Which TS company would best suit my needs?

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

My family and I vacation every year in Siesta Key, FL for one week at a beachfront 2 bdrm condo. Rental is $1,500 per week and I am hopeful that by investing in a TS that I can come out ahead in just a few years. We have a 7 year old son.

I am wanting to take two, one week vacations per year (2 bdrm req'd). Once in early June to the gulf coast of FL. It does not have to be Siesta Key and looking at the TS maps there are limited choices there. I am looking for a laid back, family oriented vacation spot with white sand and shallow waters. Probably up in the panhandle.

The other vacation week (late August) I would like to be able to vary where I go. I would like to be able to go to Hawaii, New York City, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Colorado, Caribbean, eastern and western Mexican coasts, WDW / DL, the Charleston, Savanna and 4-7 night cruises. Maybe last minute weekends in the Smokies if the price is right.

I've would like to stay within one company but don't know if that is going to be possible. DVC and it's relationship with II probably best suits the bill but is is also one of the higher cost TS's. Suggestions are very much welcome.

Thanks,
Autoeng

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

My family and I vacation every year in Siesta Key, FL for one week at a beachfront 2 bdrm condo. Rental is $1,500 per week and I am hopeful that by investing in a TS that I can come out ahead in just a few years. We have a 7 year old son.

I am wanting to take two, one week vacations per year (2 bdrm req'd). Once in early June to the gulf coast of FL. It does not have to be Siesta Key and looking at the TS maps there are limited choices there. I am looking for a laid back, family oriented vacation spot with white sand and shallow waters. Probably up in the panhandle.

The other vacation week (late August) I would like to be able to vary where I go. I would like to be able to go to Hawaii, New York City, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Colorado, Caribbean, eastern and western Mexican coasts, WDW / DL, the Charleston, Savanna and 4-7 night cruises. Maybe last minute weekends in the Smokies if the price is right.

I've would like to stay within one company but don't know if that is going to be possible. DVC and it's relationship with II probably best suits the bill but is is also one of the higher cost TS's. Suggestions are very much welcome.

Thanks,
Autoeng

I'm not sure that DVC would work for this since their only beach resort is at Vero Beach currently, not on the Gulf coast. There are a number of nice timeshares listed in that region on some of the resale sites. I just looked at a few on Redweek.com. There are many other sites and options available. I would actually look at finding one that you'd be happy with for your FL vacation and then possibly looking at a points-based timeshare system for your other vacations since you wouldn't want to be going to the same place every year. Alternatively, you could buy a second week somewhere that you'd be willing to go each year if you weren't able to get an exchange somewhere. Worldmark goes to about half the locations you mentioned and you may be able to exchange into the others, but if you don't live in the West, you may wish considering other timeshare companies.

Hope that helps,

Dan

[hliw Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close hliw]

My family and I vacation every year in Siesta Key, FL for one week at a beachfront 2 bdrm condo. Rental is $1,500 per week and I am hopeful that by investing in a TS that I can come out ahead in just a few years. We have a 7 year old son.

I am wanting to take two, one week vacations per year (2 bdrm req'd). Once in early June to the gulf coast of FL. It does not have to be Siesta Key and looking at the TS maps there are limited choices there. I am looking for a laid back, family oriented vacation spot with white sand and shallow waters. Probably up in the panhandle.

The other vacation week (late August) I would like to be able to vary where I go. I would like to be able to go to Hawaii, New York City, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Colorado, Caribbean, eastern and western Mexican coasts, WDW / DL, the Charleston, Savanna and 4-7 night cruises. Maybe last minute weekends in the Smokies if the price is right.

I've would like to stay within one company but don't know if that is going to be possible. DVC and it's relationship with II probably best suits the bill but is is also one of the higher cost TS's. Suggestions are very much welcome.

