It's Maintenance Fee Month. Good old January. How is everyone coping? Are timeshare maintenance fees still worth the value vs hotel or other forms of

[wuv pooh]

LOL. The original premise was that MVC is doomed because middle class people could not afford higher MF. I was just saying that is BS because the middle class is not the target and never has been. If we want to pretend millionaires are middle class then fine, lets call them aspirationally affluent. The same target market as Gucci, Coach Outlet Store, Lexus, etc. People who want to be seen as wealthy or enjoy something that the wealthy have access to and can afford a cheaper version of it. I can't afford $6k per night for a truly exclusive resort but I can certainly afford $6k per week for an ocean front resort. Rising food and gas costs are a nit to me compared to my salary and I will continue to spend the $6k. The fact that I will do 28 nights vs. 7 probably indicates that I am still frugal and influenced by middle class values

In the last quarter MVC updated their addressable market to 48 million US Households. That is a 37% increase in their target market since covid as income inequality continues to increase. They sell the majority of their financing contracts so do not retain the credit exposure. Like any business their sales will be impacted at the margin by economic conditions but Covid shutdown did not kill them and neither will rising maintenance fees. MVC is not going anywhere.

 

[JIMinNC]

I sort of seriously doubt timeshares would be that interesting to the truly affluent.

So the pitch for timeshares is kind of the middle class to upper middle class IMHO, depending on the timeshare. People who would like a nice vacation each year or more often, but don't really have the desire or funds to drop $5k per week just for a place to stay.

LOL. The original premise was that MVC is doomed because middle class people could not afford higher MF. I was just saying that is BS because the middle class is not the target and never has been. If we want to pretend millionaires are middle class then fine, lets call them aspirationally affluent. The same target market as Gucci, Coach Outlet Store, Lexus, etc. People who want to be seen as wealthy or enjoy something that the wealthy have access to and can afford a cheaper version of it. I can't afford $6k per night for a truly exclusive resort but I can certainly afford $6k per week for an ocean front resort.

Absolutely. The key is different people have different ideas of where "affluence" starts. What does middle class mean? What does upper middle class mean? What is the definition of affluent? It all means different things to different people.

According to Kiplinger, here is how much net worth you would need to be the the top 50% of all households in the U.S. in 2022:

• Top top 1% had $10,815,000
• The top 2% had $2,472,000.
• The top 5% had $1,030,000.
• The top 10% had $854,900.
• The top 50% had $522,210.

Based on that, it would seem that if the median net worth of Marriott owners is indeed about $1.5 million, then over half of the MVC owner base is in the top 4-5% of all households in the U.S. Most people would probably consider that relatively affluent compared to the average American, but the truth is, affluence is a continuum. Someone with $1.5 million in net worth probably doesn't feel all that affluent, based on how the affluent are perceived, but the fact is, they are way above average. Most people associate affluence with people who fly around on private jets between their multiple mansions, and folks at that level certainly aren't in the prime market for timeshares, but the truth is someone can be affluent relative to the majority of Americans with fairly modest wealth.

 

[Dean]

For an attitude that you claim is not meant to disparage direct purchasers, I have to say I feel as though you've used a whole lot of words that lead me to feel disparaged. But it's certainly not anything that those of us who had LEGITIMATE reasons to purchase direct haven't seen before.

It may not be true that there is as much legitimacy to be found in the current timeshare market, what with the proliferation of a widespread and easily-accessible external resale market online, but there was a time that it could and did make sense to buy direct. At the time Don and I purchased it was me that did all the legwork. I learned about the reputation surrounding timeshares, the beginning of the online resale market, the albatross of annual MF's increases, the game of exchanging via II and even the start of the online rentals-by-owners market - and I took the time to learn that the Marriott brand was my preference.

I knew enough about all of it to do my due diligence without being "sloppy." I knew that I wanted annual stays at SurfWatch in a 3BR non-lockoff unit (a very rare animal in the Marriott portfolio) during either the Memorial Day or Labor Day high-demand/holiday periods in units with specific view types. At the time the resort was still under construction with external resales virtually non-existent. I'd learned enough to know that no exchange company would/could guarantee my specific wants, plus I wanted no part of the risks - minimal as they may be - with renting from owners/strangers.

