Buying HGVC Orlando International

[HAPPY-MOM]

Hello. I am thinking of joining HGVC, and I need your advice.

I am a Southern Florida resident but I am thinking of buying Orlando International as we have guests (3-4 family/year) from overseas who want to go to DISNEY with us; we want to have a good deal on 2-3BR condo type lodging near Disney.

I am thinking of obtaining deeds at International Dr. location because that is where we mostly stay at, and I heard that I would have a priority in reservations.

Q1) Do I really get priority reservation if I have a deed here? Does priority really work? If not, I may consider less expensive location.

Q2) If I want a 1 or 2 BR vacation at this location (Maybe a week or so) it seems like we need more than 5000 pts, maybe 7500 or so. (Please correct me if I am wrong) Do you suggest that we go higher points to begin with, or shall I buy a bargain (maybe 3500 points or so) at first, and then buy more points from HGVS? Which one is more economical?

Q3) If higher points cost too much for us, and our budget ($5000-$6000) may not cover all the trips (3-4 times per year) to Orlando anyways, we may just think about seeking a cash-discount accommodation with HGVC, rather than searching for free-stay by using points. Do you know if discount rate is applicable to ANY (Platinum, Silver, Gold, Bronze) types of members?

Q4) In case of Discount Cash accommodations, is there any priority in deed’s location and membership types? If not, we may go with the cheapest location’s cheapest unit just to seek for Discount rate, and regards points as a “bonus gift”. Do you think it is a good idea?

Q5) Where do you suggest that I can find the best deal on the Resale?

Q6) Is there any “buying agent services” whom we can ask to be my part of agent?

I am not a native English speaker and it is extremely difficult to understand the complicated HGVC options in English literature. Your assistance is greatly appreciated! Thank you very much. :rofl:

 

[PigsDad]

I'll take a stab at a few of your questions:

Q1) You only get priority when you book exactly what you own. For example, if you own a 3BR in Platinum season, you will be able to book a 3BR, only in Platinum season, at 12 months out. If you want a 2BR, or to book in Gold season, or if you want to only book a few days instead of a week, you will have to book in Club season, which starts at 9 months out.

That said however, Orlando HGVC reservations are quite easy, and I am guessing that if you book at least 4-5 months out, you will have no problem getting exactly what you want. The only exception might be Christmas / New Years, but even then there is no problem getting that at 9 months out.

Q2) Here is a point chart to help out. A great way to stretch points is to stay during gold or silver season, and during the week instead of weekends (if your schedule is flexible enough).

Q3) HGVC has Open Season, in which you can cash rent available inventory. Sometimes it is tough to get weekends in Open Season, but if you search right at the 30-day mark, you will have pretty good success. The prices start at $60 for studio, $80 for 1BR, and $100 for 2BR, and $20 extra for weekend nights.

Q4) No owner's priority for Open Season. And all locations have the same cash rental rates.

Q5) Start by contacting Seth Nock (just search this forum). He is a broker that several of us have used, and he will help you out, even if you decide not to purchase through him.

Q6) See answer to Q5.

I'm sure you will have more questions -- this forum has some excellent people who will certainly help you out. Good luck!

Kurt

 

[HAPPY-MOM]

Thank you!

Thank you so much!!!!! That was sooooooooo quick!

I found his website and sent an inquiry.
I will keep updated here to let you know how I am doing.

 

[Talent312]

Kurt's answers were on the mark.
I would only say that, if you really intend to go to Orlando that often, that you buy the most points that you can use in the best available season (platinum), and do not do it piece-meal. Otherwise, you will find yourself paying multiple Maintenance Fee bills for multiple units, instead of one bill for one unit. But don't overdo it, becuz the discounted "last-minute" stays for cash (open season) are usually available in Orlando (if you are flexible), and fairly inexpensive.

 

[Blues]

Yes, Kurt is right on, as usual. I would only add that, because Orlando is easy to trade into, the benefit of buying there (12 month window instead of 9 months) is not worth much. My advice is to buy any HGVC-owned property, at the cheapest buy-in and maintenance fees that you can find. Historically, that's been Las Vegas. Orlando is pretty close to LV in purchase price, but tends to have a higher maintenance fee.

-Bob

 

[PigsDad]

Bob's point is a good one, given your intended use. I think you really just want to get the best deal you can regarding purchase price and ongoing maintenance fees.

One thing to note is that with HGVC, maintenace fees are based on unit size, not number of points. So a 2BR platinum season unit (worth 7000 points) will have the same maintance fees as a 2BR gold season unit, but that will only be worth 5000 points. That is the main reason platinum season weeks sell for more per point, generally. But the payback time on paying the extra for a platinum week may not be worth it, depending on the price difference.

Kurt

 

[Zac495]

Seth Nock is a great resale broker well respected here on TUG.

 

[jscboston]

Ditto on Seth. I have bought a Marriott unit and a Hilton unit from him. He's great.