Purchased Retail HGVMax; I want to rescind, my Wife doesn't...what to do!

[rdw95]

I used the Kizlowski group for our resale purchase of 2 weeks in Italy last year and they were excellent.

 

[MrHodgieman]

Yes, sales schmooze. The timeshare sales folks basically tell folks what they want to hear.

They are not giving folks the full picture. Yes, HGV Max will bring together DRI and HGVC but each system will have priority access within their family of resorts. As a result, most of the high demand locations and/or high demand travel dates will be long gone before the booking window for DRI resorts opens up to HGVC owners. Folks will basically have access to any leftovers.

For example, here’s what HGVC states for HGVC owners regarding HGV MAX reservations (see below). NOTE: The Club Reservations and Open Season description below applies to all HGVC Owners.

View attachment 60120​

Here’s the latest HGVC point charts and open season rates for each HGVC resort.
ClubPoints requirements “usually” don‘t change but Open Season rates have increased over the years.

• 2022 Point Chart with Open Season rates for each HGVC resort (link)
• 2022 Club Reference guide with Club Fee information page 24 (link)

Timeshares are best used for timeshare stays. All of the other travel options that the developer offers only allow you to apply some of your cost towards a different type of vacation (they’re not offering the best savings). In most cases, you’ll basically end up paying more out of pocket vs just paying for it separately using cash.

If you like the ideal of multiple weeks out the gate, take a look at timeshare rentals.
Here’s the link to Hawaii bargain rentals on Redweek (link)

Thank you for all this information! Sorry I've been late to respond...on vacation in Orlando at the HGVC here. Need to get my rescission letter in mail before I leave today

 

[alwysonvac]

Thanks. I did join and pay the membership. Definitely worth it! And happy to support this community!

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Enjoy the rest of your vacation

 

[tnlewis]

Hi All-
First off, thanks for taking time to read this post. I appreciate any advice I can get. Newbie here, as you can tell from rest of my ignorance below ;P
On Monday, July 11th (4 days ago, so still in the 7-day rescinscion period), we purchased a retail HGVMax membership out of an Orlando Grand Vacations club.
Here are the terms:
$25K cost.
8,800 clubpoints (will get us a 2-bd every other year, which is what we need for our family)
Every other year terms, starting in 2023
$910 maintenance (paid every other year)
$281 club dues (paid every year)
25,000 bonus club points good for 2 years

I'm seriously considering rescinding it given resale prices are so much lower (and unfortunately not something I researched ahead of time). However, my Wife does not as she feels the 3 weeks added at sign-on offsets the cost enough and that we'd use the HGVMax benefits, which, from my understanding aren't available with resale? I think this includes access to more clubs and open-season/cash-based rates to other properties, cruises? That isn't super clear to me.
If I look at the 25K bonus club points, and put a 2-bd suite at $400 a night? (I suppose that comes to about $3K a week, so $9K worth of value?). That would bring it down to 16K since we were planning to take those 3 weeks of vacations anyway to Hawaii and Australia. So is the $16K product worth more to us for how we are using it versus say a $5K resale?

I don't know what question I'm really asking here except if my rationale and thinking is valid to reasonably support a retail purchase or am I over-rationalizing it to feel good about my wife's stance and should just essentially push back and get this thing rescinded?

Thanks for any input

Definitely rescind. I have two timeshares bought direct and one resale and I use my resale much more than the others. My resale was for closing cost only purchase and I’ve had it about seven years and it was definitely the best decision.

 

[tnlewis]

Thank you for all this information! Sorry I've been late to respond...on vacation in Orlando at the HGVC here. Need to get my rescission letter in mail before I leave today

Great decision

 

[dago]

As others have said Rescind. Or perhaps get a new wife and in the divorce give her this time share.

