If you could start over...what would you do?

[Jya-Ning Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Jya-Ning]

We used my moms, worldmark points to book this 5 day stay last week through wyndham.

WM allows owner to transfer points. So if you are nice to your mom, you can make deal and rent WM's points from other owners and transfer to her account. That probably be the best you want do at this moment.

Play with it, you will get some feeling on the in and out of exchanges, WM as system.

After a while, you will know what you really want, than you can either
1) combine with your Mom's WM account add more into it (which usually bring down your avg. cost per point), and some system like WM allows you to play with different stragey to reserve more advance than others.

2) or you could find a system that compilant your mom's WM system that allows you to use it on place WM not easily can get inventories but you like to be there

3) or you can just buy a system that has enough resorts around your driving range.

4) or you can just buy a system that will allow you to get a week stay cheapest (may not be able to get as many inventories through exchanges, but you may not care that much).

Jya-ning

[longtimer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close longtimer]

If I had to do over again, I would never have bought from the developer (sadly, most of us started out this way and spent way too much money, especially since many TS are now going for next to nothing). Since your mom already owns a TS, start your questions with her. What does she like/dislike about her TS? Are there places she would have liked to visit, but had trouble getting into?
Think about where you want to vacation, now and in the future. Look to see what TS systems have availability there. (A note of caution, just because a TS exists in a location, it doesn't mean you will be able to get in, many have extremely limited availability). A general rule to keep in mind, the more TS groups that are present in a given area, the greater the likelihood you will be able to book a unit there (ex: Orlando and Williamsburg, VA).
Since you're not looking to go for a full week, points make better sense than full weeks (why waste days you won't use).
With your extended family, you are going to want a 2BDRM at the very least, perhaps even a 3 BDRM - or the option to get 2 - 2 BDRM units.
I own with DRI. If I had to make a TS choice again, I would not purchase with them because they have too few choices on the East Coast. It seems quite a few of the TS systems are concentrated on the West Coast.
One thing I like with DRI is the II gold membership. I have booked several get-away specials for really low prices and didn't have to exchange or give up any points. This is a great way to get more use out of my TS.
Something else to consider - do you really want to spend several weeks a year travelling? Perhaps you may want to consider a vacation home purchase or long-term lease of a vacation home. We purchased a small vacation home in the mountains this summer and it's one of the best investments we've made. We still have our TS for regular vacations and can go to the mountains for a night or two -or longer - at the last minute. Good luck in your search. Post lots of questions when you narrow down your decisions. No matter what you choose, it has to work for YOU!

[timeos2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close timeos2]

Buy VERY carefully and very little

All over again? Wouldn't change TOO much but sure see the future differently.

I would, and will, continue to own where I LOVE to go with the best available time. In Orlando that means a top float time at a resort with an unbeatable location, that is sold out and 100% owner controlled and that belongs to every system it possibly can - no restrictions.

For our seasonal "cottage" we have a fixed week, ocean area we want to visit each and every use year OR can get virtually any trade for as other ALSO want to go there in that prime prime time. Oh, sold out, owner controlled and affiliated with every system possible for maximum flexibility.

We had and were very happy with Wyndham which is one of the true bargains in all of timeshare at resale price BUT comes with the absolute lack of owner control all too common with every developer controlled system. Unlike most Wyndham is extremely flexible, inexpensive (as in basically free now) to buy resale and has a tremendous choice of high quality internal resorts critical to a good system. We loved it but just sold out as the recent changes they imposed caused us to decide we could do better just renting what we need as the changes really hurt big owners who now have to dump premier time for pennies even on the annual fee dollar! We can't sit back and pay more to get the same use as an obligated to annual fee owner so we sold off of long time holdings. Sad but the right thing to do.

So we have left our one miustake. A resale at Wastegate that now is worth basically zero but we get value out of with RCI PFD. But even that may not last so we hope to dump that as well be down to our two weeks at independents and our RCI Points. At that spot we'd repeat the same choices today so that is how we'd "start over".

