Feedback on this [Sheraton] Vistana Ebay auction

[jmpellet]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=190252600691

It's in the Fountains I section and the seller claims the assessment has been paid. How would I confirm this and would this be a worthwhile ownership as this remodeled unit pictures look pretty good. We do visit the area often but as our kids get older, we would want to trade elsewhere. Thanks for any help.

Jo-Ann

 

[DeniseM]

Since this is a Starwood resort I moved your post to the Starwood Board where you will get expert help.
When you get a chance, read the Starwood FAQ at the top of the board for a good overview of how Starwood works.

And use the search function (Search this forum button) to search for "Fountains" for lots of info. already posted.

 

[jmpellet]

Sorry I'm a newbie so I though it was best there. Thanks!

 

[DeniseM]

No apology necessary - I just moved it to the board where you will get the most knowledgable help! Welcome!

 

[AwayWeGo]

No Apology Needed.

Sorry

Apology is unnecessary.

No excuses.

No reasons.

Never complain.

Never explain.

And (above all) Welcome To TUG.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[SDKath]

Looks like good weeks (31-32) so if you want to trade via II, you can get them to deposit those weeks and pull great trades via the Starwood priority period. Or you can just use the weeks and stay in Orlando for 2 weeks a year during their float season (most of SVR is fixed; I personally like float for more flexibility). Also, Fountains just went through their assessments so you won't be stuck with any surprise bills anytime soon. Hope that helps. Just don't be deceived by the price a couple minutes before auction. I have seen some prices go up by $5000 those last few seconds. Decide what you want to spend beforehand and stick with it.

Katherine

 

[jmpellet]

Thanks much Katherine. I have been closely watching lots of different auctions to see how far people are willing to go right at the end and I definitely will wait until I can catch the right fish.

Do you know if all of the assessments have already been due? I guess paid is another story and I would want proof of that.

Have you been pleased with the trades you've been able to pull with this resort? The reviews regarding the property are so varied that its hard to tell if this would be a good purchase!

Thanks so much!
Jo-Ann

 

[pointsjunkie]

you can also use auction sniper, that's how i won 2 auctions.

 

[clsmit]

You can always ask the seller if all the assessments have been paid and if the 2008 MFs paid. I also like to ask if the 2009 weeks have been confirmed. For a fixed week property the wording of that might be different, but the idea is to know if 2009 is already on the books.

 

[jmpellet]

I may very well snipe one once I find the one I really want. A question about Starwood -- many of the units have an underlying deed (unit and week) associated with them but yet they also float. Do owners of the underlying deed have priority for that week for a certain period of time and then other owners can reserve after a period of time?

 

[clsmit]

I may very well snipe one once I find the one I really want. A question about Starwood -- many of the units have an underlying deed (unit and week) associated with them but yet they also float. Do owners of the underlying deed have priority for that week for a certain period of time and then other owners can reserve after a period of time?

In general, sort of, but it depends on the resort. (How's that for a vague answer?) Check all the stickies at the top of this forum for more info that you might want, but it's not that confusing once you get the hang of it.

 

[CeeWoo]

My floating, Fountains I unit has a week assigned to it BUT it is also assigned a season. You can book any of those weeks

The last half of my assessment was due (and paid) early this year. I assume that is the case with all of the Fountains I area.

BTW-the add makes it appear (to me) that this auction is actually for 2 weeks rather than 1.

 

[jmpellet]

It is for two weeks (31 & 32) which may be ok for me. I am a little confused, even after reading the FAQs about staroptions. It seems like Vistana Resort does not provides a good number of points but I'm not sure if I would ever exercise that options if available. Also, for anyone who owns there could you clarify whether or not Starwood choose the weeks and resort when you deposit in II. It wasn't clear to me.

Thanks!
Jo-Ann

 

[DeniseM]

It is for two weeks (31 & 32) which may be ok for me. I am a little confused, even after reading the FAQs about staroptions. It seems like Vistana Resort does not provides a good number of points but I'm not sure if I would ever exercise that options if available.

Starpoints (hotel points) do not transfer on any resale.

Staroptions (timeshare points) transfer with some resorts - but Vistana Resort is not one of them.

These resorts are Staroption Mandatory:

* Harborside at Atlantis
* Vistana Villages (except Amelia & St. Augustine)
* Westin St. John (except Bay Vista)
* Westin Ka'anapali & Westin Ka'anapali-North
* Westin Kierland Villas

Also, for anyone who owns there could you clarify whether or not Starwood choose the weeks and resort when you deposit in II. It wasn't clear to me.

Yes - but on a resale, if you insist, they may at least let you choose a good week. Starwood is inconsistent about this.

 

[CeeWoo]

It is for two weeks (31 & 32) which may be ok for me. I am a little confused, even after reading the FAQs about staroptions. It seems like Vistana Resort does not provides a good number of points but I'm not sure if I would ever exercise that options if available. Also, for anyone who owns there could you clarify whether or not Starwood choose the weeks and resort when you deposit in II. It wasn't clear to me.

