Parents just bought a $12k timeshare of 8k Bluegreen points

[sheepy318]

We are on one of those Bass Pro promo vacations, and the marketing team has won over my parents during the mandatory meeting. They are thoroughly convinced that they have struck gold with their purchase. The salespeople were extremely friendly, which I think is worse than most reviews about rude salespeople because these guys actually succeeded.

I tell them that Bluegreen is known to be a predatory business, they brush it off as the reviewers being stupid or not knowing how to manage money.

They say that this purchase saves them money since they save on hotels. I don’t know if that is true or not, but they have only listened to the Bluegreen marketing department. In fact, none of us have heard about Bluegreen before this. I have read many horror stories about Bluegreen, and I don’t even know what to believe anymore.

I tell them about the rapidly increasing housekeeping/maintenance fees. “Oh no, it’s called inflation, and it’s normal.”

I tell them about how vacations at peak times are almost never available. “Well, they should’ve booked a year in advance.”

I show them the super cheap point resales on Ebay. They think those are scams. I cannot convince them that there is a reason people are desperate to drop those points.

They think that I just don’t wanna go on vacations, but what I am worried about is that they just threw 12k down the drain. “If you don’t want to go on vacation, we will leave you behind. I’m getting old and I want to go on more vacations.” I do want to go on vacations, but I really believe they made a mistake with this purchase.

Please tell me how to convince them to return their purchase. It happened yesterday, and we are leaving the Bluegreen hotel in 2 days.

 

[dioxide45]

They could save more on hotels by buying resale.

 

[Passepartout]

Tell them that buying a timeshare from an owner is EXACTLY the same as buying it from the developer, EXCEPT the commission to the sales department is NOT on the resale one.

BUY RE$ALE- $AVE THOU$AND$!!!

Cross my heart, Honest!

Unfortunately, though, I suspect the 'helpful, friendly, salesweasels' have convinced the parents here that they are telling the truth.

Jim

 

[Sn0wbird]

Tell them to buy resale to try out first, if they like it then they can always buy from developers for more perks (hopefully after trying they'll give up buying from developers).

 

[HudsHut]

Welcome to TUG;
You are correct.
Find the rescission instructions in their binder/ folder/ cd.
You will have to type the short / concise letter and have them sign it.
Then mail it certified, return receipt.

Save them from themselves.

 

[Passepartout]

@sheepy318, I don't know if 8,000 Bluegreen points is a lot or a little. Bluegreen is not one of the major prestigious timeshare companies. My take is that they are scattered around the mostly eastern/southeastern US.

There is a sub-forum for Bluegreen information. Go there- or better have the parents read through the posts there. The pink tinted posts are what we call 'Stickies' that don't expire and contain semi-permanent information.

Here's a link: https://tugbbs.com/forums/forums/bluegreen-vacations.62/

Jim

 

[sheepy318]

Well folks, I don’t think I can do it. They REALLY do not trust resales, and cannot for the life of them believe that resales are legitimate. “What if we sign fake paperwork and actually get nothing?”

They literally said they would rather pay thousands than potentially get scammed, even though I told them that getting scammed 10 times but getting a legitimate sale the 11th would still save them money.

Thank you guys for your help, I really appreciate it. At least I know to not fall for these scumbags in the future, for sure.

 

[dioxide45]

Some people can't be saved. It is as simple as that. Good on you for trying though...

 

[samara64]

Well folks, I don’t think I can do it. They REALLY do not trust resales, and cannot for the life of them believe that resales are legitimate. “What if we sign fake paperwork and actually get nothing?”

They literally said they would rather pay thousands than potentially get scammed, even though I told them that getting scammed 10 times but getting a legitimate sale the 11th would still save them money.

Thank you guys for your help, I really appreciate it. At least I know to not fall for these scumbags in the future, for sure.

But what about getting it off eBay for free with closing cost paid. How can this be a scam. Ask them to read this thread from independent people that owned Timeshare for 20+ years. Do you think all these people want to scam them. What am I getting out of it to give the advice.

