New to this whole timeshare thing... Couple of Questions

[TKO3]

Hey Everyone,

A friend of a friend is trying to get rid of a timeshare that they inherit, they just want to give it away, We would be responsible for paying the deed transfer/ cost associated with the paperwork.

The info I got was they get 238,000 points awarded on an annual basis. The maintenance fees are 83.50 per month. The resort is Wyndam Kingsgate in Williamsburg, Va.

My question is this.. I wasn't sure if that was a lot of points so i went on rci and looked up Orlando resorts and pick Disney animal kingdom thinking i could compare the points I have and see what a resort like that would cost in points. I found that its around 118,000 peak season. Is this really that straight forward... Could i potentially go on 2 great vacations with that amount of points? Any only pay around $1.000 a year... I understand there is a transfer fee since my timeshare would be in Virgina.

Is this something my family and I should do? I feel like its a no brainer.

Any advise for someone that is new to the timeshare community?

My family does have timeshares with RCI but no thru Wyndam and they use weeks not points.

 

[TUGBrian]

ill move this to the wyndham forum for you, so you can get some answers from wyndham owners...but just some food for thought.

1. your friend should verify who exactly is on the deed, if the only people left are deceased and the deed is not in their name, they are not obligated to "inherit" this.

2. wyndham points do have a little (very) resale value...and 238k points is a decent package to start with...you just need to compare the price per point to see if its a good deal or not. im not current on what is good and what is bad...but the mf appears to be less than a penny a point (1000/yr for 238,000 points).

3. I find it HIGHLY unlikely you could get a DVC property for 100k wyndham points (or $1000 bucks for that matter)

hopefully other wyndham owners can guide you down the right path! Welcome to TUG!

 

[traveldaddy]

Hey Everyone,

A friend of a friend is trying to get rid of a timeshare that they inhearted, they just want to give it away, We would be responsible for paying the deed transfer/ cost associated with the paperwork.

The info I got was they get 238,000 points awarded on an annual basis. The maintenance fees are 83.50 per month. The resort is Wyndam Kingsgate in Williamsburg, Va.

My question is this.. I wasn't sure if that was a lot of points so i went on rci and looked up Orlando resorts and pick Disney animal kingdom thinking i could compare the points I have and see what a resort like that would cost in points. I found that its around 118,000 peak season. Is this really that straight forward... Could i potentially go on 2 great vacations with that amount of points? Any only pay around $1.000 a year... I understand there is a transfer fee since my timeshare would be in Virgina.

Is this something my family and I should do? I feel like its a no brainer.

Any advise for someone that is new to the timeshare community?

My family does have timeshares with RCI but no thru Wyndam and they use weeks not points.

Wyndham points are not the same as RCI points (they are different currencies so to speak).

238K points in Wyndham will get a 2 bedroom deluxe unit in Gold/prime season in most places, usually with a little points left over. Maybe 10 or 11 days in a 1 bedroom. Not likely two weeks, unless is it non-prime season. So not what you are thinking.

However, that is a decent MF for the points, so tell your friend to contact me and if he can verify the MF and points, I will take it off his hands and even offer him $2 plus pay the cost of transfer......that is double your offer in his pocket.

PM me if you want to chat. On a serious note, thta is not a bad contract or offer you have.

 

[TKO3]

Thanks for moving my post to the proper location!

I'm told the 238,000 points are RCI points that get deposited annually.

I went on the rci website and did Orlando resorts... That is where I found the 118,000 points for the Disney vacation animal kingdom. Is that not I should be looking for how many points it takes?

 

[Ty1on]

Thanks for moving my post to the proper location!

I'm told the 238,000 points are RCI points that get deposited annually.

I went on the rci website and did Orlando resorts... That is where I found the 118,000 points for the Disney vacation animal kingdom. Is that not I should be looking for how many points it takes?

the 238K points would be Club Wyndham Plus points. CWP collects your RCI fee with the Club Fee, so you can use RCI to trade for DVC, for example, but it takes more CWP points to get a specific exchange when compared to RCI points.

 

[uscav8r]

If I recall, Kingsgate does have legacy fixed weeks. OP needs to make sure if this has been converted to CLUB WYNDHAM points, or if it is a week that the current owners actually deposit straight into RCI Points. I suspect the former, but it pays to be thorough.

I, too, might be interested in negotiating a purchase if OP is not so inclined.

