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Newbie Diamond Resorts Buyers-HELP please

ampaholic

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I strongly urge you to rescind.

-snip-
Don't worry about losing some offer that is supposedly only available if you buy this offer. The offer you have in hand now can be resurrected if that is what you want. Or, if not, there will be some comparable offer that is available to you. That's part of the sales game that they play - there is always some offer that is available to you only if you buy at that moment - they need to have that to get people to make the final buying decision.

It is in the book "Big League Sales Closing Techniques" by Les Dane - it is called "BUY NOW" the goal is to induce in the purchaser the belief that they must "buy now" or the deal will be forever gone ....

except they will have the same or better "deal" 2, 7 and even 12 weeks from now.

Rescind while you still can
 

glypnirsgirl

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I think that this may have been previously listed. Check here.


You would get as many points as you need. Although your Maintenance fees are higher, you will probably save enough from not making the payments, that it would be worth it.


elaine
 

chewie

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The two Diamond resorts in Sedona are Sedona Summit, and The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort. Both of these two resorts are the easiest to get at almost anytime during the year, especially in summer (due to the heat I would imagine). I see availability at these two resorts with an every single day checkin between now and Dec 2012. In fact, I see a total of 670 available units (on a weekly basis) at the Sedona Summit, and 445 available units (on a weekly basis) at The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort. This is in RCI Weeks.
Both of these resorts are considered Silver Crowns. This means in timeshare terms that they are the second tier in luxury accommodations. There are a few other Gold Crown resorts in Sedona / Flagstaff area that are much nicer than these, and they are cheaper to own. However, these two Diamond resorts sure are cheap to trade into, and a great bargin when using RCI Points. :D

I am only looking at trading into these two resorts, and am not even in the Diamond club. In fact, the only true 'gems' in the Diamiond umbrella would be the Kaanapali Beach Club, as well as the Point at Poipu. Both of these are in Hawaii. Both of these show up quite often in RCI Weeks, and both don't last too awful long before somebody claims them. I could only imagine the King's ransom 'The CLUB' would charge in order to rent at the Kaanapali Beach Club. :eek: It only costs me between $700 - $900 for the week at Kaanapali Beach Club, when they have availability in RCI - which is quite often.

If you paid anything over $1 for the initial purchase price of this contract, you are being suckered. And remember that everytime you get suckered, God kills a kitten. Save the the kittens!

And forget EVERYTHING the sales people have told you. Now that you understand how the Diamond Club works, start comparing it to the Wyndham system. If you are a fan of self contained systems, Wyndham blows the Diamond Club system out of the water. In fact, I am taking my aging parents to Sedona in September for a week, and am staying at the Wyndham Sedona. Look up the Wyndham Sedona on tripadvisor. However, both the Diamond and Wyndham systems are significantly overpriced in what they want in maintenance fees every month. But, you will only understand these tidbits of information after you have learned the whole timesharing "game" from reading what goes on in these forums, and THEN purchasing something.

There is no underlying agenda here, people are simply trying to help you avoid the same mistakes they have made. You get enough mistake makers together in one place and it become a Yenta fest. These board are a true Yenta fest.
 

T_R_Oglodyte

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The two Diamond resorts in Sedona are Sedona Summit, and The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort.
Slight correction - Los Abrigados is also part of the Diamond resort system.

And forget EVERYTHING the sales people have told you. Now that you understand how the Diamond Club works, start comparing it to the Wyndham system. If you are a fan of self contained systems, Wyndham blows the Diamond Club system out of the water. In fact, I am taking my aging parents to Sedona in September for a week, and am staying at the Wyndham Sedona.
Learn about the various systems and decide what is best for you. I wouldn't say that Wyndham blows Diamond Club out of the water; we investigated both and decided Diamond was the better one for us. There are advantages and disadvantages of all systems; as well as advantages of simply owning at a resort and not being in a mini-system at all. Just take your time and understand the differences and what best fits your situation.

BTW - in your situation I would also be taking a close look at the Vacation Internationale system.
 
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chewie

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The two Diamond resorts in Sedona are Sedona Summit, and The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort. [\quote]
Slight correction - Los Abrigados is also part of the Diamond resort system.


