Live 12 months in TS? Help! How do we best do this?

[OurAdventure]

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, brainstorming, and help.

My wife and I are thinking about selling our home of 22 years, and relocating in Arizona in 2022 or 2023. But before we purchase in AZ and settle in, we would like to travel. And we are strongly considering living in a timeshare(s) for up to 12 months once our home in beautiful Bear Valley Springs, CA sells this late summer or fall (2021). We have wondered for a while if this CAN be done, and are now convinced that it CAN be, because we have read the stories of several people who are actually doing it.

Now what we would love to learn from you, the experts, is the best path to doing this.

1. We don't own a timeshare. Never have. If you were going to start out like we are, what company or companies would you invest in to do this for a year? What companies have the best inventory, availability, flexibility, and cost? I guess a company with a point system would be preferred - something like WorldMark?
1.a. We live in the western states, and would spend most of our time in and around (Scottsdale) Arizona. And we have kids and grandkids in Portland area who love to go to the coast, and a son in Film School at BIOLA just outside of Los Angeles. These would be our target destinations. So primarily west coast and Arizona, and western United States.
1.b. I would on rare occasions go to the east coast to work with some of my clients in person.
1.c. Our "ideal" monthly housing budget (MoFees, housekeeping? exchange fees? etc.) would be between $1600-2000.

2. We would have cash from the sale of our home. We would like to purchase our timeshare(s) on the resale market - not retail - if possible. Unless there is some kind of punishment from the companies for doing so.

3. Would there possibly be some kind of tax advantages available for living in timeshares for 52 weeks, owning no other residence? It would not be "entertainment" or "vacation" property at this point, but rent. And for working remotely from the timeshare as my office? If read all that I can on this, but can't find this from tax advisors. Have any of you "full timers" found a way?

4. Finally, what would be a good exit strategy? Once we purchased a house in Arizona after our long adventure in timeshares, we would not want to pay the monthly fees for such a large amount of points. We might want to keep two or three months, but no more. So is there an exit strategy that we should consider before we begin purchasing points/weeks?

We appreciate your thoughts and ideas. We are completely open to your ideas and experiences and out of the box thinking. This would be a completely different way for us to live our lives for a period of time.

Doug and Susie Cowan

 

[AnnieBets]

I just looked in Interval International. There are getaways available in Scottsdale for Aug and September that you could get for close to the $2,000 a month point. Others can advise on system to buy in, but you shouldn’t buy enough points to cover the entire year as you can pick up getaways if you are flexible. Then use the points for high demand weeks that you can book as early as possible.

 

[Mjasp]

Well good for you! I would love to do that also. I actually remember someone on here doing that but I searched for then and can't find them, I specifically remember them saying they take family photos with them and put them in the timeshare to make it feel like home. If anyone on here does that, I would love to read your story and blog if you have one.

 

[rapmarks]

Just be warned, very difficult to dispose of a timeshare, I would only buy what you would want to keep and rent or use extra vacations for the rest.

 

[TheTimeTraveler]

Sounds like an interesting plan, but can you afford (or do you really want to spend) anywhere between $1,000 and $1,500 PER WEEK in maintenance fees? That equates to somewhere between $52K and $75K for a year of timeshare use......

I certainly wouldn't want to spend that but that's just me.

Additionally, timeshares are easy to buy but "can be difficult" to unload when your done with them.



.

 

[dioxide45]

Being new to timeshare, I would think this would not be an easy thing to do. Many of those that have lived full time in timeshare already had years of experience owning and learning to use their timeshares. Slowly building up a portfolio of weeks that they could use to live in full time. I am not sure I would suggest living in timeshare to someone who has never owned one before. Learning to use a timeshare isn't something you can easily do in a short period of time. Just my thoughts...

 

[Passepartout]

It can be done, but takes experience, membership in and DEEP knowledge of various systems. Each systems offers what are called 'gateway's or 'Last Calls' which are cash paid weeks at around $300/week, but to join the exchange takes owning a TS. Bear in mind that these are leftovers. They are generally 2nd tier properties often in off season. Think seashore in winter, ski resorts in mud season, or units with parking lot of dumpster views.

I suggest you join TUG ($15/yr) to give access to resort reviews of thousands of resorts worldwide.

Stick around. Learn. You are going to need the 'Master Class' or you'll pay a LOT for the experience.

You will spend time and money moving from one property to another. Put all your belongings in big bins to ease the loading/unloading at each move. Don't count on being able to simply stay in the West.

Jim

 

[OurAdventure]

Just be warned, very difficult to dispose of a timeshare, I would only but what you would want to keep and rent or use extra vacations for the rest.

Thank you. Wise advice.

