Strategy for buying Palm Desert or Scottsdale week for Summer use

[jerseygirl]

With all due respect, I think we're doing this poster an injustice by suggesting she buy anything to use as a trader for summers in the desert! It doesn't matter how low the price, maintenance fees and closing costs are, she's also buying a potential lifetime of membership and trade fees, ever-increasing maintenance fees, potential special assessments, and the possibility that there would be no buyers even at a $1!

I LOVE to trade as much as the next person, but the fun of trading is getting something that is worth MORE than what you're trading.

On this thread, I found II getaways for $297 for WKV (one-bedrooms -- didn't note if they were large or small side -- price is probably the same for both).

http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137930&page=4

I know she doesn't own an II trader, so doesn't have access to getaways. If she doesn't know anyone who could buy one for her, the last time I checked, II was making them availalbe on partner sites for about $50/more a week -- less than the (full) price of a membership!

If she wanted to travel elsewhere, and understands the risk associated with owning traders, then I'd say an SDO would be a perfect fit. But ... IMO, she doesn't need a timeshare for summers in the desert.

 

[marmite]

I haven't really experienced the 'fun' of trading, or getting a better deal than what I traded for, so I think I'm coming at it from a different angle. I know that I have more than 2 months a year of vacation time, and for the foreseeable future I will be booking my travel during prime times where kids are out of school (and I would like to spend a little less money doing it). When we are not using our Disney timeshare or using points for Club Intrawest, we are staying in hotels for about $200 a night (tops).

I am looking at a way to take care of a week or two of vacation each Summer, and bringing the costs closer to $100 a night. That feels like a deal to me, and if I can ever manage to get a $300 week somewhere, THEN it would be FUN!

On a practical level, I would feel much better about my purchase IF it also had a bit of trading power so I could get a one bedroom somewhere else that I'd like to stay at, or be able to choose a different season.

I certainly don't want to be stuck with a unit I won't use, but the fact that this is in Scottsdale (which is a relatively short flight) is attractive. If you were trying to get me to purchase a trader in Kentucky (that took me 3 flights and $900 to get to) I wouldn't be interested because if the rules changed, I know I would never be able to use something in that location.

I think it will really make a difference on the initial investment, if we are talking about taking over someone's MF's but getting a good trader for almost nothing... how could I not be thrilled with that?

I do hear what you're saying though, it is a big commitment that I should consider carefully.

 

[AgelessTravel]

I know she doesn't own an II trader, so doesn't have access to getaways. If she doesn't know anyone who could buy one for her, the last time I checked, II was making them availalbe on partner sites for about $50/more a week -- less than the (full) price of a membership!

Do you mind telling what the II partner site is?

 

[Gophesjo]

vacation weeks cheap

Do you mind telling what the II partner site is?

I have no idea if there is an II partner connection, but Skyauction is, I believe, very inexpensive when it comes to the summer in the desert.

 

[AgelessTravel]

That makes sense. Thank you.

 

[marmite]

Look at post #11 again. This strategy for staying at WKV for 2 weeks a year is actually cheaper than buying at SDO and staying there.

Yes, that was excellent. I did understand it, but I was also wondering how buying a unit that wasn't available for use until 2013 would work. Does Interval International require that you have deposited a week BEFORE being allowed to take advantage of Getaways?

ie. If I were to buy an EOY contract now, but the next usage wasn't until 2013, could I immediately enroll in II and start traveling by buying Getaways?

Also, the recommendation was to buy a small one bedroom, is that only to save on the MF? When I do stay in a one bedroom, I ideally like a larger suite with a King sized bed (which is only in the large unit). Is it even possible to specify when you trade using II, or to see what type of one bedroom is available?

 

[VacationForever]

Here's my 2 cents.

I think it's a wonderful idea to buy getaway or something equivalent if you can get the weeks and locations that you want cheaply without committing to owning a timeshare.

But if you were to own a timeshare, my opinion is that you should own where you would like to go. While timeshare owners are unhappy that maintenance fees go up yearly we have to remember that exchange fees have been increasing each year too. I remember when I used to be on RCI point system I was quite unhappy that exchange fees for daily rate doubled in 2 years. I was glad to get out of RCI and into II but II has also been increasing their fees.

Another point to remember is that staying at your home resort does get you preference in room allocation.