So buying direct made sense for me, and we followed up our original purchase of SurfWatch with Barony Beach. To this day I haven't and wouldn't EVER claim that anyone who reached a different purchase decision than mine has made a "poor choice" or one that's somehow not "CORRECT." That would be rude, and uncouth.

Times have changed, the timeshare market has changed with them. The single piece of advice I would give to people considering buying timeshares is the same today as it was back then: do your homework and learn what you need to know in order to get the vacations that you want. I also only have one piece of advice for the people who buy spur-of-the-moment and ask questions that lead me to think that they didn't do their homework: rescind while you can so you can give yourself time to learn what you need to know and then buy what you want, and ignore the people who make themselves feel superior to you by disparaging you.

*Like Jim we eventually bought a home on Hilton Head so our stays at SurfWatch and Barony are behind us. But we take full advantage of the owners' Day Pass usage that's available at both, and thankfully Marriott introduced the Destination Club/Abound at exactly the right moment for us to learn it and use it to its full advantage so that II can be in the rearview mirror. We are STILL very happy with our purchase decisions all those years ago.

While I'm sure that all of us know the retail buyer is critical for keeping the system alive and thriving, I personally can't avoid recommending what is usually the best option for the individual, to cancel. Even if they end up deciding to purchase resale later, they need to know the ins and outs prior.

 

[wuv pooh]

While I'm sure that all of us know the retail buyer is critical for keeping the system alive and thriving, I personally can't avoid recommending what is usually the best option for the individual, to cancel. Even if they end up deciding to purchase resale later, they need to know the ins and outs prior.

Agree. The people who have buyers remorse and make their way to TUG should be told to rescind. They clearly like the concept but are worried about the price and getting taken advantage of. They should rescind and follow up with an approach that makes them comfortable. People who buy developer and are satisfied are also fine. I purchased from Marriott 3x and was very happy each time. I surely ended up with a longer break even time but got other things I valued. You resale addicts are welcome

 

[Superchief]

For an attitude that you claim is not meant to disparage direct purchasers, I have to say I feel as though you've used a whole lot of words that lead me to feel disparaged. But it's certainly not anything that those of us who had LEGITIMATE reasons to purchase direct haven't seen before.

It may not be true that there is as much legitimacy to be found in the current timeshare market, what with the proliferation of a widespread and easily-accessible external resale market online, but there was a time that it could and did make sense to buy direct. At the time Don and I purchased it was me that did all the legwork. I learned about the reputation surrounding timeshares, the beginning of the online resale market, the albatross of annual MF's increases, the game of exchanging via II and even the start of the online rentals-by-owners market - and I took the time to learn that the Marriott brand was my preference.

I knew enough about all of it to do my due diligence without being "sloppy." I knew that I wanted annual stays at SurfWatch in a 3BR non-lockoff unit (a very rare animal in the Marriott portfolio) during either the Memorial Day or Labor Day high-demand/holiday periods in units with specific view types. At the time the resort was still under construction with external resales virtually non-existent. I'd learned enough to know that no exchange company would/could guarantee my specific wants, plus I wanted no part of the risks - minimal as they may be - with renting from owners/strangers.

So buying direct made sense for me, and we followed up our original purchase of SurfWatch with Barony Beach. To this day I haven't and wouldn't EVER claim that anyone who reached a different purchase decision than mine has made a "poor choice" or one that's somehow not "CORRECT." That would be rude, and uncouth.

Times have changed, the timeshare market has changed with them. The single piece of advice I would give to people considering buying timeshares is the same today as it was back then: do your homework and learn what you need to know in order to get the vacations that you want. I also only have one piece of advice for the people who buy spur-of-the-moment and ask questions that lead me to think that they didn't do their homework: rescind while you can so you can give yourself time to learn what you need to know and then buy what you want, and ignore the people who make themselves feel superior to you by disparaging you.

*Like Jim we eventually bought a home on Hilton Head so our stays at SurfWatch and Barony are behind us. But we take full advantage of the owners' Day Pass usage that's available at both, and thankfully Marriott introduced the Destination Club/Abound at exactly the right moment for us to learn it and use it to its full advantage so that II can be in the rearview mirror. We are STILL very happy with our purchase decisions all those years ago.

