Should I accept a free deeded timeshare - Island Links in Hilton Head?

[MamaBear1]

I'm new to TUG and the world of timeshares, so I'm hoping you all can help me out. I have a neighbor whose family member purchased a deeded 1/10 (10%) fee simple interest in a 2-bedroom unit in Planters Quarters (now called Island Links) in the early 90s. A "fact sheet" provided to the owner calls it a "five week flexible use package". The purchase agreement shows an Exhibit A with schedule of occupancy periods through 2048. The pricing worksheet provided to the owner mentions RCI Initiation provided at no charge, but I was told that the owners have never even tried to do anything with RCI. The owners are much older now, and their family members rarely visit Hilton Head anymore (kids and grandkids are all adults) so they are really not benefiting from having this timeshare any longer.

Annual maintenance fees/costs are currently about $4,500. Does that seems very high, or is that reasonable? I don't think we would stay at this resort, so I'd be interested in it only if it's valuable in the trading market (to use for other timeshares around the world). But I don't know if it's worth $4,500 for the points value (assuming I don't have to pay an arm and a leg to translate this to a points system/timeshare that can be traded to someone else). I have been to Hilton Head several times, and my family and I love it, but we prefer to be on the beach. Island Links is about a mile from the beach.

The purchase agreement also has a clause stating that the Seller must approve in writing any assignment of Purchaser's rights to anyone else. Maybe this is standard, and not a big deal? Or it might be a way for the Seller to prevent any rights to transfer outside of the purchaser's family? My gut instinct is that it's NOT worth the hassle to accept this timeshare, but I want to make sure I'm not walking away from a great deal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tschwa2]

If you are new to timesharing, I wouldn't start with a 5 week package. You probably get one prime week, 3 shoulder weeks and one off season week. It could be valuable to someone but it doesn't sound like it would be a good fit for you since you don't want to spend any of the 5 weeks at the home resort.

 

[VacationForever]

Most non-big brand timeshare are worth nothing in the resale market. Since this is not on the beach, not a big brand name and comes with a $4500 per year MF bill, my gut tells me that you should not take this. Stay around TUG and learn about the various systems, stay in a few before deciding on what you really want to own.

 

[MamaBear1]

If you are new to timesharing, I wouldn't start with a 5 week package. You probably get one prime week, 3 shoulder weeks and one off season week. It could be valuable to someone but it doesn't sound like it would be a good fit for you since you don't want to spend any of the 5 weeks at the home resort.

They call it a "five week flexible use package". Each year you can select the option of your choice. One option consists of 3 "A" weeks (April, June, July, Aug, or Oct). Another option is 2 "A" weeks, 2 "B" weeks, and 1 "C" week (5 weeks total).

 

[tschwa2]

They call it a "five week flexible use package". Each year you can select the option of your choice. One option consists of 3 "A" weeks (April, June, July, Aug, or Oct). Another option is 2 "A" weeks, 2 "B" weeks, and 1 "C" week (5 weeks total).

Doesn't really matter. You don't want to stay there and it is multiple weeks at a resort that you don't want to use and would have the added expense of 3-5 exchange fees ($239 each), RCI membership fees, and combine fees on top of $4500.

 

[Panina]

I'm new to TUG and the world of timeshares, so I'm hoping you all can help me out. I have a neighbor whose family member purchased a deeded 1/10 (10%) fee simple interest in a 2-bedroom unit in Planters Quarters (now called Island Links) in the early 90s. A "fact sheet" provided to the owner calls it a "five week flexible use package". The purchase agreement shows an Exhibit A with schedule of occupancy periods through 2048. The pricing worksheet provided to the owner mentions RCI Initiation provided at no charge, but I was told that the owners have never even tried to do anything with RCI. The owners are much older now, and their family members rarely visit Hilton Head anymore (kids and grandkids are all adults) so they are really not benefiting from having this timeshare any longer.

Annual maintenance fees/costs are currently about $4,500. Does that seems very high, or is that reasonable? I don't think we would stay at this resort, so I'd be interested in it only if it's valuable in the trading market (to use for other timeshares around the world). But I don't know if it's worth $4,500 for the points value (assuming I don't have to pay an arm and a leg to translate this to a points system/timeshare that can be traded to someone else). I have been to Hilton Head several times, and my family and I love it, but we prefer to be on the beach. Island Links is about a mile from the beach.

The purchase agreement also has a clause stating that the Seller must approve in writing any assignment of Purchaser's rights to anyone else. Maybe this is standard, and not a big deal? Or it might be a way for the Seller to prevent any rights to transfer outside of the purchaser's family? My gut instinct is that it's NOT worth the hassle to accept this timeshare, but I want to make sure I'm not walking away from a great deal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi,
Welcome to Tug.

I wouldn’t take it. There are other free timeshares out there that are better for trading purposes but before you get any timeshare you need to educate yourself.

Timesharing can be wonderful but it is extremely important to learn and figure out what is best for you, plus to get something that will be easy to find a new home for when you no longer want it.

Stick around tug and you will find everything you need to make an informed decision.

 

[theo]

My gut instinct is that it's NOT worth the hassle to accept this timeshare, but I want to make sure I'm not walking away from a great deal.

I agree wholeheartedly with your expressed "gut instinct" and with the input already provided by others above.
If in your shoes, I wouldn't touch this with a long stick --- even for free.

Lots of time requirements (and far too much reservation / exchange uncertainty, not to mention the annual $4,500 in fees before exchange company membership and exchange fees) to only maybe actually ever make this work for you. I would politely "pass".

 

[bnoble]

I'm new to TUG and the world of timeshares ... I don't think we would stay at this resort, so I'd be interested in it only if it's valuable in the trading market (to use for other timeshares around the world).

My usual advice for folks new to timeshare is to only buy something they plan to use most years without having to go to a third-party exchange. Exchange is more of a hobby/passtime than most people anticipate, and it's increasingly hard to get decent value out of it.

 

[MamaBear1]

Thanks for all of your thoughtful replies, I appreciate the advice! I will pass on this offer.

 

[CPNY]

Thanks for all of your thoughtful replies, I appreciate the advice! I will pass on this offer.

Oh thank god lol. You’ll be stuck with 4500+ in ever rising fees with no way out. If you want to get into timeshares stay here and read up. Since you expressed you would never stay at that resort I’d suggest getting to know different systems and resort locations. Some have different rules for booking. Point based weeks may allow you to book other resorts in their own network and then the exchange feature in either RCI or interval. Buy based on resort quality, flexible booking options, low maint fee and exchange company you want to be a part of. If you want mostly Marriott or Sheraton/Westin properties, I’d suggest buying in one of those systems. If you want DVC, Hilton, or Wyndham buy in one of those systems or a valuable RCI trader. Sure I’m throwing lots of stuff at ya, and if you’re confused then that’s your first clue to not just take a timeshare from someone no matter how amazing they make it sound.

Stick around here and just ask millions of questions and read. When you figure it all out then you’re ready to pull the trigger. Glad you found tug. I’ve only been around here since the summer and I’ve gained so much from people here. So welcome! Also, for 15 bucks you can get tug membership which will allow private forum access like sightings. That helps to see what comes up in the exchange companies. You’ll learn how much things list for in terms of points or trading power. That is very helpful in figuring out what you may want to buy.