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My office is getting more inquiries about RV Resort memberships. In the past- most buyers already had some specific industry knowledge, but with the number of RV's that have been sold at really low prices (due to the gas cost)- many newbie RV owners are really struggling to know where to start. While there are many forums which provide specific camp resort information, I wanted to post some general info here since there is a significant blending of timeshare owners who also own (or have thought about buying) a recreational vehicle.
This is a basic training handout I give to new hires and distribute to cooperating brokers who sell these types of memberships. It should provide a solid base for newbies, and hopefully at least give you a basic understanding.
1. Cost of the Transfer Fee (If deeded, closing costs will also apply)
2. Whether the Annual Dues are Current or Past Due
3. Cost of the dues per year after the transfer (they normally increase from what the seller paid to the current max level!)
4. What the Membership entitles to the buyer:
1. Transfer Fee – can be paid by buyer, seller, or split among buyer and seller.
2. Annual Dues – all dues must be brought current before transfer. Buyer may have to pay the next dues at transfer.
3. Cost of Purchase – This is the purchase price, escrow fee, and/or broker’s fee.
There are basically two types of campground memberships:
1. Private Campground Memberships: These memberships allow you to stay for a free or discounted rate at all of the parks in that system of campgrounds. In most cases you will have a park that is designated as your “home park” and you may have more privileges at the home park. Then you have the other parks in the system that allow you to travel and stay when you want a change of scenery. Common types are Thousand Trails, Western Horizons, NACO, Leisure Time, and K/M.
2. Reciprocal Campground Memberships: These may be private or public campgrounds that will allow you to stay in their park even though you are not a direct member in their park but recognize your outside membership. Again you will want to review the contract in detail and see if you have reduced fees and other limitations. In some cases you must have joined a membership campground before you can add on the reciprocal membership. Popular types or reciprocal memberships are Resort Parks International (RPI), Coast-to-Coast, Passport America, Happy Camper, and Good Sam’s.
Here are some quick links:
Thousand Trails Thousand Trails - America's Finest Outdoor Getaways - (800) 205-0606
(Includes 1000 Trails, Naco, Leisure Time, Mid Atlantic, ELS, and Outdoor World)
Western Horizons Welcome to Western Horizon Resorts - (970) 641-5387
Coast to Coast (CC) Coast Resorts - (800) 368-5721
Resort Parks International (RPI) Resort Parks International - (800) 635-8498
Outdoor Adventures(OAI) OAI Camping Resorts have something for everyone - (888) 871-9953
Adventure Outdoor Resorts (AOR) AOR Camping Network - (800) 934-3443
Travel Resorts of America (TRA) RV Campground Clubs, Luxury RV Resorts | Travel Resorts - (800) 644-8068
Colorado River Adventures (CRA) Colorado River RV Resorts - Enjoy camping, boating, fishing, casino gambling and more... - (866) 217-8111
Sundance Meadows Sundance Meadows: Camping & Horses near Vail Lake in Temecula - (888) 933-6033
KM Resorts KM Resorts of America, WA - (800) 392-5722
R-Ranch resorts- These are very popular because of the onsite stables and riding trails, but each resort operates independently.
This is a basic training handout I give to new hires and distribute to cooperating brokers who sell these types of memberships. It should provide a solid base for newbies, and hopefully at least give you a basic understanding.
Campground Memberships Resales Training
When handling a resale you need to know the following:
When handling a resale you need to know the following:
1. Cost of the Transfer Fee (If deeded, closing costs will also apply)
2. Whether the Annual Dues are Current or Past Due
3. Cost of the dues per year after the transfer (they normally increase from what the seller paid to the current max level!)
4. What the Membership entitles to the buyer:
a. Which Parks – can the buyer stay in just the home park or are there several parks in the system that they can stay in.
b. Maximum Number of Nights – members are typically allowed a certain number of nights each year in each type of program. However, in most cases they will only be able to use a certain amount of nights in a row. Most allow a member to stay up to 14 nights and then they must leave the system (or at least that park) for 7 nights before returning.
c. Reservations- Are reservations allowed and how far in advance can they be made.
d. Transferability of the Membership – can the membership be transferred again at a later date. Also, can the transfer be completed via correspondence or must the buyer and/or seller appear in person at the resort.
e. Generations- most memberships only allow the members of record to use the property, but some “multi-generation” contracts also allow the member’s children to have access.
General costs involved with a resale transfer:
1. Transfer Fee – can be paid by buyer, seller, or split among buyer and seller.
2. Annual Dues – all dues must be brought current before transfer. Buyer may have to pay the next dues at transfer.
3. Cost of Purchase – This is the purchase price, escrow fee, and/or broker’s fee.
There are basically two types of campground memberships:
1. Private Campground Memberships: These memberships allow you to stay for a free or discounted rate at all of the parks in that system of campgrounds. In most cases you will have a park that is designated as your “home park” and you may have more privileges at the home park. Then you have the other parks in the system that allow you to travel and stay when you want a change of scenery. Common types are Thousand Trails, Western Horizons, NACO, Leisure Time, and K/M.
2. Reciprocal Campground Memberships: These may be private or public campgrounds that will allow you to stay in their park even though you are not a direct member in their park but recognize your outside membership. Again you will want to review the contract in detail and see if you have reduced fees and other limitations. In some cases you must have joined a membership campground before you can add on the reciprocal membership. Popular types or reciprocal memberships are Resort Parks International (RPI), Coast-to-Coast, Passport America, Happy Camper, and Good Sam’s.
Here are some quick links:
Thousand Trails Thousand Trails - America's Finest Outdoor Getaways - (800) 205-0606
(Includes 1000 Trails, Naco, Leisure Time, Mid Atlantic, ELS, and Outdoor World)
Western Horizons Welcome to Western Horizon Resorts - (970) 641-5387
Coast to Coast (CC) Coast Resorts - (800) 368-5721
Resort Parks International (RPI) Resort Parks International - (800) 635-8498
Outdoor Adventures(OAI) OAI Camping Resorts have something for everyone - (888) 871-9953
Adventure Outdoor Resorts (AOR) AOR Camping Network - (800) 934-3443
Travel Resorts of America (TRA) RV Campground Clubs, Luxury RV Resorts | Travel Resorts - (800) 644-8068
Colorado River Adventures (CRA) Colorado River RV Resorts - Enjoy camping, boating, fishing, casino gambling and more... - (866) 217-8111
Sundance Meadows Sundance Meadows: Camping & Horses near Vail Lake in Temecula - (888) 933-6033
KM Resorts KM Resorts of America, WA - (800) 392-5722
R-Ranch resorts- These are very popular because of the onsite stables and riding trails, but each resort operates independently.