Buying a HGVC resale -- possible issues??

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

(I posted this in the general section as well -- I didn't know if everyone reads both forums...)

Hi all,

My wife and I are looking into buying a HGVC resale from a private party. What are some of the possible disadvantages of purchasing a resale vs. directly from HGVC?

We have been told several things, and it is hard trying to figure out what the real truth is. A rep from the site where this property is listed says that there is no difference. I called HGVC and they claimed that as a resale owner, I would not have access to a whole list of club perks. She said I would not be able to exchange the points to RCI through them as well as other perks (which she was vague about). She also mentioned about Hilton exercising their right of first refusal, but I'm not sure how ofter that really happens. Of course, she also wanted to put together a purchase package for me, so you can see her motivation.

So what is the real answer here? Does anyone have direct experience w/ purchasing a HGVC resale? Obviously the price is a lot better, but I don't want to regret it if we don't have the same essential services as a direct sale. For example, we would want to most likely use the HGVC points to use on other vacations, not necessarily full week increments, and not necessarily at the property where the timeshare is deeded. We would want the ability to bank/borrow points, and roll them to RCI or Hhonors, if we choose as well.

Sorry for the long-winded post -- I would GREATLY appreciate any or advice you can give us. Thanks!

Kurt

[Bill4728 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Bill4728]

HGVC is one of the best deals in TS because they have almost no disadvantages by buying resale and saving more than half off the developer price.

1 Only disadvantage - Elite membership
-If you want the perks which come with elite (owners with >14,000 HGVC pts) you can't get them if you buy resale.
- Most people don't think the perks are worth very much

Advantages
1. You can still convert HGVC points to Hilton Honor points (this is rare in the industry, most resales at other TS will not allow this.)
2. You have all rights of all HGVC owners to bank and borrow, to use any HGVC location ect.
3. ROFR- Yes, HGVC can buy the unit you want to buy out from under you but you just go find another sellers and try again. HGVC will use ROFR for many platinum units but much less often on gold or silver units.

The biggest thing you need to know about HGVC aside from buying resale is that HGVC says it points but your MF are based on the unit size you are buying not the number of points. So a 1 bd platinum worth 4800 pts has much lower MFs than a 2 bd gold worth 5000 pts. But for many people the extra price of the platinum unit may not be worth the lower MFs. You'll have to judge for yourself.

Good Luck