Hmmm, I don't like this scenario. Anyone else experienced this?
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Buying Timeshare - How/What/Where
- Thread starter twiga
- Start date
Hmmm, I don't like this scenario. Anyone else experienced this?
Buying into a timeshare requires a lot of thought considering the kinds of commitments they represent. For one, you have to think about whether you want to go to the same place at the same time over and over. Timeshare sales depend heavily on first-time euphoria, when you visit a place before seeing the seedier underbelly. There are various trading systems in place to inject variety along the network, but sometimes they're too complicated to use with a reasonable return.
A lot of folks also find that attempting to get rid of a timeshare can be quite the hassle, as well. It's the reason why timeshare relief agencies tend to do such brisk business, and some of those operations are scams as well. It would be best to contact the better business bureau or timeshare consumer groups before making any major decisions. They're not really investments, but vacations.
A lot of folks also find that attempting to get rid of a timeshare can be quite the hassle, as well. It's the reason why timeshare relief agencies tend to do such brisk business, and some of those operations are scams as well. It would be best to contact the better business bureau or timeshare consumer groups before making any major decisions. They're not really investments, but vacations.
As was said earlier, you don't have to. If you join RCI for example, you can use your "trading power" and go anywhere. I have timeshare at Pinelake but have been to various RCI resorts.
Nerfherder
Honorary Master
We got a week at Kwa Maritane form a friend that was emigrating. Was a poor investment for him as he was forced to sell it at a bad time and we got it cheep because we helped him out. Nothing wrong with the place and it is a nice cheep getaway for the entire family.
There are only 2 ways that you can get good value from timeshare, buy off plan or from some one who cant afford it any more. Once the place has developed and become popular than it is easier to swap and get a good deal elsewhere. I know of people that have used their timeshare overseas and it saved them a packet, the right investment at the right time might really save you a lot of money in the long term.
Just two things, don't buy timeshare to sell or as an investment... that is not what it is for. Its a way to have an affordable regular holiday with out any surprises. We also found that is is a good way to tell the quality of the place, if the are a part of a group then they have to maintain certain standards.
There are only 2 ways that you can get good value from timeshare, buy off plan or from some one who cant afford it any more. Once the place has developed and become popular than it is easier to swap and get a good deal elsewhere. I know of people that have used their timeshare overseas and it saved them a packet, the right investment at the right time might really save you a lot of money in the long term.
Just two things, don't buy timeshare to sell or as an investment... that is not what it is for. Its a way to have an affordable regular holiday with out any surprises. We also found that is is a good way to tell the quality of the place, if the are a part of a group then they have to maintain certain standards.
Nerfherder
Honorary Master
That is true but you have to consider that you might have to, sometimes you cant swap and you cant bank forever. Don't get timeshare at a place that you would not consider visiting every year.
Kruger Park lodge is nice BTW... I stayed at their "partial ownership" units that are huge.... I really liked it.
thedutchman
Expert Member
NEVER BUY TIMESHARE, NEVER
agreed but my one week at Pinelake in August is my bank week. Bought in '01 and I've never used it. Every year I bank early and get bonus points. I have another week in Nov which I never bank as I either go myself or rent it out. So my other week is used to get points
sdd
Expert Member
twiga
I pondered this same question a few years back and fortunately I listened to my gut and did not buy.
Since then we have travelled really extensively and I must admit we have always managed to get great deals via the internet and during promotions.
I must also add that we are not keen on local travel and prefer to vacation abroad.
Do yourself a favour and check out expedia.com and lastminute.com
It really is not as daunting as you think it is. We always manage to get awesome specials and stay 5* all the time. I would say that if you do not have kids and are not bound by peak season travel - do not even consider timeshare.
Timeshare works for some people and for some people, not. Before you commit to buying - ask yourself the question - why do so many people want to sell theres. Finally if you really decide to buy - just make sure you buy second hand.
I pondered this same question a few years back and fortunately I listened to my gut and did not buy.
Since then we have travelled really extensively and I must admit we have always managed to get great deals via the internet and during promotions.
I must also add that we are not keen on local travel and prefer to vacation abroad.
Do yourself a favour and check out expedia.com and lastminute.com
It really is not as daunting as you think it is. We always manage to get awesome specials and stay 5* all the time. I would say that if you do not have kids and are not bound by peak season travel - do not even consider timeshare.
