Trading Power?

[toocherie]

This might more likely belong on the "newbie" board but after a lot of research I am thinking that for the money and flexibility that Marriott's system is probably the best "fit" for me. Since I would like to have someplace that is relatively close that I could actually go to every year by driving if necessary I am monitoring the following, but also want something that I could trade for other vacations:

Newport Coast Villas
Desert Springs I and II
Shadow Ridge
Grand Chateau

However, I am also "interested" in the Hawaii locations--someplace I would like to go, although not as convenient as the others, because I assume that these locations trade well?

My question--assuming equal facility (2 bedroom--platinum) would one or the other trade better than the others? In other words, does a 2-bedroom platinum in Desert Springs trade the same as a 2-bedroom platinum in the Hawaii clubs? I hope this question makes sense?

Edited to add: I already own DVC in Orlando so am not interested in any Orlando resort (plus don't think they are good traders anyway?)

 

[James1975NY]

Many of my clients purchase Marriott and look for the most cost effective ownership that they can own because they can trade internally (through II) to other Marriott resorts.

II allows Marriott owners to "see"' other Marriott properties that are available for exchange 24 days before another II member can which ultimately increases your tradeability and ease of exchange.

Unless you plan to go to Hawaii 3 out of every 5 years I would consider another platinum ownership because the maintenance fees are pretty high out there across the board.

Having said that, Hawaii does trade extremely well so if the maintenance fees are not an issue to you, you cannot go wrong here.

 

[toocherie]

Thanks--Hawaii would likely be a once in five years event, so I will focus on the closer facilities.

 

[m61376]

Also, another thing you might want to consider is how you will be using the unit. Do you need/want a 2BR, or will a 1BR and a studio work well for you? Can you book travel last minute (within 59 days or less) or do you need/want to plan further ahead?

If you envision always using a 2br, then NCV is a good consideration. If you want the flexibility of locking off, and perhaps trading that studio side last minute and nabbing a 2BR even elsewhere, then choose a resort with a lock-off option.

 

[James1975NY]

Of the resorts that you mentioned above, I understand that Grand Chateau has the most reasonable fees.

With the Desert Springs property, and ther California properties, you will be billed from the state so when you are comparing yearly fees, take into account that the taxes may not be provided in the ad so make sure you get a clear understanding here as well.

Many of my clients prefer Desert Springs I versus II because you have access to the hotel amenities. Price is generally a little higher for I versus II. Just some more tidbits to consider.

 

[kjd]

Trend toward lock offs

If you look at the trades through II into lockoff resorts you will find that 2 br units are in short supply. That is because practically every owner locks off when they trade through II resulting in a large inventory of one bedroom and studio units. Very few 2 and 3 bedroom units are available. It creats a problem for those Marriott owners wishing to trade into a 2 br during peak seasons.

Nevertheless, I believe it is wise to purchase a lockoff unit. If you believe that trading is secondary (which IMHO you should) then you should purchase a unit at a resort that you will be using most of the time. A lockoff at that location will give you two weeks for the price of one maintenance fee if you trade and will negate the problem of trading into a "lockoff resort" if you stay.

 

[funtime]

I would monitor ebay for an eoy unit at Marriott Desert Springs I or II or Shadow Ridge. By the way, I think this year trade power is heightened because a lot of folks are depositing their units and forgoing expensive trips including trips to Hawaii. Funtime

 

[Dean]

This might more likely belong on the "newbie" board but after a lot of research I am thinking that for the money and flexibility that Marriott's system is probably the best "fit" for me. Since I would like to have someplace that is relatively close that I could actually go to every year by driving if necessary I am monitoring the following, but also want something that I could trade for other vacations:

Newport Coast Villas
Desert Springs I and II
Shadow Ridge
Grand Chateau

However, I am also "interested" in the Hawaii locations--someplace I would like to go, although not as convenient as the others, because I assume that these locations trade well?

My question--assuming equal facility (2 bedroom--platinum) would one or the other trade better than the others? In other words, does a 2-bedroom platinum in Desert Springs trade the same as a 2-bedroom platinum in the Hawaii clubs? I hope this question makes sense?

