Whose is the better HGVC deal?

[Jodi0415]

Meant to title this "Which is a better deal" based purely on economy.

$2500 1 bedroom Penthouse Vegas Strip 4200 annual HGVC annual points, MF $551.95

Or

$2600 2 bedroom 5000 annual Las Vegas Strip MF $759

Or

$3500 Parc Soleil for 4800 annual platinum HGVC points MF $692.39

I'm going back and forth, I'm just really interested in your opinions!! Please help. Thank you!!

 

[Jason245]

Instead ask what your needs are and find the deal that fits those needs.

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[Jodi0415]

Thank you!

I know the answer to that question. Now I'd like to know your opinions on which makes better economic sense.

Instead ask what your needs are and find the deal that fits those needs.

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[Jason245]

What are your needs? What is your financial situation? How many points a year do you project using? Where are you traveling to and when?

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[DeniseM]

The OP already posted that info - although he may want to update it since things often change after you do a little research:

HELLO!! Tuggers!! I'm new to the group and I've been reading and studying. I really, really want to enter the Timeshare world!! We travel 1-2x a year on vacation. I'd like to bank on the accomodations to be a certain quality with kitchen/kitchenette and access to washer and dryer, plus plenty of space for the family and occasionally friends if we choose.

My dream is to own an EOY 2b 2ba Ocean Front at HGVC Waikiki Lagoon Tower. And and EOY 2b 2ba Westin to trade in II. And the combined fees not to exeed $1200 a year! Tell me if my dreams can come true!!

1) Where do you want your home resort to be?
Waikiki HGVC lagoon

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?
I'd like to trade more than half the time.

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Mexico,

4) How many people do you usually travel with?
4

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
School schedule

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

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

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
$5000

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?
We can truly afford $1500 but I'd prefer less than $1000

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. I fully understand.

 

[Jason245]

Now I am even more confused since non of op options listed are the desired resort, and if tied to school schedule, op may want a 2br..probably Plat season (7k pts) at that resort for home week advantage.

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[PamMo]

I think you need to look at MF's again. Your numbers are too low. Look at this thread to see what owners are REALLY paying for the weeks you are thinking about buying - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218671

 

[PamMo]

$2500 1 bedroom Penthouse Vegas Strip 4200 annual HGVC annual points, MF $551.95 [I don't see it listed in the TUG HGVC sticky, but 4,200 points is a Gold 1BR Plus unit and MF's will be more than the $715 Gold 1BR MF's. All MF's listed include the mandatory club fees - which you will have to pay.]

Or

$2600 2 bedroom 5000 annual Las Vegas Strip MF $759 [$927.35]

Or

$3500 Parc Soleil for 4800 annual platinum HGVC points MF $692.39 [$968.83]

 

[Jodi0415]

Oh well, thanks anyway.

I'm not really interested I help with deciding where I should buy, how much I can afford or how many points I need. I have figured all that out on my own thanks to researching this site and others.

If you're willing to answer the questions I specifically asked great! If not, that's ok too!

If I understand the system correctly it doesn't matter where I buy if my main goal is to trade. Banking 4200, 4800 or 5000 points into the the following year should allow me to go where I want within the system (making it 8400, 9600 or 10000) to use every other year.

So again...Im just interested in knowing the opinions of others if these deals are a good buy for the money and points. I've seen others ask this question and folks have given their opinions in that regard.

But thanks! I'm really grateful to have found this group! It well worth the $15/year!!

Now I am even more confused since non of op options listed are the desired resort, and if tied to school schedule, op may want a 2br..probably Plat season (7k pts) at that resort for home week advantage.

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[Jodi0415]

Great! Now these are the responses I'm looking for!!

I'll verify with the realtor!!

Thank you!!!

$2500 1 bedroom Penthouse Vegas Strip 4200 annual HGVC annual points, MF $551.95 [I don't see it listed in the TUG HGVC sticky, but 4,200 points is a Gold 1BR Plus unit and MF's will be more than the $715 Gold 1BR MF's. All MF's listed include the mandatory club fees - which you will have to pay.]