All said, I know the feeling when I have to deal with it sometimes to convince family of similar cheaper deals.

 

[HudsHut]

Lastly, the "deal" they got will always be there. Next week, next month, next year.

There would be no harm in rescinding. Wait a month. Then decide in a rational matter, without sales pressure, whether they want to spend $12K on something they do not yet understand.

---
Your parents should read everything possible in the Bluegreen forum. The more they know, they better they'll be able to use the product. If you're going to be an Owner, be a knowledgeable Owner.

Bluegreen Vacations

Bluegreen Vacation Club Timeshare and Point systems Advice, Discussion & Information

tugbbs.com

Some resorts will be easy to reserve, other resorts may be nearly impossible to reserve. They need to know exactly when the window opens to make a reservation. Note the cancel by date. When plans change (and they will), they need to make sure to cancel before that date so they don't lose their points.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

@sheepy318 Sorry to hear about your parents. They are lucky to have you look out for them. Ask them, "What's the rush?" They only have a few days (and one chance) to rescind or they are stuck with it forever.

They can always go back and buy from them. No matter what the sales rep tells them, this timeshare deal will still be around if they want to pursue it. Would they buy a car without research? How do they know this is the right system for them? What about Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham? They owe it to themselves to compare.

Good luck!

 

[tschwa2]

If they spent $12,000 buying direct, the probably bought 8000 every other year points. They need to check their contract. That means most places, they won't even get a dull week every other year. I dint think they go below $2 per point unless you are buying more than 50,000 points.

 

[Patri]

If resales are scams, how are your parents going to get rid of this timeshare when they are too old to travel? They will be stuck with it even after death! (Don‘t you dare accept ownership). Of course resales exist. Every owner eventually has to sell or give their timeshare away. If they go through a legitimate closing company (and we can recommend some), their money is safe and they will get a much better deal. Time is fleeting. Rescind now, explore the world of timesharing, and then rent or buy a resale. Invite your folks to poke around here. We are good people from all over the US and Canada, and know a lot. And we are honest. (And probably their age).
Put the rescission in the mail per the instructions in the packet. Don’t go into the office. They will hard sell you some more.

 

[rjwehr]

Well folks, I don’t think I can do it. They REALLY do not trust resales, and cannot for the life of them believe that resales are legitimate. “What if we sign fake paperwork and actually get nothing?”

They literally said they would rather pay thousands than potentially get scammed, even though I told them that getting scammed 10 times but getting a legitimate sale the 11th would still save them money.

Thank you guys for your help, I really appreciate it. @At least I know to not fall for these scumbags in the future, for sure.

@HudsHut and @CalGalTraveler are right. This is not a limited-time offer. (This deal, if not a better one, will always be available.) However, there is a limited window in which they can cancel and be without the sunk cost and annual fees. Rescinding their purchase buys them some time to think and really make sure they want it.

Assuming they do in fact want a timeshare; One thing they need to understand is that, from an asset perspective, a timeshare is more like a car than a second vacation home. My best analogy for them would be: they can pay full price for a brand new car - or - they can buy the same car with 5 miles on it at a large discount from someone who bought it and drove it home only to decide they didn't want it a day after the return period at the dealership closed. Now substitute the word "timeshare" for the word "car". As soon as they buy it, it's considered "used". Just like a car, it's worth substantially less "used" than it is "new' even though it's the exact same product. (Most members here would argue that a timeshare is not worth it at the original/developer cost but that is not resonating with your parents.)

Keep in mind, the comments here are not bashing the timeshare concept. They have just learned how to make it work for them and what to avoid. However, it's not the end of the world if you can't convince them to rescind their purchase. Most of the folks on the TUG message board have been burned (i.e. buying directly from the developer) which is why we're passionate about helping others.

By the way, I completely understand your situation. My parents did the same thing... 3 times! I think they've finally learned. Good luck.

 

[rapmarks]

@sheepy318, I don't know if 8,000 Bluegreen points is a lot or a little. Bluegreen is not one of the major prestigious timeshare companies. My take is that they are scattered around the mostly eastern/southeastern US.