Learn about the various systems and decide what is best for you. I wouldn't say that Wyndham blows Diamond Club out of the water; we investigated both and decided Diamond was the better one for us. There are advantages and disadvantages of all systems; as well as advantages of simply owning at a resort and not being in a mini-system at all. Just take your time and understand the differences and what best fits your situation.

BTW - in your situation I would also be taking a close look at the Vacation Internationale system.


I purposely forgot about that dump! Just kidding..just a joke.

You are right Steve, decide what's best for you. Didn't mean to disrespect your Diamond ownership ;) But whatever happens here, keep the kittens in mind.
 

greeneyes07

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Many many thanks for all the responses- we do not want killed kittens on our conscience!! I really have taken time to read each response and haves spent all my free time checking out our info as well as researching other systems.

We actually were charmed by los Abrigados based upon its location and park area by the River. We love it there and want to go back and feed the ducks, play giant chess and the younger kids really like the kiddie pool. I am looking hard at HOW MANY resorts over all are available in Sedona and I see the most with Diamond. Also nice resorts in Payson and Pinetop AZand I see nowhere we would like to some day visit that there is no resort with Diamond. Thanks for input Chewie an Sedona summer availability, Los Ab did not appear full capacity. Sedona is a break from Phoenix any time in Summer, and with our 50% rate short notice, we can still do well. Our saleslady who was very nice not hi pressure, did stress the need to be flexible at our point level.

It appears that if we rescinded and bought Diamond resale, we would have to buy TheClub membership separately thru Diamond at about 3,000$.(it was "free")Which is what gives us access to all the other resorts to exchange,as I get it. My husband is nervous about buying resale, that's just how he feels. It makes him happy to look at the nice book and dream of going to Germany or Hawaii, even if Kittens are being sacrificed. He works hard and its his choice in the end.

I AM however looking into RCI and VI but I need to see lots of local available resorts we can go to. Its hell in the minivan w/6 and an arm and a leg to fly.

Still researching on day 3 of our 7!
 

DeniseM

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There is no reason to feel nervous about buying resale. Have you ever bought a home from the owner (rather than the builder?) That's what buying resale is like. You can use a professional escrow and closing company to handle the $$$ and paperwork, and everything will be taken care of legally and professionally. It's not risky.

I own 7 timeshares - I bought 6 of them resale. It is a very common practice here on TUG.

You should absolutely rescind. You are paying thousands more than this property is worth. DON'T DO IT!
 

aliikai2

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As long as you both remember after the "glow"

of the retail timeshare weasel spiel fades and you can't get those things that you were lied to about, that you made the decision after hearing from those that know, to keep your purchase, I am fine.

You are adults and as such are entitled to make you own costly mistakes.

fwiw,

Greg


Many many thanks for all the responses- we do not want killed kittens on our conscience!! I really have taken time to read each response and haves spent all my free time checking out our info as well as researching other systems.

We actually were charmed by los Abrigados based upon its location and park area by the River. We love it there and want to go back and feed the ducks, play giant chess and the younger kids really like the kiddie pool. I am looking hard at HOW MANY resorts over all are available in Sedona and I see the most with Diamond. Also nice resorts in Payson and Pinetop AZand I see nowhere we would like to some day visit that there is no resort with Diamond. Thanks for input Chewie an Sedona summer availability, Los Ab did not appear full capacity. Sedona is a break from Phoenix any time in Summer, and with our 50% rate short notice, we can still do well. Our saleslady who was very nice not hi pressure, did stress the need to be flexible at our point level.

It appears that if we rescinded and bought Diamond resale, we would have to buy TheClub membership separately thru Diamond at about 3,000$.(it was "free")Which is what gives us access to all the other resorts to exchange,as I get it. My husband is nervous about buying resale, that's just how he feels. It makes him happy to look at the nice book and dream of going to Germany or Hawaii, even if Kittens are being sacrificed. He works hard and its his choice in the end.

I AM however looking into RCI and VI but I need to see lots of local available resorts we can go to. Its hell in the minivan w/6 and an arm and a leg to fly.

Still researching on day 3 of our 7!
 
Last edited:

chewie

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Just to add.... Availability at Los Abrigados in Sedona between Oct 2011 thru Dec 30, 2012 = 437 units available (on a weekly basis).

Just to give you an idea on what it would actually cost to exchange into this resort. The average TPU required is around 15 (for both one and two bedroom units, lumping them all into one pool).