Many of us bought from the developer several years ago when there were more incentives. I purchased 3 of my weeks when the MR point option was a key incentive. We could turn in our week for 110-120 k MR points. At that time, this would be enough for 7 nights at any Marriott resort worldwide, two roundtrip airline tickets on several airlines, 1 week hertz rental, and BOGO cruise certificate. These redemption levels had been very stable for 10+ years and the Marriott family still ran the company. The MR point option was only available for developer direct purchases. There were also significant incentives and discounts. I also bought my weeks prior to the DC point option and upfront costs for the gold weeks were more affordable. Things changed after the spinoff of MVC and current management is much more focused on Wall Street than owners. I would not have changed my initial purchases, but would definitely have done things differently if I knew what was coming. I would never buy points from MVC today.

I wouldn't be surprised if default rates continue to increase. The sales staff won't be willing to give up a sales opportunity even if they know the buyer is getting in over their head. MVC relied heavily on referrals and repurchases from existing owners. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless management starts showing more concerns for owners.

 

[LUVourMarriotts]

Guest surveys.

I've been asked what my household income is, and sometimes respond to that question. But, that doesn't provide a direct line to net worth. As an example, I know some people that make approximately the same amount of yearly income as my wife and I. But, our net worth is significantly different from theirs, simply based on the way we live our lives. They spend every dollar they receive with no care about the future, and we don't.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I've been asked what my household income is, and sometimes respond to that question. But, that doesn't provide a direct line to net worth. As an example, I know some people that make approximately the same amount of yearly income as my wife and I. But, our net worth is significantly different from theirs, simply based on the way we live our lives. They spend every dollar they receive with no care about the future, and we don't.

Income is a very strange question in any survey. I ignore the one that pops up on my Amex log-in, but eventually they may keep me from ignoring it. I think it's none of their business. As long as I am paying my full statement amount each month, what does it matter?

If I have an income of $80,000 and have a mortgage that takes up $36,000 of that $80,000, then the question of income should be net income after major expenses. But I wouldn't answer that either. We have no mortgage, so our income level is higher than anyone with a huge mortgage payment each month. It's a stupid question.

We have been paying a ridiculous amount of money to Wyndham for points that we have no ability to use, burning $$$$$ of our income for over 2 years because Wyndham shut our rental business down. That is where our money is going.

 

[daviator]

Income is a very strange question in any survey. I ignore the one that pops up on my Amex log-in, but eventually they may keep me from ignoring it. I think it's none of their business. As long as I am paying my full statement amount each month, what does it matter?

When the credit card companies ask you about your income, it's generally because it informs their decision to offer you a credit line increase (or not) and generally helps confirm that your spending is in line with what you are taking in. Most American Express cards don't have a stated credit limit, but you can be sure that their system considers what they know of your financial situation every single time you charge something, before that charge is approved. I usually think it's to my advantage to answer the question when they ask, because I want to feel assured that when I want to make a large and perhaps unprecedented charge – charging the entire price of a timeshare week, for example – I want that transaction to be approved. But I don't think they ever force you to answer the question and you are certainly within your rights to decline to answer it. Just don't be surprised if you ever try to charge, say, $50,000 on your Amex card and they decline it.

I did put all of my developer-purchased timeshares on the Starwood Amex, btw. Each time they told me they could only put a small amount, like $5,000, on the Amex, and I told them that I guessed that we couldn't do business then. Remarkably, they found a way to charge the whole thing. That was back with SPG hotel points were a lot more valuable than Bonvoy points are today. Of course, if I'd found TUG earlier, I might have saved a lot of money by buying resale.

 

[suzannesimon]

Still hanging in there with my 10 weeks as long as I can rent them for more than maintenance fees. It’s getting a little scary, though, when the Harborside weeks are now in excess of $4700 for maintenance and I have 2 of them. Still renting good but I’m worried at the whole resort failing with so many owners talking about “walking away”.

 

[Hindsite]

I’m worried at the whole resort failing with so many owners talking about “walking away”.

Is this a specific issue for Harbourside where the delinquent weeks aren't or can't be rented out by the HOA or MVW?
I don't see the path to failure when weeks get taken over by MVW and they rent them, put them into Abound, put them in II or sell them on. They pay maint fees on what they own.

 

[Dean]

Is this a specific issue for Harbourside where the delinquent weeks aren't or can't be rented out by the HOA or MVW?
I don't see the path to failure when weeks get taken over by MVW and they rent them, put them into Abound, put them in II or sell them on. They pay maint fees on what they own.