Or

$2600 2 bedroom 5000 annual Las Vegas Strip MF $759 [$927.35]

Or

$3500 Parc Soleil for 4800 annual platinum HGVC points MF $692.39 [$968.83]

 

[DeniseM]

Now I am even more confused since non of op options listed are the desired resort, and if tied to school schedule, op may want a 2br..probably Plat season (7k pts) at that resort for home week advantage.

1) The OP joined TUG less than a month ago - so his wants/needs are still a work in progress. Not those of an experienced owner.

2) He said he wants to trade MOST OF THE TIME, so it appears that he is looking for the best points purchase, not the a home resort….

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?
I'd like to trade more than half the time.

 

[Jason245]

If I understand the system correctly it doesn't matter where I buy if my main goal is to trade. Banking 4200, 4800 or 5000 points into the the following year should allow me to go where I want within the system (making it 8400, 9600 or 10000) to use every other year.

Above statement is incorrect.

If you want High Demand Resorts during High Demand Seasons half the time, especially on a fixed schedule with negligable flexibility (school schedule), you face a serious risk of not getting what you want when you want.

For example, it is very easy to book Orlando and Vegas, but try book Xmas week in Marco Island, Miami, NY or Hawaii without home week advantage.

Also, Does it make financial sense to spend ~$2k (MF for 2 years + Membership + Banking fees) to have 1 good vacation every two years, when you could get 7k points every year for less than $1k in MF? Depending on when you wanted to go, you could probably rent what you wanted every other year for $2k/week and have no out of pocket expense.

Given the amount of information you have provided, my opinion is that for you, non of them make economic sense based on your desires as understood by me.

To put your question in perspective you have asked:

What makes sense: a Ford focus for $10k, a Honda civic for 13kk, or a Toyota yaris for $11k.

And then in another comment said that you have a family of 5 with kids between the ages of 8 and 12 and probably need a van or an SUV instead of a small Sedan.

 

[Jason245]

1) The OP joined TUG less than a month ago - so his wants/needs are still a work in progress. Not those of an experienced owner.

2) He said he wants to trade MOST OF THE TIME, so it appears that he is looking for the best points purchase, not the a home resort….

OP is also stuck to school schedule. From my impression, OP needs to do a TON more research and evaluating because they are asking what is a good deal (price wise) but not considering the true cost of ownership.

having to bank points every year to get the vacation you want every other year is a very expensive proposition and probably doesn't make economic sense.

I am a little concerned that they plan to pull the trigger based on responses given here.

 

[Jodi0415]

Great!! Now we're answering the questions I asked!! Thank you so much!! If the MF are correct. I was thinking it would still work. My plane is about to take off, I will redo the math and report back!! Thank you so much for you time!!

The school schedule is somewhat flexible! I don't mind taking the kids out of school once a year for a worthy vacation!! Don't judge me!! Lol!!

OP is also stuck to school schedule. From my impression, OP needs to do a TON more research and evaluating because they are asking what is a good deal (price wise) but not considering the true cost of ownership.

having to bank points every year to get the vacation you want every other year is a very expensive proposition and probably doesn't make economic sense.

I am a little concerned that they plan to pull the trigger based on responses given here.

 

[DeniseM]

The school schedule is somewhat flexible! I don't mind taking the kids out of school once a year for a worthy vacation!! Don't judge me!! Lol!!

Not judging you, but once they reach high school age, this is not usually a viable option.

You will be a lot happier with your timeshare if you buy something that will allow you to reserve the school holidays you need.

You are asking the right questions - take you time and keep asking until you feel very confident that you understand the product thoroughly. That usually takes 6 mos. or so.

 

[Jason245]

Great!! Now we're answering the questions I asked!! Thank you so much!! If the MF are correct. I was thinking it would still work. My plane is about to take off, I will redo the math and report back!! Thank you so much for you time!!