Thanks!
Jo-Ann

(REMOVING A BUNCH OF PROBABLY BAD INFORMATION-I THINK DENISE IS CORRECT IN THE POST BELOW---SORRY!---now I'll sheepishly crawl back into a hole )

The Fountains units with the remodel are great. I have a link I can send if you would like to see some photos we took last week.

 

[DeniseM]

But - wasn't it only resales purchased before a certain date that were invited to join the SVN? I don't believe new purchases qualify.

 

[CeeWoo]

But - wasn't it only resales purchased before a certain date that were invited to join the SVN? I don't believe new purchases qualify.

What they told me was 'free if you join by Oct 1' (if your deed is recorded by a certain date) afterward Oct 1 $599 (I believe).

They didn't actually even mention resales after that date, so you may be (and probably are) right. They probably won't allow those units to join at all---MY BAD!

I honestly believe the only reason they let any of the Vistana Resort units join SVN was to sooth some bad feeling that came about because of the assessment (and that's why I think the new remodels will eventually get the same type of offer)

 

[jmpellet]

mbisson: I would love to see pics if you have them available. We stayed at the Vistana Villages in July and I really liked that property, even more so than Marriott Horizons.

Overall, would this be a good purchase (I know its subjective)? Would it pull good trades in II or will II make my summer two weeks turn into two crappy weeks in the middle of nowhere for the trade?

My children are 7,6, and 4 so we have many years to come to go to mouseland. As my kids get older and independent it seems like this resort is large enough and has enough activities to keep them happy. It seems like they are making an effort to update this property??

So many questions but all of you have been tremendously welcoming and helpful!

Jo-Ann

 

[CeeWoo]

Here ya go Jo-Ann
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/567159076HFTvmN

I'll start adding some captions so you can see what you're looking at (LOL)


We bought in Vistana when our kids were 4 and thought like you, 'we'll need a 2br forever'. They're now 20 and there have been a couple of trips in the last couple years where a 1br would have been fine with us. This may be just about our last trip with the boys

 

[jmpellet]

Wow, that's my kind of interior. Someone somewhere else said they though it was too brown and boring but I love it! Thanks for the great pics!

 

[clsmit]

Here ya go Jo-Ann
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/567159076HFTvmN

I'll start adding some captions so you can see what you're looking at (LOL)


We bought in Vistana when our kids were 4 and thought like you, 'we'll need a 2br forever'. They're now 20 and there have been a couple of trips in the last couple years where a 1br would have been fine with us. This may be just about our last trip with the boys

But in a few years, or so, you'll get to take the grandkids! (Hopefully!) Let them stay there for spring break or a week with their friends in the meantime. They'll have a great time. Or trade to go somewhere else!

 

[jmpellet]

OK, so I won this auction for $860 - not sure if this is good or bad! Can anyone advise the questions I should ask of the seller. My list is:

Copy of the deed indicating weeks/season
Copy and phone number to call to confirm the assessment(s) have been paid
Proof that the 2008 MF have been paid
Information on whether the 2009 weeks have been reserved
Information on whether I can ask that the current owner join SVN prior to 10/1 - not sure if this is even feasible (timing) and if someone could advise whether I would want this.

My general question that I still don't understand is that -- do I own or have priority for 31&32 or do I have the same priority as others for those weeks and the others in the season. If I do decide to deposit it into II, can I demand or ask nicely that it be 31&32 as these are popular weeks, especially for people in Europe??

Thanks all!
Jo-Ann

 

[DeniseM]

Information on whether I can ask that the current owner join SVN prior to 10/1 - not sure if this is even feasible (timing) and if someone could advise whether I would want this.

It doesn't make any difference because YOU didn't buy it before 10/1, and SVN membership deosn't transfer.

My general question that I still don't understand is that -- do I own or have priority for 31&32 or do I have the same priority as others for those weeks and the others in the season.

No - you have to call at 12 mos. out and make a reservation during your season - it's not a fixed week - only a fixed season.

If I do decide to deposit it into II, can I demand or ask nicely that it be 31&32 as these are popular weeks, especially for people in Europe??

Sure you can ask - but Starwood may or may not agree - they are inconsistent about this.

BTW - all of the things that you are checking on your list will also be checked by the closing/escrow company - that's what you are paying tem for. You may not be able to access all of that info. yourself, but they can.

 

[SDKath]

Your unit will NOT join SVN. That ship has sailed loooong ago. You need to have had owned in 2007 to be eligible. It won't be eligible to join SVN even for the $599 fee. You can only trade it in II or use your week at the resort. No other options with resale Starwood voluntary resorts. I *think* you can ask for your deeded week since it's a V resale but you have to read your owner's manual on mystarcentral. I don't recall the rules at that resort since it's a float.

Kath