Timeshare works for some people and for some people, not. Before you commit to buying - ask yourself the question - why do so many people want to sell theres. Finally if you really decide to buy - just make sure you buy second hand.
piranha786
Expert Member
agreed but my one week at Pinelake in August is my bank week. Bought in '01 and I've never used it. Every year I bank early and get bonus points. I have another week in Nov which I never bank as I either go myself or rent it out. So my other week is used to get points
Im looking actually for a holiday 2nd week in nov how much
just for 2 pplany1...
PM me your preferred location and exact dates. I'll then have a look. Still have lots of points leftIm looking actually for a holiday 2nd week in nov how much
any1...
We just found this web site www.TimeshareRevealed.com and it is too bad that we did not know about it before we bought our timeshare from Point To Point Destinations. If we knew all the facts instead of listening to their sales presentation, we would never buy it to begin with. We are very disappointed with Point To Point Destinations (West Coast Timeshare or PTP Destinations). We sent them the following letter but there was no reply other than a short phone call telling us that there is nothing they can do about anything.
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"TO: Point to Point Destinations / RCI
To Whom It May Concern:
Dear Sirs:
I would like to bring to your attention the following points and I would like you to address it to the right person to provide me with a prompt response.
I just returned from a vacation in Hawaii and these are my comments and concerns:
-I used my points to pay for a one bedroom in a “Gold Resort” category, Kahana Falls and to my surprise it was only a “Silver Resort”. I was not notified of the change nor given a refund for the difference in points.
-I paid a fee for the use of the condo at the time of booking.
-I paid membership fee of $118 August 30, 2007.
-I paid my annual maintenance fee or strata fee of $239 for the year, which is supposed to cover maintenance, electricity, power etc.
-Then to my surprise I had to pay another a fee of $114 for electricity on top of the regular charge for the use of the condo electricity at my check out time.
-By the time I was done paying all the fees for the use of one week I would have been better off renting a beach front condo for the same amount and without all the hassle of having to book 1 year in advance.
-January 1/2007 the fee went up from $239 to $276.25 this is a 17% raise.
-January 1/2008 the fee went up again another 12% to $309.
-I bought this points to ensure I could vacation in my old age as a pensioner. In the next 20 years by my retirement date this fees will be up over 320% or more? This is absolutely ridiculous and I would call it a s**m.
-I do not record voting or proxy voting to increase strata fees. Strata fee increases in BC have to be voted on by all owners.
-In August 2007 I booked another short vacation in the Okanagan and to my surprise I was not in a Resort, I was in a “Trailer Park”. There was no beach access and the Trailer park was located in a no-swim lake. This is not my kind of vacation resort.
For all these reasons I would like to have someone contact me as soon as possible to discuss the back purchase of my points or to sell them since I am not happy with the RCI system and is not going to be useful to me in the future. I am very disappointed."
=======================================
"TO: Point to Point Destinations / RCI
To Whom It May Concern:
Dear Sirs:
I would like to bring to your attention the following points and I would like you to address it to the right person to provide me with a prompt response.
I just returned from a vacation in Hawaii and these are my comments and concerns:
-I used my points to pay for a one bedroom in a “Gold Resort” category, Kahana Falls and to my surprise it was only a “Silver Resort”. I was not notified of the change nor given a refund for the difference in points.
-I paid a fee for the use of the condo at the time of booking.
-I paid membership fee of $118 August 30, 2007.
-I paid my annual maintenance fee or strata fee of $239 for the year, which is supposed to cover maintenance, electricity, power etc.
-Then to my surprise I had to pay another a fee of $114 for electricity on top of the regular charge for the use of the condo electricity at my check out time.
-By the time I was done paying all the fees for the use of one week I would have been better off renting a beach front condo for the same amount and without all the hassle of having to book 1 year in advance.
-January 1/2007 the fee went up from $239 to $276.25 this is a 17% raise.
-January 1/2008 the fee went up again another 12% to $309.
-I bought this points to ensure I could vacation in my old age as a pensioner. In the next 20 years by my retirement date this fees will be up over 320% or more? This is absolutely ridiculous and I would call it a s**m.
-I do not record voting or proxy voting to increase strata fees. Strata fee increases in BC have to be voted on by all owners.
-In August 2007 I booked another short vacation in the Okanagan and to my surprise I was not in a Resort, I was in a “Trailer Park”. There was no beach access and the Trailer park was located in a no-swim lake. This is not my kind of vacation resort.
For all these reasons I would like to have someone contact me as soon as possible to discuss the back purchase of my points or to sell them since I am not happy with the RCI system and is not going to be useful to me in the future. I am very disappointed."