Is this a good deal, or am I missing something ?

[rpw411 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rpw411]

hello,

I'm being offered a timeshare in hawaii (princevill kauai) for no money, essentially just taking over the yearly maintenance fee of $950. The week can be traded thru RCI.

it seems like a good deal, although the maintenance fee seems high, but i've read that they tend to be higher in Hawaii. maybe there is something else i'm missing....any thoughts ? I'm always suspicious of getting something for free.

Thank you!

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

There's nothing there that strikes me as inherently fishy.

My principal advice though is that it's not a good idea to own a Hawai'i timeshare unless you plan to use it (not exchange it) regularly. That means that the unit should be at a resort you want to visit and if there's a specific type of unit you want the property is for that type of unit. In addition, if the property is floating time and you travel occurs during peak periods, your must be able to make plans sufficiently far in advance to reserve while space is available.

In sum if the unit fits your situation it could be a fine opportunity. But if it doesn't fit your situation it could be an albatross.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I agree with Steve - it doesn't pay to have such a high MF unless you are going to occupy it.

With the economy in its current state, a free timeshare with a high MF doesn't sound fishy to me.

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

Just make sure that it's deeded over to you properly, if you're going to be the new owner.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Transfers are also more expensive for Hawaiian timeshares if I remember correctly- so free may not end up being free.