How soon can I exchange?

[dgonza Member Find all posts View Profile Close dgonza]

Hello, I am new to timeshares. I bought my timeshare on Ebay. I own a 2bdrm at the Liki Tiki Village in Orlando. I own fixed red week 25. I just received the deed last week. I am all set to go on week 23. I did an internal exchange for $89. My resort exchanges with Interval international. I am not a member of this exchange service yet. Any recommendations?? Also, when can I start planning my vacation for next year? This is my 1st and only timeshare that I own. Like I said I am new and just looking for some tricks of the trade, words of wisdom etc..... Thanks!!

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

Welcome to the world of timesharing!

My first advice is to read everything you can find on this forum & another great website at http://www.tugbbs.com/. You might want to slow down a bit and wait until you have gone on your week 23 trip before getting to far ahead of yourself on the exchanging thing. Use the search function here to find out more about your ownership. When you go there, talk to the other folks there to see if they are owners or exchangers. I always learn alot from the other guests when sitting around the pool chatting.

Interval International is only 1 of many exchange companies so don't feel that you must do any exchanging through them. It sounds as though you are off to a great start by purchasing resale at a great price at a place you enjoy going.

[dgonza Member Find all posts View Profile Close dgonza]

Great. thanks for the advice. So basically I dont have to just deal with II? When the time comes, how do I go about choosing an exchange company? Basically I am just trying to preplan. I was just in Cozumel last week on a cruise and I would like to go back for a week. I wouldnt mind Cozumel or Cancun. Just trying to get some ideas. I know I am just go and enjoy my june vacation and go from there. Just trying to do some research, since I know these boards have a wealth of information. Thanks again!! Anyone else?

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

You need to call II, and try to joint them if you want use exchange company. Or you can look around this forum, and see if you want to exchange through other smaller exchange company.

It will take some days before they can verify and allow you deposit your week. You may also need to check with your resort to see if they get your paper work. So when you fill-in to II and when they call to confirm, your resort will answer yes, you do own the week. You also need to see if you need to pre-pay to deposit your next yer's week.

For exchange, it never too late to start, and it never hurt to deposit a little bit earlier, so it is about the right time to work on it.

Jya-Ning

[dgonza Member Find all posts View Profile Close dgonza]

Great!! I have read some bad things about both RCI and II. Are there any recommendations on which company I should go with?? Like I said my resort exchanges through II. But if I understand correct I dont have to use II ? I can use any exchange company I want?? Is this true?

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

I can use any exchange company I want?? Is this true?

In the majority of cases, this is true. But there are some resorts that have exclusive contracts with one or the other. I know nothing about your resort, but it sounds as though they may prefer II. You can go to the II website & look at their online directory and check what resorts they exchange with in Cancun & Cozumel without having to join. To trade you must pay a membership fee. This is easiest done by calling them. They will then take a few days to verify your ownership before assigning you a membership number. Then the fun begins as you can look at what is available IF you decide to trade your week for something else. You will probably have to pay your maintanence fees & book a week for 2008 before beginning your search. This makes it possible to deposit your week in exchange for something if you see something you want to trade for. The whole process is actually a bit more involved & you should be given fair warning that it is not always as easy as we all would wish. That is why I caution you to slow down & do a lot of research on the forums first. You will be a lot happier in the long run.

There is plenty of information right here about the smaller exchange companies. Do your homework and keep asking questions.

[dgonza Member Find all posts View Profile Close dgonza]

Thanks for all the information and advice. I am glad I found this board. Also ironically, my neighbor owns a timeshare or two at the same resort, so I can pick her brain for ins and outs too. I am going to take your advice and just wait for week 23 to come so I can enjoy some fun in the sun. I was in the Caribbean 2 weeks ago on a cruise and I came back home to some snow, cold and yucky weather. I live in Michigan. Thanks again for all the info!!