WorldMark vs. Fairfield vs. BlueGreen

[Ron G.]

I'm not an owner yet, but have been reading a lot here.

I was really liking the scenario that PerryM described using a combination of owned and rented WM points to use WM and Marriott (via II) properties.

Since we live in Baltimore, I'm wondering if it makes more sense for us to buy into something with a greater East Coast presence.

BlueGreen seems to have far fewer locations than Fairfield, but is probably less expensive. I'd rather have more choices and nicer places, than saving a bit of money (although I am very "value-oriented").

I've been paying most attention to WorldMark and have that system pretty much figured out (including purchase and rental prices). Now it looks like I should probably be focusing elsewhere.

In case it matters, it will be just my wife and I doing most of the traveling...and we're 58 and can probably afford the time and the cost to travel several weeks per year.

Can anyone help me compare/contrast WM, BG and FF?

I really appreciate any insights.

Ron

 

[Cathyb]

BocaBum this is up your alley

 

[Ron G.]

BocaBum this is up your alley

Cathy,

You're right....I thought I'd hear from him.

Now, I'm even more bewildered because I've been poking around here and am now wondering if I should add Sunterra to the mix.

Ron

 

[BocaBum99]

Ron,

I own a lot of WorldMark, Bluegreen and Fairfield. I like them all.

If you only want to exchange, WorldMark is the best bet. It is a universal trader. I like WorldMark resorts too. So, if you want to travel to the west, it is a good option.

If you love Fairfield Resorts, which are the best of all 3 resort groups, then Fairfield is the way to go. Fairfield prices are very low. But, maintenance fees tend to be very high. You can trade back into fairfieild resorts via RCI pretty easily and very cost effectively. Fairfield is the worst of the 3 for exchanging since you can only exchange through II or RCI, but mostly RCI. And even then, trading power isn't that great in RCI relative to WorldMark or Bluegreen.

Bluegreen is the best if you want to use Bluegreen resorts up and down the East Coast. You are in driving distance of several Bluegreen Resorts, so bonus time is a great way to get weekend trips to nice places. And, Bluegreen is almost as good as WorldMark as a trader in that it exchanges with all exchange companies.

My recommendation is to attend a sales presentation for all 3 resort groups. Whichever resorts you like the best, buy resale.