 

[vacationtime1]

Yes, that was excellent. I did understand it, but I was also wondering how buying a unit that wasn't available for use until 2013 would work. Does Interval International require that you have deposited a week BEFORE being allowed to take advantage of Getaways? No.

ie. If I were to buy an EOY contract now, but the next usage wasn't until 2013, could I immediately enroll in II and start traveling by buying Getaways? Yes.

Also, the recommendation was to buy a small one bedroom, is that only to save on the MF? I had assumed so. When I do stay in a one bedroom, I ideally like a larger suite with a King sized bed (which is only in the large unit). Is it even possible to specify when you trade using II, or to see what type of one bedroom is available? Sometimes.

My "sometimes" answer is really that it depends on the resort. For example, SDO and Kierland exchanges differentiate between the small suite and the large suite by means of the kitchen. The large suite has a "kitchen"; the small suite has a "limited kitchen".

Also, should you purchase a SVN mandatory resort such as Kierland, your SVN dues include a "free" Interval membership.

 

[DeniseM]

Yes, that was excellent. I did understand it, but I was also wondering how buying a unit that wasn't available for use until 2013 would work. Does Interval International require that you have deposited a week BEFORE being allowed to take advantage of Getaways?

No - but you will start paying maintenance fees on this unit in 2012 - so it would be a better value if you had 2012 usage.

ie. If I were to buy an EOY contract now, but the next usage wasn't until 2013, could I immediately enroll in II and start traveling by buying Getaways?

Yes - as soon as the deed is in your name.

Also, the recommendation was to buy a small one bedroom, is that only to save on the MF? When I do stay in a one bedroom, I ideally like a larger suite with a King sized bed (which is only in the large unit).

No one here is suggesting that you stay at SDO - so we are recommending the most cost effective trader.

Is it even possible to specify when you trade using II, or to see what type of one bedroom is available?

Yes, but you will not be limited to trading into sm. 1 bdm. units - especially during the summer when there is little demand for AZ. With instant online exchanges (trading online) you will be able to trade for large 1 bdm. and 2 bdm. units, because Arizona has more supply than demand during the summer, so you can "trade up" in size. So you can buy the smallest unit to save $$$ and use it to trade into a larger unit.

 

[marmite]

So, purely on cost of the MF and trading power, I can see that the small 1bdr is a better deal than the large 1bdr. (And also that a 2bdr lockoff gives you an even better value when depositing each separately).

However, if I do want to stay at SDO one year I would be happier in the deluxe unit (and in the process would save some money as I would not be paying the trade fee to II). I assume (hope) that Starwood updates their units from time-to-time and I may want to start staying there after a refurbishment.

On another track, I see the rental fees for SDO are not that high, but do you think that (in theory at least), having a Deluxe 1 bedroom during platnium season may allow me to rent out a reserved prime week for more than my maintenance fees? If that were the case I might be able to take that money and book 2 weeks of getaways during the low Summer weeks (in effect, turning 1 prime week into 2 off-season).

I'm not really interested in (the hassle of) renting a unit out, but if the II rules change dramatically and I lose trading power it would be nice to feel confident that I could do a little better than breaking even on my maintenance fees.

Purely on trading power for the dollars, keeping in mind I would likely only be happy in a Starwood or Marriott property (or equivalent), is this the best bang for my buck or are there any other properties/time share companies I should be looking at?

Honestly, it has not even occurred to me to research anything beyond those two companies. I stopped looking at Marriott quite quickly, as it appeared to me that the current Starwood priority within II was quite a bonus at the moment.

Thoughts?

Thanks again!

 

[DeniseM]

SDO is not a strong renter - I would only buy the number of units that I can use myself every year. The most I every got for my lg. 1 bdm. was $800 and that was for the Super Bowl. In the Scottsdale/Phoenix area you are competing with too many top echelon resorts that command higher rental prices. Little SDO can't compete with those new super resorts.

I wouldn't wish for a refurbishment - refurbishments sometimes mean special assessments. However, yes, your maintenance fees pay for ongoing replacement and maintenance.

The primary reason for buying SDO is as a cost effective trader - if you would rather have a resort to use every year, that's a different strategy.


Hyatt and Hilton are also hotel based systems of similar quality, but the best place to do your research is on the forums for those systems.

