How does a timeshare save me money?

[shifty1981]

How exactly did you get a representative from the BOD to talk to you and how did you know you could trust them? This is probably just an malinformed stereotype but I kind of assumed the people making the decision about MF and SA were on par with the sales people trying to get newbies to pay tens of thousands to own a TS.

John is right about rising fees and special assessments. If you choose to buy an independent timeshare resort (no longer associated with the developer) Be sure to buy something where the BOD has a philosophy that says SA's are unnecessary, because we reserve for future needs and expenditures.

When we bought our first week at Foxrun, an average resort in the North Carolina mountains, near Lake Lure (where Dirty Dancing was filmed), we were told during our "due diligence" process that there would likely be a special assessment of $500 or so for re-building retaining walls. The board decided to increase fees gradually to improve the resort, which shocked most owners, because the first increase was from [I think] $440 to $550 in one year. We were thrilled because we knew we found what we were looking for: a good trader with a conscientious board. Consequently, we bought more weeks.

A few years later, our fees have gone up only $15-25 per year for the last two years, basically, and our units now have remodeled kitchens, retaining walls, new furniture and paint. The board and the management company worked to keep costs as low as possible. Being on a board myself, I can appreciate the work they did to make the resort a better place.

 

[shifty1981]

Thanks for the reply. I wish I had categorized information breaking down how we've spent money on vacations. I know the totals, but don't know food totals, etc. I'll start going forward.

A very important point. At some resorts the fees seem awfully high, but beware the resort that has unusually low fees as well. There have been many resorts that have skimped on the fees, feeling that owners wanted to keep the fees low; this results in maintenance being put off, and then a costly SA when it gets to the point where the maintenance must be done.

When your roof leaks in your home, you pay and get it fixed - you can most likely finance the cost of a new roof, through a home equity loan or line of credit. Not so with a timeshare - the HOA pays for the new roof, and owns nothing to secure the debt, so they pass the cost along to the owners. The choice is to have everyone pay when the roof must be replaced, or to plan for the cost over time and prepay. While prepaying (keeping a reserve fund) means higher maintenance fees, it also means no sudden surprises, where some owners can't afford to pay. When that happens, everyone else has to pick up the slack.

In general when deciding whether timesharing will save you money, you need to look at your own needs, and your own style of vacations. I vacation with a family of 5 (and sometimes the extended family). Few hotel rooms will be comfortable for us, even many of the suites. With one teen, and one preteen, food also becomes an issue - when to eat, what to eat, how much it costs... Not only do the eat a lot, but they are picky. Hotels with breakfast are great - usually something for everyone, but picking a place to eat lunch and dinner can be an adventure in and of itself. If we ate all our meals in, as well as incidental beverages and snacks, in most locations I could feed us for about $100 for the week. If we were to eat out most meals that would easily balloon to $700 - $800! We usually settle for something in-between, and splurge for a few special items to cook in the unit as well. I'll say we probably end up spending $300 for all our meals for the week. Combine $500 saved on food with another $500 saved on accomodations (assuming we would otherwise get two adjoining rooms), that leaves $1000 to spend on airfare so we can afford to go somewhere not necessarily within driving distance.

When the kids are grown and gone, it may be a whole other story. By then we'll probably own points of some sort, or will trade for "lower cost" units in the offseason, and get more bang for our buck.

 

[shifty1981]

Haha.Asteroids. What a great game.

I'm late 20's with DW and 6 month old. Kinda grew up early instead of waiting till 30's for marriage and children. Loving it.

I'm still resisting the "find a place you'd go to every year" thing cuz I'm too interested in the rest of the world. However it seems a common idea to buy somewhere many people want to go at a time many want to go during. At least this way there are renters if you can't go.

Shifty, I think Janna says it all. From your posts, it sounds like you are still pretty young - after all, you know what an FPS is. The closest I got to FPS was Asteroids and Missile Command; and I am a below average aged TS'er. Don't rush into anything; try a couple of rentals and see how it fits. Join up with TUG and browse - I spent alot of time reading here before I bought my first TS, and could have spent more. My knowledge has grown exponentially from reading here, and there are some GREAT bargain philosophies to be found in these threads! But it takes some careful consideration of your objectives, tolerance for risk, and future plans to find the right approach and make the plunge. A couple of days reading posts here won't do it justice.

