1.) Do we get discounts to join SFX?
2.) Do I join SFX for free like RCI? I don't see any link like the RCI page
3.) What is the best way to use SFX to exchange properties ?
4.) Feel free to post comment here or PM with ideas and advices.
Thanks
HGVC has an affiliation of sorts with SFX already.
Login to the HGVC website, and click Club Membership -> Resort Vacation Exchange
Scroll down. There's two links.
One for RCI and one for SFX.
You can use your HGVC points to book *certain* SFX resorts (the Vidanta resorts), but you have to call in. The points fees are higher (a lot, IMO) vs. doing option #2;
#2:
Go directly to SFX website (someone's already posted the link). They have a free trial membership where you can deposit a week (doesn't have to be your home week, BTW). The way that works is basically you'll deposit a week, and then put your request in. Sometimes they have immediately availability, and sometimes you'll have to put a search on and wait and see what happens.
I have excellent customer service with Nathan Reynolds @ x1113
(tell him Kevin says hi). haha
Full disclosure:
I'm an SFX Diamond Member (Lifetime) (not sure they still have this option, this was like 10+ years ago). I have excellent success with SFX, but I'm very flexible with my dates, I book 1+ years in advance (or put my OGS in very early) and we usually stay at the Vidanta resorts with SFX (Riviera Maya, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, etc.). So for *me*, it's $150 for the exchange fee, I get free 1 size upgrades (if available) so I deposit a 1 BR week and usually can get a 2 BR unit. Upgrade fee for Grand Luxxe is $299. They also run deposit promos sometimes where you get some bonus weeks, etc.
But I'd strongly advise to TRY before you BUY.