That was cruel, but LMAO

 

[Cyberc]

We're Gold 1 bedroom in Vegas but we have no plans to use the points for Vegas. It seemed the 8800 points every two years would be enough for one week at a 2 bedroom anywhere we'd like to go given the point system is flat (eg, same points. Needed for unit size no matter where you go). The places we plan to use the program are Hawaii, japan, Fiji, Australia, Greece, so big trips and probably expensive flights. Don't know if the savings in flights by being a retail owner is big enough to warrant cost of ownership.

Welcome to Tug.


8.800 points every two years might get you a 2br for one week, but it certainly depends on when you plan to travel and also where you plan to travel.

If you travel during platinum season to Orlando which is the most expensive season point wise, then you will need to pay at least 11.200 points for a 2br for a week. If you travel during gold season like January or late April or May then you can get a 2br for 8.000 points. If you travel to Oahu during Platinum season then your 8.800 points won't be enough for a 2br for a week. If you travel in gold season ie. during May you could get a 2br at Lagoon for 8.000 points.

HGVC is a great system, it has it flaws but once you learn them how to avoid them then its great.

I'd recommend that you read a lot more here and then eventually buy resale.

 

[MrHodgieman]

Thank you. It took some convincing, and the posts here helped a lot, but was able to align with my wife to rescind. I put the certified letter in mail at post office yesterday, day 5 of the 7 day window. Whew!
We take a lot of "modest" vacations to shore near us here in Jersey, or camping. But we do want to pursue a resale 2 bedroom so that we can take a big trip somewhere new every other year for two weeks with our teen kids before they leave the nest. These would be for the Hawaii, Asia, Europe, etc trips. And we don't want to have to worry about seasons and not having enough points. Definitely will read up! Thank you!

 

[heitmullerj02]

Had to add my opinion just to save this gent’s money, bought a beautiful HGVC, 2 bed,2 bath, gold time inCarlsbad,on eBay, $100, MF annual $1400, love it. Hilton treats me just like a regular buyer, never had a problem trading. Going to Lagoon tower in HI this fall, 8000. Points annual.

 

[heitmullerj02]

Another point, a lot of the Diamond resorts are older and need some maintenance to bring them up to HVC standards. Tried to sell me Max at last owner update, but I told sales rep, have stayed at all the resorts in Sedona, and they are OLD! Would never trade my new HGVC in Marbrisa for them. Just use my Vistana and it trades inRCI.

 

[alwysonvac]

….We take a lot of "modest" vacations to shore near us here in Jersey, or camping. But we do want to pursue a resale 2 bedroom so that we can take a big trip somewhere new every other year for two weeks with our teen kids before they leave the nest. These would be for the Hawaii, Asia, Europe, etc trips. And we don't want to have to worry about seasons and not having enough points. Definitely will read up! Thank you!

Just keep in mind that timesharing may not satisfy all of your travel needs.

Whatever you decide, don't put all of your future vacation dollars into timesharing.
This will give you the flexibility to choose the best way to visit your desired destinations. You may want to visit a destination in an completely different way via a cruise, hotel/resort stay, special discounted travel package, tour company, beach house rental, etc.

Also, there might not be a timeshare near the location you want to visit or if there is a timeshare it may be very difficult to get a trade (or unrealistic due to supply vs demand). I try to be as flexible as possible with my travel dates when using my timeshares for both internal and external trades

I also believe in diversification.
I don’t want to be limited by my timeshares (currently HGVC, Vistana and WorldMark). Timesharing in general doesn't satisfy all of my vacation needs so I don’t spend all of my vacation money in timesharing. It’s only part of my vacation budget.

 

[MrHodgieman]

As we wind down our vacation and I was able to get the rescission in in time, I just wanted to thank you ALL for your posts and support. Apologies if I didn't respond to everyone but I'm grateful for all of your help. And happy to be a member of this group as I look to learn more about timeshares and maybe help others as I learn more.

 

[Arimaas]

As we wind down our vacation and I was able to get the rescission in in time, I just wanted to thank you ALL for your posts and support. Apologies if I didn't respond to everyone but I'm grateful for all of your help. And happy to be a member of this group as I look to learn more about timeshares and maybe help others as I learn more.