We fell into the TS life by accident/need. My son has celiac and can't safely eat at restaurants, so travel was always hell. We decided to take a Disney vacation a few years back, and came across renting a TS as a viable option because of the kitchen. But we fell in love because of the amenities and space (first stay was SVV). We bought because of the ridiculous eBay pricing. I'm a Capricorn Scotsman, so unwedging a dollar from my wallet is about as easy as giving the cat a bath, but I have absolutely no regrets at this point. We bought in Orlando (twice actually, a 2BR fixed March break week, and a floating week 3BR lockoff, total investment, $11.46 + closing/transfer fees). Most wisdom here says avoid Orlando, but we have become Mouse Junkies, and I don't think my kids will ever tire of everything that Central Florida can offer. So we followed the "buy where you want to stay" philosophy. I've also had enough less than ideal "great deal" vacations to start to realize that vacation is one area of my life where I don't want to skimp and take risks. I work too hard to risk not enjoying the little bit of time off I allow myself (self-employed contractor). Oh yeah, my SO loves it because I HAVE to actually take some time off every year to enjoy our investment.

Your best asset is that you have been exposed to the value of TS, and you have time on your side. Take your time to explore, don't rush it, and if it's not right now, remember it in the future when your lifestyle changes. Sure TS prices are rock bottom right now, but they weren't that expensive resale when the market was up. Personally, I am hoping for a 1000% return on my initial investment (less fees) at the end (or $100, it's about the same). I've probably already saved my MF in food costs for a family of four; and we have to buy specialty food at Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheques). One more bonus, my SO is a teacher, so if we don't go one year we have no problem finding another teacher to rent that week and cover our costs.

If you dig deep enough, you'll eventually find enough good personal reasons, most of which a TS sales persons will never get. Whatever you decide to do, remember that you are supported by a whole family of dedicated TS owners who are full of advice and wisdom. This community is GREAT!!!

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

When the kids are grown and gone, it may be a whole other story. By then we'll probably own points of some sort, or will trade for "lower cost" units in the offseason, and get more bang for our buck.

Now that the kids are grown and gone, we find it's much the same story. We want the kids to come with us, and staying in a timeshare is much more viable - and attractive - than is staying in a hotel. When we have grandchildren, I fully expect that we will have occasional three-generation vacations, in timeshares of course. We wouldn't attempt that in hotel rooms.

******

This is probably a good time to raise the issue of points-based mini-systems.

Most years we go to Hawai'i with our Diamond points. This year we're not; instead we have a family reunion in Montana. So we simply saved our unused Diamond points to next year.

We're already talking with kids about having a larger family vacation together on Kaua'i. So, having saved my Diamond points from this year, I can now reserve two units for next year, which should accommodate everyone. I don't have to wait for an exchange and hope the times match up. I can simply reserve.

+++++

The OP expressed interest in exchanging into a lot of locales. In that case, if the OP can find a points-denominated mini-system that has resorts in many of the areas that the OP wants to visit, the most practical option might be to join that mini.

In a good system of that type, you can use smaller or off-season units (fewer points) when that meets the needs. Members can usually save unused points so that other times when a larger unit or peak season is needed, they can apply unused points from previous years, or borrow from a future year.

In a mini-system members can usually reserve directly, which makes planning and logistics easier. Our Diamond and Raintree memberships have worked exceeding well for us. We augment them as necessary, with exchanges through independent exchange companies (SFX, VRI*ety, Trading Places, Hawaii Timeshare Exchange) and that takes care of almost all of our needs and interests.

 

[shifty1981]

Now I'm more intrigued. I don't get how you do this. You have lots of three day TS's? Or single days? And even when you're not at the TS you can go there and use the pool, hot tub, tennis courts, golf course, etc? And how did you get half price airline tickets and 66% off Disney tickets? I missing something.

Here is my 2 pennies worth. If you are single, stay away from timesharing as you only need a hotel room and your avenue of price shopping works. However, I would say that you may not find those deals all the time and when and where you want them. Florida is overbuilt and availability is pretty open.

Now if you have a family of say 4 and want to spend a week, give that hotel room a whirl and see if you have your marriage or your sanity by the time its done. That and check your food bills for the vacation as you have to eat out or eat PB&J sandwiches because you can't cook. Vacations are meant to be enjoyed and relaxing and timeshares are just that. Prior to about 5 years ago and my entry into the game we spent 10 years going to the same area and renting anything from a sardine sized camper for $400 to a hotel room the size of a postage stamped teeming with all kinds of critters.

I just purchased a 1 bedroom timeshare short distance drive from my home. Anytime I want I can pack the family up and go over and use the resort facilities plus I have on the books about 8 reservations this year in a 750 sq ft golf course facing whirlpool 1 bedroom condo including Memorial day, the 4th, Labor day, a 2 bedroom over Thanksgiving and 2 condos for New Years. Total cost will be around $1000 dollars for all of them. I have already paid 80% of the last 2 years MF by renting 2 of the reservations and the condo is paid as I paid under $100 for it.

I generally break even or come out comfortably ahead renting out my ownerships plus obtaining airline tickets for around half price or getting $1500 worth of Disney tickets for about $500 . On top of it we do about 8 vacations a year with one a full week and the rest weekend getaways.

So, priceline and hotel rooms can be great, but I like timesharing.