Overall timeshare has been very positive but we would never, nor should anyone else, buy to do anything but use or you are setting yourself up for a big disappointment. Any scheme to rent or pay for trips, etc by timeshare ownerships are usually far too convoluted for most and should be avoided. Buy to use, buy just a little and rent/exchange the rest. It can be a great dealk then.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

OK I'm moving the beach to Pompano.

Of the points systems that I have worked with my two least favorites are RCI and Wyndham for lack of owner friendliness and ease of use.

They all have their particular nuances and take time to learn well. None are going to get you Europe on a regular basis in large units, so let's leave that out of the picture for now.

I like WorldMark for the west coast and Bluegreen for the east coast. Owners in those particular point systems seem to be the happiest on average. Once they know their particular systems they can get what they want with planning. I can't say that about RCI Points or Wyndham. I know next to nothing about Royal Holiday Club and Diamond Resorts International but there are people on these boards who do.

I suggest you read up on all of them, ask questions and fine tune what exactly you want from your ownership.

I don't understand something. You said you don't like Wyndham but do like Worldmark. Worldmark is owned by Wyndham so am I to assume that there is a difference between the 2 even though they are one in the same company. Worldmark is called "Worldmark by Wyndham".

The person I rented my Wyndham Waikiki Beachwalk week from said he can get me a week at any of their resorts including Worldmark with his Wyndham points.

[timeos2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close timeos2]

Usualy can be done.

I don't understand something. You said you don't like Wyndham but do like Worldmark. Worldmark is owned by Wyndham so am I to assume that there is a difference between the 2 even though they are one in the same company. Worldmark is called "Worldmark by Wyndham".

The person I rented my Wyndham Waikiki Beachwalk week from said he can get me a week at any of their resorts including Worldmark with his Wyndham points.

There is a link between the two although they are two independent operations. In most cases a Worldmark or a Wyndham owner can, in my experience of 15 years, get the other if they need it and have the right "connections".

We loved Wyndham but just sold it off as it appears the changes of the past few years have really hurt some that were making a business out of renting low cost time and now it is far too easy to obtain the great locations by a rental at or below the annual cost of the points. It was a tough decision but the writing is on the wall.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

There is a link between the two although they are two independent operations. In most cases a Worldmark or a Wyndham owner can, in my experience of 15 years, get the other if they need it and have the right "connections".

We loved Wyndham but just sold it off as it appears the changes of the past few years have really hurt some that were making a business out of renting low cost time and now it is far too easy to obtain the great locations by a rental at or below the annual cost of the points. It was a tough decision but the writing is on the wall.

Thanks for the info. When I rented the Wyndham week, the owner said I could get Worldmark from him as well as it was part of Wyndham. So when I saw the above post I checked on the Worldmark web site and it was titled "Worldmark by Wyndham" which led me to believe that they are one in the same.

WorldMark by Wyndham

[akparsa Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close akparsa]

You're already ahead of the game

Asking the questions you're asking now will help prevent the "what might have been" regrets.

Buying resale will give you the best deal possible. Pay a LOT of attention to ongoing cost of ownership (MF, special assessments, booking fees, cancellation fees, etc.) as those are the ones that will affect your satisfaction with your ownership.

Don't pay too much $$$ for any specific feature beyond usage of your week because all of the systems seem to change a lot. Extra benefits are nice but if you look at them as "extras" and buy for use, you'll end up being a lot happier with your deal.

I second the earlier opinion to check into Bluegreen. I own Bluegreen and can tell you that most informed resale purchasers are pretty happy.

For a family, I love a points system. You can get a 2 or 3 bedroom when you're traveling with the kids and the extra family members, then get a studio if you and your wife go alone. You can stretch your points by traveling Sun-Thurs as you mentioned.

As a homeschooler, you'll also have the opportunity to take advantage of shoulder season bonus time.

There is a lot of information available in the Bluegreen forum if you're interested. It is well-managed, has mid-range resorts, treats owners fairly, and is constantly improving and adding resorts and features. The only thing I'm a tiny bit concerned about is that MF have been trending up a little too sharply for my comfort.

Good luck, and enjoy! Timesharing is definitely the best thing for a family. We also have 3 kids (ours are school aged) and love the lifestyle!

