Most optimal way to reach Chairman status

[bhz]

Unfortunately, I bought 3000 developer trust points before finding out about this forum.

My goal now is to level up in the next few years through the most optimal way possible
After reading of couple of post veterans such as vol_90 and frank808, I have devised the plan below.

Step 1: buy 2 platinum weeks at the Marriott Phuket Beach Club. Targeting $5000 each

• Enroll value estimate of 3270 DC points per week
• Maintenance fee of $1150 per week or $0.35 per point

Step 2: Wait for the summer promotion and then purchase an enrolled aruba week directly from MVC

• 3 BR (5225 pts) for $47100 (According to Dean)
• Enroll the two phuket beach club weeks
• Maintenance cost of aruba $2275.32 ($0.41 per point)

So total point count would be 14,765 (short by 235 so assuming developer purchase to make it up
Total Incremental cost of $62,138

• $10,000 for 2 phuket weeks
• $1748 for the broker and transfer fee
• $47100 for the Aruba 3br platinum week
• $3290 for the missing 235 point from MVC

Average maintenance fee (15000/6613.8=$0.44 per pts)

• MVC- 3235 pts x 63 cents per point = $2038.5
• Phuket- $1150 x 2 = $2300.00
• Aruba - $2275.32

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I still have a couple of concerns before proceeding

• Would the enrolment promotion continue in the future?
• Does the phuket weeks still qualify to enroll into the DC program?
• Are the aruba enrolled weeks only available at central sale center? Can I have access to them at say the new york sales center?

 

[Swice]

I'm not sure of your specific questions/answers.
But I might as well be the first to ask (because others certainly will): Why is Chairman level important to you? Why not Presidential?

Knowing what's important, and of value, to you may impact what advice some of us have to offer.

I'm Executive and I personally don't see enough value to warrant the cash they are wanting from me. We have two enrolled weeks. Our family is in transition with one in college and one still in high school. We are already having trouble finding even a few days next summer for us to be together in one place because college kid will be doing an internship which starts before high school kid is finished with his exams. In another couple years, my wife and I won't be tied to the school calendars but still, there's only so much vacation time I can take at work. I'm lifetime Platinum and my wife is lifetime titanium, so hotel status is not a needed perk for us. The point I'm trying to make is analyze your vacation time and what Chairman will get you (timeshare wise).

 

[bazzap]

Unfortunately Phuket Beach Club weeks purchased 3rd party resale after August 2016 are not eligible for enrolment (currently anyway)

 

[kds4]

I'm not sure of your specific questions/answers.
But I might as well be the first to ask (because others certainly will): What is Chairman level important to you? Why not Presidential?

Knowing what's important, and of value, to you may impact what advice some of us have to offer.

I'm Executive and I personally don't see enough value to warrant the cash they are wanting from me. We have two enrolled weeks. Our family is in transition with one in college and one still in high school. We are already having trouble finding even a few days next summer for us to be together in one place because college kid will be doing an internship which starts before high school kid is finished with his exams. In another couple years, my wife and I won't be tied to the school calendars but still, there's only so much vacation time I can take at work. I'm lifetime Platinum and my wife is lifetime titanium, so hotel status is not a needed perk for us. The point I'm trying to make is analyze your vacation time and what Chairman will get you (timeshare wise).

Agreed. We own more than we can currently use each year. We spent the extra money now to own all that we ever plan to want based on our future anticipated usage pattern in retirement (in today's cheaper dollars versus buying in the future at unknown costs). We rent our excess ownership time above what we use annually to offset our maintenance fees. And once the youngest 2 graduate high school (and retirement becomes a reality) look forward to the time ahead in just a couple of years. We bought our MVCI ownership to be our 'vacation home' instead of an RV or a stationary brick and mortar 2nd home. Our upfront costs were under $80k and ongoing costs are less than $10k a year to maintain. We would have spent more than that to buy a traditional vacation home (or even a large RV). Definitely should define your expectations and have a plan.

 

[VacationForever]

We paid a total of $70K to get to Presidential level and don't see any benefits in going to the next level which would justify the additional cost. We enjoy going to different places with our ownership and plan to divest in the next 10 to 12 years. Any more money thrown at the system will be money wasted.