 

[Andrearr]

Buy vistana or Marriott portfolio to trade in II.
Buy Grandview or something else cheap to trade in RCi.
Plan each week ahead using getaways and last call only use exchanges for weeks when you can't find good cash rates and no good alternatives. You may spend a lot of time in Vegas (at Westgate), CA or AZ. but it can be done between exchange companies and rentals from others.

Would you consider a Couple weeks overseas?

 

[BJRSanDiego]

There were two couples who did full-time timesharing. I only recall one - - RonAndJoan. Perhaps someone else might suggest the other one (Mike and Edie?). I'd read their adventures to get some ideas. They pulled it off.

 

[Passepartout]

Do a TUG search using the term, 'Live full time in TS' you'll get no end of pointers from those that have done it.

 

[pedro47]

Welcome to the TUG website.

My suggestions are to read, research, read, research and research some more about buying a timeshare and maintenance fees from this website. I would purchase a resale timeshare from WorldMark, Hyatt, Hilton or Marriott. A major hotel chain that will update their timeshare resorts units every 4 to 5 years.

My second suggestion buy a resale timeshare and do not purchase directly from a developer. You will save some big, big dollars. IMHO. Learn how to rent Getaway timeshare weeks from II or RCI.

My last suggestion is to read about the difference timeshare ownerships and how timeshare have changed from fixed weeks ownerships to timeshare clubs and to various points system.

Just take your time to read, research and to explore information & suggestions about timeshare ownership vacation.

 

[JudyS]

Guess what! My husband just sold our house, put our stuff in storage, and are planning an extended stay (maybe a year or so) in timeshares.

I have a moderate number of timeshares (about 40) that I mostly rent as a hobby/sideline. But last year, many of them didn't rent because of the pandemic. So, now we have a tons of points and weeks -- and a shortage of money.

We didn't know when our house would sell, so we weren't able to bookour timeshares much in advance. So, we are spending out first 6 weeks in Orlando. We start driving south from Michigan today!

One of the reasons this is affordable is because we own two Christmas Mountain Village contracts in Wisconsin, a rare type of fractional that allows booking quite a few weeks per year, depending on availability. The weeks there are very cost-effective traders. There might be someone here on TUG who has a Xmas MT UDI to sell or give away.

I think RonandJoan used mostly getaway/last call. I would *not* start off by buying a lot of timeshares.

 

[The Colorado Kid]

Guess what! My husband just sold our house, put our stuff in storage, and are planning an extended stay (maybe a year or so) in timeshares.

I have a moderate number of timeshares (about 40) that I mostly rent as a hobby/sideline. But last year, many of them didn't rent because of the pandemic. So, now we have a tons of points and weeks -- and a shortage of money.

We didn't know when our house would sell, so we weren't able to bookour timeshares much in advance. So, we are spending out first 6 weeks in Orlando. We start driving south from Michigan today!

One of the reasons this is affordable is because we own two Christmas Mountain Village contracts in Wisconsin, a rare type of fractional that allows booking quite a few weeks per year, depending on availability. The weeks there are very cost-effective traders. There might be someone here on TUG who has a Xmas MT UDI to sell or give away.

I think RonandJoan used mostly getaway/last call. I would *not* start off by buying a lot of timeshares.

@JudyS A "moderate number" is 40? I hope to be moderate some day!

 

[Cecile Boisvert]

OurAdventure,
i recommend that you not do this - this is just about the worst idea at the worst time!
there are simpler ways to be « homeless » and on extended vacation with cash in your pockets, without purchasing a bunch of timeshares
these timeshares will cost you a fortune in maintenance fees (even if you pay them 1$ each…) and it will also be very very hard to get rid of them.
timeshares are an outdated business model, sorry to say

 

[samara64]

I guess you nailed it. Worldmark is the key. Cash options, Like bonus time and inventory specials makes your stays at the timeshare unlimited. Also you can rent as many points as needed up to 2x your annual allotment or account size.

I would budget about $2K-$3K per month in cost. You will need an average of 30K - 40K * $0.75 = ~$3000/month

I would get 2 or 3 large Worldmark accounts like 50K each for around $15K and start planning. This way you can have multiple bonus time reservations when you need them.

As others have said, I would stay away from buying individual weeks in unbranded timeshare (go for $0.01 a dozen) in hopes of using or exchanging them. Too risky and unreliable and sometimes super difficult to get rid of when you are done. Worldmark sells easy and in very high demand so it is not the cheapest to get into. Cheek eBay for current prices or go to

Forum list

Open discussion of WorldMark The Club and other timeshare topics

wmowners.com

for more info as there is a buy/sell/rent section there that can give you some guidance.