I know I'm late to this post, and I'm happy to see you rescinded in time. I see you are in central Jersey (well South Jersey by my standards since I'm sure you eat pork roll and not Taylor ham). I'm in Rockland County, NY and I own both HGVC and Wyndham.

You may also want to look into Wyndham. HGVC seems to bill themselves as five star with Wyndham a step or so below, but to be honest, I have never known any differences (but then again, I've never travelled outside of Orlando or Myrtle with HGVC). I like the fact that Wyndham is much more accessible to us in the Northeast which makes it easier to use some left over points for an off season three day weekend (Atlantic City, Newport RI, Poconos, Virginia, etc.) and to be honest, Wyndham Orlando Bonnet Creek blows any HGVC in Orlando out of the water. My sister has used my Wyndham in Hawaii and had no issues with their facilities.

I find their fees cheaper and the MFs less (of course depending where you buy). You get the same RCI access (actually Wyndham owns RCI) and their resale price is free or really cheap, as opposed to HGVC with all their fees.

Just my 2¢, but since you rescinded and are still researching, you may also want to take a look at that system. I like Wyndham much better than HGVC.

 

[escanoe]

You get the same RCI access (actually Wyndham owns RCI) and their resale price is free or really cheap, as opposed to HGVC with all their fees.

Wyndham may be best the OP, but statement above is untrue when it comes to resale.

Wyndham resale can only access “RCI Weeks” inventory. HGVC resale comes with access to “RCI Points” which largely gives you access to everything in points and weeks.

So even though Wyndham owns RCI, in the resale market Wyndham gives you second class access to RCI.

I am less of an expert on fees, but on house cleaning and guest certificates Wyndham seems fee happy in comparison to HGVV.

 

[WaterMan]

We're Gold 1 bedroom in Vegas but we have no plans to use the points for Vegas. It seemed the 8800 points every two years would be enough for one week at a 2 bedroom anywhere we'd like to go given the point system is flat (eg, same points. Needed for unit size no matter where you go). The places we plan to use the program are Hawaii, japan, Fiji, Australia, Greece, so big trips and probably expensive flights. Don't know if the savings in flights by being a retail owner is big enough to warrant cost of ownership.

I attended a sales presentation twice and was very lucky to be able to stop the urge to buy and found this group while on vacation. Bought resale from this site, 5000 points Gold Elara every year (now 8000 points) in 2019 for $1k which includes points for that year. After transfer and activation fee, my cost was close to $2.5k in total. Thankful for this site. Buy resale, you won't regret it.

 

[Arimaas]

Wyndham may be best the OP, but statement above is untrue when it comes to resale.

Wyndham resale can only access “RCI Weeks” inventory. HGVC resale comes with access to “RCI Points” which largely gives you access to everything in points and weeks.

So even though Wyndham owns RCI, in the resale market Wyndham gives you second class access to RCI.

I am less of an expert on fees, but on house cleaning and guest certificates Wyndham seems fee happy in comparison to HGVV.

Ah you’re right with the weeks versus points. Didn’t even think of that specifically.

Wyndham gives you free transactions before they start hitting you for the fees so it really depends on what you’re specifically looking to do each year. I think you get something like one free housekeeping credit per 70k points you own. I’m not sure the others off the top of my head.

 

[alwysonvac]

Just a heads up..
The OP wasn’t looking for stays in the Northeast. Here’s what he wrote in this thread.

….The places we plan to use the program are Hawaii, japan, Fiji, Australia, Greece, so big trips and probably expensive flights.….

NOTE: I also live in NJ (Hunterdon County) and use my HGVC ownership primarily for stays in Hawaii.

 

[Arimaas]

Just a heads up..
The OP wasn’t looking for stays in the Northeast. Here’s what he wrote in this thread.


NOTE: I also live in NJ (Hunterdon County) and use my HGVC ownership primarily for stays in Hawaii.