15 TPU = $20 per TPU (for me) = $300
RCI exchange fee = $179

Total = $479 for the entire week.

What this basically works out to be is that my 1 bedroom at the Kona Coast Resort in Kona, HI - trading it with RCI, would get me 2.5 weeks per year at Los Abrigados. My yearly maintenance fee at the Kona Coast Resort II = $815.

Many of the other members here on TUG have a much lower TPU to maintenance fee ratio than I have, but I am drinking milk and getting that corrected! :D
 

aliikai2

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By just being an RCI member

You can book extra vacations for cash only. Here is what can be had at your preferred resort without making 10 years of payments,



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Sedona Vacation Club/Los Abrigados (#2026)
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160 Portal Lane
Sedona, AZ 86336
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www.losabrigados.com


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If the resort requires a mandatory all-inclusive fee, then such fee, depending on the resort and season, may cover meals, drinks, tours transportation, resort activities, resort amenities, services and facilities and is required to be prepaid at or before check-in. If the resort makes available an optional all-inclusive package for an additional fee, then such fee, depending on resort and season, may cover meals, drinks, tours, transportation, resort activities, resort amenities, services and facilities. A Member may not be able to purchase food or drink at the resort if he/she chooses not to pay the optional fee. Fees, terms and conditions of packages covered by an all-inclusive fee are determined solely by the resort, and are subject to change at any time.
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Units that meet your criteria Total Units Available: 96

