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Is the TS grass really greener?

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  • #16
    You've gotten a lot of good feedback, and I have a few thoughts to add.

    First, congratulations on doing your research before buying. You are undoubtedly going to be happier as a timeshare owner than most because of this.

    Second, although it is wise to think it through in economic terms, there is also a point at which it doesn't have to be justified economically - it can be a lifestyle choice. I think of my many, many neighbors who belong to country clubs with enormous dues, drive expensive cars, or own second homes. They aren't doing these things because it is a smart money decision, they're doing it because this is how they want to spend their money - and that's not necessarily a bad thing!

    I happen to own Bluegreen, a points system, and I highly value the flexibility of long weekend trips whenever it suits us.

    But a big motivator for me was exactly what you're seeking: the long term family tradition that you and your husband and your kids will treasure. We've owned Bluegreen for about 5 years, and already our home resort (Wilderness Club at Big Cedar) is completely woven into our family's DNA. I've lost track of the number of times we've gone. (I could make the drive in my sleep!) We truly love our time there. My girls have talked about getting married there!

    So if buying a timeshare gets you somewhere you want to be but costs you X more than renting each year, and you have that "X", I say go for it.

    Anita

    PS - also wise to go into it pessimistically. I bought all my points resale and thought each deal was a steal...but the price kept dropping. When we're done with it, I have told myself to expect we'll have to give it away. If I get anything, I'll be pleasantly surprised.
    akparsa
    Senior Member
    Last edited by akparsa; 02-11-2013, 06:05 PM. Reason: removed (

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    • #17
      You didn't mention the ages of your kids which might help with your decision. I live in Carlsbad and have been to all these places. I have a 15 year old son.

      We love Carlsbad Inn and Seapointe. They are both on the beach (Seapointe you have to cross the street). Carlsbad Inn is in town and you won't need to drive anywhere. There will be beach traffic and the units and pool are smaller. Fun place.

      Seapointe has better pools (especially the kids pool for little ones). The beach is quieter and there is a large grocery store nearby. There are no restaurants within walking distance but as a vegan, you sound like you'll be mostly eating in.

      For small kids I'd pick Seapointe.

      Oceanside beach club is right on the sand but Oceanside can still be a little rough around the edges. It's gotten a lot better over the years but still I'd choose Carlsbad. Don't forget, Palisades is a drive from the beach but next door to Legoland.

      Buying into GPP resorts also gets you owner rates in Resortime. I've used their service a lot and love it for rentals. Owner rates are pretty good for extra vacation days.

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      • #18
        My son is 3. We plan on another child.

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        • #19
          Seapointe or Palisades are both great choices for little ones.

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          • #20
            Originally posted by Presley View Post
            Offer whatever you are willing to pay. The worst thing that can happen is they will say no. Then, go on to the next seller and make same offer. You will find someone willing to agree to a lowball price. You just don't know how long until you get it. It may be the first seller. It may be the 20th seller.
            That's what we'll do

            Or... We'll just buy something other than a timeshare instead (RV, condo, etc). At least when you buy an RV you can get accurate market information (Kelley blue book, etc) and there are laws to protect you from lemons.

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            • #21
              Update: we ended up buying at San Clemente Inn and Riviera Beach and Spa. Both purchases were cheap ($400 for both including closing costs). We got the largest size units at both locations (sleeps 6). Both currently have low MF. One is 1/2 mile walk from beach, the other is right across the street from the beach. Both have a pool and other amenities. Both have been recently remodeled. Both are small compared to newer resorts and we like that!

              We plan to use these every Summer for the next 5-10 years or so, but will also keep our eyes open looking for a good deal on other timeshares nearby. We will rent here and there to try out other timeshares and expand our vacation time.

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              • #22
                Reading the title one more time, it occurs to me that with all the fertilizer put on it, it should be greener.

                RCI Member Since 24-Aug-1989/150-plus Exchanges***THE TIMESHARE GRIM REAPER~~~Exchanging/Searching/SW Florida/MO/AR/IA/Consumer Advocacy/Estate Planning/Sports/Boating/Fishing/Golf/Lake-living/Retirement****Sometimes ya just gotta be a dick

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                • #23
                  Originally posted by VegasBella View Post
                  Update: we ended up buying at San Clemente Inn and Riviera Beach and Spa. Both purchases were cheap ($400 for both including closing costs). We got the largest size units at both locations (sleeps 6). Both currently have low MF. One is 1/2 mile walk from beach, the other is right across the street from the beach. Both have a pool and other amenities. Both have been recently remodeled. Both are small compared to newer resorts and we like that!