There is a sub-forum for Bluegreen information. Go there- or better have the parents read through the posts there. The pink tinted posts are what we call 'Stickies' that don't expire and contain semi-permanent information.

Here's a link: https://tugbbs.com/forums/forums/bluegreen-vacations.62/

Jim

Very little. A weekdays only vacation

 

[tschwa2]

Very little. A weekdays only vacation

and as I mentioned I think it is really the equivalent to 4000 annual points because $3 a point is a very normal retail price for a small number of points where as $1.50 a point for 8000 points would be well below what they normally sell for. So 8000 EOY would get a 4-5 day week day vacation (during prime time) every other year.

 

[CPNY]

Well folks, I don’t think I can do it. They REALLY do not trust resales, and cannot for the life of them believe that resales are legitimate. “What if we sign fake paperwork and actually get nothing?”

They literally said they would rather pay thousands than potentially get scammed, even though I told them that getting scammed 10 times but getting a legitimate sale the 11th would still save them money.

Thank you guys for your help, I really appreciate it. At least I know to not fall for these scumbags in the future, for sure.

I feel so bad for them. I bought 7 resales and have done perfectly fine with them. Unfortunately your parents lost 12K. If they financed the purchased they lost over 25K when it’s all paid off.

If they want to spend 12K they should buy into a better system at least. Have them go to Hilton or Hyatt. They would do so much better with resale Marriott points. One thing you can tell them is if they buy resale, they may be buying through a licensed real estate agent and wouldn’t be scammed.

 

[Jan M.]

I've bought 12 resales. I couldn't even begin to guess at the number of people who've bought the different timeshares on the resale market. Many of us bought from a developer, afterwards found TUG and added resales to our portfolios of what we own.

What your parents are most assuredly going to find out is that $12k purchase didn't buy them enough to do anything much at all. Someone who's familiar with Blue green pointed that out. On the resale market that $12k would get enough to actually be worth having.

If you can get your parents to read some of our posts maybe they would begin understand something. Unless they rescind this purchase they're going to bitterly regret wasting their money.

After they rescind this purchase their next step should be to join TUG themselves and ask for help in educating themselves. They might want to stick with buying Bluegreen points or buy Wyndham, Marriott, HGVC (Hilton Grand Vacation Club), HICV (Holiday Inn Club Vacations), DVC (Disney Vacation Club) points. They could even buy one of the higher points week at Grandview at Las Vegas, a Vacation Village property or at Regal Vistas at Massanutten. Either would give them an RCI points account. They could do a lot with that. Any of these options are available on the resale market.

We own Wyndham points and several Grandview at Las Vegas weeks that give us an RCI points account. In 2022 we spent 233 nights in the timeshares with what we own.

I've helped other people who've contacted me for help and would gladly help your parents if they asked.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

duplicate post

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

We are on one of those Bass Pro promo vacations, and the marketing team has won over my parents during the mandatory meeting. They are thoroughly convinced that they have struck gold with their purchase. The salespeople were extremely friendly, which I think is worse than most reviews about rude salespeople because these guys actually succeeded.

I tell them that Bluegreen is known to be a predatory business, they brush it off as the reviewers being stupid or not knowing how to manage money.

They say that this purchase saves them money since they save on hotels. I don’t know if that is true or not, but they have only listened to the Bluegreen marketing department. In fact, none of us have heard about Bluegreen before this. I have read many horror stories about Bluegreen, and I don’t even know what to believe anymore.

I tell them about the rapidly increasing housekeeping/maintenance fees. “Oh no, it’s called inflation, and it’s normal.”

I tell them about how vacations at peak times are almost never available. “Well, they should’ve booked a year in advance.”

I show them the super cheap point resales on Ebay. They think those are scams. I cannot convince them that there is a reason people are desperate to drop those points.

They think that I just don’t wanna go on vacations, but what I am worried about is that they just threw 12k down the drain. “If you don’t want to go on vacation, we will leave you behind. I’m getting old and I want to go on more vacations.” I do want to go on vacations, but I really believe they made a mistake with this purchase.