 

[uscav8r]

...
My question is this.. I wasn't sure if that was a lot of points so i went on rci and looked up Orlando resorts and pick Disney animal kingdom thinking i could compare the points I have and see what a resort like that would cost in points. I found that its around 118,000 peak season. Is this really that straight forward... Could i potentially go on 2 great vacations with that amount of points? Any only pay around $1.000 a year... I understand there is a transfer fee since my timeshare would be in Virgina.
...

The only way to get to Disney/DVC is through RCI. You can get a week in a 2BR for 205,000 Wyndham points that are deposited to RCI. Each time you exchange in RCI, you pay an additional $209 booking fee. So really, you'll get 1 week's vacation in RCI for about $1200.

If these are, in fact, Club Wyndham points, you can use these within the Wyndham system. There are no exchange fees for doing so. There is no set points cost for a 2BR in Wyndham. They could range from 154k to 308k (or more). It just depends on where you want to go.

 

[Ty1on]

If I recall, Kingsgate does have legacy fixed weeks. OP needs to make sure if this has been converted to CLUB WYNDHAM points, or if it is a week that the current owners actually deposit straight into RCI Points. I suspect the former, but it pays to be thorough.

I, too, might be interested in negotiating a purchase if OP is not so inclined.

But there's no way the fixed week converts to that many RCI points. (Edit, analytical opinion, not known fact)

 

[JimMIA]

I'm told the 238,000 points are RCI points that get deposited annually.

Problem being...you are told that by someone who has no clue what they are talking about. They mean well, I'm sure, but they have never used the product.

The others here have given you accurate feedback.

You're really talking about two different systems.

First, your contract has 238,000 Wyndham points which you can use at a little more than 100 resorts in more than 50 locations. Without checking, I'd say that the estimate traveldaddy gave you of what 238K points would buy is fairly good.

You can also deposit those points into RCI, and if you do, your "purchase power" would follow this exchange schedule...unless, of course, it was a little less or a little more.

 

[Ty1on]

Problem being...you are told that by someone who has no clue what they are talking about. They mean well, I'm sure, but they have never used the product.

The others here have given you accurate feedback.

You're really talking about two different systems.

First, your contract has 238,000 Wyndham points which you can use at a little more than 100 resorts in more than 50 locations. Without checking, I'd say that the estimate traveldaddy gave you of what 238K points would buy is fairly good.

You can also deposit those points into RCI, and if you do, your "purchase power" would follow this exchange schedule...unless, of course, it was a little less or a little more.

THANK YOU for posting that link. I'm surprised there is not an "exchange rate" that X CWP=Y RCI, as all 2 bedrooms aren't created equal. This could REALLY be used to a savvy exchanger's advantage.

 

[uscav8r]

But there's no way the fixed week converts to that many RCI points. (Edit, analytical opinion, not known fact)

I would tend to agree with you. The 238k does match up the Club Wyndham rate for a Prime 3 BR Lockoff. But since the OP is a newbie to Wyndham and Kingsgate, I think he/she should be aware of the nuances if these are not normal CWP points. For instance, ARP would only be for the underlying converted week.

The devil is in the "deed-tails", not in hearsay or conjecture from the current owners.

 

[vacationhopeful]

Okay ... I looked up the Wyndham points for a Kingsgate converted fixed week .... 238,000 is the correct point value for a Week 51 or Weeks 23-34. It is NOT RCI points conversion .. which I have NEVER heard of Kingsgate or any other Wyndham being in RCI Points for their fixed weeks (but I may be wrong).

As for DVC ... currently getting/seeing a 2/2 has been real RARE. But DVC 1bdr sleeping 5 are common. It is a great trip but Bonnet Creek is in the same immediate area without the EXTRA expense of the RCI exchange fee ($209) or the DVC onsite fee ($95).

As mentioned by others, the MF to Wyndham point value ratio is GOOD ... I got 2 free 203K Kingsgate contracts because those point to MFs were good ... YOUR ratio would be even better ... which is WAY several posters are "helping you out" with offers to take the deal.

Yes, ARP is limited to the underlying week .. except Kingsgate RARELY requires ARP for most weeks. AND fixed week ARP is good only for months 11-13 before checkin. It is always going to have a GREAT point to MFs ratio ... cheaper points year after year after year.

Wyndham has over a 100 resorts ... maybe 75 where you can drive to or with more than 25 units. I travel between about 10 of them ... honestly, you will find some you love and some you say, "okay, been here, done that and check that one off".

Good deal ... but ONLY if you and the family are going to plan vacations for 7 nights with checkin on FRI or SAT most of the time (Kingsgate has Sunday checkins). Midweek checkins can be done but most likely will require midweek moves and might have to be booked as 2 reservations which will cost you reservation transactions and housekeeping credits (which COULD cost you $$).