 

[shifty1981]

Yes at some point I'll look into points based systems. Not yet though

Now that the kids are grown and gone, we find it's much the same story. We want the kids to come with us, and staying in a timeshare is much more viable - and attractive - than is staying in a hotel. When we have grandchildren, I fully expect that we will have occasional three-generation vacations, in timeshares of course. We wouldn't attempt that in hotel rooms.

******

This is probably a good time to raise the issue of points-based mini-systems.

Most years we go to Hawai'i with our Diamond points. This year we're not; instead we have a family reunion in Montana. So we simply saved our unused Diamond points to next year.

We're already talking with kids about having a larger family vacation together on Kaua'i. So, having saved my Diamond points from this year, I can now reserve two units for next year, which should accommodate everyone. I don't have to wait for an exchange and hope the times match up. I can simply reserve.

+++++

The OP expressed interest in exchanging into a lot of locales. In that case, if the OP can find a points-denominated mini-system that has resorts in many of the areas that the OP wants to visit, the most practical option might be to join that mini.

In a good system of that type, you can use smaller or off-season units (fewer points) when that meets the needs. Members can usually save unused points so that other times when a larger unit or peak season is needed, they can apply unused points from previous years, or borrow from a future year.

In a mini-system members can usually reserve directly, which makes planning and logistics easier. Our Diamond and Raintree memberships have worked exceeding well for us. We augment them as necessary, with exchanges through independent exchange companies (SFX, VRI*ety, Trading Places, Hawaii Timeshare Exchange) and that takes care of almost all of our needs and interests.

 

[brucecz]

Did that $264 for 6 nights include any sales tax, or other fees? A full week is 7 nights so if you had 7 nights so wouldn't that be $308 for a full timeshare week not including any sales tax, or other fees that were paid?

Bruce

I forgot to mention that some of us (including several who have posted on this string) exchange into 1 and 2 bedroom Marriots, Disney, etc and other Gold Crown and 5 star timeshare units for a full week for less than :whoopie: $300 including the exchange fees?

Bruce

 

[rhonda]

I wonder what a TS would look like in a city. For some reason I always picture pools and the ocean when picturing TS's.

Often timeshare locations are different than hotel locations responding to the developers best guess, "Where do people want to vacation?" While very few are located in downtown environments there are a few to consider:

• Manhattan Club, and others in NYC
• The Canadian, Vancouver, BC (Worldmark)
• Worldmark San Diego
• Worldmark San Francisco

I've been to the WM San Fran and Vancouver "resorts." They are charming and their locations are perfect for exploring each city. The units are smaller than others in the WM system - but beautifully done. My husband considers The Canadian to be living in a jewelry box (in a nice way; he enjoyed the compact layout and high-end furnishings). To me, they are exactly what you hope your own "condo in the city" would be like if you happened to own one. ;-)

 

[Weimaraner]

Now that the kids are grown and gone, we find it's much the same story. We want the kids to come with us, and staying in a timeshare is much more viable - and attractive - than is staying in a hotel. When we have grandchildren, I fully expect that we will have occasional three-generation vacations, in timeshares of course. We wouldn't attempt that in hotel rooms.

When we go to our Aruba timeshare I notice a lot of 3 generational families and get a kick out of seeing grandparents having a blast with the grandkids floating down the lazy river. We've been able to meet our friends from Texas in Aruba and share our timeshare. Also love the convenience of making our own breakfast and lunch cheaper (especially with kids) - all the space for guests, having a full kitchen, and the washer/dryer I never knew was so handy before. When we don't use the timeshare, we rent it out easily. Or we exchange it for another location. If you don't care where you stay, then Priceline may be the best choice. We like space and comfort when we travel so timeshares are the best for us. We were paying $500 a night for just the two of us in Aruba before we got a timeshare so we don't regret our decision.

 

[rickandcindy23]

How exactly did you get a representative from the BOD to talk to you and how did you know you could trust them? This is probably just an malinformed stereotype but I kind of assumed the people making the decision about MF and SA were on par with the sales people trying to get newbies to pay tens of thousands to own a TS.

Becky is on the BOD at Foxrun and Fairways of the Meadows (basically the same resort but different units) and is a member of TUG. Plus she is a member of my Foxrun Yahoo Group. So it's not hard to talk to her. I am also on a BOD at two resorts in Colorado and have email and phone conversations with owners all the time. Our phone numbers and email addresses are included in every communication to owners.

HOA boards are made of owners like you and me, at least at the resorts where the developer is gone. We own at resorts where the developer is still present, and the experience is very different. I don't even care about turning in my proxy, and it's not apathy, it's sketicism. They have no motives but to line their pockets (I am talking about Starwood and Wyndham, for those who are wondering).

 

[PerryM]

The time for timeshares is NOT now...

1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
...........

Timeshares, right now, make no sense - renting is far more flexible, cheaper, and less riskey.