Thanks,
Autoeng

Autoeng -

I would strongly recommend that you look into a Marriott property on the beach and purchase in platinum season (ignore re-sale postings that indicated "red" season as that is an Interval designation, v a Marriott designation). There are several Marriott properties in FL (Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Marco Island (near Naples), Pensacola (Pan handle), and 2 in the West Palm Beach area. They also have a beautiful property in Myrtle Beach which trades exceedingly well. Ebay occasionally has some of these properties, but I think a better site is "sell my timeshare now" - here is the link: Timeshares: Sell Timeshare Resales for Cash at Closing - Buy Timeshares by Owner and Save up to 70% - Time share for sale and rent here. you can search by name - go to "M" to see all of the Marriott properties that are for re-sale. To have a look at the season for each Marriott property, go to Marriott Vacation Club International and search resorts. Remember that when you buy from an individual, price is negotiable. I suspect in this economy we will see more properties coming on-line. Anyway, go to the owners tab for the resort calendar. This will show you the seasons (Silver, Gold Platinum) so you can match up to your preferred travel time. Typically Spring Break time will be platinum, which may be important with a school-aged child.

The beach properties I mentioned will give you a bonus week at Interval - we usually bank one week with Interval and use one week, so we end up with 3 weeks of vacation in the deal. All of the properties I mentioned trade very well, if you own a high demand season.

Hopefully this is helpful.

Best,
HLIW

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

There are many timeshare companies listed in Florida region. But I think Buyatimeshare.com is the best according to your plan and requirements. They are providing timeshare resale market in Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Orlando, timeshares for rent and time share for sale. If you like to know more about timeshare offers just visit their site [Buyatimeshare.com]. I hope it will be helpful for you.

Alex Smith

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

There are many timeshare companies listed in Florida region. But I think Buyatimeshare.com is the best according to your plan and requirements. They are providing timeshare resale market in Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Orlando, timeshares for rent and time share for sale. If you like to know more about timeshare offers just visit their site [Buyatimeshare.com]. I hope it will be helpful for you.

Alex Smith

Looking at the above referenced website indicates to me that most listings are asking unrealistic prices. You can find much better websites and resellers than this one. When you know what timeshare program you are interested in, come back for more specific recommendations.

[zdxlc9p6 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zdxlc9p6]

Hilton Grand Vacation Club would be another to consider.

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

If I were you....

My family and I vacation every year in Siesta Key, FL for one week at a beachfront 2 bdrm condo. Rental is $1,500 per week and I am hopeful that by investing in a TS that I can come out ahead in just a few years. We have a 7 year old son.

I am wanting to take two, one week vacations per year (2 bdrm req'd). Once in early June to the gulf coast of FL. It does not have to be Siesta Key and looking at the TS maps there are limited choices there. I am looking for a laid back, family oriented vacation spot with white sand and shallow waters. Probably up in the panhandle.

The other vacation week (late August) I would like to be able to vary where I go. I would like to be able to go to Hawaii, New York City, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Colorado, Caribbean, eastern and western Mexican coasts, WDW / DL, the Charleston, Savanna and 4-7 night cruises. Maybe last minute weekends in the Smokies if the price is right.

I've would like to stay within one company but don't know if that is going to be possible. DVC and it's relationship with II probably best suits the bill but is is also one of the higher cost TS's. Suggestions are very much welcome.

Thanks,
Autoeng

Here are a few thoughts you might wish to consider....

1) I wouldn't consider a timeshare an 'investment.' It is easier to consider the contract price as 'money spent'. My husband purchased too many since 1982. Seemingly stable companies go out of business or sell their properties and the new owner does not honor the timeshare contracts. And the others change their programs constantly and are not what he thought he purchased. Some like our Vacation Internationale point systems add properties in areas we want to visit and are somewhat flexible although they have tons of rules that change.

2) I grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida. A lot of people (including me) cannot handle Florida humidity in June when you want to go.

There are many sites for people renting condos/homes directly including
craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums under "Vacation Rentals
..VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® Vacation Homes Rentals by Owner (Vacation Rentals by Owner)
I had success with House Sitters & Sitting from Housecarers . going back to the same homes frequently in areas I wanted to be in at no cost.

If the reason you want to purchase a TS is to reduce the $1500 you have been spending for a week in Florida, I have a feeling you might be able to find a 2 BDRM for $1,000 since the Florida housing market value has dropped so much that people who wanted to sell properties are now hiring agencies to rent them weekly.