 

[TKO3]

Thanks everyone for all the comments/input! I really appreciate it. I'm going to ask if the points are 238K points are Wyndham points or RCI.

Just to make sure I'm understanding thinking correctly...

If the points are Wyndham points that would only allow us to go on one roughly one vacation a year?

I would be able to go to any Wyndham resort and wouldn't have to pay the 209 transaction fee like i would at RCI?

I have two children under two so i probably wouldn't stay at Kingsgate anytime soon as much as we would do a Disney/beach trip.

The link to the exchange schedule is what RCI would give me in points for my timeshare which is a 2bed/2bath in prime season? which comes out to 205,000 points.

Since i do not own the timeshare i do not have any log in info, is there any way I can search Wyndham resorts and find out what each resort costs in points? I can do that with RCI but i haven't found a way with Wyndham point

 

[Ty1on]

Thanks everyone for all the comments/input! I really appreciate it. I'm going to ask if the points are 238K points are Wyndham points or RCI.

Just to make sure I'm understanding thinking correctly...

If the points are Wyndham points that would only allow us to go on one roughly one vacation a year?

I would be able to go to any Wyndham resort and wouldn't have to pay the 209 transaction fee like i would at RCI?

I have two children under two so i probably wouldn't stay at Kingsgate anytime soon as much as we would do a Disney/beach trip.

The link to the exchange schedule is what RCI would give me in points for my timeshare which is a 2bed/2bath in prime season? which comes out to 205,000 points.

Since i do not own the timeshare i do not have any log in info, is there any way I can search Wyndham resorts and find out what each resort costs in points? I can do that with RCI but i haven't found a way with Wyndham point

Can you use Excel? If so, I have a nifty spreadsheet I can send you from home if you PM me your email. Otherwise, someone will post a link to the Member Guide, which I think is public.

 

[Myxdvz]

If they are Wyndham points, you can try and book on any of these properties starting at the 10 month mark (based on availability).

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/wyndham/plus_membersdirectory1415/

Wyndham does have lots of properties in beach/tourist locations. They also have a property near Disney (Bonnet Creek).

You can use your points within Wyndham.

You CAN deposit your points to RCI if you want to book an RCI property (weeks only), but you'll have to pay the $209 exchange fee in addition to the points.

DVC is doable but you'd have to setup your OGS in advance. 1BR is all we've seen lately. SSR and OKW for the most part. Sometimes people get lucky and get AKV, VWL or BCV.

 

[antjmar]

Just to make sure I'm understanding thinking correctly...

If the points are Wyndham points that would only allow us to go on one roughly one vacation a year?

I have two children under two so i probably wouldn't stay at Kingsgate anytime soon as much as we would do a Disney/beach trip.

The 238K will get you a week in a 1 br and probably a 3-4 nights somewhere else in a 1 br during peak season, off peak the points will go further.

FYI I just booked thru RCI a 1 br (2 br for disney are rare)for kids April vacation at Saratoga Spring for 105K points. Add $209 RCI and $$95 mandatory Disney fee my total cost is under $1K

 

[JimMIA]

If the points are Wyndham points that would only allow us to go on one roughly one vacation a year?

Most likely Wyndham because Wyndham uses their own points to trade in RCI. How you use those points is up to you, but you are certainly NOT limited to one trip per year. You can book most resorts for either 3,4, or 7 nights in Prime season, and as little as 2 nights otherwise. And if you get lucky, you can sometimes book a single night. There is a good bit of variance in those rules from resort to resort, and what is Prime season in one place may be a slow time elsewhere.

In addition, you can "Credit Pool" points prior to the start of your Use Year. Credit Pooled points are valid for stays for THREE years from the date of pooling. Credit pooled points can't be used before 10 months for ARP at your home resort, but pooling offers a way to basically triple your points. It gives you a LOT of flexibility.

I would be able to go to any Wyndham resort and wouldn't have to pay the 209 transaction fee like i would at RCI?

Correct.

I have two children under two so i probably wouldn't stay at Kingsgate anytime soon as much as we would do a Disney/beach trip.

Lots of options for that. Wyndham has 5 resorts in the WDW area. Bonnet Creek is the newest and closest to WDW, but it's certainly not the only choice. Cypress Palms, Star Island, and Reunion are also quite convenient to WDW. Reunion is all 3 bedrooms, but the others have a variety of accommodations.