Doesn't mean owning them is a bad thing - think of timeshare ownership as owning a sail boat - an expensive hobby that is fun, if you like that kind of thing.

Renting timeshares and condos is the way to go right now - a few years from now timeshare ownership might be the way to go again but for right now buying a timeshare, even an eBay $1 special takes on lots of risk and for the normal vacationer makes no sense.

VRBO.com is the place to find your dream vacation.

This is a fantastic time to learn about timeshares without buying them - the learning curve, to really understand and maximize their usage, is 6 months.

So learn, feel sorry for those timeshare owners making heartbreaking decisions of foreclosure and be glad you can rent timeshares for peanuts and save your money for when timeshares really get cheap.

Best of luck,

 

[talkamotta]

Most of the people on this site because of it being a ts site are pro "Timesharing".

Timesharing isnt necessarily a money saving practice and its definitely not an monetary investment. I could just stay home or tent it in most places and it would be less money. Also it sounds like you are at the point of your life where vacation time is harder to get.

Tugs will show you how to get the most for your money w/timesharing. Most of us travel quite a lot. We like nice clean places w/a good kitchen. I dont like to eat out every meal and after a good hike in a National Park or sight seeing all day, part of my vacation is to come back and sit out on a patio and have a glass of wine and a relaxing dinner.

When I was first married and in my early 20's we just didnt vacation much. We used a tent and went to family reunions. After 10 years of marriage we finally drove down to Vegas. Stayed in a Motel 6. When we started having children I broke the occupancy rules many times. Cleaning out cereal bowls in the bathroom.

I bought my first timeshare 14 years ago and now I have 8. It works for me and my family/friends. Looking back, if I had put more of an importance vacation and family time, maybe I wouldnt be divorce. Who knows. Since I started timesharing, there is enough room for kids and grandkids and the memories we have had is where the real value comes in.

Only you and your wife can decide what your priorities are and how much of a budget you can afford on vacationing. I would try renting timeshares for now so you can see if they will work.

 

[timeos2]

They represent you - they should be willing to interact with you

How exactly did you get a representative from the BOD to talk to you and how did you know you could trust them? This is probably just an malinformed stereotype but I kind of assumed the people making the decision about MF and SA were on par with the sales people trying to get newbies to pay tens of thousands to own a TS.

A well run, owner controlled resort makes it a point to reach out to owners and get them involved. It is a true sign that the resort is properly run and is likely to be stable going forward. A secretive, "our way or the highway" operation is a big red flag to avoid that resort/system. Ditto the continuing involvement of the developer as ongoing management IMO. That is a recipe for owner and fee abuse.

Talking to the BOD members - by email, phone, letter, fax or in person (all within reasonable guidelines set up & enforced fairly) - should not be an exceptional thing but a SOP for an HOA.

 

[talkamotta]

I wonder how many TSers actually grocery shop and cook often enough to save $$ vs eating out.

Buying our wine and beer at Costco compared to going out to a pub or bar saved my group lots of money in Hawaii. I think we had just as good as view from the balcony and we didnt have to fight any crowds. I didnt have to worry about driving either.

:hysterical: :hysterical: Not to say that I hang around with a bunch of drunks.

 

[AwayWeGo]

Knowledge Is Power, So Let's Keep It All To Ourselves.

A secretive, "our way or the highway" operation is a big red flag to avoid that resort/system. Ditto the continuing involvement of the developer as ongoing management IMO. That is a recipe for owner and fee abuse.

Talking to the BOD members - by email, phone, letter, fax or in person (all within reasonable guidelines set up & enforced fairly) - should not be an exceptional thing but a SOP for an HOA.

What's a good way to help move a Cards-Close-To-The-Vest HOA-BOD in the direction of openness & reaching out ?

( Other than running for election to a vacant BOD position, I mean. )

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

 

[DeniseM]

I'm still resisting the "find a place you'd go to every year" thing cuz I'm too interested in the rest of the world. However it seems a common idea to buy somewhere many people want to go at a time many want to go during. At least this way there are renters if you can't go.

Actually, I'm not suggesting that you go the same place every year (although we go to Hawaii every year.)

What I am suggesting is the you buy a timeshare that is:

1) Within driving distance so that you can use your home resort during years when you can't afford to fly or don't want to take a trip far from home - like possibly when you have another new baby.
2) During the summer, so it matches up with your kid's school schedule, and it will be a good renter.
3) A popular renter and strong exchanger.

That way you have a lot of options.

 

[scrapngen]

It's funny cuz people hear "shifty" and they think something devious, like a slight of hand trickster or something. Actually it's a tribute to a great American soldier who was served in Easy Company, featured in the tv series Band of Brothers. His name was/is Shifty Powers. I always found him inspiring because of his humility, yet being the most accurate marksman in the company. I used to play a lot of FPS games.