Have Harbourside weeks been included in the Trust? If not, there's no inherent deterrent to excluding the ownership if they chose to go that route. Even if they were, since those owning in the trust simply owns the trust and not the underlying week, it would not be difficult for them to swap out the points if they have sufficient inventory to do so. Whether it'll happen is likely another matter but my point is MVC could exclude the resort if they so chose.

 

[Hindsite]

Have Harbourside weeks been included in the Trust?

Not that I am aware of, but, like the other non-US locations MVC can put their inventory into Abound (not the Trust) for a given year.

 

[DeeCee]

So yes it's Maintenance Fee Month. Good old January.
How are you all coping with the exorbitant fees again this year?

I have 2 weeks at Ocean Pointe. I know there are some people with multiple weeks that like to go down for the the winter months.
Also have 2 other EOY weeks at other resorts.

Of course Redweek and the other listing sites are flooded with owners wanting to bail out. This of course is devaluing the relative cost of the resale value.

I am totally conflicted. Part of me wants out. Another part is looking forward to more travel as my retirement years approach.

Are timeshare maintenance fees still worth the value vs hotel or other forms of vacation travel?

Please share your current analysis and strategy?

I just did my version of a cost analysis for our Marriott gold season week. I take our resale purchase price and divide it over the 7 years we own, add that amount to the current years MF's and divide by 7 nights. Then I look up rack rates with a cash back option, or discounted rates (hard to find for Spring Break week, if not impossible) for the same 7 nights. Then I subtract our cost from the pay by night rate and it comes out to (for this years anyway) a savings of approximately $2000 for this years week.

So for us, we are still ahead of the game with ever increasing MF's. Once we hit the break even point, we will consider selling. Just the way I figure it....

Dee

 

[timsi]

I just did my version of a cost analysis for our Marriott gold season week. I take our resale purchase price and divide it over the 7 years we own, add that amount to the current years MF's and divide by 7 nights. Then I look up rack rates with a cash back option, or discounted rates (hard to find for Spring Break week, if not impossible) for the same 7 nights. Then I subtract our cost from the pay by night rate and it comes out to (for this years anyway) a savings of approximately $2000 for this years week.

So for us, we are still ahead of the game with ever increasing MF's. Once we hit the break even point, we will consider selling. Just the way I figure it....

Dee

Many Tuggers suggest that if maintenance fees surpass the usage value, they will sell. I hate to say that if this occurs, the delinquency will already be very high and finding takers will be very challenging. I don't intend to imply that this scenario will unfold soon or at all.

 

[winger]

LONG THREAD (have not read all of it) - but here is a conversation we had just the other day when we were in Vegas to welcome in the New Year:

DW: Why do we pay for timeshares when we can do AirBnB or hotels? The fees just sound so high now.
Me: We like the larger accomodations and known quality for the TS's we have owned more than 20+ years
DW: So, we are spending money on higher quality than motel 6 ? But, we can still go on vacation tho, right?
Me: Yes, TS is simply is luxury item that we an afford so we are paying for it
DW: I understand. What if we want to use TS's
Me: Kids, if they want; or just no longer pay the MF's. If I have the energy, we can try selling them.
DW: Sounds like a plan

BTW - we just see the charges hit the credit card, a sinking feeling, like always. But, I also remember the great times we had this year and upcoming 2024 is all booked! That is uplifting ; )

 

[dioxide45]

I just did the math for 2023 usage. This includes all fees paid for timeshare. I also included points we rented and anything else; getaways, II exchanges, maintenance fees, II upgrade fees, eplus, ACs. You name it, I included the cost. Overall we paid a little less than $95/night for 113 nights in timeshare.

 

[HedonisticEpicurean]

Absolutely. The key is different people have different ideas of where "affluence" starts. What does middle class mean? What does upper middle class mean? What is the definition of affluent? It all means different things to different people.

According to Kiplinger, here is how much net worth you would need to be the the top 50% of all households in the U.S. in 2022:

• Top top 1% had $10,815,000
• The top 2% had $2,472,000.
• The top 5% had $1,030,000.
• The top 10% had $854,900.
• The top 50% had $522,210.

All the talk in this thread about net worth and timeshares made me think of the truism to a conversation in the show Succession regarding inheriting $5 million. I love this dialogue below as I think it is hilarious and far too true. Not many will feel sorry for the person with five million but they certainly aren't living large. That is why you will find the poor rich buying timeshares and fractional ownerships.