You didn't say how you want to use the additional points and for how many years you would like to use the ownership which means amortize over X number of years.

 

[TXTortoise]

It looks like your price point is closer to what Dean did with Aruba, but be sure you read this thread on buying a quarter-share. For a pure points play, with the option to sell/rent excess points to cover the MF, it has a lot of appeal...for a lot of dollars.

Buying DC points direct from Marriott

While I love my Maui fixed weeks, once you start talking real serious money, these RC quarter-share deals have tremendous appeal from a points and MF cost perspective compared to buying multiple prime Maui weeks. One still has to reserve the week, but 29,000 points is about three to four weeks...

tugbbs.com

 

[csalter2]

Two things I would consider. First, there have been many salespeople stating that Marriott won’t be selling hybrid deals any more. Who knows if that is true or not, but you don’t want to be on the wrong end of it. Secondly, you are willing to buy a large amount of points. When you are willing to do that you have great negotiating power. I had a similar situation last year and was able to buy nearly 10,000 points under resales market value. I paid the equivalent of about $2.50 for points on the resale market. (Remember Marriott adds $3.00 on each point to bring them in so that’s about $5.50 per point.) However, I never bought directly from Marriott. I was able to purchase two weeks units. One with Aruba and the other at Ocean Pointe. I received huge incentives that greatly helped reduce my costs and I did it all at home on my time when I was ready because I did it with corporate in Utah. In addition, buying weeks instead of points, my maintenance fees per point were under .40.

My point is that you will have more bargaining power if you are willing to invest some money like you are planning. It doesn’t mean that you cannot go with your plan, but it doesn’t hurt to listen to what they have to say. When I was going through the process, I documented it here on TUG and received thoughts and ideas from folks here. Ultimately, you will have to make the final decision that is best for you, but I am just letting you know that there can be other ways to get what you want. To give you an idea of my incentives. I received one year of maintenance fees paid for, for the units I purchased, 400 hundred thousand Bonvoy points, a 2 bedroom platinum interval deposit (which has been very powerful in Interval International), and something else but for some reason I can’t remember. Just know that you have power, with your money. They want it so let them earn it.

 

[Dean]

The quarter share might be the best option. Buying a Hybrid Purchase or direct Spain weeks might be alternatives. I don't think you can count on the 3 BR being available, you should assume a 2 BR for Aruba plus I think they've had at least one price increase since then. St. Kitts is another option. You might also look at several Grand Chateau weeks resale then hope for the promotion. You might be able to enroll applicable weeks with a hybrid purchase.

 

[bhz]

Thanks for all the feedback.

Just to clarify about my situation. I am 32 and recently married with no children yet. My wife work remotely and I travel extensively for work. We usually tack on to my business trips a couple days plus the weekend for leisure. All in all, we spend about 7 to 10 weeks a year traveling and half of that in the US. Currently, my vacation needs are mainly twofold: City locations such as pulse NY, SF and Miami during high seasons and Hawaii, Fort Lauderdale or Aruba with my parents or the in-laws for three weeks during the winter months. Total pts need are about 12,000 a year. So Swice, you are correct that Presidential is probably enough for now. However, as my parents and in-laws are retiring, I think the overall family usage will go up and that is without accounting for kids down the line.

Given I have pretty long amortization period (hopefully 40 plus years), I want to make sure my maintenance cost per pt is as low as possible. The purchase cost per point is actually secondary but still important for me to optimize.

Two things I would consider. First, there have been many salespeople stating that Marriott won’t be selling hybrid deals any more. Who knows if that is true or not, but you don’t want to be on the wrong end of it. Secondly, you are willing to buy a large amount of points. When you are willing to do that you have great negotiating power. I had a similar situation last year and was able to buy nearly 10,000 points under resales market value. I paid the equivalent of about $2.50 for points on the resale market. (Remember Marriott adds $3.00 on each point to bring them in so that’s about $5.50 per point.) However, I never bought directly from Marriott. I was able to purchase two weeks units. One with Aruba and the other at Ocean Pointe. I received huge incentives that greatly helped reduce my costs and I did it all at home on my time when I was ready because I did it with corporate in Utah. In addition, buying weeks instead of points, my maintenance fees per point were under .40.