                  We plan to use these every Summer for the next 5-10 years or so, but will also keep our eyes open looking for a good deal on other timeshares nearby. We will rent here and there to try out other timeshares and expand our vacation time.
                  Congratulations on your purchases! It sounds like you got a good deal on those. We've done Carlsbad and Oceanside quite a lot, but this summer will be our first time to visit San Clemente Inn. From what I've seen, it looks nice. I hope you'll be very happy with your timeshares for years to come!.

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                  • #24
                    VegasBella - congrats on your acquisitions! When I purchased my first timeshare it was also with a lot of research and planning. I knew what I wanted and waited until a match came up in an ebay auction. Playing the 'try before you buy' game (while I don't knock it if you have the time) would have kept me busy for many years to come, and by the time I was ready to buy, the market would likely be a much different place Now I have a fixed week, fixed unit at a time of year I enjoy, and in an area I like to vacation in (Mazatlan). Ok, I've added two more since then - but I wound up a happy camper/timeshare-er ... I'm sure you will too!
                    No one can be exactly like me. Even I have trouble doing it. - T. Bankhead

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                    • #25
                      Originally posted by bjones9942 View Post
                      When I purchased my first timeshare it was also with a lot of research and planning.
                      We would have, but Al Gore had not invented the Internet yet.
                      RCI Member Since 24-Aug-1989/150-plus Exchanges***THE TIMESHARE GRIM REAPER~~~Exchanging/Searching/SW Florida/MO/AR/IA/Consumer Advocacy/Estate Planning/Sports/Boating/Fishing/Golf/Lake-living/Retirement****Sometimes ya just gotta be a dick

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                      • #26
                        Originally posted by VegasBella View Post
                        Update: we ended up buying at San Clemente Inn and Riviera Beach and Spa. Both purchases were cheap ($400 for both including closing costs). We got the largest size units at both locations (sleeps 6). Both currently have low MF. One is 1/2 mile walk from beach, the other is right across the street from the beach. Both have a pool and other amenities. Both have been recently remodeled. Both are small compared to newer resorts and we like that!

                        We plan to use these every Summer for the next 5-10 years or so, but will also keep our eyes open looking for a good deal on other timeshares nearby. We will rent here and there to try out other timeshares and expand our vacation time.
                        Congrats and welcome to the world of timeshares.

                        Looks like you made two great choices.
                        San Clemente looks really nice & it's already remodeled so hopefully no special assessments.

                        I think you have a great plan but gotta warn you that that's how I started out.
                        Just owning two fixed weeks that I used every year at the beach and then.........
                        I joined this forum and the rest is history.

                        I now own 7 timeshares down from 8 and do about 10 exchanges a year.
                        It's quite addicting.

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                        • #27
                          Originally posted by deannak View Post
                          Congratulations on your purchases! It sounds like you got a good deal on those. We've done Carlsbad and Oceanside quite a lot, but this summer will be our first time to visit San Clemente Inn. From what I've seen, it looks nice. I hope you'll be very happy with your timeshares for years to come!.
                          Welcome to the forum deannak.

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                          • #28

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                            • #29
                              Originally posted by VegasBella View Post
                              Update: we ended up buying at San Clemente Inn and Riviera Beach and Spa. Both purchases were cheap ($400 for both including closing costs). We got the largest size units at both locations (sleeps 6). Both currently have low MF. One is 1/2 mile walk from beach, the other is right across the street from the beach. Both have a pool and other amenities. Both have been recently remodeled. Both are small compared to newer resorts and we like that!

                              We plan to use these every Summer for the next 5-10 years or so, but will also keep our eyes open looking for a good deal on other timeshares nearby. We will rent here and there to try out other timeshares and expand our vacation time.
                              Congratulations. The price sounds right to me. You cannot go wrong even if you have to give it away for some reason. You saved that fee the first time you would be renting a condo on the ocean. They are expensive everywhere.

                              I wished we had done better research before buying and had bought on the re-sale market but we are enjoying every timeshare we own even after many years so no regrets.

                              If you can vacation in comfort with your family, you will make lasting memories that your children will remember too. Sometimes, timeshares pass from one generation to the other and the children continue the same family tradition. For this, timeshares are great.

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                              • #30
                                Originally posted by iconnections View Post
                                Just have these little fits do you?

                                You know, spontaneous laughing.
                                RCI Member Since 24-Aug-1989/150-plus Exchanges***THE TIMESHARE GRIM REAPER~~~Exchanging/Searching/SW Florida/MO/AR/IA/Consumer Advocacy/Estate Planning/Sports/Boating/Fishing/Golf/Lake-living/Retirement****Sometimes ya just gotta be a dick

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