Unit Type Max Occup
(Privacy) Kitchen Check-In Date Check-Out Date Price
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 23-Oct-2011 Sun 30-Oct-2011 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 29-Oct-2011 Sat 05-Nov-2011 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 30-Oct-2011 Sun 06-Nov-2011 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 05-Nov-2011 Sat 12-Nov-2011 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 06-Nov-2011 Sun 13-Nov-2011 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 11-Nov-2011 Fri 18-Nov-2011 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 12-Nov-2011 Sat 19-Nov-2011 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 13-Nov-2011 Sun 20-Nov-2011 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 18-Nov-2011 Fri 25-Nov-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 19-Nov-2011 Sat 26-Nov-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 25-Nov-2011 Fri 02-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 26-Nov-2011 Sat 03-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 27-Nov-2011 Sun 04-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 02-Dec-2011 Fri 09-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 03-Dec-2011 Sat 10-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 09-Dec-2011 Fri 16-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 09-Dec-2011 Fri 16-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 10-Dec-2011 Sat 17-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 11-Dec-2011 Sun 18-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 16-Dec-2011 Fri 23-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 16-Dec-2011 Fri 23-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 17-Dec-2011 Sat 24-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 18-Dec-2011 Sun 25-Dec-2011 USD 611.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 23-Dec-2011 Fri 30-Dec-2011 USD 638.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 24-Dec-2011 Sat 31-Dec-2011 USD 638.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 25-Dec-2011 Sun 01-Jan-2012 USD 638.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 30-Dec-2011 Fri 06-Jan-2012 USD 638.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 30-Dec-2011 Fri 06-Jan-2012 USD 638.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 31-Dec-2011 Sat 07-Jan-2012 USD 638.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 01-Jan-2012 Sun 08-Jan-2012 USD 638.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sun 01-Jan-2012 Sun 08-Jan-2012 USD 638.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 06-Jan-2012 Fri 13-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 06-Jan-2012 Fri 13-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sat 07-Jan-2012 Sat 14-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 07-Jan-2012 Sat 14-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
2 Bedrooms 6 (6) Partial Sat 07-Jan-2012 Sat 14-Jan-2012 USD 512.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 08-Jan-2012 Sun 15-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sun 08-Jan-2012 Sun 15-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
2 Bedrooms 8 (4) Partial Sun 08-Jan-2012 Sun 15-Jan-2012 USD 512.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 13-Jan-2012 Fri 20-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 13-Jan-2012 Fri 20-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sat 14-Jan-2012 Sat 21-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 14-Jan-2012 Sat 21-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
2 Bedrooms 6 (6) Partial Sat 14-Jan-2012 Sat 21-Jan-2012 USD 512.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sun 15-Jan-2012 Sun 22-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 15-Jan-2012 Sun 22-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
2 Bedrooms 8 (4) Partial Sun 15-Jan-2012 Sun 22-Jan-2012 USD 512.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 20-Jan-2012 Fri 27-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 20-Jan-2012 Fri 27-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 21-Jan-2012 Sat 28-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sat 21-Jan-2012 Sat 28-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
2 Bedrooms 6 (6) Partial Sat 21-Jan-2012 Sat 28-Jan-2012 USD 512.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 22-Jan-2012 Sun 29-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sun 22-Jan-2012 Sun 29-Jan-2012 USD 449.99
2 Bedrooms 8 (4) Partial Sun 22-Jan-2012 Sun 29-Jan-2012 USD 512.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 27-Jan-2012 Fri 03-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 27-Jan-2012 Fri 03-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sat 28-Jan-2012 Sat 04-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 28-Jan-2012 Sat 04-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
2 Bedrooms 6 (6) Partial Sat 28-Jan-2012 Sat 04-Feb-2012 USD 512.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sun 29-Jan-2012 Sun 05-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 29-Jan-2012 Sun 05-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
2 Bedrooms 8 (4) Partial Sun 29-Jan-2012 Sun 05-Feb-2012 USD 512.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 03-Feb-2012 Fri 10-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 03-Feb-2012 Fri 10-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 04-Feb-2012 Sat 11-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sat 04-Feb-2012 Sat 11-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 05-Feb-2012 Sun 12-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sun 05-Feb-2012 Sun 12-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 10-Feb-2012 Fri 17-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 10-Feb-2012 Fri 17-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 11-Feb-2012 Sat 18-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sat 11-Feb-2012 Sat 18-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sun 12-Feb-2012 Sun 19-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 12-Feb-2012 Sun 19-Feb-2012 USD 449.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 17-Feb-2012 Fri 24-Feb-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 17-Feb-2012 Fri 24-Feb-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sat 18-Feb-2012 Sat 25-Feb-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 18-Feb-2012 Sat 25-Feb-2012 USD 530.99
2 Bedrooms 6 (6) Partial Sat 18-Feb-2012 Sat 25-Feb-2012 USD 602.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sun 19-Feb-2012 Sun 26-Feb-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 19-Feb-2012 Sun 26-Feb-2012 USD 530.99
2 Bedrooms 8 (4) Partial Sun 19-Feb-2012 Sun 26-Feb-2012 USD 602.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 24-Feb-2012 Fri 02-Mar-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 24-Feb-2012 Fri 02-Mar-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 USD 530.99
2 Bedrooms 6 (6) Partial Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 USD 602.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sun 26-Feb-2012 Sun 04-Mar-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sun 26-Feb-2012 Sun 04-Mar-2012 USD 530.99
2 Bedrooms 8 (4) Partial Sun 26-Feb-2012 Sun 04-Mar-2012 USD 602.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Fri 02-Mar-2012 Fri 09-Mar-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Fri 02-Mar-2012 Fri 09-Mar-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 4 (2) Partial Sat 03-Mar-2012 Sat 10-Mar-2012 USD 530.99
1 Bedroom 6 (2) Partial Sat 03-Mar-2012 Sat 10-Mar-2012 USD 530.99
2 Bedrooms 6 (6) Partial Sat 03-Mar-2012 Sat 10-Mar-2012 USD 602.99
 

greeneyes07

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Again, thanks for ALL replies. At this point we are leaning towards staying with DRI.

Resale- it will cost 3G (free to us)to buy TheClub direct from Diamond, we will lose a free 1 week vaca in a 2bd of our choice which with 6 people to house is worth at least 2G to us, we will take our chances getting the best deal on resale I have seen our pts. 2500 level asking price often around $4G, and then pay an attorney and RE closing agent for their time. All this is approaching what we have paid potentially.

Also, DRI seems to have a reputation as being the most difficult to work with when you have bought resale and are attempting to gain a valid deed and transfer banked points from previous owners. It seems they want exclusivity and that is not a bad thing if you paid retail. I read where someone bickered with them for a year to recognize their resale deed. And the husband is just not sure about that gamble, arguing with companies is not for everyone.

