I Want to buy another timeshare - what should I do?

[Woodworker]

I currently own a red time week in Ft Lauderdale but only on the odd year and it is only a one bedroom. The trading power must not be very good because I have been trying to get a trade for a summer time beach resort for two years and cannot get it (through RCI). I need a two bedroom unit since my family size has increased. I am starting to like the idea of the point program and want to buy another timeshare that has points so that I can then use my current week in the points program also. I would not get enough points with it alone to be worthwhile.

First, am I correct in that by purchasing a timeshare that has RCI points then I can convert my current odd year week into points through RCI and not have to go through the resort?

Second, it seems that the best way to select another week is to see which one I can get the most points with the least amount of maintenance fees. The location does not matter as much since that is already figured into the number of points that it is worth. Or are there other factors other than price I need to look at?

Third, Ebay has a lot of sales for a very low price that does not sell. Is this a good place to buy it? What are typical transfer fees that I should expect?

Any other help that you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

 

[JMAESD84]

I currently own a red time week in Ft Lauderdale but only on the odd year and it is only a one bedroom. The trading power must not be very good because I have been trying to get a trade for a summer time beach resort for two years and cannot get it (through RCI). I need a two bedroom unit since my family size has increased. I am starting to like the idea of the point program and want to buy another timeshare that has points so that I can then use my current week in the points program also. I would not get enough points with it alone to be worthwhile.

First, am I correct in that by purchasing a timeshare that has RCI points then I can convert my current odd year week into points through RCI and not have to go through the resort?

No. If the option to "convert" you week to RCI points exists where you own your week, then they and only they can "convert" your week to points.

However, if this resort does not participate in RCI points then you would have the option to "deposit" your week into your RCI points account (which you have obtained elsewhere) through an RCI program called "Points For Deposit".

Second, it seems that the best way to select another week is to see which one I can get the most points with the least amount of maintenance fees. The location does not matter as much since that is already figured into the number of points that it is worth.

Yes. There are other considerations but VALUE (most points/least cost) is first and foremost.

IOr are there other factors other than price I need to look at?

Yes. Stable management, cost controls, exit strategy, etc.

Third, Ebay has a lot of sales for a very low price that does not sell. Is this a good place to buy it?

eBay is always a low cost place to shop, but is not always great for those new to timesharing or eBay shopping.

IWhat are typical transfer fees that I should expect?

You'll always have to pay the RCI points membership fee ($124 for one year) and $100 RCI Points account transfer fee to transfer whatever account you purchase. Once you have your own RCI account set upthen any additional RCI points account purchases will only involve the transfer fee. These are funds paid to RCI.

Beyond that you'll still have the closing costs associated with any purchase, not associated with RCI Points, which can run you in the neighborhood of $400 a transaction.

IAny other help that you can give me would be greatly appreciated

Many folks have asked these same questions. Invest the time to read past threads on RCI Points, you'll get an education and be better prepared to make an informed decision based on what you've learned.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[mpizza]

I like the flexibility RCI points, but its always a hit or miss as to what's available.

If its a "points" resort, you have a 10 month window to book. If its a "weeks" resort, you have two years. If the resort is a "points/weeks" combo resort, you cannot book it with your points until the 10 month mark, even if deposited into weeks two years out - so if its a two bedroom summer beach week, chances are someone will book it thru a weeks trade before it becomes available to points owners.

In addition, you may buy enough points to book the resort this year, but next year RCI could raise the points needed.

If you know you consistently want a two bedroom summer beach week, just buy it.

Maria

 

[lprstn]

If I were in your situation (which I was when I first purchased my Sheraton Vistana fixed week) I would purchase a points system that had many internal resorts that I want to visit. That way you don't have to worry about RCI, you can book within your internal system before ever dealing with RCI.

The following point systems have nice resorts, nice locations are at a great price when purchased resale.

Go to there websites and see if you like their resorts;

Wyndham
Worldmark
Hilton
Blue Green
Marriott
Starwood
RCI
Disney
Equivest
Sunterra
Royal Holiday

 

[toby9116]

If you buy where you want to go when you want to go you do not need RCI. Think of the annual fees a person can save. If you want to go others will to making it easier to rent out the years you can not use it. NO RCI !! Win Win