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Advice?
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Don't buy anything for at least six months, and use that time to learn. You're still chomping at the bit. Take your time. Rent something in the meantime---either here, at TUG, or at Redweek, and get a sense for how you like it. -
I agree with some of the other comments. If you have day use opportunities there, then it might be a real advantage for you. I own at places that I don't plan to use. One of my TS is in Orlando. I bought there (on eBay) before I knew anything. It's a floating week and I book a spring break week every year. I use it to exchange and I've been happy with my exchanges. What you have to realize with that situation is that the exchange power can vary by the exchange company. RCI has been making some changes and making some people very unhappy. Also, to exchange, you have to pay an exchange fee, and a yearly membership fee to trade with a company like RCI.Originally posted by Smitty1
There are some other exchange companies, such as Trading Places, DAE and SFX that do not have a mandatory membership fee, but they do charge exchange fees. So keep in mind that if you purchase to trade, you will not only have maintenance fees, but other fees on top of it. With my exchange company (SFX), I also get bonus weeks. SFX is strong in Mexico, so you would be likely to get an exchange there for some lovely resorts. So I'm willing to pay my additional fees, and I've been lucky enough to get an exchange to every location I've asked for.
SueComment
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Originally posted by bnoble
Yup, I agree. Very good advice!Angela
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
BTW, I'm still keeping track of how many times you annoy me.
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I called the TS place in Calabogie - looks like the current special does not include year around usage - that would be another $1500 for there VIP package - but if I purchased a regular priced week - it would be included.
Thanks
PaulComment
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I agree that renting a week in Mexico is a great idea. I also think the idea of owning locally is good - no flights, etc... But the off-season week is something to consider carefully - if it's something you'll use 3 out of 4 years, and you'd be willing to trade it for something easier to get - like Orlando, Las Vegas, or shoulder season in other places, that should work. You might get other things but it could be harder. Also, even an offseason week would have better trading power if you wait for the 45 - 60 day window (that makes it hard for flights, but something to consider). And there are independent exchange companies that may meet your needs as well.
If you are willing to spend $5K on a timeshare, you will find the right week, maybe even one of the prime weeks at a resort near you. It may take a little time and patience. Also, some resorts offer day use year round to owners - definitely worth asking about that at Calabogie resorts (there are several) - then you could buy a prime week and still go ATV there in the offseason....
eta: oops, I see someone got there before me. Must be a good idea then. Find out if it would apply if you buy a prime week as a resale from an existing owner rather than through the resort itself.Comment
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You might do better buying into a points system with something in upstate New York, or (if you're in Montreal) in Vermont or New Hampshire. Most points systems have something well south; the Bluegreen system, for example, has a resort in Aruba.Originally posted by Smitty1
So maybe you could look into a points system with something close (close being a relative term, here
), that also has options your wife would like. I know Shell Vacation Club has a couple of resorts in Barrie, Ontario, as well as one in New Hampshire. For warm stuff, Shell has five in Hawaii and a couple in Mexico, although I don't know how tough it is to get them. The Bluegreen system has one in New Hampshire as well that they'll be marketing this year; along with the Aruba one they have one in Hawaii and a fair number on the gulf coast (all of which can be a challenge to get into), as well as Aruba and the east coast of Florida (both pretty easy to get into).
Shell and Bluegreen are among the smaller points systems, so I would guess the bigger ones would have what they offer and more. I like being in a smaller system, myself, but I do agree with whoever said that a points system sounds like a good deal for you. Be aware that some points systems charge a separate fee for each reservation, either a fee for making the reservation, or a housekeeping fee, or both. I like Bluegreen because you pay your yearly fee and you're done on that front; others like the ones that charge because the units are snazzier or they go so rarely the money works out the same or whatever.
Also seconding bnoble's advice to take your time! Rent before you buy. Different points systems have a different "feel" to them - we knew we liked the "feel" of Bluegreen because we stayed in 4 resorts before we became owners (we bought the "Sampler" program, which is x-number of limited points that expire after a year). We knew we had some non-negotiables but we've developed a few more as we've tried different places. Hard to know something's a necessity until you don't have it.
Or how great something is when you've never had it before. 
Lots of rentals at a good price available right now, so try before you buy!Comment
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I totally agree that you should take your time before making any committments. There are so many different things to consider besides location. Do you want a points system or a week-based system. What time of the year do you anticipate you will vacation. What size unit are you looking for. You also need to consider the cost of ownership, including maintenance fees, potential special assessments, and, for some resorts, maids fees or all-inclusive fees. Consider travel distance and how you will get to your destination. If you fly, will you need to rent a car? All these things add to the cost of a vacation. Also check what year you will have first use.Originally posted by Smitty1 View Post
Right now there are many TS for sale at very low prices. Do your research. Some of them really aren't bargains because they are low demand weeks or unpopular resorts. Once you narrow your choices down, read as much as you can about the resort and the TS system. Check reviews here and on other sites. Try Googling the resort name and read reviews from travel sites. There's a lot to consider, so don't jump at what looks like the first bargain. Good luck - and ask questions here if you're not sure about something.Comment
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Bluegreen is very flexible and has alot to offer - just check it all out before purchasing through e-bay. We have been BG owners since 03/03 - we love it, but I have purchase points many differenet ways.Comment
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Wyndham bonnet creek
I need to if anyone knows when Bonnet Creek resort #6 will be finish???Comment
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