"Five's a nightmare......
Can't retire.....not worth it to work.
Five will drive you un poco loco, my fine feathered friend.
Poorest rich person in America
The world's tallest dwarf......the weakest strong man at the circus."

 

[Retired2025 aka AlmostRetired]

Many of us bought from the developer several years ago when there were more incentives. I purchased 3 of my weeks when the MR point option was a key incentive. We could turn in our week for 110-120 k MR points. At that time, this would be enough for 7 nights at any Marriott resort worldwide, two roundtrip airline tickets on several airlines, 1 week hertz rental, and BOGO cruise certificate. These redemption levels had been very stable for 10+ years and the Marriott family still ran the company. The MR point option was only available for developer direct purchases.

Marriott had a resale department out of Orlando that came with all the benefits of purchasing new from Marriott, It is how I purchased my Monarch week in 1996. It was provided to me at a presentation I went to at the Grande Ocean while I was renting at the Monarch. The sales person (who I don't remember) and a friend (Wayne Williams ) who worked in that area.

You hit upon a benefit that I valued and one of the big reasons I purchased, an easy way to move out of the world of timeshares. The summer Monarch provided 130K MR. Because it was Marriott first, it was every year option (and still is). As you said, this was enough to get you a room at any Marriott hotel in the world. My MF was a little over 500, or $ 75 a night. In 2001, I did a travel package for 420K MR for 4 round trip tickets anywhere AA or AA partner flew in the world, 2 weeks at a hotel and a rental car benefit that I do not remember what is was. We did a three week European trip for 4. It is the point system that is responsible for me getting my first trader. That same year (1996), I purchased a trader (non Marriott) that I purchased via auction found on the internet used to get into the Monarch so I could exchange the Monarch for MR. At some point Marriott started devaluing travel packages by offerings airline points instead of actual tickets. This is when renting my HHI unit became a vehicle to travel outside of timeshares when we are not using it. I did get one more travel package that was extremely valuable to me. It was maybe 5 years ago when exchanging for Southwest points that was enough for free companion travel the year of the exchange and included the following year. Did it in January for two full years.

I just did the math for 2023 usage. This includes all fees paid for timeshare. I also included points we rented and anything else; getaways, II exchanges, maintenance fees, II upgrade fees, eplus, ACs. You name it, I included the cost. Overall we paid a little less than $95/night for 113 nights in timeshare.

A great positive post. Thank you for providing the big picture of what is available to every Marriott owner (minus renting points) and taking it one step further to your personal cost of a nights stay. Everything you did (minus renting points), is available to every Marriott Owner to take advantage of or not. This is a good example of what an owner can look into for their own vacation strategy planning.

====================================================================
If after learning how to get the most out of your timeshare, you don't find it worth it, exit. I feel bad when someone is lied to and purchases based on those lies. It shouldn't be allowed but it is. In this regard, the sales group is the monster, but I try to ignore (not always good at) the posts that portray every aspect of MVCI as Frankenstein and try and gather the villagers to get the monster. Has Marriott made changes that impact my usage, yes. You adjust and move on. Has MF increased higher than I would like, yes. Am I crazy about the management fee tied to spend, no, but I would not own without the Marriott brand. Years ago, I purchased a second Monarch fixed week so I could leave one to each son. Owning a fixed week is easy. Between the increasing MF and assessments at the Monarch, I sold my Monarch's. Because I of the work it requires to get the most out if the timeshare, I revamped my portfolio and have no intension of leaving this to my kids. My timeshare ownership is not personal, when I am unhappy with my ownership and can't see the value, I will exit. If I ever join the villagers, please remind me it is time for me to leave the village.

 

[timsi]

Marriott had a resale department out of Orlando that came with all the benefits of purchasing new from Marriott, It is how I purchased my Monarch week in 1996. It was provided to me at a presentation I went to at the Grande Ocean while I was renting at the Monarch. The sales person (who I don't remember) and a friend (Wayne Williams ) who worked in that area.