 

[LisaRex]

So, purely on cost of the MF and trading power, I can see that the small 1bdr is a better deal than the large 1bdr. (And also that a 2bdr lockoff gives you an even better value when depositing each separately).

The 1 bdrm platinum units have not been selling at all, or for only a buck. That's where I'd start because I think you'll be very happy with the Getaways on II.

 

[funtime]

Gee - it is so easy helping someone with reasonable goals! Buy a small SDO, join II and have fun trading - or use the getaways to get to Westin Kierland - probably less than 500 for a two bedroom (less than 400 if I recall at the very end of the summer.) When timeshares are thousands and thousands of dollars caution might be warranted but not here where your all in costs will be less than 500 (less if you can find a free closing.) Go for it and you will love your trades to Westin Kierland Villas! Funtime

 

[marmite]

You should be able to buy a small 1 bdm. every-other-year deed, at SDO for FREE and free closing costs.

Really? Where should I be looking? The ebay auctions I've been looking at want $500 for the closing costs plus the winning bid.

So ideally I would be looking for:

SDO Small 1 bedroom Platinum
EOY, Even Years
For Free
Closing paid by seller
2012 Maintenance fees paid by .... (who, me?)

Is that right? I find it hard to believe that it would be possible to luck out on a unit like that. Or does that require extreme patience? -- Patience is a virtue I have not mastered.

 

[marmite]

Gee - it is so easy helping someone with reasonable goals!

I had a laugh when I saw your post. I am the least reasonable person I know. But of course, to be specific, you only said my 'goals' were reasonable!

I do think I would really enjoy trading into Kierland. Thanks for your help.

Cheers.

 

[esk444]

I'd consider getting a small worldmark points package instead. You can break those points down for a lot of exchanges during off season like the summer in Scottsdale or Palm Springs. The Starwood preference isn't needed for those periods.

Also, if your circumstances change, the worldmark system has a large number of western timeshares compared to most systems.

 

[marmite]

I'd consider getting a small worldmark points package instead. You can break those points down for a lot of exchanges during off season like the summer in Scottsdale or Palm Springs. The Starwood preference isn't needed for those periods.

Also, if your circumstances change, the worldmark system has a large number of western timeshares compared to most systems.

Yes, I do see they have a lot of Western timeshares, but don't see any locations for Palm Desert or Scottsdale. Are the Worldmark points usable for Starwood & Marriotts, or would that be through II? I can't find a lot of information on the ins and outs of Worldmark. Can anyone here tell me how this stacks up cost-wise to buying EOY SDO?

Thanks again.

 

[gtm2011]

Really? Where should I be looking? The ebay auctions I've been looking at want $500 for the closing costs plus the winning bid.

So ideally I would be looking for:

SDO Small 1 bedroom Platinum
EOY, Even Years
For Free
Closing paid by seller
2012 Maintenance fees paid by .... (who, me?)

Is that right? I find it hard to believe that it would be possible to luck out on a unit like that. Or does that require extreme patience? -- Patience is a virtue I have not mastered.

It may take a little while to find exactly what you want, but here is a large one bedroom annual for $36 with no closing costs. http://www.ebay.com/itm/150663049214

 

[marmite]

It may take a little while to find exactly what you want, but here is a large one bedroom annual for $36 with no closing costs. http://www.ebay.com/itm/150663049214

Interesting, and a good deal. It's interesting the winner had 0 feedback. Shill or for real I wonder?

 

[ACE1]

Since the remodel at WKV even the small 1 bdrms. have King beds.

 

[marmite]

Since the remodel at WKV even the small 1 bdrms. have King beds.

That's good to know. Honestly, after having a King bed at home, anything less is a bit disappointing (how I will survive in Paris I do not know!).

 

[DeniseM]

In my opinion, the quality of Worldmark is a step or 2 below Starwood and the other hotel based timeshares.

 

[esk444]

In my opinion, the quality of Worldmark is a step or 2 below Starwood and the other hotel based timeshares.

I agree, plus I don't live in the west so it is a pain to use them. The OP is tied to school weeks and wants cheap access to off season weeks in the desert.

As folks have said, any timeshare will accomplish this. Just buying any timeshare gets you access to those through getaways. If you buy a 2BR SDO, you can split it into 2 units and get 2 XYZ's for 4 off season weeks in the desert (for MF + 4 exchange fees, may or may not be cheaper than getaways).