Thanks for the advice. Does anyone recommend a good rental site that you'd go to after perusing TUG? Just for comparison sakes?

Thanks!

Good to know!! I was thinking it must be something like this, or else an inside joke

I never got to see that series as I don't have HBO..Nice to know real heroes are still appreciated!

 

[rickandcindy23]

The TUG mantra has always been, "buy where you want to go." That may work for some, but it never has been the ideal for us. We did buy an oceanfront Maui week, no brand name, just a beautiful, generic resort with fairly reasonable MF's for Maui, considering the outrageous property taxes there.

The resort is awesome, perfect for us, and we do plan on using it every year, or renting it when we must. But we cannot even get our reasonable MF's when we rent it out. It's ridiculous how many oceanfront, privately-owned condos are vying against us on the various websites. A timeshare still has advantages over renting from an owner. You have the staff at the resort to call (imagine calling the individual condo owner when the refrigerator breaks, or the neighbors are loud in the middle of the night). A staff can deal with problems easier.

I like owning cheap MF timeshares. We like the thrill of the chase, finding the best timeshare exchanges out there, at the least expensive cost. It's a game to us (me). We like to spend at least four weeks a year in Disneyworld, preferably 5 or 6, but we can get into Disney-area resorts during the off-season with any week (even three bedroom units), so we don't care to buy in Orlando, where fees are higher than our weeks that we use to get there. Can you imagine buying even four weeks in one locale, with high fees, just to use, when you can try a different resort every trip? Not for us:rofl: .

We own too many weeks in Colorado, although the fees are < $600 each, and that is why we bought all of them. We now own 5 that we use every year, either to exchange or use ourselves, or we have been using Points for Deposit into RCI lately (I know that is a new subject completely). We also own four Foxrun weeks today, but we rent our summer weeks when we can, then deposit them if they don't rent by 60 days out, so II won't penalize us for the late deposit. The penalty is not worthy of the $630 MF's, believe me.

We are always trying to sell something that we own, because I buy too many weeks when I find a great exchanger or low-fee week I can use to my advantage (like when you get an Accommodations Certificate from II for a bonus vacation for some deposits). But it is nearly impossible to sell anything anymore. It's even hard to give things away in this economy, so buy something you really know you will use, and don't pay much for it.

You are the age of our daughter, our youngest, I think. She just turned 29 and has a 3-year-old girl, and a four-and-a-half-month old boy.

 

[Tia]

I'm waiting to read suggestions on that one myself...

What's a good way to help move a Cards-Close-To-The-Vest HOA-BOD in the direction of openness & reaching out ?

( Other than running for election to a vacant BOD position, I mean. )

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

 

[John Cummings]

Thanks. never heard of that one before. Will have to check it out. Why do you like it so?

I like them because they have delivered. That is all that is important to me. When I sold one of my timeshares, I had much better response from them than Redweek.com and that is where my buyer found my timeshare. When I rented a week in Waikiki, I found exactly what I wanted on MyResortNetwork.com. They had far more rentals than Redweek or any of the other sites that I tried.

 

[John Cummings]

Thank you John for this insight. It was good to hear someone shoot down this misconception of mine. The only thing I really like about nice hotels is the cleaning service. Other than that, a hot tub and pool. But TS have those too. I wonder what a TS would look like in a city. For some reason I always picture pools and the ocean when picturing TS's.

We own a timeshare in downtown San Diego. We have also exchanged into timeshares in San Francisco and New York City. They do not have pools nor hot tubs. The units are typically smaller than at non-urban properties.

 

[John Cummings]

I forgot to mention that some of us (including several who have posted on this string) exchange into 1 and 2 bedroom Marriots, Disney, etc and other Gold Crown and 5 star timeshare units for a full week for less than :whoopie: $300 including the exchange fees?

Bruce

I seriously doubt that you can exchange for anything near $300.00 including M/F. The cost of your exchanged week includes annual Maintenance Fee, Exchange Fee, Membership Fee, Property Tax, and any resort fees ( which are becoming more popular ). The cost for us to exchange is approximately $800 /week including everything and our M/F is not very high. For many people, the cost of exchanging is over $1,000 /week.

 

[DeniseM]

Good question - II's fees which are lower than RCI - $89 a year for membership and $149 for domestic exchanges, which adds up to $238, which means the MF could be no more than $62 a year to stay under $300?

This is the best I can do with II:

My cheapest/good II trader has a MF of $611 a year
+ $44.50 II membership fee (I got a discount on my II membership)
+ $114 discounted exchange fee (Starwood to Starwood)

Total = $769.50

 

[AFARR]

I bought a couple of Timeshares recently...my thoughts

Still learning the ropes. Haven't even used them (September weeks).

I got them not to save money....I've been busy (school, residency, work) for the last 10 years. Not much time for vacations.

I have 2 weeks (37 and 39) on the Outer Banks in NC, and am getting a week 38 that is also a points week (not specifically purchased for the points, but for the underlying week).

