Help: family offerring free timeshare

[ramblinman]

Hello All,

My wife and I have been members for a few months researching timesharing to see if we want to dive in with a new or resell purchase. We mostly focused on the Marriott Timber Lodge in Tahoe. I have to say we have become somewhat unsure if timesharing is for us. We are still neophytes on the finer points of timesharing. Now, unexpectedly, a family member has offerred us title to a 2 bdrm lockoff, with 1 fixed week for week 31 (August = very hot!), at Diamond Resorts Scottsdale Villa Mirage, annual fees currently $868. (sorry for incorrect earlier info).

We would really appreciate any advice of a general or specific nature for timesharing, the DR management company, rentability and tradeability of our weeks, headaches, and whatever else you care to share. Thanks for your time.

 

[DeniseM]

First of all, unless you want a million unsolicited sales calls, I'd delete my phone number from the post. (Use the edit button.)

This is my advice for buying your first timeshare.

Even though the timeshare you were offered is free, it may not be right for you. Right now, lots of people would like to dump a free timeshare on you. It may be a good deal for you, but don't take it just because it's free.

My first question is, do you want to go to Scottsdale for a week in August every year, or at least every other year? If not, I would pass on this offer because the maintenance fees are on the high side, an Aug. week won't be a strong trader, and having to find an exchange every year is a pain in the you-know-what. See my list above and buy somewhere you want to go at least every other year!

Good luck!

 

[Blondie]

A maint fee of near a grand for a week in Arizona in August? Check out ebay and get a really good deal on something you want and can use. That maint fee is a killer.