timeshares that you have never been to....

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

I read the post that many of you have ts that you have never stayed at. I have had a chance to purchase a couple that I might not use as they are not times we would be able to go....we teach, summers off only...plus we do youth ministry part time/full time summers. Anyway, what is your take on an inexpensive purchase that you might not always be able to use. Briarwood in 48 and 15 wk, grand lake resort kissimmee wk32 EOY, and lehigh resort wk21. I know they are certainly not at the elite level that many of you are at but we are used to pitching a tent so....they would be luxury for us! Please advise me as to your opinion. I have been told and read numerous times that you should not purchase what you don't/can't use...not to rely on trades. What is your take?
Thanks for any info.
Jill Hosick

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Jill, If you bought for trading. Things that you look for are low Maintenance fees. You want Red time in areas that are not over built. Orlando is not an ideal place to own unless you buy there to use there. Orlando has many nice timeshares and is constantly building more.

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

The ones you mention would be on my do not buy list. If you need to vacation only during non-school time, you will need a pretty good trader as that is usually the peak demand time. Like Frank said, pick something with relatively low fees and good demand along with low supply, and keep in mind that there are varying shades of red. The Orlando mentioned was good for demand, but supply is high and that resort is not on the top of the heap-also the fees are probably too high. Lehigh is available to exchange into just about any time of year- nobody really dreams about going there. The Cape is great, but weeks 15 and 48 are not in demand and the fees may be too high.