Good point, the only reason why I didn’t recommend RCI points or HGVC for the OP is because they made mention that they did not like the resorts within the RCI system. This is where most would say, Interval has higher quality resorts. Of course cases can be made on both sides. I own in both systems. I only own in RCI for the occasional DVC trade. A legacy MVC may work well for the OP but it’s hit or miss. They don’t like the same locations and it comes down to availability. MVC owners who own points or weeks can weight in and speak to availability a year out with both. They would be able to tell whether or not one is better than the other for getting high demand weeks. MVC has top quality and a variety of locations
Most HGVC owners don’t really book using RCI (at least here on TUG). Most HGVC resorts are bookable at 9 months. Yes, the SW Florida resorts during platinum seasons, prime ski weeks and desirable weeks in Oahu are hard to get, but the majority of resorts are open at 9 months. Even Hilton Head is open for next June right now.
I know money isn’t everything, but those MVC Destination Club points are very expensive. A minimum fee of $3000 just to enroll those points into the club is very prohibitive. That’s on top of any other fees and the purchase price. HGVC has pretty high fees too, but not even close to what MVC charges. It’s $609 to activate most deeds into the club. HGVC charges a little over $1100 in fees to purchase most deeds resale. Some are cheaper. The SW Florida deeds cost $399 to activate. MarBrisa has an all in transfer fee, including the activation fee, of $999. MVC is over $3300, and that’s a minimum (I could be wrong, but that’s what’s reported in the MVC section). Throw in the differences in MF’s and cost of ownership widens even more.
Funny thing is, you can purchase certain HGVC deeds with II rights. Most of the SW Florida affiliates and Scotland resorts are listed in II and, with an individual membership, you can enroll your week in II. You don’t have the priority that the MVC weeks do, but you still have access.
It all comes down to preference. If you don’t like the HGVC locations, do not buy. HGVC is an extremely flexible system that put almost no restrictions on their resale buyers. As a resale owner, I have the same booking rights and privileges as an owner that bought from the developer. I am treated very well by the resorts, even though they know I’m a resale purchaser.
As far as the OP is concerned, look at any of the systems you are thinking of buying. I’m a teacher as well and am able to book where I want. Yes, some places will be difficult to book, but there are plenty of great places to visit. Even those places can be had if you are persistent in checking the website. Ultimately, you have to do whats best for you. Take time and read the forums. They are a wealth of knowledge. Look at the pictures of the resorts in the forums, they can help you decide. Lastly, spend the $15 and become a TUG member. Get all of those detailed user generated reviews. It really helped me make our decision.
