czar
TUG Member
Boy, this discussion has been of great value and a real learning experience – all within a very short time.
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS PARTICIPATED – I have learned a lot (and one of the things that I have learned – there is sure a lot more to be learned!)
You all are obviously “experienced shoppers” within the timeshare industry. I presume that all of your vast knowledge has evolved over time and it would be most interesting to know what your “first involvement” with timeshares might have been.
You are all swaying me to look at other options. Trouble is – I have spent some time and have viewed the location that I am considering. I have at least a little knowledge about that product. On the other hand, I know nothing – absolutely NOTHING – about:
• Points
• Trading properties
• The differences between the firms that provide the “trading” service – RCI, II, SFX and the others that I don’t even know to ask about.
If someone wants to take more time or point me into the right direction (web link) I’m ready to accept the knowledge.
It seems as if many of you have bought into properties that you have never visited or ever planned to use but have been able to “pick up” properties or points at a very low cost (sometimes NO cost) and have then been able to use this to trade for locations that you have enjoyed a great deal. I don’t know if that is a fair statement or not – let me know if it isn’t. I will admit that I have difficulty “in getting my arms around” the concept of purchasing a product that I have never seen and have very little knowledge of – and yet with everyone’s input I’m trying to at least make that a consideration.
Let me ask:
• Are there two groups (and I would presume many more than 2) of timeshare owners? Group #1- Those that purchase in the area in which they desire to vacation in. Use for family gatherings and then pass along to their children or simply enjoy using themselves? Group#2-Those that have little or no intent to use the property they have purchased and from the “get go” plan on always trading it for another location?
• Are there ANY timeshares (while I know the number must be few) that actually maintain at least a stable valuation (certainly not the original developer price) due to their unique desired location, amenities, ambiance etc. Now I can well understand that timeshares in say, Orlando, Fl. (forgive me, owners of Orlando timeshares) because of their sheer numbers, would devaluate – the newest and latest timeshare will always be better. Conversely, a timeshare that were built on a mountain side that doesn’t allow for any further development (due to US Forest service regulations) would be more likely to sustain at least some value – at least in my way of thinking. Is “my thinking” way off? Or perhaps a timeshare on a secluded beach may be another truly unique property.
Please answer me this - Have there been ANY timeshares that have proven this “desirability” and have retained at least some consistent value over a 15, 20, 25 or 30 year period??? And now, for the unthinkable - has there ever been known to mankind – a timeshare that actually increased in value (on the secondary market) obviously, due to demand? Have the ever increasing costs of home owner dues even driven away the property owners of what may have been a very desirable area?
I’ll look forward to and appreciate more of the group’s discussion (and possible debate) on the topics I have raised.
Jack
As stated by bdh, your questions cover a lot of ground and my guess is that's why there was a fall off in activity on this thread. Likely, one of the questions would have sparked discussion and debate, but you have a lot of questions here, and there are a lot of intricacies. I spent a long time perusing the forum before joining, and then I spent even more time researching - months - before making my first purchase, and then since that time, I've learned even more. My advice to you, FWIW, is to chunk ech one of your questions as you have and find the right topic on the forum to research your answers. If you want to learn more about exchanging, check out the exchange section. There is a good breakdown of the main TS systems in the section on them.
When I read between the lines, it seems like this is where you want to own and you're trying to rationalize it. The nice thing like any other purchase is it's your purchase to make. If you feel it's a good deal and it's a place you want to go regularly, and your happy with the market for it, then it makes sense for you. Just understand that likely, it will depreciate in value over time. Can it appreciate? Sure, but the number of TS that hold their value or appreciate from the developer pricing is limited. There are, however, good values out there and some prices in the resale market are ticking up.
Prior to joining TUG, I bought a fractional ownership at a ski resort we love. I'm glad I bought it. We've gotten a lot of use, and perks, from it. Many memories. Was it a good value? It's lost about 1/2 its value in 7 years. Now, I'm in a different place, and my TS investments follow a different track. I would buy (and am looking to) another unit at Killington, but would go in with a very different perspective and strategy. It's what works for you.
So I would encourage you to do a lot of reading on here and make a list of questions as you go along. The more you read, the more you'll be able to answer, and the more new questions you'll have!