I don't own Worldmark, but I looked into it before (there are lots of Worldmark experts on Tug). Like Wyndham for RCI or Hyatt for II, you can break your points down into tiny pieces to get multiple units that you can deposit into II. Many of those will still let you get off season desert weeks. So you may get a similar amount of exchanges through II as a SDO and maybe even more.

Or you could buy a cheap timeshare, join II, and sell it, as II doesn't kick you out if you no longer own any timeshares. Then you still have access to getaways (a good strategy might be to try to buy a SDO where closing costs and MFs are paid by seller, and then try to sell the SDO later where the buyer pays for those fees; if it works great, if not you still have a decent timeshare).

But the main difference is if you get sick of vacationing in the desert during summer. I have a feeling your family eventually will. The upside for each system is different.

The SDO gives you easy access to Starwood summer weeks in Orlando, Colorado, and maybe Myrtle Beach or Cancun. It would also give you easy access to non-Starwood summer weeks in overdeveloped areas like Escondido, CA, Cabo, or Puerto Vallerta through II. SDO would also give you access to Westins in Hawaii during the school year and the odd ski week here and there.

The Worldmark, however, wouldn't give you as luxurious of accomodations, but would give you access to summer weeks in locations where summer isn't off season. That may not mean much to you now, but it might in the future. Those locations (i.e. northern california) might be more appealing than say Myrtle Beach (I can't imagine someone from BC going to a mid atlantic beach for a summer vacation).

Just something to consider.

 

[marmite]

As folks have said, any timeshare will accomplish this. Just buying any timeshare gets you access to those through getaways.

Unfortunately my Disney TS doesn't let me access II. But yes, of course I could get the getaways through II by buying many brands other than Starwood.

If you buy a 2BR SDO, you can split it into 2 units and get 2 XYZ's for 4 off season weeks in the desert (for MF + 4 exchange fees, may or may not be cheaper than getaways).

I understand splitting the 2BDR into 2 units for a week each... but how do I get 4 weeks -- what is an 'XYZ'?

Or you could buy a cheap timeshare, join II, and sell it, as II doesn't kick you out if you no longer own any timeshares. Then you still have access to getaways (a good strategy might be to try to buy a SDO where closing costs and MFs are paid by seller, and then try to sell the SDO later where the buyer pays for those fees; if it works great, if not you still have a decent timeshare).

That's a brilliant strategy. I am looking at trying to buy in for 'next to nothing', so I can break even if I want to offload it. I didn't realise I could still maintain my membership if I sold my TS. I am a bit concerned about Sheraton possibly dumping SDO at some point, or II changing the rules so that there is no Starwood to Starwood priority. I am really 'high maintenance' (but a great bargain hunter!) and only want to stay in Starwood/Marriott or better, so I don't think Worldmark points would be a fit.

But the main difference is if you get sick of vacationing in the desert during summer. I have a feeling your family eventually will. The upside for each system is different.

Yes, that's quite possible, that's why I like the idea of getting something that could trade to many locations around the world outside of just the low season times.

The SDO gives you easy access to Starwood summer weeks in Orlando, Colorado, and maybe Myrtle Beach or Cancun. It would also give you easy access to non-Starwood summer weeks in overdeveloped areas like Escondido, CA, Cabo, or Puerto Vallerta through II. SDO would also give you access to Westins in Hawaii during the school year and the odd ski week here and there.

Exactly what I was looking for. Good to hear.

The Worldmark, however, wouldn't give you as luxurious of accomodations, but would give you access to summer weeks in locations where summer isn't off season. That may not mean much to you now, but it might in the future. Those locations (i.e. northern california) might be more appealing than say Myrtle Beach (I can't imagine someone from BC going to a mid atlantic beach for a summer vacation).

It is the level of accommodations that is my main issue. Summer on the East Coast isn't really appealing, but we don't mind travelling that far during school breaks. We do use our Disney timeshare in Orlando during the school year -- and that we bought because of the location only (offsite Starwoods or Marriotts are have much nicer units IMO).

Thanks for your helpful post.

 

[gnorth16]

Is the exchange results that much different for the small 1BR gold float than a premium platinum 1BR in AZ? I was comparing trades with SDO in FLA and in all cases the results were the same. Dissapointing that a platinum doesn't pull a bit more weight, but it could be the time/location that I am searching for.