Floating week question at the Elysian Beach Resort

[rcs249]

Good morning all. I wonder if any of you might be able to answer two questions for me, so here is the scenario:

Someone wants me to assume her deed for a 3-unit float in weeks 18-51, beginning in 2009 (due to a divorce and financial hardship). I would just be covering the closing costs this year and then begin paying MF for 2009. She has told me that she has been able to use her units in both February and March when they have availability without any issue or extra fee as well as during her regular float period. The resort was non-committal as to whether this can happen or not, and the opportunity would be less attractive if it couldn't float into the other weeks periodically. Also, I cannot use it in 2009 as we have already committed to our vacations, but 2010 I would.

So Tuggers, any experience with floating outside of your deeded period with the Elysian, or even with Wyndham in general? And does anyone have experience renting their Elysian weeks that could share how easy or difficult it has been (I'd rather cover my MFs than trade it)?

Thank you so much for your input!

 

[GregT]

I'm sorry, I can't speak to whether or not you can get into Weeks 1-17 with your Week 18-51 units.

I have a few other comments for you to consider however. I love the Elysian, and joined RCI specifically so I could trade my Worldmark account to get to it. Also, I may even buy a Fairfield account someday so I can get to Elysian on other than Saturday/Saturday. So, I love the spot.

That being said, I would view this transaction as you doing a favor for your friend by taking over the MF's for this property as it's been available on eBay several times, often closing at $1, plus the closing costs. I've come close to buying one (for $1) each time, and each time wavered because I don't know how often I can really get to STT, and do I really want to commit to the annual maintenance fee when I can access the Elysian through other channels.

Unfortunately, the other rap is that I understand it's not an easy process to take title to properties in St. Thomas, and that the government operates on island time to process a sale -- often taking 6 or so months?

So, whatever you do, good luck to you, and I wish your friend the best in solving their issues. And if you do buy it, you're going to like the property!

All the best,

Greg