The school schedule is somewhat flexible! I don't mind taking the kids out of school once a year for a worthy vacation!! Don't judge me!! Lol!!

Don't forget that membership fees banking fees and reservation fees go up generally.

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[1Kflyerguy]

You mention a family of four, or at least four travelers.

If it were me, I would be planning to book a two bedroom unit. It will be more spacious and much more enjoyable in my opinion...

Booking a club season room at Lagoon tower during school holidays may be challenging, but you can certainly give it shot. Obviously the more flexible you are, the better your chances.

Given all the variables you mention, i would suggest the highest point unit you can afford.

If you have not already done so, be sure to check out the point charts for the resorts and seasons your hoping to book.

Don't rush into this, make sure your comfortable with everything..

 

[Jodi0415]

I copied and pasted this from the sticky. I also found real people paying similar MF (not including annual dues) as in the example offers I listed above. I know my example is not platinum but it's penthouse. Doesn't seem that far off! I know I'm looking through newbie eyes though.

Las Vegas on the Strip - 1 BR Platinum - 4800 Points

Description
2015 Operating Fee 01/01/15 $434.09
2015 Reserve Fee 01/01/15 $117.86
Real Estate Taxes 01/01/15 $18.53
Total Current Balance: $570.48
Voluntary Arda Roc $5.00
Total Current Balance: $575.48

$140 Club Dues Paid separate

$2500 1 bedroom Penthouse Vegas Strip 4200 annual HGVC annual points, MF $551.95 [I don't see it listed in the TUG HGVC sticky, but 4,200 points is a Gold 1BR Plus unit and MF's will be more than the $715 Gold 1BR MF's. All MF's listed include the mandatory club fees - which you will have to pay.]

Or

$2600 2 bedroom 5000 annual Las Vegas Strip MF $759 [$927.35]

Or

$3500 Parc Soleil for 4800 annual platinum HGVC points MF $692.39 [$968.83]

 

[Jodi0415]

Thanks for your response.

I thought banking and borrowing points in time sharing was common practice. That's what makes points so flexible. But now I'm understanding from these posts that it doesn't make sense to do that?

Also, now Im given the impression that the ability to trade within the system is difficult? Is this true?

So let's say I banked 5000 annual points to the following year for 10,000 points,
isn't that plenty enough to book a 2 bedroom during platinum season? Yes I'm paying MF for both years and an extra year of annual dues. But if the MF are low enough isn't it far under retail?

My problem with EOY (I know it wasnt you who say annual for me didn't make sense) is not having HGVC points to use in the off year. Borrowing and banking is more complicated for EOYs. And I don't need 7000 points every year even though, yes I could afford them.

But if booking any high demand locale (within the HGVC family) other than your home resort is difficult then I suppose I don't see the point (pun intended) of it all.

So now my question is no longer are those example offers good deals (I think they are), but...

If you have the points, generally speaking how hard is it to trade within the HGVC family, platinum or gold season?

You mention a family of four, or at least four travelers.

If it were me, I would be planning to book a two bedroom unit. It will be more spacious and much more enjoyable in my opinion...

Booking a club season room at Lagoon tower during school holidays may be challenging, but you can certainly give it shot. Obviously the more flexible you are, the better your chances.

Given all the variables you mention, i would suggest the highest point unit you can afford.

If you have not already done so, be sure to check out the point charts for the resorts and seasons your hoping to book.

Don't rush into this, make sure your comfortable with everything..

 

[Jodi0415]

Thank you for your response!!

I've been researching time sharing on and off for 16 years!! I've just kept putting off buying and now I'm tired of paying retail for hotels.

I appreciate your advice! I'm taking my time.

Not judging you, but once they reach high school age, this is not usually a viable option.

You will be a lot happier with your timeshare if you buy something that will allow you to reserve the school holidays you need.

You are asking the right questions - take you time and keep asking until you feel very confident that you understand the product thoroughly. That usually takes 6 mos. or so.

