have to be traded through II which is fine if you have freedom to travel when you want but we've found more or less useless as we are limited to the school calendar. The exception to this is Orlando which seemingly always has availability.

Given the limitations and desires you've expressed in the two forums, I think your choice is between HGVC or MVC resale points (not weeks).

 

[capjak]

At $5000 or less that eliminates resale destination points so I would go with 3 bedroom Grande Vista EOY or a 2 bedroom both Platinum for the lock off feature and purchase one that is a member of the Florida Club: which allows booking other Florida resorts without using II at 6 months prior to check in (if available rooms to book)
Participating Marriott resorts in Florida include:

• Marriott Grande Vista* – Orlando
• Marriott Legends Edge– Panama City
• Doral – Miami
• BeachPlace – Ft. Lauderdale
• Ocean Point – Palm Beach Shores

 

[jwalk03]

As far as I know, the 13 month reservation day is always Monday, regardless of check in day.

the 13-month booking date is not always a Monday. Its always 13-months from the first check-in day a resort offers. So if a resort has Thursday checkins the window opens 13 months from that Thursday date for any check-in day that week. If a particular resort only has FRI, SAT, SUN checkins then the window opens 13-months from the Friday date.

 

[Mlvnsmly]

the 13-month booking date is not always a Monday. Its always 13-months from the first check-in day a resort offers. So if a resort has Thursday checkins the window opens 13 months from that Thursday date for any check-in day that week. If a particular resort only has FRI, SAT, SUN checkins then the window opens 13-months from the Friday date.

For weeks reservations? When I book consecutive weeks for resorts with Thursday check-ins, the day is always Monday, and if the resort has Friday check-ins, it's still Monday. Could you point me to a resort that is different when using the When to reserve tool?

 

[MOXJO7282]

I'd have to know your budget. To me the best is a Maui unit so you have the top dog and can do anything you want

 

[jwalk03]

For weeks reservations? When I book consecutive weeks for resorts with Thursday check-ins, the day is always Monday, and if the resort has Friday check-ins, it's still Monday. Could you point me to a resort that is different when using the When to reserve tool?

This is Canyon Villas for a Friday March 3, 2023 reservation. The 13-month window is Thursday 2/3/22.

Here is Manor Club for a Saturday, Oct 14/2023 reservation. 13-month is Tuesday 9/13/22

Here is Surf Club for a Sunday 3/26/23 reservation. 13-month is Wednesday 2/23/22.

 

[davidvel]

Does anyone have input in whether a Shadow Ridge Deluxe Gold season would be a good trader? I am interested in staying at Marriott Timber Lodge, Newport Coast Villas and don’t mind at all traveling during non-peak/shoulder seasons.

I don't know what you mean by Deluxe unless you are referring to the Enclaves unit. We own at Shadow Ridge Villages and do not like the Enclaves rooms.

Gold season trades very well in II if you get a Thanksgiving week reservation. I have reserved this week every time I remembered to wake up early, and a few times when I didn't. This easily pulls 1BR for Studio (and often 2BR), and 2BR for 1BR at Marriotts in Hawaii, NCV, Tahoe, Park City for non school vacation weeks.

Note that MF + taxes are fairly high for Shadow Ridge.

 

[Mlvnsmly]

This is Canyon Villas for a Friday March 3, 2023 reservation. The 13-month window is Thursday 2/3/22.
View attachment 44789

Here is Manor Club for a Saturday, Oct 14/2023 reservation. 13-month is Tuesday 9/13/22

View attachment 44790

Here is Surf Club for a Sunday 3/26/23 reservation. 13-month is Wednesday 2/23/22.

View attachment 44791

This was at odds with what I was looking at, so I checked the entire 2023 calendar and compared the Friday, Saturday, Sunday calendar with the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday calendar. From what I can see, it's only certain months where you can reserve a day earlier at a resort with a Thursday check-in day. January, February, April, June, August, September, and November are all the same. In the above example you show March and October which are 2 of the months where it is different. Possibly you already knew this or just clicked on those months by chance. Either way, it looks like an interesting quirk you might be able to take advantage if all the stars perfectly align.

 

[jwalk03]

Its just that if the 13-month date falls on a Saturday or Sunday its moved to Monday. So Monday is the most common day it opens as a result.

 

[Mlvnsmly]

Its just that if the 13-month date falls on a Saturday or Sunday its moved to Monday. So Monday is the most common day it opens as a result.

Apparently that happens alot.

 

[SteveinHNL]

I don't know what you mean by Deluxe unless you are referring to the Enclaves unit. We own at Shadow Ridge Villages and do not like the Enclaves rooms.

Gold season trades very well in II if you get a Thanksgiving week reservation. I have reserved this week every time I remembered to wake up early, and a few times when I didn't. This easily pulls 1BR for Studio (and often 2BR), and 2BR for 1BR at Marriotts in Hawaii, NCV, Tahoe, Park City for non school vacation weeks.

Note that MF + taxes are fairly high for Shadow Ridge.

Thank you, David. Yes, I was referring to the Deluxe Enclaves 2 BR that locks off into separate 1BR units. I know little about trading, only what I have read here. I know we like NCV and and the Timber Lodge in Tahoe, but someone mentioned that NCV doesn't get as much trade value because those units do not lockoff, so can only trade 1 for 1, versus a lockoff can net you 2 weeks in trade. That's a pretty compelling argument to me. As for Tahoe. it's about a 10 hour drive so while we enjoy it there, I'm not sure we would actually get there every year.

Someone mentioned that the Shadow Ridge Enclave Deluxe units could trade really well. TBH, I don't think we would really ever use the unit personally because we have never been to Palm Desert and my wife has never indicated a desire to go there, but as long as it would allow us to trade into units we would use, I would be okay with doing the work to scour for trades, as I enjoy that kind of thing. Even though I don't really know what it means, haha, but I do enjoy scouring the internet and websites for great travel deals, so I'm guessing I would and could have the tenacity to get the hang of this.

As for maintenance fees, I understand it is about $1600+/- per year (if anyone has more accurate info about Enclaves MF/taxes, that would be greatly appreciated), but if it can net us 2 weeks per year in good locations in US/Canada, that would be awesome. $800/week for a nice property would be a great value, IMO.

Although I have read that several people are not enamored of the Enclaves floor plan, I have also read that the Enclaves trade a little better than the Shadow Ridge Villas, and that if you can source and get ahold of a Deluxe Enclaves unit it would be very desirable. Can you offer any additional thoughts or pieces I might be missing? I do a lot of learning by making mistakes, but I prefer to learn from other's experiences and expertise, if possible. Thank you and everyone for bearing with my Qs.

Aloha,
Steve

 

[dioxide45]

This is Canyon Villas for a Friday March 3, 2023 reservation. The 13-month window is Thursday 2/3/22.
View attachment 44789

Here is Manor Club for a Saturday, Oct 14/2023 reservation. 13-month is Tuesday 9/13/22

View attachment 44790

Here is Surf Club for a Sunday 3/26/23 reservation. 13-month is Wednesday 2/23/22.

View attachment 44791

It looks like this mostly happens with call in dates that are in February. Probably something to do with the 28 day month. There are some other exceptions. We have found most often that the 13 month call in day for our ownerships is on a Monday. THough they also have a Thur checkin. Though it still wouldn't be the case for February call ins. Still best to always check this calculator.