Anita

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

Starting right now, I would not start.

I would use the internet, coupled with the recession and jillions of timeshare owners trying to recover a portion of their maintenance fees by renting out their weeks, to take advantage of the beaucoup bargain accomodations out there.

Oh yeah, with no initial investment and no ongoing obligation.

[JimmyD Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JimmyD]

Working the system

Starting right now, I would not start.

I would use the internet, coupled with the recession and jillions of timeshare owners trying to recover a portion of their maintenance fees by renting out their weeks, to take advantage of the beaucoup bargain accomodations out there.

Oh yeah, with no initial investment and no ongoing obligation.

Really??? WoW

That is very honest.
How would you go about that exactly?

P.S.
I apreciate all of the posts!!!!! Sort of makes me feel special... LOL

But seriously, I am reading each post, and thinking of every option, and apreciate the compliments about my family.

I would also like to invite you to please share YOUR best way to take a family trip.
YOUR little tricks that help you stretch the budget and work the system with class, TS4MS Class!

JimmyD

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

I agree with JLB 100%. We have been timeshare owners for 23 years but would definitely not buy anything now. In fact we will be selling ours next year. There are just too may options available that are more attractive without having the obligation of paying maintenance fees, etc. every year. You can rent a timeshare for less than the maintenance fee, especially for non-holiday periods. We rented a 2 BR, 2 BA, deluxe unit at Waikiki Beachwalk for less than the M/F.

Do a search for timeshare rentals. MyResortNetwork.com is one of the best sites for rentals. There is no charge to look for rentals.

http://www.myresortnetwork.com/rentals.asp

[bjewels11 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bjewels11]

Buy resale. My parents own wyndam and They have nice resorts and a good system once you learn it. Bluegreen should be one to check on. You can buy resale. There maintance fees have gone up lately. They have resorts in the same area. PS we own bluegreen. Look at bluegreen yahoo group also for info and to answer questions that you may have. Simple system to understand

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

To be honest, when I see the very nice offers like the free week at Summer Bay, what I see is the $600-ish annual fee obligation.

I have a feeling I am not alone.

I could no doubt find a rental @ Summer Bay, or comparable Orlando resort, for less.

Yup, there are many . . . hundreds.

Here's a 3-bedroom resort villa for $75/night:

New home-Sept- special, low rates for Oct too. 1 mile from Disney

Summer Bay 2-bedroom for $500/week:

price per week 9/5-9/12/10,9/12-9/19/10 in Summer Bay Resort for 6 gue

etc. etc. etc.

[timeos2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close timeos2]

Rent is the way

To be honest, when I see the very nice offers like the free week at Summer Bay, what I see is the $600-ish annual fee obligation.

I have a feeling I am not alone.

I could no doubt find a rental @ Summer Bay, or comparable Orlando resort, for less.

Yup, there are many . . . hundreds.

Here's a 3-bedroom resort villa for $75/night:

New home-Sept- special, low rates for Oct too. 1 mile from Disney

Summer Bay 2-bedroom for $500/week:

price per week 9/5-9/12/10,9/12-9/19/10 in Summer Bay Resort for 6 gue

etc. etc. etc.

It is a shame but the case to own more than one or two truly cherished, and thus maybe not the most sensible but rather emotional choice to own "my place", is really the only reason to buy. It is far easier to simply shop a bit, rent EXACTLY what you want, where you want - the view, the size, the dates - everything YOU want for the once or twice every 3-5 year sytay at a resort/location. No commitment to purchase, fees, trade memeerships, trade costs, uncertainty of trade assignments (you are a trader - you can't have ocean view!)l, penalty fees - "welcome to DVC please pay $95 to enter for absolutely nothing" - and so on.

The glut is here forever. Renting will likely remain more reliable and cheaper for years if not decades. Buy very little if any. Buy only to use. Mostly rent and take advantage of an incredible market for pure value.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

Even a high demand resort like the Manhattan Club can be rented for less than the M/F.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

Another advantage to renting is renters often get owner's privileges that exchangers don't get.