I have pored over all the other vacation/timeshare plans for reviews on quality,availabilty of resorts in plan or for exchange NEAR us, and DRI is the best fit for us. I can see where its not the best for everyone. If we were in our 60's we would pass on Diamond unless we were wealthy, but we are attracted to the long term plans of the company. We want to travel a lot, everywhere, in our Golden Years and we like the long term plans of Diamond for its resorts and management from what we have seen in our research. We will need to go with the %50 off 2 month advance discount for now, but all indications show we can get something in at least Sedona in June which is alright. Plus there is alot in Scottsdale and even Mesa where we live in case the visiting folks want to use one year. If I lived in CA, our points would be woefully inadequate. I would probably not go with them there. Resale points from other DRI owner IS something I will look into!

I would also not go with them if we were wanting a plan with much resale ability, I have decided DRI is best for long term users who are pretty darn sure they will be enjoying it in the future. Hopefully:)
 

DeniseM

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I'm sorry, but this makes no financial sense.

Look at it this way: You are financing a multi-thousand dollar decision in a few days without having the info. or experience to make an informed decision.

The alternative: Rescind - then take your time (I recommend 6 mos.) and hang out here with us on TUG and do all your research without any pressure or deadlines.

I GUARANTEE that if you rescind - in 6 mos., you will be extremely glad that you did not take option #1.

If after you do your research, you decide to buy from the developer after all - no problem - they would be glad to sell to you again, and maybe even sweeten the pot.

So if you rescind - ALL your options are completely open.

But if you buy from the developer, you are locked into a decision that you are going to deeply regret as soon as you know a little more about timesharing.

Don't do it!

pay an attorney and RE closing agent for their time

Just noticed this - not correct - you don't need an attorney to buy a timeshare - it's rare to use one, and you can get a no frills transfer for as little at $100.
 
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T_R_Oglodyte

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Again, thanks for ALL replies. At this point we are leaning towards staying with DRI.

I'm a DRI owner. I've bought resale, and I've also bought additional from DRI to get into the Club, including a 2400 point starter contract like yours. I also own outside the DRI system.

Let me echo what Denise said, and what I mentioned upthread.

Rescind!!!!! There is simply no reason for you to let this contract go through. There is nothing offered to you now that you can't get later if you decide that is what you.

Let me repeat and be extremely clear - You lose nothing by rescinding!!!! There is no advantage to you to not rescind! But you gain the option to get more information.

*******

On top of that, let me add that a 2500 point contract in DRI is a terrible, terrible contract under almost any condition. When you add the trust fees to the annual fees, it becomes an incredibly expensive annual burden.

And if you ever try to get rid of it, you will find that you will need to pay someone thousands of dollars to take it off your hands - and even then you might not be able to find someone to take it. Because it has negative value!!! If you die it's the kind of thing you try to will to someone out of spite - seriously.
 

eal

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Please rescind now - you will be so glad you did.

Here is an ebay auction for 18,000 Diamond points that starts at $1. It includes free usage in 2011 and reduced closing ($150). If you go ahead with this purchase you are spending THOUSANDS of dollars more for a Diamond product than you need to! None of the so-called perks they are offering you are worth anything in the long run. Be happy that you discovered this site before it was too late!

http://cgi.ebay.com/18-000-POINTS-D...50833574919?pt=Timeshares&hash=item3a66d89c07
 

oceanvps

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we owned (for about 2 days) 3500 points for $10630.00 (feb 2011) and I became seriously worried about how easy it would be to actually book with that many points without waiting to the last minute every time. also, you have several children so that means 1bd (check out the occupancy limit) or 2bds at the very minimum, can you book any rooms with those credits in the size you need?

we bought in hawaii on a monday, decided on the tuesday (fly day home) we were rescinding and rescinded on the wed, thur, fri, mon (i faxed them from three dif fax machines) i have to say they did the rescind without a whimper. it sounds like you feel differently about this than we did - i didn't sleep the night of the signing and felt sick about the whole thing until i saw the cancellation acceptance in the mail. I think at the very minimum rescind now, make sure you really want to still do that and then go buy it again if you really want to (i'd do resale but I know the "club" doesn't come with resale). I'd be seriously worried about the size of unit you can get with that number of credits. plus diamond management kind of scares me with the rate of their maintenance fee increases (i only have exp with the hawaii collection though).
 
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slip

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I'd rescind but if your happy and comfortable with your purchase that's
what matters. Join TUG and learn how to get the most out of your timeshare.
But you still have time to rescind.:)
 

T_R_Oglodyte

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I'll come back again with one more post, as a fellow DRI owner.