Thanks, cslater2, this is very helpful. Did you call in directly to MVC and ask for it? Should I be doing this every month just to see whats available?

The quarter share might be the best option. Buying a Hybrid Purchase or direct Spain weeks might be alternatives. I don't think you can count on the 3 BR being available, you should assume a 2 BR for Aruba plus I think they've had at least one price increase since then. St. Kitts is another option. You might also look at several Grand Chateau weeks resale then hope for the promotion. You might be able to enroll applicable weeks with a hybrid purchase.

Thanks Dean, I have read about the quarter share here but the information available seems very incomplete. What is the pt value equivalent? Is the enrollment different vs other hybrid offer? For St.Kitts and Grand Chateau, what are the points equivalent and are they easy to trade on II in case the enrollment promotion is not offered.
I have heard that certain weeks are enrollable and others are not so would love some clarification on that as well.

Once again, thanks for all the feedback. This has been very helpful.

 

[Dean]

I think there are others better to answer the question on quarter shares but it seems the cheapest to get a lot of points though it's still a chunk of change.

 

[csalter2]

I called in just to see what the prices were. Once you develop a relationship and they feel you’re serious, they will call again if deals are better and they feel they can get your business. At the time, I was going to buy a resale. I already owned at Ko Olina and was in the Destinations Club from that week. I liked the program but did not want to buy points at the crazy prices. It took me about 3-4 months to close the deal and get what I wanted, but it was worth it to me in the end. I believe that I just happened to call at the right time and they were offering great deals. When they know that you know there are options, they are more apt to provide you with opportunities and work closer with you to get a close. That’s why I said you need to use your power as a consumer. Marriott wheels and deals now much more than they did when I first bought before the points program. You have leverage. Dean mentioned buying that quarter share. That is a good opportunity as well. If you are fine with looking to find people to rent every year to pay maintenance fees. I was not. I bought to meet my needs. That was it,

 

[kfsong]

Unfortunately Phuket Beach Club weeks purchased 3rd party resale after August 2016 are not eligible for enrolment (currently anyway)

Friend of mine wanna sells me 2 Phase 1 Platinum MPU weeks . I am aware no enrollment is allowed after 8/16 . II is the only option , may I seek views from expect here ? Is it viable to purchase it as I saw we can rent from RedWeek at around USD 250 per night . It works out about the same maintenance fees per week , ps share your views , thanks

 

[bazzap]

Friend of mine wanna sells me 2 Phase 1 Platinum MPU weeks . I am aware no enrollment is allowed after 8/16 . II is the only option , may I seek views from expect here ? Is it viable to purchase it as I saw we can rent from RedWeek at around USD 250 per night . It works out about the same maintenance fees per week , ps share your views , thanks

The Maintenance fee equates to approx USD 175 per night, you might be lucky to find a rental at USD 250 or lower but will there be availability when you want to go and also with Phase 1 you have access to Christmas / New Year weeks which would cost a lot more per night to rent.
Typically the Phase 1 Platinum MPU weeks will sell for USD 5-6000 upwards.
if you plan to visit Phuket Beach Club regularly, buying is likely to be the best way forward, if not then renting.

 

[kfsong]

The Maintenance fee equates to approx USD 175 per night, you might be lucky to find a rental at USD 250 or lower but will there be availability when you want to go and also with Phase 1 you have access to Christmas / New Year weeks which would cost a lot more per night to rent.
Typically the Phase 1 Platinum MPU weeks will sell for USD 5-6000 upwards.
if you plan to visit Phuket Beach Club regularly, buying is likely to be the best way forward, if not then renting.

Thanks Bazzap , apart from using it at MPU , other choice is only deposit at II right ? Is there other option ? Yes friend wanna sell me at USD 5K per week .

 

[vol_90]

Thanks Bazzap , apart from using it at MPU , other choice is only deposit at II right ? Is there other option ? Yes friend wanna sell me at USD 5K per week .

Your 2 options are using and II deposit unless enrolled. Phuket Beach Club has been a good II trader in the past with several weeks exchanged to the Aruba Ocean and Surf Clubs. Phase 1 Platinum weeks for $5K is a great price in my opinion. More II trading power when reserving and depositing weeks 51 & 52.