 

[pedro47]

@JudyS A "moderate number" is 40? I hope to be moderate some day!

Ditto!!!! A "moderate number is 40" That is just awesome. You must be excellent with numbers. LOL

 

[bogey21]

Why not just buy two relatively inexpensive Weeks in HOA Controlled Independent Resorts, one that trades in II and one in RCI. This would give you access to Last Calls whatever II calls them. Make sure the two Weeks you buy are at places you might like to use multiple times. I say this because the Independents I used to own always had unused Weeks that they were willing to rent to Owners at discounted rates. For the rest of your travels why not check and see if you can rent cheaper than MFs. All this would cut your capital outlay down to almost zero and minimize your occupancy expenses. It will also enable you to pull the plug on your plan anytime you want without much effort or expense...

George

 

[jules54]

Our Adventure,
How very very exciting. To have the ability, health, resources to do this is fantastic. If you have not already you must join Tug for 15.00 a year. It is a fantastic online community. So many members are so generous with their knowledge.

I agree with others about not purchasing multiple timeshares. Maybe 2 to start. One that trades in RCI and another that trades in Interval International. This is so as others have mentioned you can access cheap getaways, extra vacations, as explained these you pay cash for. There are several other smaller exchange companies that you can also join and get bonus weeks from. You can do your research here and find out what they are. 2 timeshares that you for FREE would not be that big of a deal to keep and pay maintenance fees on for many years to come. If you choose something rentable you could do that later. Right now there are Park City, Utah ski weeks available on the giveaway board by a generous Tugger. Many folks are fond of Grandview/Las Vegas for RCI points which there are free contracts of those floating around all the time it seems. Vacation Village in Williamsburg is another favorite maybe a 4 bedroom that can be split into 2/2 bedrooms for use or exchange. Maintenance fees under 850.00 Yearly. I believe this resort banks with Interval. Sheraton Vistana seems to be another favorite for folks wanting access to more than 1 week with their contract.

If you want to spend a lot of time in the West I think WorldMark is your best bet. Maybe start by putting feelers out for WorldMark owners who want to use their extra points. 2021/2022 will be a good year for that because of Covid. Owners had to roll their points over. You might have raise your budget to 2500.00 per month. As I’m certain you have already factored in you will no longer be paying utilities or property taxes on a home which should free up several thousand dollars per year. You’ll also have linens, kitchen products provided. Resale or free.

Wyndham Points system is more complicated. Many Tuggers own millions of points with Wyndham. This system you will need to study throughly before purchasing anything resale. Buying only home resorts with lower maintenance fees. This also would give you access to RCI exchange company as part of your membership. Unfortunately Wyndham is getting in the habit of changing the rules whenever they want.

If you would consider traveling to Mexico you could find some great getaways there. Stay away from all inclusive resorts unless you want to treat yourself for week. I own multiple contract weeks at my favorite place on the Planet in Playa Del Carmen, MX. We spend our winters there as we are from the Midwest. I use 8 weeks and rent the remainder. In 2022 I have 22 condos confirmed for Jan.-Mar. Another 3 or 4 weeks in Cabo in November and December.

Take your time and do your research. If you start out by renting from owners, you would also have the opportunity to go to sale presentations at most resorts for a free gift between 100.00-250 or upward. A bit of cash to subsidize your stays. As long as you always say no no no to purchasing. This way you can find out about developer cost for each program.

Have fun, but be careful don’t fall into the trap of going timeshare crazy. Before long you’ll hv the monkey on your back and it will be difficult to stop.lol. I don’t own enough for a years stay, maybe 6-9 months depending on how I use my point systems. I love my timeshares someday I’m sure I will tire of them or find it too difficult to travel, but today is not that day. Good Luck and feel free to keep asking questions.

 

[CPNY]

Why not just buy two relatively inexpensive Weeks in HOA Controlled Independent Resorts, one that trades in II and one in RCI. This would give you access to Last Calls whatever II calls them. Make sure the two Weeks you buy are at places you might like to use multiple times. I say this because the Independents I used to own always had unused Weeks that they were willing to rent to Owners at discounted rates. For the rest of your travels why not check and see if you can rent cheaper than MFs. All this would cut your capital outlay down to almost zero and minimize your occupancy expenses. It will also enable you to pull the plug on your plan anytime you want without much effort or expense...

George

This is spot on. You can sometimes get getaways for 300-400 bucks on interval. I just checked and You can get 4 weeks in a studio at the Marriott in South Lake Tahoe for 1800 from end of Oct into November. There are plenty of ways to timeshare for extended periods of time without the burden of 52 ownerships that come always increasing maint fees.