What you are doing here makes zero sense. DRI is an OK system, but you are about to embark on what might be the worst possible way to get into the system. The fact that you are seriously thinking about going ahead with the deal screams to me that you need to stop and take more time to think about what you are doing.

Bluntly, for what you can get with 2500 points, you ought to be able to rent the same unit from a DRI owner for less than you would pay in annual fees - and that's without even considering what you would be paying as an upfront cost.

If you don't believe me, PM me and let's see what we can work out!!!!
 

csalter2

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I love DRI, but...

Greeneyes07, I want you to know that I am one of the more positive people on TUG who is a Diamond owner. As you can see I am a Gold Elite member so I have a lot of points. I like the flexibility DRI offers. However, I am going to let you know that you have too few points to really benefit from the system. In addition, DRI's maintenance fees have gone up steeply over the last four years. The maintenance fees are a great source of dissatisfaction for DRI members. The only other real complaint the DRI owners have is availability of resorts when they try to make reservations. Personally, I have not had that problem because I make my reservations a year or so in advance since I usually know when my vacations will be by that time.

If you buy points resale, you can only use them in the collection in which you own. Los Abrigados is a new addition to the US Collection. There are about 25 resorts in that collection throughout the US. You would only be able to use points in that collection. The points would not be applicable to the European and Hawaii resorts that are outside the US collection.

As much as I like DRI and its benefits, I must admit that when I see people getting weeks in the DRI resorts right now for less than the maintenance fees I pay, it really irritates me. The amount we pay in points is more than what people who are not in the Club are paying to stay there. That is making lots of DRI owners boil right now. However, most timeshare owners are feeling this due to the economy.

I would tell you to think about it some more. You can rescind and it will not be a problem. Learn more. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the system as I have used it extensively. There are things about it that you don't even know and you're saleperson probably does not know. You can PM may and I can go into detail for you about DRI's benefits. However, hold off until you really know what you're getting into. Whatever, benefits they offered that you signed for initially will be there later even if you rescind, believe me. I did not buy resale, because I did not know what I know now. I don't have any regrets, but I must say I received a whole lot more for what I paid than you currently have.

Be patient, you can still get what you want. I have never seen a problem with getting into Sedona properties. DRI recently renovated the Sedona Summit and made two different types of rooms that look very nce. You can get into there pretty easily.

Again, I would be more than happy to talk with you so that you can make a better decision regarding rescinding or not.
 

PeelBoy

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No more posting from the original poster. What is the final decision?

I have owned 10,000 Diamonds points for 13 years and gone through 2 Chapter 7 and 1 name change. My home resort is Sedona Ridge, but I have never returned there after purchase.

I love Diamonds. My points have brought me to various places in Europe, Asia and North America. I have no regret and no complaint I bought Diamonds (then Sunterra) retail.

Tuggers account for a very small percent of timesharers. Tuggers including myself want to maximize their timeshare benefits while average timeshare owners are happy with buying retail and going to the same place every year.

Now, I have learned how to manipulate the system to maximize my benefits. If everyone buys resale, where are the newbies who buy retail from developers who continue to build new and better resorts for people like me and other tuggers to use and to take advantage of the system.

Two years ago, I went to West Planet Hollywood which is a really nice resort. I am going to wait for a newbie who has bought from the developer for 45K and then sell it to me via ebay for $1.
 

greeneyes07

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We are still looking it all over-we can send papers on Monday and get it there FED EX by Tues which is the AZ time, recission 7 days starts I day after purchase day.

Again I appreciate the pro Diamond people coming out, and stress that we would rather pay more than take a chance on hassles using our membership w/ Diamond. Anyone buy their DRI resale, and have an easy time getting deed transferred , points recognized and enter The Club for a payment?? I would love to hear, as all resale transfer of the total DRI membership stories I have read online sound negative and stressful.

Yeah, I know the risk takers get the best deals in life, but that's not us!!

Buying resale pts for the US collection sounds perfect to be honest, we intend to stay driving distance mostly while we have all 4 kids to bring. Glad to hear Sedona booking is no problem, we also have access in our collection to Payson and Pinetop, very excited about visiting. We will eventually add more pts, to maximize use.

I promise I will post our final call, if the Tuggers promise to be happy:) or at least not mean .I know we can get the deal later, that is for sure.
 

csalter2

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Don't Worry...