I am currently in the process of adding 7 additional Phuket Platinum Phase 2 weeks at $5K each with the expectation that Marriott will have another enrollment special in 2020. If not I just use them or trade through II. Currently working with a company called "Doctor Timeshare" and is becoming a major issue as they received my wired funds on June 20th, 2019 and still have not closed the transaction nor have I heard from them since Nov. 11th. Phuket 2020 prime weeks in January, February and December are mostly reserved. This company needs a negative BBS review in customer service and communication. I know others have had success with using this company but to me this is unacceptable service having dealt with multiple resale companies as I grow my portfolio. Sorry for the rant...……...….

Need some help Bazzap!

 

[kfsong]

Pls use Chicago title escrow company , have been using them , very good , everything should close bet 4-5 months

 

[kfsong]

Has

Your 2 options are using and II deposit unless enrolled. Phuket Beach Club has been a good II trader in the past with several weeks exchanged to the Aruba Ocean and Surf Clubs. Phase 1 Platinum weeks for $5K is a great price in my opinion. More II trading power when reserving and depositing weeks 51 & 52.

I am currently in the process of adding 7 additional Phuket Platinum Phase 2 weeks at $5K each with the expectation that Marriott will have another enrollment special in 2020. If not I just use them or trade through II. Currently working with a company called "Doctor Timeshare" and is becoming a major issue as they received my wired funds on June 20th, 2019 and still have not closed the transaction nor have I heard from them since Nov. 11th. Phuket 2020 prime weeks in January, February and December are mostly reserved. This company needs a negative BBS review in customer service and communication. I know others have had success with using this company but to me this is unacceptable service having dealt with multiple resale companies as I grow my portfolio. Sorry for the rant...……...….

Need some help Bazzap!

Has Marriott allowed special enrollment after August 2016 ?

 

[bazzap]

Your 2 options are using and II deposit unless enrolled. Phuket Beach Club has been a good II trader in the past with several weeks exchanged to the Aruba Ocean and Surf Clubs. Phase 1 Platinum weeks for $5K is a great price in my opinion. More II trading power when reserving and depositing weeks 51 & 52.

I am currently in the process of adding 7 additional Phuket Platinum Phase 2 weeks at $5K each with the expectation that Marriott will have another enrollment special in 2020. If not I just use them or trade through II. Currently working with a company called "Doctor Timeshare" and is becoming a major issue as they received my wired funds on June 20th, 2019 and still have not closed the transaction nor have I heard from them since Nov. 11th. Phuket 2020 prime weeks in January, February and December are mostly reserved. This company needs a negative BBS review in customer service and communication. I know others have had success with using this company but to me this is unacceptable service having dealt with multiple resale companies as I grow my portfolio. Sorry for the rant...……...….

Need some help Bazzap!

I guess there is a possible 3rd option, to rent out the Phuket weeks and use the cash for other trips.
There is a viable market for Owner rentals here and if you can secure a booking with your Phase 1 weeks for Christmas / New Year or Chinese New Year... you can make a tidy profit.

vol_90, I am very sorry to read about the continued lack of progress in closing on your 7 weeks.
I will message you.

 

[vol_90]

Has

Has Marriott allowed special enrollment after August 2016 ?

Yes, enrolled 7.5 weeks in May 2019 during the special enrollment period that I believe lasted between March and July. Enrollment during this period required the purchase of an additional 5,500 Destination Points (there were St. Kitts and Aruba weeks available at the time for purchase to enable enrollment which looking back would have been a better value from an initial cost and ongoing maintenance fee perspective). The 7.5 weeks were purchased resale and transactions closed between Q418 & Q119. 3 of the weeks were MPU Platinum Phase 1 and 3 were MPU Platinum Phase 2.

 

[kfsong]

May

Yes, enrolled 7.5 weeks in May 2019 during the special enrollment period that I believe lasted between March and July. Enrollment during this period required the purchase of an additional 5,500 Destination Points (there were St. Kitts and Aruba weeks available at the time for purchase to enable enrollment which looking back would have been a better value from an initial cost and ongoing maintenance fee perspective). The 7.5 weeks were purchased resale and transactions closed between Q418 & Q119. 3 of the weeks were MPU Platinum Phase 1 and 3 were MPU Platinum Phase 2.