I've stayed in hotels (cheap motels mostly) when I traveled before I went to school...even the (occasional) nicer hotels were not as nice as the Timeshares we used (my Father In Law owns a couple of weeks...now Hilton Points) in FL and in the Outer Banks.

There's something fairly relaxing about being able to open your own refrigerator, pull out a drink vs. looking for the money to go to the vending machine. Pizza as a group in the living room is a bit better than pizza with 2 people at the hotel table and 2 on the beds. ((Not to mention having a Freezer to store the fish I caught on one trip to the OBX)).

If you are going to compare a Hotel...you almost need to get the price of a Suite vs. a 1 Br TS (or two suites for a larger group vs. a 2 or 3 Br. TS).

I bought my weeks based on:
#1. I know the area (went there when we lived in Richmond for 10 years).
#2. Driving distance for us from the Allentown area.
#3. Large enough to take the kids (and still have some privacy)..2 or 3 Brs, and in the case of the 3 Br, my wife's even made the comment that maybe my kids can each bring a friend one year.
#4. The weeks are 'paid for' this year....(I paid 2010 MFs when I bought it). That will MAKE me take a vacation (so I don't lose the money). I'm one to put taking the time off further and further back (work, work around the house, etc.) rather than make myself go somewhere.

Going to save me money? The MFs for my TSs are $525 and $600...I can't use both this year (the last week starts in 2011, so not an issue this year), so I'll probably Bank one (or even let a relative use it). I didn't buy them to trade (specifically), but will probably use the points week for trades occasionally. So, no...they probably won't "Save" me money...

So, I look at them like buying a car. I can go cheap (Ford Focus), maybe get a better deal on a bit nicer car (Ford Taurus)...as I might do with a Hotel room....or I can spend just a bit more than the Taurus would cost and get something like a BMW (the Timeshare). The BMW isn't going to "save" money but it will give a good bit more driving pleasure.


And, one final thought...NOW is probably the best time to buy a Timeshare. Prices are VERY, VERY low (look at the $1 auctions on ebay). When (if) the economy improves and people travel more...TS prices will go up, and it will be harder and harder to find the great deals on Priceline.


My advice to the original poster.....if you want to travel, look into a Points TS with an underlying week you'd be willing to use. Sounds like you have some younger kids....that gets to be a pain when they get a bit older (mine are 13 and 14) to travel into any kind of hotel room for other than a day or two. Look for one in Driving distance (if possible) from where you live (so you can use it if you don't want to use the points associated with it). Find something that the family likes (beach, mountains, etc.).

AFARR

 

[brucecz]

Good question - II's fees which are lower than RCI - $89 a year for membership and $149 for domestic exchanges, which adds up to $238, which means the MF could be no more than $62 a year to stay under $300?

This is the best I can do with II:

My cheapest/good II trader has a MF of $611 a year
+ $44.50 II membership fee (I got a discount on my II membership)
+ $114 discounted exchange fee (Starwood to Starwood)

Total = $769.50

Take a $50 CMV UDI week :whoopie: and the $139 II exchange fee = $189.
(resort is dually afillated with both RCI and II).

Seeing that we do about II 3 exchanges per year you would prorate the $89 yearly membership fee so that equals $23.00 per II reservation made. Now add $189 and $23 = $212.

The yearly maintenance fees for that ownership are more than covered by the rentals of the 10 to 12 yearly resevations we get from that one ownership.

But if we were to prorate the Timbers new year June 1, 2010-May 31, 2011 $1,071.49 maintenace fee by 12 yearly reservations ( and not deduct for our rental income) that would ad $89.30 for a grand total per II exchange $301.30.

But our rentals lower that average out of pocket cost per reservation,

Bruce

Here is a History of some of our older exchanges which some are fairly decent places to stay. Space here will not permitt us to include most of the RCI exchanges and other independants exchanges.

Resort Name Transaction Date Travel Dates Confirmation Number RCI Points Value
Disney's Old Key West Resort 04/14/2009 12/20/2009 - 12/27/2009 XXXXXXXXXX 68000



RCI Points ® Vacations Confirmed
Resort Name Transaction Date Travel Dates Confirmation Number RCI Points Value
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas 04/14/2009 12/27/2009 - 01/03/2010 XXXXXXXXXXXXX 71000



Exchange Control number
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 523 (2 bedrooms)Week: 43 Sat, October 25, 2008Sat, November 01, 2008 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Grand Regency Resort at Thousand Hills • GTOUnit: G222AB (3 bedrooms)Week: 44 Sat, October 31, 2009Sat, November 07, 2009 Deleted
Add Guest Certificate

Deposit
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 514 (2 bedrooms)Week: 39 Sat, September 26, 2009Sat, October 03, 2009 Deleted Unredeemed Deposit Expires: Mon, October 03, 2011



Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 67 (2 bedrooms)Week: 39 Sat, September 27, 2008Sat, October 04, 2008 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Disney's Boardwalk Villas • DBWUnit: 0BED (Efficiency)Week: 6 Sun, February 08, 2009Sun, February 15, 2009 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 68 (2 bedrooms)Week: 41 Sat, October 13, 2007Sat, October 20, 2007 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Stormy Point Village Resort • SMYUnit: 16 (3 bedrooms)Week: 46 Sun, November 16, 2008Sun, November 23, 2008 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 70 (2 bedrooms)Week: 43 Sat, October 25, 2008Sat, November 01, 2008 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Rhapsody on Lake Delton, a Condominium • RRAUnit: UUU2 (2 bedrooms)Week: 39 Fri, September 26, 2008Fri, October 03, 2008 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 61 (2 bedrooms)Week: 18 Sat, May 03, 2008Sat, May 10, 2008 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Little Sweden • LSWUnit: 401 (2 bedrooms)Week: 19 Thu, May 08, 2008Thu, May 15, 2008 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 65 (2 bedrooms)Week: 18 Sat, May 05, 2007Sat, May 12, 2007 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
The Reef At Marathon • RAMUnit: 7 (2 bedrooms)Week: 52 Sat, December 29, 2007Sat, January 05, 2008 Deleted Confirmed


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 72 (2 bedrooms)Week: 39 Sat, September 29, 2007Sat, October 06, 2007 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
The Reef At Marathon • RAMUnit: 12 (2 bedrooms)Week: 50 Sat, December 15, 2007Sat, December 22, 2007 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 528 (2 bedrooms)Week: 52 Sat, December 24, 2005Sat, December 31, 2005 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Stormy Point Village Resort • SMYUnit: 19 (2 bedrooms)Week: 45 Sun, November 11, 2007Sun, November 18, 2007 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 528 (2 bedrooms)Week: 42 Sat, October 20, 2007Sat, October 27, 2007 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
The Villas at Polo Towers • VPTUnit: 2BED (2 bedrooms)Week: 43 Fri, October 26, 2007Fri, November 02, 2007 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 70 (2 bedrooms)Week: 41 Sat, October 14, 2006Sat, October 21, 2006 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Westgate Flamingo Bay • WFBUnit: UUU2 (2 bedrooms)Week: 42 Sun, October 21, 2007Sun, October 28, 2007 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 72 (2 bedrooms)Week: 18 Sat, May 05, 2007Sat, May 12, 2007 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Lindo Mar Adventure Club • LMAUnit: 102 (2 bedrooms)Week: 36 Sat, September 08, 2007Sat, September 15, 2007 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Accommodation Certificate
Confirmed
Confirmed To:
The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge • DWLUnit: 2BED (2 bedrooms)Week: 35 Sun, September 02, 2007Sun, September 09, 2007 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 61 (2 bedrooms)Week: 47 Sat, November 18, 2006Sat, November 25, 2006 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Marriott's Grand Chateau • MGCUnit: TOMV (1 bedroom)Week: 42 Sat, October 21, 2006Sat, October 28, 2006 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Accommodation Certificate
Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Disney's Old Key West Resort • DVOUnit: 2BED (2 bedrooms)Week: 38 Sat, September 23, 2006Sat, September 30, 2006 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 528 (2 bedrooms)Week: 47 Sat, November 19, 2005Sat, November 26, 2005 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Cabins at Green Mountain • CGMUnit: 13 (2 bedrooms)Week: 36 Sun, September 10, 2006Sun, September 17, 2006 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 367 (2 bedrooms)Week: 21 Fri, May 20, 2005Fri, May 27, 2005 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Horizons by Marriott at Branson • MHBUnit: TOMV (1 bedroom)Week: 30 Fri, July 29, 2005Fri, August 05, 2005 Deleted Confirmed Evaluation Pending


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 67 (2 bedrooms)Week: 20 Sat, May 17, 2003Sat, May 24, 2003 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Treehouse Village at Lake Forest • TVLUnit: 205 (2 bedrooms)Week: 8 Fri, February 21, 2003Fri, February 28, 2003 Deleted


Exchange
The Suites at Polo Towers PLTUnit: 5101 (1 bedroom)Week: 29 Sun, July 20, 2003Sun, July 27, 2003 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Quarter House • QHSUnit: 228AB (2 bedrooms)Week: 1 Sat, January 04, 2003Sat, January 11, 2003 Deleted


Exchange
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 63 (2 bedrooms)Week: 38 Sat, September 20, 2003Sat, September 27, 2003 Deleted Confirmed
Confirmed To:
Embarcadero Pacifico • EMBUnit: 2BED (2 bedrooms)Week: 48 Sat, November 30, 2002Sat, December 07, 2002 Deleted Confirmed