Edited to add: I already own DVC in Orlando so am not interested in any Orlando resort (plus don't think they are good traders anyway?)

For platinum time I doubt it matters much at any of those resorts if you pick a good week. Given those choices you're better off using other criteria than pure trade power to make your decision. I'd look at how much you'd use a given property, the price, fees and lockoff structure. As a rule, a lockoff will give you a better value trading than will a non lockoff but tends to have somewhat higher fees. One thing to keep in mind is that if you can find a 3 BR at LV for a good price, I think they trade as a 2 BR and a 1 BR.

Also looking at trade value alone, you might actually do better still with a Gold week if you are good about reserving a top week in that season. I wouldn't go lower than Gold unless you'll use the week yourself and again, it would come down to price differential between Gold and Platinum keeping in mind that the closing costs and yearly fees will likely be the same and Platinum will have an inherently higher value than Gold at a given property in most instances. If you look at resorts just to trade such as Horizon's Branson or Manor Club, I would be more inclined to stick with Platinum only. While I'd agree with only buying HI to use most of the time, the same advice could apply to any of those resorts but to a lessor degree. The point being that unless you're planning on visiting any area or resort routinely OR wanted an almost impossible week, I wouldn't limit your choices there. Even then, getting that difficult week with a single weeks ownership is a long shot.

 

[ondeadlin]

If you're trying to get like-for-like with unit size (2BR for 2BR, etc.), and you're trading Marriott-to-Marriott (so you have the II trading preference), and you're not using a clearly weak week (i.e. mud season at a ski resort, winter at Hilton Head, hurricane season in the islands, etc.), then I think trading power is a little overrated.

I have friends who consistently use a Canyon Villas gold week to trade into Timberlodge during ski season, and another friend who has traded Summit Watch summer to Hawaii summer just about every other year.

Now, if you're trying for a holiday week, or a specific week, great trading power can help you.

And if you're trying to go 1BR to a 2BR, even great trading power isn't going to be enough to consistently get good trades IMO.

 

[Tax Man]

I've heard that resale purchasers of DSV I don't get to use the amenities in the spa--only original Marriott purchasers--is there any truth to this?

 

[Fredm]

I've heard that resale purchasers of DSV I don't get to use the amenities in the spa--only original Marriott purchasers--is there any truth to this?

No truth to that.

The Spa at Desert Springs and the Villas I HOA have a renewable six year agreement. The HOA compensates The Spa for access. It is a part of Villas I HOA dues. If you own Villas I, you have access. Period.

 

[MikeM132]

I've heard that resale purchasers of DSV I don't get to use the amenities in the spa--only original Marriott purchasers--is there any truth to this?

There is no truth to ANY rumor that resales purchasers are denied ANYTHING other than trading your week for points. That's it. The rest is sales BS.

 

[Dean]

There is no truth to ANY rumor that resales purchasers are denied ANYTHING other than trading your week for points. That's it. The rest is sales BS.

From a general usage standpoint that is true. However, there are some other issues that normally aren't offered to resale buyers including the ability to trade up for a cash difference and resale through Marriott. Both likely a blessing in disguise.

 

[thinze3]

AC's. Don't forget about AC's!
Some of the resorts you have listed above are offered Accommodation Certificates while others are not. Call II and ask them which of these resorts and what dates have been offered AC's. That alone ought to give you a smidgen of an idea of trading power.


ALSO:
Resale through Marriott IS allowed during "normal" times just not currently. Several Tuggers have sold their resale units through Marriott.

 

[gmarine]

I would monitor ebay for an eoy unit at Marriott Desert Springs I or II or Shadow Ridge. By the way, I think this year trade power is heightened because a lot of folks are depositing their units and forgoing expensive trips including trips to Hawaii. Funtime

More deposits of a resort would translate into less trading power for that particular resort, not more. It would give II more supply than usual versus demand and could translate into lower trading power for that resort.

 

[m61376]

From a general usage standpoint that is true. However, there are some other issues that normally aren't offered to resale buyers including the ability to trade up for a cash difference and resale through Marriott. Both likely a blessing in disguise.

Although there have been many posts by resale owners over the past few years who have used their resale units to trade up and who have used Marriott as a resale agent.