For beaches, you have numerous choices. In Florida, Ocean Walk at Daytona Beach is the closest to WDW, about an hour away. There are three beach resorts in Pompano Beach, which is incorrectly shown as Ft. Lauderdale in the Wyndham materials, but is a nice location. (Note that Palm Aire is NOT on the beach; it's an inland golf resort.) There are also numerous beach resorts (6) in the Florida panhandle at Panama City Beach and Destin, and numerous others along the Atlantic Coast from South Carolina north.

The link to the exchange schedule is what RCI would give me in points for my timeshare which is a 2bed/2bath in prime season? which comes out to 205,000 points.

NO. The exchange grid shows the Wyndham points cost to exchange. So with your 238,000 points, you would be able to get anything up to a 2 bedroom in any season, and a 3 bedroom any season except Prime. Realistically, most RCI exchanges are for non-Prime anyway.

Since i do not own the timeshare i do not have any log in info, is there any way I can search Wyndham resorts and find out what each resort costs in points? I can do that with RCI but i haven't found a way with Wyndham point

Yes, the link Myxdvz gave you is to the members manual and I believe all of the resort pages there show the applicable points for that resort.

 

[TKO3]

Thank you, thank you!!

one last thing... do all your vacations have to be booked months out? Can you not book something with a 2-3 month notice?

 

[traveldaddy]

Thank you, thank you!!

one last thing... do all your vacations have to be booked months out? Can you not book something with a 2-3 month notice?

You "can", meaning it is allowed. However if you wait that long many/most of the resorts may already be full. If you have kids and are tied to the school schedule you will be in high demand times. Booking as early as possible makes it more likely to get where you want to go.

It is much more complicated than this but think of it this way, all systems are built upon dividing a unit (condo) into intervals (weeks for example). So if there are 50 slices if time available and everyone wants a certain slice (think new years week) well 1 person can actually have it and 49 cannot.

Book early.

 

[TKO3]

Good to hear.. I was just wondering if it was allowed. My kids are very young so sometimes ee book vacations with only a mo th lead way.

 

[gretelkb]

Thank you, thank you!!

one last thing... do all your vacations have to be booked months out? Can you not book something with a 2-3 month notice?

Sometimes you can get a really great reservation at or shortly before the 15 day mark. If you cancel less than 15 days in advance you lose your points so if you are lucky you can snap up someones last minute cancellation.

 

[TKO3]

How do you find those kind of deals?

 

[uscav8r]

How do you find those kind of deals?

You essentially have to troll the Wyndham reservation site for hours at a time. This is great if you don't have a day job... but could cause some issues if you do!

 

[Bigrob]

You may want to separate into a couple of different factors to make this easier for yourself.

First; you want to determine if what your friend is offering has "value" or is an albatross that you would want to be getting rid of as they do. You can see by the interest of others in the thread that this TS actually has value. Your friends doesn't realize it, but this would probably sell for about $2000 on ebay, maybe a bit more, because the 238K points converted fixed week contracts at Kingsgate have a very low MF ratio... meaning the cost of your vacations are lower than those who are paying higher maintenance fees for the same number of points.

So; whether you would want to keep this yourself, or just take ownership of it and turn around and sell it, you would find that it has value for you.

Second, and really a separate decision process for you, is to answer the question is timesharing right for you? Right now, while your children are not yet school age, you have much more flexibility in your travel planning than you will in a few years. In a few years, you will be tied to the school calendar, which will make it necessary for you to plan much further in advance. So it may be that you would get a lot of use out of it over the next couple of years, then turn around and sell it... and end up getting all the money out that you'd paid in for a couple of years of maintenance fees, giving you essentially free vacations for 2 years.

I'm not trying to convince you to take it if you're not comfortable with it. By all means, if you're not sure, and would prefer to just pass on the information to your friend, you have in this thread several folks who are interested in it (including me). But this does sound like a good opportunity for you.

 

[JimMIA]

Thank you, thank you!!

one last thing... do all your vacations have to be booked months out? Can you not book something with a 2-3 month notice?

You can book your home resort anytime within 13 months of arrival, and any Wyndham Club Plus resort within 10 months of arrival.

You could book reservations short-term, but you'll have the availability challenges others have already mentioned. The closer to arrival you try to book, the more difficulty you will have, and for certain things (e.g. Mardi Gras in NO, Race Week at Daytona, etc) you almost have to have home resort booking and book right at the 13 month date.

The Wyndham system is so large and diverse that there is no one-rule-fits-all advice we can give about booking reservations. Some places are wide open sometimes and impossible other times. Like most things, it depends.