If spending a year or more in timeshares was my goal, I’d buy resorts that trade in both interval and RCI. Pick up something that is dual affiliated like the colonies, plus my existing vistana ownerships. I’d go heavy on using getaways and last minute extra vacations. Best of luck to the OP

 

[slip]

This is spot on. You can sometimes get getaways for 300-400 bucks on interval. I just checked and You can get 4 weeks in a studio at the Marriott in South Lake Tahoe for 1800 from end of Oct into November. There are plenty of ways to timeshare for extended periods of time without the burden of 52 ownerships that come always increasing maint fees.

If spending a year or more in timeshares was my goal, I’d buy resorts that trade in both interval and RCI. Pick up something that is dual affiliated like the colonies, plus my existing vistana ownerships. I’d go heavy on using getaways and last minute extra vacations. Best of luck to the OP

I agree and some of the independents offer great deals on bonus time so if you like the area you can stay much longer.

 

[kwelty]

These blogs and threads have good info on full time timesharing.

Requesting experiences living close to or full time in timeshares

[ 2015 ] Requesting experiences living close to or full time in timeshares

I would like to hear about the experiences of Wyndham Tuggers who live at least 4 months per year, up to full year round in just timeshare accommodations. I want to plan ahead, as I approach retirement, and imagine this as an appealing alternative to just living in one location. Why, what...

tugbbs.com

OUR RETIRED ADVENTURE IN FULL TIME TIMESHARE LIVING

http://fulltimetimeshare.com/blog

Mike and Edie's adventures travelling from time share to time share for 2 to 5 years

fulltimetimeshare.com

Ron and Joan's Journey

Ron and Joan's Journey

ronandjoanjourney.blogspot.com

THE SENIOR NOMADS (traveling the world living almost exclusively in Airbnbs)

The Senior Nomads | Welcome

The Senior Nomads — living life and loving each other, one Airbnb at a time. Retired and traveling the world on a modest budget, this is their story.

seniornomads.com

 

[mdurette]

I have often thought about the idea of TS being used as a residence for an extended time. But, the idea of owning the weeks never crossed my mind.....WAY to expensive to pay for manufacture fees and then the idea of unloading them after would be a nightmare. My thoughts always surrounded access to Getaways/ACs via II and Extra Vacations/Last Call via RCI. You can easily find less than $400 a week for shoulder/off season/high demand locations.

 

[The Colorado Kid]

These blogs and threads have good info on full time timesharing.

Requesting experiences living close to or full time in timeshares

[ 2015 ] Requesting experiences living close to or full time in timeshares

I would like to hear about the experiences of Wyndham Tuggers who live at least 4 months per year, up to full year round in just timeshare accommodations. I want to plan ahead, as I approach retirement, and imagine this as an appealing alternative to just living in one location. Why, what...

tugbbs.com

OUR RETIRED ADVENTURE IN FULL TIME TIMESHARE LIVING

http://fulltimetimeshare.com/blog

Mike and Edie's adventures travelling from time share to time share for 2 to 5 years

fulltimetimeshare.com

Ron and Joan's Journey

Ron and Joan's Journey

ronandjoanjourney.blogspot.com

THE SENIOR NOMADS (traveling the world living almost exclusively in Airbnbs)

The Senior Nomads | Welcome

The Senior Nomads — living life and loving each other, one Airbnb at a time. Retired and traveling the world on a modest budget, this is their story.

seniornomads.com

@kwelty These are excellent...thanks much!

 

[OurAdventure]

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. There is certainly a lot of wisdom and experience here.

Here are some questions just to clarify some of the comments (I don't know some of the ideas being referred to...):

"HOA Controlled Independent Resorts" - are there any examples (out west here) that you can provide for me, so that I can begin researching them?

And to Cecile, thank you! You wrote:
OurAdventure,
i recommend that you not do this - this is just about the worst idea at the worst time!
there are simpler ways to be « homeless » and on extended vacation with cash in your pockets, without purchasing a bunch of timeshares
these timeshares will cost you a fortune in maintenance fees (even if you pay them 1$ each…) and it will also be very very hard to get rid of them.
timeshares are an outdated business model, sorry to say

I really appreciate your opinion, especially about the timing of this (post-pandemic year, etc). What I am curious about is your comment about "timeshares is an outdated business model..." What do you see as the current better models? I believe there may be better models out there, just as we now see "industry disruptive" businesses like Uber/Lyft changing the transportation industry. Would it be AirBandB, which is somewhat disruptive to the hotel industry? I am very curious and open to your ideas.

Susie and I are open to all of your thoughts, ideas, out of the box thinking. We're not rushing into this. And we may not be able to actually do it. But we'd really like to if we can.

Doug and Susie

Oh, and we have joined TUG, but under a different user name.