Home Resort Check In/Out Exchange No. Status

Deposit
Christmas Mountain Village XMAUnit: 514 (2 bedrooms)Week: 39 Sat, September 26, 2009Sat, October 03, 2009 Deleted Unredeemed Deposit Expires: Mon, October 03, 2011



Home Resort Check In/Out Exchange No. Status


RCI Exchanges the last 3 years in our (one) RCI WEEKS ACCOUNT
Deposit Date Exchange Date Control Number
TIMBERS @ CHRISTMAS MT VILLAG ( 3662 )71 39 / 2008 03/04/2008 CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN VILLAGE ( 1115 ) WISCONSIN DELLS , WI , USA 3 BR(s) 05/23/2008 000
TIMBERS @ CHRISTMAS MT VILLAG ( 3662 )60 18 / 2008 02/12/2008 LINDO MAR RESORT ( 2358 ) PUERTO VALLARTA , JAL , MEXICO 2 BR(s) 09/06/2008 000
TIMBERS @ CHRISTMAS MT VILLAG ( 3662 )71 38 / 2007 03/09/2007 LINDO MAR RESORT ( 2358 ) PUERTO VALLARTA , JAL , MEXICO 1 BR(s) 09/15/2007 000
CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN VILLAGE ( 1115 )533 41 / 2006 08/21/2006 TIMBERS @ CHRISTMAS MT VILLAG ( 3662 ) WISCONSIN DELLS , WI , USA 2 BR(s) 07/01/2007 000
CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN VILLAGE ( 1115 )CT368 23 / 2004 04/18/2005 CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN VILLAGE ( 1115 ) WISCONSIN DELLS , WI , USA 2 BR(s) 07/08/2005 000
TIMBERS @ CHRISTMAS MT VILLAG ( 3662 )69 17 / 2005 06/13/2005 DRIFTWOOD INN RESORT ( 0299 ) VERO BEACH , FL , USA 1 BR(s) 01/19/2007 000




Below is the history of our RCI Exchanges only going back the last 3 years in the first RCI Points account of our 3 separate RCI Points ACCOUNTS. Two more account history’s to follow.
Resort Name Transaction Date Travel Dates Confirmation Number RCI Points Value
Club Optima at Treasure Island Waterpark Resort 10/01/2006 05/18/2007 - 05/20/2007 Deleted 13400
Airline Certificate 07/25/2007 09/08/2007 - 09/09/2007 Deleted 65000
Airline Certificate 07/25/2007 09/08/2007 - 09/09/2007 Deleted 65000
The Cliffs at Peace Canyon 10/01/2006 10/20/2007 - 10/27/2007 Deleted 53500
Airline Certificate 12/27/2007 02/22/2008 - 02/23/2008 Deleted 65000
Airline Certificate 12/27/2007 02/22/2008 - 02/23/2008 Deleted 65000
Airline Certificate 01/27/2008 03/14/2008 - 03/15/2008 Deleted 70000
Airline Certificate 01/27/2008 03/14/2008 - 03/15/2008 Deleted 70000
Airline Certificate 02/19/2008 09/06/2008 - 09/07/2008 Deleted 45000
Airline Certificate 02/19/2008 09/06/2008 - 09/07/2008 Deleted 45000
The Cliffs at Peace Canyon 10/15/2007 10/18/2008 - 10/25/2008 Deleted 53500
Airline Certificate 07/14/2008 10/18/2008 - 10/19/2008 Deleted 35000
Airline Certificate 07/14/2008 10/18/2008 - 10/19/2008 Deleted 35000
Lindo Mar Resort 03/13/2008 01/03/2009 - 01/10/2009 Deleted Please call a Vacation Counselor for Point Value.




Below is the history of our RCI Exchanges only going back the last 3 years in the second RCI Points account of our 3 separate RCI Points ACCOUNTS. Two more account history’s to follow.

RCI Points ® Vacations History
Transaction Date Travel Dates Confirmation Number RCI Points Value
Summer Bay Resorts Las Vegas Desert Club 04/11/2007 10/19/2007 - 10/26/2007 Deleted 42500
Summer Bay Resorts Las Vegas Desert Club 02/01/2008 10/24/2008 - 10/31/2008 Deleted 60500
Airline Certificate 06/12/2008 12/28/2008 - 12/29/2008 Deleted 90000
Airline Certificate 06/12/2008 12/28/2008 - 12/29/2008 Deleted 90000


Below is the history of our RCI Exchanges only going back the last 3 years in the third RCI Points account of our 3 separate RCI Points ACCOUNTS.



RCI Points ® Vacations History
Transaction Date Travel Dates Confirmation Number RCI Points Value
Airline Certificate 07/14/2008 03/07/2009 - 03/08/2009 394673001 55000
Airline Certificate 07/14/2008 03/07/2009 - 03/08/2009 394673201 55000