Please tell me how to convince them to return their purchase. It happened yesterday, and we are leaving the Bluegreen hotel in 2 days.

Some people don't want to be convinced or dissuaded. Often what those people are looking for is not advice but confirmation of the wisdom of their decision. Nothing you say can dissuade.

Some years ago my sister literally called me from the sales floor at Wyndham Bali Hai on Kauai. Wyndham was getting the papers ready for them to sign. I went through everything with her, but nothing I said dissuaded her. Even her husband, who pinches money so hard that the eagles scream in terror, wouldn't listen to me.

Two years later she was begging me for help on how to get rid of the property. They ended up giving it away to their estate planning attorney. She wanted to know how much she should charge, and I told her that if she had someone willing to take it off her hands, she should just say thank you and decide who would pay the closing costs.

 

[kanerf]

I routinely stay at Blue Green properties using my RCI exchanges from resale purchases. I never have any issue getting into the resorts.

 

[Passepartout]

We can hope that @sheepy318 can get the parents to develop cold feet enough to submit a timely rescission letter if (or after) they sign the contract. For a few days it can all be undone. After that, they're really committed, and undoing it gets EXPENSIVE. I see that sheepy has been back to TUG and studying, so. . . . Maybe there's hope.

Jim

 

[rickandcindy23]

I would recommend buying resale, not Bluegreen, but when people are convinced, nothing you can do will change their minds.

 

[DRIless]

We are on one of those Bass Pro promo vacations, and the marketing team has won over my parents during the mandatory meeting. They are thoroughly convinced that they have struck gold with their purchase. The salespeople were extremely friendly, which I think is worse than most reviews about rude salespeople because these guys actually succeeded.

I tell them that Bluegreen is known to be a predatory business, they brush it off as the reviewers being stupid or not knowing how to manage money.

They say that this purchase saves them money since they save on hotels. I don’t know if that is true or not, but they have only listened to the Bluegreen marketing department. In fact, none of us have heard about Bluegreen before this. I have read many horror stories about Bluegreen, and I don’t even know what to believe anymore.

I tell them about the rapidly increasing housekeeping/maintenance fees. “Oh no, it’s called inflation, and it’s normal.”

I tell them about how vacations at peak times are almost never available. “Well, they should’ve booked a year in advance.”

I show them the super cheap point resales on Ebay. They think those are scams. I cannot convince them that there is a reason people are desperate to drop those points.

They think that I just don’t wanna go on vacations, but what I am worried about is that they just threw 12k down the drain. “If you don’t want to go on vacation, we will leave you behind. I’m getting old and I want to go on more vacations.” I do want to go on vacations, but I really believe they made a mistake with this purchase.

Please tell me how to convince them to return their purchase. It happened yesterday, and we are leaving the Bluegreen hotel in 2 days.

If they spent $12,000 buying direct, the probably bought 8000 every other year points. They need to check their contract. That means most places, they won't even get a dull week every other year. I dint think they go below $2 per point unless you are buying more than 50,000 points.

It's been awhile since I delved into Bluegreen, but 8000 BG points get's you next to nothing in the way of a vacation.

 

[alwysonvac]

Hi @sheepy318 Welcome to TUG

I’m sorry to hear about your parents.

Let them know that they have endless opportunities to buy from any timeshare developer at anytime but only one opportunity to backout of their purchase (rescind) to get a full refund.

With timeshares, it’s best to research first to figure out fact vs fiction. Various sales teams are known to stretch the truth in order to make a sale. If they’re still interested, they can always go back to the developer to make another purchase.

NOTE: Half of us here, have bought from the developer and many of us hate to see folks lose hard earned money when they don’t have to.

Here’s some additional information from the various TUG posts that I hope will help,

They say that this purchase saves them money since they save on hotels

Here’s what owners are reporting

You only get two choice points for each Blurgreen point.

So a $100 hotel room can cost you $300-400 in maint fees

What is your maint fee per thousand points? Do the math before you decide.
And be sure you are okay with the quality of the choice hotel. I just stayed in a comfort suites that was really dumpy because there was no Marriott Hilton Hyatt in the area and the Best Western was full.