Yes, I saw that as well, but since half the places he named you couldn’t use HGVC for, I figured why not throw in the kitchen sink and offer some unsolicited advice about what else to look for since he’s shopping around

It all sounds great in a sales presentation, until you realize flights for a family of four from New Jersey to Hawaii are $10k. For me, nice to have some local drivable options in case I can’t swing that every year.

 

[alwysonvac]

It all sounds great in a sales presentation, until you realize flights for a family of four from New Jersey to Hawaii are $10k. For me, nice to have some local drivable options in case I can’t swing that every year.

That’s the flexibility you get with HGVC. You don’t have to travel to Hawaii every year. With banking and borrowing, you can go every two or three years and use your ClubPoints to stay for a longer length of time and/or large accommodations.

Yes, airfare will definitely be higher during peak season (anytime the kids are out of school) where ever you go. The OP seems to be aware that flights will be expensive. But it’s not $10k for a family of four to Hawaii unless you’re trying to book first class. Whenever I travel to Hawaii with my school aged nieces and nephews, I try to go when airfare is the lowest. From NJ that’s typically the last weeks in August before they head back to school. There’s also various ways to lower the airfare expense via credit cards points, frequent flyer miles, companion certificates, etc.

 

[Arimaas]

That’s the flexibility you get with HGVC. You don’t have to travel to Hawaii every year. With banking and borrowing, you can go every two or three years and use your ClubPoints to stay for a longer length of time and/or large accommodations.

Yes, airfare will definitely be higher during peak season (anytime the kids are out of school) where ever you go. The OP seems to be aware that flights will be expensive. But it’s not $10k for a family of four to Hawaii unless you’re trying to book first class. Whenever I travel to Hawaii with my school aged nieces and nephews, I try to go when airfare is the lowest. From NJ that’s typically the last weeks in August before they head back to school. There’s also various ways to lower the airfare expense via credit cards points, frequent flyer miles, companion certificates, etc.

To each their own! Just giving the OP some options when they do some research and shopping!

 

[alwysonvac]

For example, this year I booked a two week extended family trip for a party of six (One week in Oahu via HGVC followed by 6 nights in Maui via Vistana). As part of our advance planning, both hubby and I got credit card bonus miles. I normally would book the direct flight from Newark to Honolulu but this year wasn’t as easy due to the increased travel demand.

Earlier this year, I was able to grab six frequently flyer tickets for 29.5k miles each from Newark to Honolulu via a connection in LAX which included an intersland flight from Honolulu to Maui a week later.

For the return leg, they had lots of reasonable cash options. I was sending my sister and brother-in-law airfares that I found for the return trip home such as this one.

 

[MrHodgieman]

I know I'm late to this post, and I'm happy to see you rescinded in time. I see you are in central Jersey (well South Jersey by my standards since I'm sure you eat pork roll and not Taylor ham). I'm in Rockland County, NY and I own both HGVC and Wyndham.

You may also want to look into Wyndham. HGVC seems to bill themselves as five star with Wyndham a step or so below, but to be honest, I have never known any differences (but then again, I've never travelled outside of Orlando or Myrtle with HGVC). I like the fact that Wyndham is much more accessible to us in the Northeast which makes it easier to use some left over points for an off season three day weekend (Atlantic City, Newport RI, Poconos, Virginia, etc.) and to be honest, Wyndham Orlando Bonnet Creek blows any HGVC in Orlando out of the water. My sister has used my Wyndham in Hawaii and had no issues with their facilities.

I find their fees cheaper and the MFs less (of course depending where you buy). You get the same RCI access (actually Wyndham owns RCI) and their resale price is free or really cheap, as opposed to HGVC with all their fees.

Just my 2¢, but since you rescinded and are still researching, you may also want to take a look at that system. I like Wyndham much better than HGVC.

Always pork roll! Thanks. Will definitely look into Wyndham as well. It's nice to have options and doing the research to feel good about the purchase when we pull trigger.