Hello- New to Timeshares

[Todd5712 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Todd5712]

You all have just scared me to death. My wife and I bought at the Crane in Barbados from the sales people there for Jan. I searched the internet and can't find a much better deal, but this thread looks like we made a mistake???

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

You all have just scared me to death. My wife and I bought at the Crane in Barbados from the sales people there for Jan. I searched the internet and can't find a much better deal, but this thread looks like we made a mistake???

If a resale week is available at the resort you want - usually you can purchase it for 50% to 90% less than what the developer wants for it.

There are lots of provisos to the above statement.

Timeshares are somewhat like cars in that there is a "new" market buying from the developer and a "used" market buying from current owners who want out for whatever reason.

Except - there are really no new timeshares - you won't be the first person to sleep in your unit. The developers are always trying to add "perks" to the timeshare to entice people to buy from them, some of these perks do not transfer to resale buyers so be on your toes out there.

Think of it as golf played on quicksand with ice chunks for balls

[Todd5712 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Todd5712]

I did some research and could not find anything for sale at any of the resale sites (redweek etc...) that was much less than what I paid. Ebay had one listing in the summer at a minor discount. The Crane uses sellmytimeshare.com to market their units, so nothing there. There is a long wait list to visit the crane through RCI in the winter months when I purchased. I am still very nervous about the purchase, but simple math works. If I use the resort for 6 or 7 years, I brake even. Any longer and it is beneficial. I think the key is to find the place you want to vacation and use it. These are not investments. Selling the week at a large loss is unwise. The gamble is how long you can get use from it. We are going back in Januaray for $3000 less than the advertised hotel rate on expedia, travelocity and orbitz. So I guess my question is, do you think that rule always applies to every resort and timeshare purchase including this one?

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

Todd,

I do NOT think the rule always applies. If you are an owner of a Crane week in anything close to prime season (or even hurricane season as some might argue) and you plan on vacationing there annually, you can't go wrong. It is a rare property, lucky you!

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

I'm with Glitter on this one

Every rule needs an exception - that is one of the provisos I mentioned

Enjoy yourself dance, drink (a little) too much, love

[Todd5712 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Todd5712]

Thank you. I drink and dance as much as possible!