You hit upon a benefit that I valued and one of the big reasons I purchased, an easy way to move out of the world of timeshares. The summer Monarch provided 130K MR. Because it was Marriott first, it was every year option (and still is). As you said, this was enough to get you a room at any Marriott hotel in the world. My MF was a little over 500, or $ 75 a night. In 2001, I did a travel package for 420K MR for 4 round trip tickets anywhere AA or AA partner flew in the world, 2 weeks at a hotel and a rental car benefit that I do not remember what is was. We did a three week European trip for 4. It is the point system that is responsible for me getting my first trader. That same year (1996), I purchased a trader (non Marriott) that I purchased via auction found on the internet used to get into the Monarch so I could exchange the Monarch for MR. At some point Marriott started devaluing travel packages by offerings airline points instead of actual tickets. This is when renting my HHI unit became a vehicle to travel outside of timeshares when we are not using it. I did get one more travel package that was extremely valuable to me. It was maybe 5 years ago when exchanging for Southwest points that was enough for free companion travel the year of the exchange and included the following year. Did it in January for two full years.



A great positive post. Thank you for providing the big picture of what is available to every Marriott owner (minus renting points) and taking it one step further to your personal cost of a nights stay. Everything you did (minus renting points), is available to every Marriott Owner to take advantage of or not. This is a good example of what an owner can look into for their own vacation strategy planning.

====================================================================
If after learning how to get the most out of your timeshare, you don't find it worth it, exit. I feel bad when someone is lied to and purchases based on those lies. It shouldn't be allowed but it is. In this regard, the sales group is the monster, but I try to ignore (not always good at) the posts that portray every aspect of MVCI as Frankenstein and try and gather the villagers to get the monster. Has Marriott made changes that impact my usage, yes. You adjust and move on. Has MF increased higher than I would like, yes. Am I crazy about the management fee tied to spend, no, but I would not own without the Marriott brand. Years ago, I purchased a second Monarch fixed week so I could leave one to each son. Owning a fixed week is easy. Between the increasing MF and assessments at the Monarch, I sold my Monarch's. Because if the work it requires to get the most out if the timeshare, I revamped my portfolio and have no intension of leaving this to my kids. My timeshare ownership is not personal, when I am unhappy with my ownership and can't see the value, I will exit. If I ever join the villagers, please remind me it is time for me to leave the village.

He seems to be able to enjoy very affordable getaways, many of them in Orlando, which are typically not during the prime season, nor available well in advance. Even if these options are accessible to all owners, they don't suit many of us for various reasons.

 

[SueDonJ]

As moderator, a reminder with everyone looking at/paying their MF's during these few weeks:

If you haven't already, please consider posting in the Marriott 2024 Maintenance Fees sticky thread. Links to these annual stickies are all saved in the Weeks FAQ making it easy for people to both learn what the current fees are, and, to track the history. Your fellow TUGgers appreciate your help.

 

[bazzap]

As moderator, a reminder with everyone looking at/paying their MF's during these few weeks:

If you haven't already, please consider posting in the Marriott 2024 Maintenance Fees sticky thread. Links to these annual stickies are all saved in the Weeks FAQ making it easy for people to both learn what the current fees are, and, to track the history. Your fellow TUGgers appreciate your help.

Susan, 2024 MFs have been posted in the sticky thread for
Club Son Antem
Marbella Beach Resort
Phuket Beach Club
Playa Andaluza
These don’t yet show in the MVC Weeks summary though

 

[SueDonJ]

Susan, 2024 MFs have been posted in the sticky thread for
Club Son Antem
Marbella Beach Resort
Phuket Beach Club
Playa Andaluza
These don’t yet show in the MVC Weeks summary though

View attachment 87130

I know, it's been a while since I updated the first post. Tuesday I'm flying down to Hilton Head where I have nothing on my schedule for the next few months except TUG updating/cleaning, including the MF's sticky.

 

[DeeCee]

I just did the math for 2023 usage. This includes all fees paid for timeshare. I also included points we rented and anything else; getaways, II exchanges, maintenance fees, II upgrade fees, eplus, ACs. You name it, I included the cost. Overall we paid a little less than $95/night for 113 nights in timeshare.

I was just telling my husband my way of calculating. He said he looks at it different as we paid cash in full when we purchased our legacy week 7 years ago, so he doesn't include that price in our annual calculations....I still take the purchase price, divide by years of ownership, add that year's MF's and divide by the 7 nights we are in the unit that current year. Either way, we are still ahead by thousands each year. (we paid a good price resale). I didn't think to average out the MF's over the last 7 years and use 49 nights to divide by.

Not to mention the fact that we love our home resort and haven't wanted to trade out at all, we just want to keep going back!
Hope it works out well for everyone !

Dee