3) RE: your late August vacation needs in:

a) Eastern and Western Mexican coasts: numerous timeshare resorts offer airfare + 3-5 nights for very little if you are willing to sign up for a presentation.

b) Grand Canyon - a lot of the resorts we have with properties in Arizona are about 2 hours from Grand Canyon. I have been to GC several times and either camped in the area managed by the NPS (National Park Service) or stayed at a nearby hotel.

I would ask about timeshares near Grand Canyon and Yellowstone to find out what if any exist and the driving distance to the Park if that is where you will spend your time.

c) Caribbean and 4-7 night cruises: Maybe scheduling a cruise a few years from now will help you decide which islands you would like to use a TS later. We took a 103 day cruise this year and from what I can tell the cost of fuel has increased the price of our cabin from about 60 to 80K. So keeping your options open for August then getting a last minute cruise deal might be best.

d) New York City: perhaps you could use points from a credit card associated with a hotel chain like Marriott, Hilton etc?

e) Hawaii: It might get easier to get an exchange as airfares increase and people will rent their Hawaii units.

[1950bing Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 1950bing]

Renting a timeshare makes a lot of sense. You are not tied to them via contract and do not have to pay all the forever fees!

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

After you've chosen the location, company and considered the purchase options, you're well on your way. When an offer is submitted to buy a timeshare, this offer will be forwarded to a buyer specialist who will review the offer. The buyer specialist will make contact with the buyer normally within 24 hours of the offer being submitted, I think you can find quality information regarding your timeshare offer at [Buyatimeshare.com]. They offer quality packages according your requirement at affordable prices. Buyatimeshare provide complete solutions of your timeshare problems and questions.

Alex Smith

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

My family and I vacation every year in Siesta Key, FL for one week at a beachfront 2 bdrm condo. Rental is $1,500 per week and I am hopeful that by investing in a TS that I can come out ahead in just a few years. We have a 7 year old son.

I am wanting to take two, one week vacations per year (2 bdrm req'd). Once in early June to the gulf coast of FL. It does not have to be Siesta Key and looking at the TS maps there are limited choices there. I am looking for a laid back, family oriented vacation spot with white sand and shallow waters. Probably up in the panhandle.

The other vacation week (late August) I would like to be able to vary where I go. I would like to be able to go to Hawaii, New York City, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Colorado, Caribbean, eastern and western Mexican coasts, WDW / DL, the Charleston, Savanna and 4-7 night cruises. Maybe last minute weekends in the Smokies if the price is right.

I've would like to stay within one company but don't know if that is going to be possible. DVC and it's relationship with II probably best suits the bill but is is also one of the higher cost TS's. Suggestions are very much welcome.

Thanks,
Autoeng

I hate to say I agree with Bing BUT - if your goal is to keep the costs around or even under $1500 - this could be very difficult.
Take this from a woman who owns more the 12 weeks of TSs.

The Marriott's that are mentioned above have yearly fees (MFs) or $850-1100 per year - plus u have to buy in for $10,000-20,000 resale - buying directly from Marriott would be more - almost double in some cases.

You are probably better off continuing to rent the week you like at the resort you like - another option would be to tour the TS in that area - see which would be suitable for you and then buy the week you need in a unit you want at that resort - don't depend on trades to get you there as it is always a gamble. But also keep in mind that waterfront resorts in FL have high MFs because of the potential weather damage plus additional high taxes because , well, it is FL. So if you are looking at a MF every year of $700-1,000 plus a purchase price of ??? - it will take a while to break even.
There are many resale websites Timeshare Rentals, Timeshare Resales, Timeshare Ratings, and Timeshare Reviews - RedWeek.com Time Share, Timeshares, Timeshare Resales & Rentals, Buy A Timeshare are a couple to start with....look around and see what is available in the area you are interested in - and remember, trading into a beach location during summer vacation time - will NOT be easy.

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

Thank you for all of your helpful information. I'm not in any hurry so I won't make any rash decisions prior to purchase that 1) won't provide me a place I enjoy vacationing at and 2) doesn't cost more than I'm willing to give. I'm concentrating my efforts on Marco Island particularly the Hilton's Eagles Nest but a 2br villa may cost more than I'm willing to invest.

I'm taking the wait and see attitude.

Thanks again,
Autoeng