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G.D.Fein

newbie
Joined
Nov 20, 2016
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Thanks in advance for those taking the time to comment.

1) Where do you want your home resort to be?

Myrtle, Hilton, FL or Hawaii. Generally not sure as we are just getting to point in lives/careers where annual vacations are possible and we haven't fallen in love with a specific destination yet. Interested in a robust trading program I think.

2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?

Trade more than half the time.

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?

Beach and golf locations, Hawaii, Cali/Pebble, FL, Carolinas, Disney.

4) How many people do you usually travel with?

Three-Four, interested in a two BR.

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?

School schedule preferred.

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?

Generally, yes.

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?

Yes.

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?

5 star preferred, but will consider 4.

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?

$5k+, would prefer to get a deal on a resale from foreclosure, divorce, etc.

10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?

$1k-ish.

11) Are you a detail oriented planner?

Yes.

12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you do?

Yes.
 
Only the hotel affiliated systems are consistently 4/5 Star: Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Vistana (Sheraton/Westin.)

However, a $1K maintenance fee is too low for a 2 bedroom 4/5 Star resort. It would be closer to $2K per year - higher in Hawaii.
 
As Denise said: If you can bump the annual MF to about $1500-1700 (maybe a bit less), you're a great candidate for Marriott or HGVC. Marriott has far more locations and Marriott preference in Interval for trades, but HGVC has more flexibility with the points reservation than legacy Marriott weeks. Legacy Marriott weeks offer more value when trading thru Interval Intl (II), but have less flexibility (must use whole week or lock-off into two weeks) and less ability to book early without trading. Marriott has II for trading (the best IMHO) and HGVC has RCI--good for Hilton and good for more trade opportunities, but most RCI properties will be of lower quality than HGVC.

Marriott points (MVC) can be purchased on the resale market at discount ($7 per point, approx. with all fees) but are still quite pricey compared to legacy weeks. Points can be used to book any property (available property) and stays of less than 7 days are possible.
Lots of choices.

Many buy an EOY (every other year) property to start and get opposite year or opposite resort system if needed. Many options.

Cheers.
 
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