 

[Jodi0415]

Thanks for your response.

I thought banking and borrowing points in time sharing was common practice. That's what makes points so flexible. But now I'm understanding from these posts that it doesn't make sense to do that?

Also, now Im given the impression that the ability to trade within the system is difficult? Is this true?

So let's say I banked 5000 annual points to the following year for 10,000 points,
isn't that plenty enough to book a 2 bedroom during platinum season? Yes I'm paying MF for both years and an extra year of annual dues. But if the MF are low enough isn't it far under retail?

My problem with EOY (I know it wasnt you who say annual for me didn't make sense) is not having HGVC points to use in the off year. Borrowing and banking is more complicated for EOYs. And I don't need 7000 points every year even though, yes I could afford them.

But if booking any high demand locale (within the HGVC family) other than your home resort is difficult then I suppose I don't see the point (pun intended) of it all.

So now my question is no longer are those example offers good deals (I think they are), but...

If you have the points, generally speaking how hard is it to trade within the HGVC family, platinum or gold season?

You mention a family of four, or at least four travelers.

If it were me, I would be planning to book a two bedroom unit. It will be more spacious and much more enjoyable in my opinion...

Booking a club season room at Lagoon tower during school holidays may be challenging, but you can certainly give it shot. Obviously the more flexible you are, the better your chances.

Given all the variables you mention, i would suggest the highest point unit you can afford.

If you have not already done so, be sure to check out the point charts for the resorts and seasons your hoping to book.

Don't rush into this, make sure your comfortable with everything..

 

[presley]

It isn't hard to book other locations unless you want a high demand time in Oahu or at a ski resort. Since that likely isn't the case, you can get by with a small annual contract to travel every other year. Banking and borrowing is easy to do in HGVC, but you have to pay a fee to bank. Borrowing is free. You are correct that owning just one EOY isn't as flexible as owning a smaller annual.

 

[JSparling]

You asked about "economic sense" - it's simple math. Add up all costs for 10 years and all points for 10 years. Then divide total costs by total points and see what your lowest cost per point is. That's your answer. This will assume no increase in MF's over the next 10 years which won't happen - but asusming all resorts increase MF's at a similar rate your "which unit has the lowest cost" calculation will still be pretty close. Here's the math:

One-time costs: purchase price, closing costs, transfer fee, activation fee
Annual MF's x 10 years
Annual HGVC Club Dues x 10 years
= Total costs for 10 years

Points per year x 10 years = total points for 10 years

Total costs/total points = cost per point

The reason I use a 10 year calculation is to make sure over time you're getting the best deal and blend in purchase price (one time) over MF's (annual). You may get a steal on a unit as far as the purchase price but if the MF's are crazy high or you're buying a silver unit you'll be worse off in the long run than paying more up front for the purchase for a platinum unit and then having lower MF's per point.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Sorry, i did not mean to imply it was hard to book resorts other than your home resort.

I have had good luck with my bookings. However some resorts are easier than others. Some of the affiliates are challenging as there is not that much inventory enrolled in HGVC. You mentioned Lagoon tower at HHV, and that is also very popular. You probably need to book right at the 9 month mark.

I use a formula very similar to Jsparling to evaluate potential purchases. You can play around with the number of years, but 10 years is good estimate.

 

[JSparling]

You can play around with the number of years, but 10 years is good estimate.

I generally use 20 years since I have young kids and plan on using these things for a long, long time. Plus, it's a way to justify spending the money when your calculation says you're only spending 16 cents per point over 20 years. That's nothing! :whoopie:

This simple idea of looking at the TOTAL cost per point over a long period is something that TUG taught me and really is critical if you want to be successful in the timeshare game. Many people see a free or cheap unit and jump on it but then get stuck paying high MF's forever. Or they shy away from a unit because the purchase price is a little steep but don't bother to look at the MF/point ratio and realize that in the long run this unit would be cheaper than the "free" unit they got on E-Bay for $1.