Totally Confused - HGV Max

[CowFarmFL]

We purchased a HGV Max TS when vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC in July 2025

We spent $22,000 for 5,000 points and haven't used it. Honestly, I don't even know how to use it.

On top of that the MF was supposed to be around $1,300 year (according to the estimate in our closing document) but we got the first assessment fee and it was $1,882 PLUS $1,663 for the upcoming year for a total of $3,545!

I've gone back and forth from one extreme to the other...walking away completely and not paying the MF and living with the fact that I set $22k on fire or trying to "get my money's worth" by trying to actually use it and take a vacation.

In no scenario I can think of does it make sense that I would ever get to a "break even" point by using it. We aren't extravagant vacation people, so our typical vacations cost around $1k-2k and generally only take 1 per year.

This feels like the BIGGEST REGRET of my life! I'm very overwhelmed by the entire situation.

 

[Patri]

Hang on. Someone with knowledge of that system will help you out, eventually.

 

[StarSailer]

Condolences. Not sure what happened with the $1882, but $1663 sounds about right when you add membership club dues on top of the maintenance fee.

If it helps you can imagine more favorable comparisons. For example compared to the Myrtle Beach beachfront Hampton Inn ($3271 per week for July after taxes and fees with AAA discount) your timeshare will "save" you $1529/year. Compared to a 3% high yield savings account you will eventually break even... in 19 years.

More realistically comparing to renting off KOALA ($1848 per week beachfront) or booking a non-beachfront Hampton Inn (also about $1850/week for July) is still a $106/year savings for keeping the time share if you write off the purchase price as a sunk cost that will never be seen again.

I only know the very basics of using HGVC so hopefully someone with better know-how will join it but for now...

5,000 points means you own a 2BR suite in Gold season? Magic 8-ball is guessing Ocean Enclave? (Posting more details will help you receive more useful advice). With that assumption Gold Season is March-April, October-November, Christmas/NewYears. You can book any of those dates, subject to availability, 12-9 months in advance at no additional fee. If you can travel at those times and only need 1BR either enjoy the extra space or invite extended family/friends to travel with you if they split costs.

The expected way to travel with HGVC is to use the points. I think there is an additional $79/trip exchange fee, but if you prefer June/July travel then that lets you book either a shorter stay or smaller unit in prime season subject to availability. Point bookings are available starting 9 months in advance, and you need to book early. Timeshares are a game of musical chairs, so if you are too slow booking you risk getting stuck with November or some such as the only available dates.


Maybe this can be moved to the HGVC forum for more specific advice on how to book vacations, get your money's worth (or if 26-27¢/pt is even worth keeping).

 

[mountainboy]

We purchased a HGV Max TS when vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC in July 2025

We spent $22,000 for 5,000 points and haven't used it. Honestly, I don't even know how to use it.

On top of that the MF was supposed to be around $1,300 year (according to the estimate in our closing document) but we got the first assessment fee and it was $1,882 PLUS $1,663 for the upcoming year for a total of $3,545!

I've gone back and forth from one extreme to the other...walking away completely and not paying the MF and living with the fact that I set $22k on fire or trying to "get my money's worth" by trying to actually use it and take a vacation.

In no scenario I can think of does it make sense that I would ever get to a "break even" point by using it. We aren't extravagant vacation people, so our typical vacations cost around $1k-2k and generally only take 1 per year.

This feels like the BIGGEST REGRET of my life! I'm very overwhelmed by the entire situation.

Do you own HGV TRUST points or a deed in HGV? If so, which resort is your deed at?
Have you paid off your loan or still have a balance?
Is part of your payment a 'mortgage' to pay the loan?
HGV is an excellent system IF bought wisely (resale).
Sorry you paid more for retail but many of us have (some substantially more)...
Live & learn..
Unfortunately you reached us too late, otherwise we would have told you to rescind, which is NOT an option now.
One can walk away but may ding your credit.
Pls share more re trust vs HGV deed & folks can chime in..
Best!