Just curious if you buy a week resale at HICV Orange Lake is there a way to trade for another week at the same resort (either internally or through RCI or II?) Or when you buy resale can you only use that specific unit and week?
Would it be better then to buy a contract from one of the three resorts that includes the points system and just trade into Orange Lake for the week we want?
I am not aware of internal exchanges, but you may want to read the bylaws to make sure and maybe learn any additional options. I own a float week at Desert Club and found out some useful information that I was not aware in the bylaws, like splitting the week. If you search the FB group, you can get the login info to review bylaws.
If you buy resale, you get that week and unit only, and might be able to convert it to points by purchasing some developer points. Purchasing developer points has been all over the place, so not sure what the cost might be. HICV has also sent conversions offers by email where you can bring 1-3 deeds, depending on the amount of purchased points.
If you buy at the 3 resorts, you can book at any HICV property 10 month out. There is always a lot of availability at Orange Lake. Some types of units do sell, like river island pool view. However, you may want to review the points chart for the week you would like to use the points, and calculate the overall cost ($149 yearly membership fee, $64 booking fee, pointshield fee) and if you need to rent points to cover the a point difference at $10 per 1k points. You may find that owning the week might be a better option as there are no club or reservation fees, with a close to free acquisition price.
2 other things to consider:
1. RCI recently removed the 1 in 4 limitation for Orange Lake exchanges, and West, East, and North villages are always available, and I am sure an ongoing search will pull something too. I also see a lot of last minute deals at these (not the cash option, but the 45 days out exchanges).
2. Consider renting from an HICV owner. I rent out all the time. There is a FB group for rentals as well where you can post requests. We get 15 free guest certificate, you only pay for the points you need, can book less or more than 7 nights, help pay for other members maintenance fees.
Tony