I just checked my recent reservation
With tax I paid $191 per night
The cost in choice points 20,000
That equals 10,000 Bluegreen points
As a Platinum owner my maint fee is $70 per thousand (many owners pay $80-100 per thousand) so this reservation would have cost me $700.

Just don’t do it.

I tell them about the rapidly increasing housekeeping/maintenance fees. “Oh no, it’s called inflation, and it’s normal.

Here’s what owners are reporting

Bluegreen has announced that the Club Dues will increase to US$159 in 2023.
Bluegreen has announced that Maintenance fees are expected to increase by about 12% in 2023.

All this in the President's Letter out of the Annual Meeting 21 September, 2022.
Here's the relevant paragraph:
"Financial Business
The Annual Operating Budget (Club Dues) and the Annual Trust Fund Budget (Common Assessment) were presented at the meeting.
There will be a $5 increase to Club Dues to $159 per member.
Common Assessment (Maintenance Fees) will reflect an average increase of approximately 12% due to increases at the underlying component site HOAs, which includes the fees necessary to support the operation of the resorts, housekeeping, ongoing maintenance, reserves and property taxes. "

Also posted as a new post in Bluegreen forum; then I figured this thread would also be appropriate.

I show them the super cheap point resales on Ebay. They think those are scams. I cannot convince them that there is a reason people are desperate to drop those points.

Sadly some can’t give their timeshare away or getting caught up in the various resale scams.
If they change their mind next week, next month, next year, they’ll be joining the hundreds of others trying to get rid of their timeshare and there’s no way to get back the full $12k.

Here’s what owners are reporting

https://www.bluegreenvacations.com/talk-to-bluegreen-vacations-were-here-to-help

I called the number on this website and provided my info and they offered 3 approaches (I informed them I lost my job and wanted out)

1. list on pinnacle
2. sell myself and do a title change request
3. "responsible exit" pay dues ahead for one year and they will take back the property

I couldn't believe it and immediately asked for the give back. They took a credit card for the dues and said my wife and I would receive exit contract via email in the next 3 weeks. We had 7000 points and maintenance fee was about 1100 dollars.

I logged into BG this morning and our July 2023 trip was canceled the credit for the charge was in the account so it is legit. Thanks to TUGS for your posts and the learning that this was even possible.

My takeaway from that is that I'm basically screwed then since I have points, not fixed...

We haven't been able to go on a vacation in years (BG or otherwise) - at the last owner update we actually did, we explained our situation & that we actually were looking for a way to get out. The rep told us that renting our points out was a way to help - he even showed us his own AirBnB listings for BG properties.

We've been doing that for the past 3 years no problem. It was never enough to fully cover MF's, but it helped a lot. Then out of the blue yesterday, we received a nasty letter from BG's "Director of Corporate Compliance" reminding us that commercial use is prohibited, and that they were monitoring our account and would start cancelling reservations if they thought I was listing them for rent.

If renting our points out isn't allowed, then I don't have the means to cover the fees - Are the below deeds worth anything to anyone? All are Trust Fund E/Sales Type A (September 1st anniversary date).

Type	Points	Location
Annual	15000	Seaglass Towers
Annual	10000	Mountain Run at Boyne
EOY - Even	6000	Cibola Vista
EOY - Even	12000	South Mountain Resort
EOY - Odd	6000	Manhattan Club

Not soliciting offers here - I'm happy to list them wherever I'm supposed to - just asking if points spread around like that are something that will sell. If I'm not allowed to rent them, and can't give them away or deed them back, I'd be willing to risk taking the credit hit, but some sites seem to indicate that they can come after MF's through court order, which means I'd have the credit hit AND still have to pay.

I filled out the form and got a call back a couple weeks later - they just directed me to Pinnacle and that they would not take my points back.

I'm going to try to sell them outside Pinnacle. Thanks for the responses

Timeshares, Vacation Clubs, and Related Scams

If you’re thinking about buying a timeshare or joining a vacation club, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into.

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