Pocono Mountain Villas by Exploria

[Sanwang]

I recently bought a timeshare at Pocono Mountain Villa in PA through Ebay basically for just the cost of the transferring title. My timeshare come with a 4 season deed, meaning that I have one fix week per season, so total 4 weeks in one year. The current annual maintenance fee is around $1700 for 2021. The management was changed couple years ago and now it's managed by Exploria.

I visited the the resort for the first time and really enjoyed it. I am completely satisfied with what I bought. Then, I went to an "owner update meeting" and was told that due to the planned renovations, there will be a $500/unit/week special assessment fee to start in 2022. The renovation might last for 5 years and they were not very clear when explain how long I will have to pay this special assessment fees for.

Then they proposed a solution which is to transfer my weeks into their point system. They said with my 4 weeks, I will be able to start in Gold status. But they wont let me transfer unless I buy 111 more points. So long story short, I will have to pay about $10,000 to get more points and to transfer my deeds into the point system and I will have more flexibility and member benefits. They annual maintenance for 2022 will be around $3700. (probably about the same if I pay for my deeded weeks which will be $1700 + $2000)

Any of you have experienced timeshare renovation and being charged for special assessment fee? How dose it work? Also can any of you give me your opinion on should i keep my deeded weeks or should I transfer to points system? Thank you in advance for your time.

 

[silentg]

Usually a special assessment fee is a one time only thing. One of my time shares had a special assessment for roof repairs $100.00 per unit. I would ask them how long will they be asking you to pay the special assessment?
Good Luck and hope you enjoy your timeshare without too many extra charges.

 

[Sanwang]

Usually a special assessment fee is a one time only thing. One of my time shares had a special assessment for roof repairs $100.00 per unit. I would ask them how long will they be asking you to pay the special assessment?
Good Luck and hope you enjoy your timeshare without too many extra charges.

Thank you!

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

I recently bought a timeshare at Pocono Mountain Villa in PA through Ebay basically for just the cost of the transferring title. My timeshare come with a 4 season deed, meaning that I have one fix week per season, so total 4 weeks in one year. The current annual maintenance fee is around $1700 for 2021. The management was changed couple years ago and now it's managed by Exploria.

I visited the the resort for the first time and really enjoyed it. I am completely satisfied with what I bought. Then, I went to an "owner update meeting" and was told that due to the planned renovations, there will be a $500/unit/week special assessment fee to start in 2022. The renovation might last for 5 years and they were not very clear when explain how long I will have to pay this special assessment fees for.

Then they proposed a solution which is to transfer my weeks into their point system. They said with my 4 weeks, I will be able to start in Gold status. But they wont let me transfer unless I buy 111 more points. So long story short, I will have to pay about $10,000 to get more points and to transfer my deeds into the point system and I will have more flexibility and member benefits. They annual maintenance for 2022 will be around $3700. (probably about the same if I pay for my deeded weeks which will be $1700 + $2000)

Also can any of you give me your opinion on should i keep my deeded weeks or should I transfer to points system? Thank you in advance for your time.

Welcome to TUG

I would keep my deeded weeks as is .

1 ) you bought where you want to go / so keep what you bought - the way you bought it.

2 ) New corporate owners of resorts always want to upsell existing owners.Exploria also wants your deeds.
[ Past Examples - Diamond buying Gold Key & HICV buying Silverleaf]
The sales team often tells the existing owners - that they will loose out if they don't upgrade. Most often this is just TS sales pumping the base to generate dollars. IF - it is something you later decide is worthwhile - the offer will still be available.

3) Exploria is a mid level TS company. YOU bought for location - not for Exploria
IF - you decide you can use more options for vacation weeks ( than the 4 you just bought) ; I would suggest buying
(an additional) trader timeshare .[ Example - certain Grandview Las Vegas ownerships that are in RCI points.]
For $ 10,000 you could buy it resale & pay MF & RCI membership & exchange fees for about the next 7 years . This would give you a lot more for $10 K .

4) Basically I am suggesting that for now you enjoy what you just bought as is - AND read TUG regularly to get ideas and learn more.

PS - $ 1700 ~4 = $ 425 per week
$ 3700~ 4 = $925 per week / still under $1000
AND - the special,accessment will end.

I think sales is using the SA as a way to push owners to convert to points.
This probably benefits Exploria / not owners of deeds like yours.

 

[Bunk]

You might want to check out the current budget and see whether there is an assessment shown.

 

[Sanwang]

sually a special assessment fee is a one time only thing. One of my time shares had a special assessment for roof repairs $100.00 per unit. I would ask them how long will they be asking you to pay the special assessment?
Good Luc

Welcome to TUG

I would keep my deeded weeks as is .

1 ) you bought where you want to go / so keep what you bought - the way you bought it.

2 ) New corporate owners of resorts always want to upsell existing owners.Exploria also wants your deeds.
[ Past Examples - Diamond buying Gold Key & HICV buying Silverleaf]
The sales team often tells the existing owners - that they will loose out if they don't upgrade. Most often this is just TS sales pumping the base to generate dollars. IF - it is something you later decide is worthwhile - the offer will still be available.

3) Exploria is a mid level TS company. YOU bought for location - not for Exploria
IF - you decide you can use more options for vacation weeks ( than the 4 you just bought) ; I would suggest buying
(an additional) trader timeshare .[ Example - certain Grandview Las Vegas ownerships that are in RCI points.] For $ 10,000 you could buy it resale & pay MF & RCI membership & exchange fees for about the next 7 years . This would give you a lot more for $10 K .

4) Basically I am suggesting that for now you enjoy what you just bought as is - AND read TUG regularly to get ideas and learn more.

PS - $ 1700 ~4 = $ 425 per week
$ 3700~ 4 = $925 per week / still under $1000
AND - the special,accessment will end.

I think sales is using the SA as a way to push owners to convert to points.
This probably benefits Exploria / not owners of deeds like yours.

Thank you for the awesome input!!!

 

[wackymother]

We've stayed at the resort and we're supposed to visit again in December. This is what used to be Villas at Fairway and Villas at Treetops? We like it there too--congrats on your purchase! What size unit did you buy?

I agree--hang tight and see if that assessment really comes through. Take a look at the budget.

I would hang on to what I bought rather than paying so much money to convert to points. It sounds like you will be happy using exactly what you bought, so there's definitely no urgency to convert.

 

[Sanwang]

We've stayed at the resort and we're supposed to visit again in December. This is what used to be Villas at Fairway and Villas at Treetops? We like it there too--congrats on your purchase! What size unit did you buy?

I agree--hang tight and see if that assessment really comes through. Take a look at the budget.

I would hang on to what I bought rather than paying so much money to convert to points. It sounds like you will be happy using exactly what you bought, so there's definitely no urgency to convert.

I own a 2/2 unit on week 6, 19, 32, and 45. Yes, it is used to be Fairway Villas and Treetops. They are undergoing major renovations. Hopefully you will get to stay at the new renovated unit in December when you visit. I was staying at the older unit but it's comfortable and clean so I am not complaining. Thank you for your suggestion. I think I know what to do now. =)