Don't worry about anyone being mean. Your decision is your decision. It's your money and you do what you feel will have you sleep easiest at night. The only person you answer to is your spouse. I know that you want to do what you feel is right. It's not easy when you have people telling you you can get the same item for a dollar when you are paying thousands of dollars. That makes you wonder if you are doing the smart or right thing. You would not be human if you did not feel a certain uneasiness or apprehension. Just know that there are people on this board who have gotten those points very cheaply and then there are others who have paid a pretty penny for those points. The bottom line is you can get the deals with a little work.

Buying from DRI let's you know that you can use your points in the club and you can use them for various club extras. However, you will only have 2500 points. The good part if you have the US Collection will be the 13 month advantage to make reservations. When DRI has there 50% point discount, that could help you. If you have a timeshare in another system, you can use that to turn into points through DRI's Club Select system. This would give you more points that year.

Good luck in your decision.
 

TUGBrian

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Please note that even if you rescind, and change your mind later...the same salesperson would jump through the phone to get you to sign the same deal you have now.

As mentioned before, its your decision...but you only have one shot to rescind to do more research and make that decision for yourself.

once the recisssion period is over, you no longer have any options.

you have tens of thousands of people who wish they had discovered the resale market prior to buying new. you wont find many who claim they wish they bought new =)
 

nightnurse613

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You must love to get people riled up.:wall: I'm not going to tell you to RESCIND or not but, I will answer your question. I bought someplace I could go to every year (hi, neighbor) so I wound up owning at Villas of Sedona (2 units) and the Ridge at Sedona Golf Resort. Bought all of them resale several years back and paid about $500 for each (today, probably free) - a regular transaction with NO PROBLEMS getting the deeds. I bought a RCI points at Rayburn so I could use points and and Points for Deposit. Went to the world famous DRI update at Sedona Summit. Starting with their $10,000 package, I eventually paid $3,000 to join The Club and get a couple thousand US Collection points (along with the mandatory annual MF). In exchange they agreed to bring all three of my Sedona resorts into the contract FOR FREE and gave me enough DRI points to be an Elite member (well, it wasn't much but every bit helps). As many people have pointed out, Sedona is available almost all the time (I have TWO reservations starting next week for four days). Somehow they also got Bell Rock Inn in VOOC - which is a motel! I would just like to add that there are many ads for timeshare RENTALS throughout this great country where the owners are just hoping to get what THEY paid for their maintenance fees (fees you would have to pay EVERY year) and you could enjoy those rentals without ANY UPFRONT purchase price or obligation to pay those annual M/F - which, as someone has pointed out; seem to go up every year courtesy of DRI. :doh:
 

nightnurse613

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Carlito- BTW, here is something I was unaware of that you alluded to in your last post. In order to utilize the 13 month reservation window, you must own enough US Collection points for the reservation. Meaning, if I own 2500 US Collection Points I cannot take advantage of the 13 month window unless my reservation is for 2500 points or less. (Regardless of how many "points" I have in my account). Otherwise, I have to revert back to the 10 month window. I always thought that points were points but, not necessarily the case! :eek:
 
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My 2 cents after reading this thread......

Okay Green Eyes.......here is the skinny.

1. You are worried about being able to get your "club membership" if you buy resale A different salesperson will be there to shepherd the way Don't Worry

2. In a reply above, someone posted the link to 18,000 points. If you pick that up instead on the ebay auction, you will have enough annual points to not have to worry about the 30 day or 60 day booking window for 50% discounts - you will own enough points that it doesn't matter

3. You want the free vacation week they offer and claim it is a $2,000 value. It clearly is not. Look at the rental board here on TUG for last minute deals. $700 max for very nice weeks.

4. As stated previously by virtually everyone --- RESCIND NOW -- do not ignore this valuable advice from so many knowledgeable people.

_ I have bought the following all resale and saved tens of thousands doing so:
Marriott - Timber Lodge (2), Mountainside (2), Summit Watch, Grand Vista (2), Newport Coast
Hyatt - Winward Cove (2), Sedona
DVC - 500 points
HGVC - 10,000 points
RCI - 97,000 points

Never one problem with closing - there are many reputable hones closing companies (title companies) just like you use when you close on a home. No different.

RESCIND and be happy - like said above, this deal (if not better) will always be there for you! Don not complete this deal and be a statistic. Save the money and get MORE and feel better about it in the long run.
 
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