What timeshare resale should I buy?

[Vadeem]

Hello, was wondering if anyone can give some advise on which timeshare would make sense to purchase. I enjoy the Marriott's Crystal Shores property in Florida, where I have rented through redweek, as well as the Hyatt vacation club properties in the Lake Tahoe area. Thanks.

1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?
- Hawaii or Florida in April of each year for a week at a time
- Lake Tahoe in winter/fall/summer time for ~ 3 nights at a time

2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?
- Would prefer to visit home resort at least half the time

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
- Hawaii, Newport beach, Palm Springs, Florida

4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself?
5 - 8

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
- Locked into school schedule with elementary aged children

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
- Yes

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
- Yes, but also like to go for 2/3 nights at a time

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
- 3 stars

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
- Around $5,000

10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?
- Around $2500

11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
- Yes

12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you do?
- Yes

Thanks!

 

[vacationtime1]

I would continue to rent, at least mostly. Florida is an easy rental, often cheaper than owning, without any ongoing commitment. If you want less than a week at Tahoe, again, renting is a better proposition because most timeshares are week based.

If you want Hawaii in the spring alternating years, an every other year purchase of a Hawaii resort may be a good decision. That way, you can make your reservation exactly a year in advance (typical of most systems) to get the week you want.

 

[Vadeem]

I would continue to rent, at least mostly. Florida is an easy rental, often cheaper than owning, without any ongoing commitment. If you want less than a week at Tahoe, again, renting is a better proposition because most timeshares are week based.

If you want Hawaii in the spring alternating years, an every other year purchase of a Hawaii resort may be a good decision. That way, you can make your reservation exactly a year in advance (typical of most systems) to get the week you want.

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense.

 

[Hindsite]

See if you can find Facebook pages for MVC and Hyatt where rentals are specifically listed. Take your time to get to know who the legitimate sellers are and do check and don't proceed if you aren't sure at any point.
There's some great deals for Crystal Shores on the MVC pages.
Some people renting out don't like the fees Redweek charge renters so don't use their verified and protected service anymore, if you can establish an ongoing relationship with a trusted person you can get great value renting.

 

[4TimeAway]

I would look at a GPX properties, if you are on the west coast and could be a part of different systes. They have tend to have interesting getaway weeks. Seems like you might need 2 bedrooms, so it may not work as well, but its something to consider.

 

[Vadeem]

Appreciate the suggestions. Thanks.

 

[HudsHut]

A resale Marriott week would meet many of your destinations.

You purchase a Marriott resale week at one of the lower maintenance fee resorts, which have units that LOCK-OFF*. Get a 2br which locks off into a 1 br and a Studio.
Make a reservation for the highest demand week
Deposit both the 1br and the Studio to the Exchange Company Interval International.
Select one of your units:
Set up a search for Florida, Hawaii, Palm Desert, and/or Orlando

Start researching these:
Marriott's Willow Ridge
Marriott's Desert Springs I & II
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Marriott's Grande Chateau
Marriott Grande Vista
Marriott's Harbour Lake
Marriott's Manor Club Sequel (only the Sequel)

 

[Vadeem]

I see. I did some more research into the resale weeks. Since Hawaii would be my main vacation spot. Would it be a good idea to buy an EOY resale Westin or Hyatt or Marriott on Maui, that way I can for sure get specific weeks I want since my kids are still in school? Then I would just rent vacation time for lake Tahoe, and can rent Florida EOY when not in Hawaii.
Thanks.

 

[Ski-Dad]

I see. I did some more research into the resale weeks. Since Hawaii would be my main vacation spot. Would it be a good idea to buy an EOY resale Westin or Hyatt or Marriott on Maui, that way I can for sure get specific weeks I want since my kids are still in school? Then I would just rent vacation time for lake Tahoe, and can rent Florida EOY when not in Hawaii.
Thanks.

This sounds like a reasonable plan. Your only issue may be your capital budget of $5K. The fact that you are looking for EOY may help. Normally acquiring a Marriott, Hyatt or Westin at that price point is doable, but when you layer on the location (Hawaii) and it being a peak demand week (School Break), it may be beyond your price point. Others more familiar with Hawaii market can chirp in. Your location also tends to carry high maintenance fees.

I would be inclined to follow @HudsHut advice in post #7 above and trade into Hawaii every other year. This is well achievable within your budget and perhaps below budget. It would also cover your non-Hawaii years.

If you plan a year out and use the full 2 bedroom, you should be able to get Hawaii 1/2 the years, but it may from more random than every other year, like; On, Off, Off, On, On, Off, etc

I would focus on one of these: Marriott Grande Vista 2 bedroom Platinum Lock-off; Marriott Grand Chateau 2 Platinum bedroom Lock-off; or a 2 bedroom Hyatt Residence Club (Platinum or Diamond) legacy week at Hyatt Pinon Pointe.

The Marriotts you would trade in II for Hawaii. The HRC you could trade internally or through II

Read the stickies and threads on both systems to fully understand before you commit to either, but I believe there is great value to be had within your situation and budget.

Marriott Explained

Hyatt Residence Club legacy weeks

HRC Points explained