May I know how much u pay for your MPU per weeks and which closing company that u used , thanks

 

[vol_90]

May

May I know how much u pay for your MPU per weeks and which closing company that u used , thanks

Please see details in these 2 posts:

Marriott Phuket Resale Purchase Summary

2019 Enrollment Resale Weeks and our Marriott Timeshare Journey

 

[kfsong]

Urbana

Please see details in these 2 posts:

Marriott Phuket Resale Purchase Summary

2019 Enrollment Resale Weeks and our Marriott Timeshare Journey
Thanks , you have fabulous portfolios , bravo

 

[bhz]

Please see details in these 2 posts:

Marriott Phuket Resale Purchase Summary

2019 Enrollment Resale Weeks and our Marriott Timeshare Journey

Your post is the inspiration for me to purchase phuket resales. It seems to have to lowest MC per DC pts allocated. Which broker has the quickest closing? in Case I want to time it before the next promotion.

 

[vol_90]

Your post is the inspiration for me to purchase phuket resales. It seems to have to lowest MC per DC pts allocated. Which broker has the quickest closing? in Case I want to time it before the next promotion.

It really depends on who has the weeks available at the price point you are willing to pay for the Phuket resales. Advertised prices are negotiable. All 3 companies (Redweek.com, Timeshare-hypermarket.com & Timesharebrokerservices.com) were able to close the transactions and have the weeks in my account within 90 days. I'm currently working with Doctor Timeshare out of Spain this time as they had 7 weeks available at my price point (31,500 EUR ~$5,200 per week which includes all closing costs and currency exchange fees). This has been a big mistake as I'm over 7 months into it with them with no end in sight.

Timeshare-Hypermarket out of the UK should have access to Phuket resales as many of the week owners are out of Europe who purchased back in the early 2000's and looking to sell. They have the lowest closing costs with the seller paying MVCI $250 transfer fee. You will have to transact in GBP.

I would stay away from Timesharebrokerservices.com as their fees were over $1,100 to close the transaction.

Good luck!

 

[BRIAN_H]

Unfortunately, I bought 3000 developer trust points before finding out about this forum.

My goal now is to level up in the next few years through the most optimal way possible
After reading of couple of post veterans such as vol_90 and frank808, I have devised the plan below.

Step 1: buy 2 platinum weeks at the Marriott Phuket Beach Club. Targeting $5000 each

• Enroll value estimate of 3270 DC points per week
• Maintenance fee of $1150 per week or $0.35 per point

Step 2: Wait for the summer promotion and then purchase an enrolled aruba week directly from MVC

• 3 BR (5225 pts) for $47100 (According to Dean)
• Enroll the two phuket beach club weeks
• Maintenance cost of aruba $2275.32 ($0.41 per point)

So total point count would be 14,765 (short by 235 so assuming developer purchase to make it up
Total Incremental cost of $62,138

• $10,000 for 2 phuket weeks
• $1748 for the broker and transfer fee
• $47100 for the Aruba 3br platinum week
• $3290 for the missing 235 point from MVC

Average maintenance fee (15000/6613.8=$0.44 per pts)

• MVC- 3235 pts x 63 cents per point = $2038.5
• Phuket- $1150 x 2 = $2300.00
• Aruba - $2275.32

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I still have a couple of concerns before proceeding

• Would the enrolment promotion continue in the future?
• Does the phuket weeks still qualify to enroll into the DC program?
• Are the aruba enrolled weeks only available at central sale center? Can I have access to them at say the new york sales center?

Just sharing recent information learned:


To the best of my knowledge (coming off a recent sales presentation in ARUBA) ..

I was told that NO resales are eligible for enrollment intp the MVC Destinations POINTS program ...

also, the current purchase price for a
- 3BR OCEANVIEW Platinum week at Aruba Surf Club is $ 59,700; equal to 5225 Dest. Points (MF $2,500.81)
- 2BR OCEANFRONT Platinum week at Aruba Surf Club is $ 59,700; equal to 5225 Dest. Points (MF $1,869.87)