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My husband and I are thinking of buying into Bluegreen, a small package and maybe adding more points later. What I want to know is, is this really worth it? I mean are you guys happy with it?
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Welcome net3240. Timesharing is a wonderful thing for many of us. If you describe more about what you like to do on vacation and how you like to vacation, we may be able to better answer your questions.Originally posted by net3240
I love timesharing so much that my family and I timeshare once or twice per month. It's like a home away from home.
For me, I have looked at almost all of the timesharing systems in some detail. And, for my particular needs, I've found that Bluegreen, WorldMark and Fairfield works best. But, everyone emphasizes something different in their program. So, additional info would help us help you out.
Bluegreen is really great if you live in the East Coast or Midwest where most of the resorts are located. That's because Bluegreen has a great bonus time program that allows you to take long weekends without having to use your points if units are available last minute.
Also, Bluegreen has fairly low maintenance fees which means your total cost for a vacation or total cost for exchanging can be quite effective.
Bluegreen spends a lot of money on the actual units rather than resort amenities. I believe this is how it keeps maintenance fees under control. Other resorts have nicer furniture or more amenities, but higher MFs come with that.
The best way to see if you like it is to visit a resort and stay a few days. We have a lot of owners, you may be able to rent some from them.
Good luck with your quest and welcome again to our message board. -
We live in Texas and usually just go to San Antonio, nut are looking to change that. We have 3 teenagers all 16, so soon it will be just the two of us. And the hubby wants to go everywhere and try everything. He's ex-military so he used to traveling and enjoys just about anything. And I am just happy to get away. We went through the whole spill last week and have an appt. tomorrow to go in a buy ( the husband is all ready to travel). But I wanted to make sure this was worth it before we put money into it.Comment
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Don't do it..... Spend some time in the forums on this board and the other board before you spend your money! Then and only then, buy Resale and save a bundle. Do a search on ebay for timeshares and you will be surprised at the resale market prices.Originally posted by net3240
DaleComment
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You may want to do hotels for a while. If it's just the two of you, then you may not need a timeshare. Timeshares are great when you want a living room, kitchen and dining room. Or, if you want a room that's separate for your kids.
One option in Bluegreen that might work for you is buying a small package of around 6000 points and using bonus time at the various resorts. Use your points for a nice vacation once per year either via staying at one of the Bluegreen resorts or exchanging somewhere else.
Then, use bonus time to travel to other resorts. My family and I do this all the time.
Bonus time rates are $39/night for a studio unit, $49/night for 1 br, $59/night for 2 bedroom and $69/night for 3 bedroom. It's only good for short notice. But, if you are retired, you can travel any time.
Also, you can have your kids on your account for no extra charge and they can use the bonus time privileges as well. Or, you can use your points for family vacations in a larger unit.
Lots of options. And, it is good advice to just rent a timeshare from someone or wait until you know more before buying.
To me, timesharing is the greatest thing ever created for travel. But, I am a serious timeshare addict.Comment
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I second the idea to buy resale. Buying direct from Bluegreen will cost you around five times as much as buying resale.
Actually, when I read your first post, net3240, I was assuming that you meant resale.Comment
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I also recommend not buying from a developer. My wife and I bought 7,000 point from Bluegreen Vacation Club in 1996 and then upgraded to 12000 points in the year 2000. We figure we have about $25,000.00 rapped up in those 12000 points. Then about 2 months ago we were staying at a resort in Wis. and went to an owners update meeting with positively no intention of purchasing more points. We left the meeting owning another 8,0000 points for $12,000.00.
Luckily for me I found this message board and with the help from members I was able to rescind the deal saving thousand of dollars. Now I am going to buy resale for a lot less. If you decide to become a member of a vacation club there are members on this board that can help out.
I will say even thou we over paid for our points I have no regrets. Owning points in BG forced us to take vacations initially. Now are looking forward to our vacationing experiences.
MikeComment
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We would buy resale but right now we just can't afford to. So we are opting for a smaller package and maybe later can buy more points resale.Comment
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I don't understand. Is it because of the financing program that Bluegreen offers that will allow you to buy? Resale is going to be approximately 1/3 the price. If I were set on buying points, I guess I would take out a home equity loan and use that money. I just don't follow your logic on being able to afford Developer prices at 3x the cost for the same amount of points. I bought 15k points last year on a new MF contract for about $7,000.
Are you maybe talking about a sampler package?Comment
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We just bought a new house and have not been there a year yet so no home equity loan for us. We used our savings for closing cost and new furniture. We have 3 teenagers in the house so what little we have now in the savings account we want to keep there for any emergencies. Not that there is enough there to buy lots of points with.Comment
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I understand totally. I understand you want to get going as soon as possible but I urge you to take your time and do some research into both.
If you feel more comfortable buying from the developer, that's fine. I did the first time also. That was before I found resale though. You were lucky enough to find this group first.Comment
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Thank you to all you. You all have been very helpful and we are weighing our options. I will keep everyone posted.Comment
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Net
you do understand that
1. if you own TS, you will have to pay a MF every year no matter if you can or can not use it.
2. if you borrow from developer, it still consider as a personal loan, and the rate is usually double digit (close to 15%)
3. Some resell agents also provide finance.
4. If you don't care the quality for a short period, or the control of when and where to go, there are some options which are much cheap then MF you pay.
Right?
Jya-NingJya-NingComment
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Here is a financing idea.....
If you need to finance and you want the developer to do it, you can easily try this alternative because the interest rate will be roughly the same, but the principle amount will be about 1/3. So, your payments will be a lot lower on a monthly basis.
Sign up for a new credit card that will give you about a $3000 line of credit. Make sure it has one of those offers for low interest rate for 6-9 months and comes with a balance transfer feature. When it comes with a balance transfer feature, they give you checks to write which are as good as cash.
Buy the resale timeshare and pay for it with one of those checks. This will save you a ton of money vs. buying from the developer.
However, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO THIS. I DO NOT RECOMMEND FINANCING A TIMESHARE. If you must finance, you are better off renting until you can afford to buy.Comment
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I agree with Kat. By purchasing outright you don't have the finance charges that raise the cost of using your timeshare on an annual basis,Comment
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