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Re: Timeshare
[Re: axd0424]
#123351
03/07/2017 11:19 PM
03/07/2017 11:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,240 Middle Tennessee
TravelHat
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Posts: 1,240
Middle Tennessee
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axd0424 said: After lots of visits we are finally thinking of buying a timeshare. Where is the best place to find timeshare sales by owner. Thanks You may set the record for PM's
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: axd0424]
#123352
03/08/2017 12:09 AM
03/08/2017 12:09 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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axd,
We own multiple weeks on SXM and have for many years and still lOVE our timeshare.
That said, it's the last thing I would buy in today's world. As has been said, no legal protections and ever-increasing and sky-rocketing annual fees at too many of the timeshare properties make owning not worth much unless you really want to own a specific week in a specific room at a specific resort and if that's the case and if you can find one that meets those parameters - go for it.
If you're patient you can get some great resales through eBay. We bought a one bedroom unit with an incredible view for US $12.00 and the seller paid the transfers.
Sometimes you can even run across owners giving them away for free. We gave one back to our resort last year just to be done with the annual AMFs knowing we wouldn't be using it for at least a year or two.
My one piece of advice would be think long and hard before you do it and be absolutely certain you won't change your mind and end up with regrets down the road. Again, I love my three weeks and have no regret! But many I know don't feel the same way. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: axd0424]
#123355
03/08/2017 01:37 AM
03/08/2017 01:37 AM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,958 Portland, OR
jazzgal
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I can't really answer your question because I bought my three weeks at Divi from owners who were wanting to unload them. I love staying at Divi, and it's one of the resorts with a better reputation for timeshares. What owning does for me is cause me to go every year at the same time. I do like knowing ahead of time what unit I'm getting, and it's nice getting to know others who vacation at the same time you do.
That said, would I do it again? Probably not, as there are places I can rent for less $$$ than my maintenance fee, and it's nice staying in different parts of the island instead of the same place, even though I do like the place.
Not what you asked, I know, and for that I apologize. Just do a lot of homework and understand why you are purchasing a timeshare to make sure that is the best solution for you.
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: axd0424]
#123356
03/08/2017 09:55 AM
03/08/2017 09:55 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,101 Massachusetts
boucharda
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I will go off topic as have most responses here and agree totally with this statement: ever-increasing and sky-rocketing annual fees at too many of the timeshare properties make owning not worth much unless you really want to own a specific week in a specific room at a specific resort and if that's the case and if you can find one that meets those parameters - go for it. We didn't buy our 2 weeks at SBR and I would NEVER exchange them because the view is stellar. I would NEVER switch to points because of that issue...I like my unit. That said, the question was WHERE to buy them not WHETHER to buy them (and I knew the "you don't own them" thing would come up...always does <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />) Research Ebay, TUG, RedWeek for starts
Last edited by boucharda; 03/08/2017 09:56 AM.
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: axd0424]
#123359
03/08/2017 11:17 AM
03/08/2017 11:17 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,460 île staten
Bobcat
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axd0424 said: After lots of visits we are finally thinking of buying a timeshare. Where is the best place to find timeshare sales by owner. Thanks You will find much on TUG (Timeshare Users Group) LINK Renting is an option you should look at first - rent a place you are thinking of "buying" into to get a feel of the place, to ask around about conditions, financial and otherwise before stepping in. ========= LINK Lots of great rentals from the RCI affiliate company, no membership, no fees, and 25% off for AARP members.
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: axd0424]
#123360
03/08/2017 11:31 AM
03/08/2017 11:31 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Central Florida!
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It doesn't sound like you have a specific place in mind yet? As Bobcat suggested, Tug has a lot for sale, but you really should rent at the place that you are interested in buying and ask around at the resort to see what other timeshare owners think of the place, before you buy.
Carol Hill
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: johngret]
#123362
03/08/2017 01:28 PM
03/08/2017 01:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 720 South Coast of MA
SXMBND
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South Coast of MA
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johngret said: The term "buy" is not appropriate for timeshare. You don't really own anything apart a right to stay and a duty to pay open ended maintenance fees.
Just do the maths. A condo under timeshare will "sell" 52 times for say 10'000.- USD. That amounts to 520'000.- for a condo that is probably only worth 300'000.- USD.
Great profit for the developer.
Now for the Jackpot. The developer pockets maintenance fees and does absolute minumum maintenance. Because he/she built it using cheap materials, after a while it needs some major refreshing. Up go the maintenace fees and so on.
On the Island, if you want to find out about timeshare go and see the Sapphire Beach Club in Cupecoy.
Compare your Timeshare to the endless list of issues there. There is no better acid test.
At the Sapphire, maintenance fees now exceed a week's rent in a much better place... That is what you are exposing yourself to.
Buy, rent but no, don't get into that timeshare trap.
Finally, have you not seen the so called Off Premises Sales Consultants stopping cars and tricking people into think that they have won a great gift if they visit a timeshare project.
If timeshare was such a good idea, people would be flocking to it and they would not need to harass them on the roads. I paid @ purchase $420.00 ( $320 for one $100 for another) for two weeks at Sapphire 10 years ago and would never question that buying decision. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by SXMBND; 03/08/2017 01:29 PM.
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: RI Bob C]
#123364
03/08/2017 02:39 PM
03/08/2017 02:39 PM
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,725 Newtown, CT
kim
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Bob_Dot said: First let me point out that you are looking to buy from a current owner. If your mind is made up and you want to buy regardless of how much advice you get not to, then that is far cheaper than buying from the resort. Now some advice: DON'T BUY TIMESHARE ON SXM UNTIL THEY PUT IN SOME LAWS TO PROTECT THE BUYER. (I will point out the obvious exception - the seller is dumping at a dirt cheap price) Resorts go bankrupt, are sold at auction and the new owner sends you a notice that you no longer own your weeks. We have had that happen twice.
Bob But how many times has that happened in comparison? Other than Dawn and Caravansari have there been others? If there is a specific property, week and unit size you desire then I say buy. I had been searching for a week 10 2 br at Royal Islander for two years to rent or own and and have given up! But I wanted a specific unit type. If your just looking for a non popular week in a non specific unit type then def rent.
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: axd0424]
#123367
03/08/2017 07:14 PM
03/08/2017 07:14 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,345 Vancouver, WA
Todd
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Posts: 4,345
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Rule #1, never add your social security number to anything you purchase or take over on SXM. They do not need it, makes it easier to walk. If you have to finance it, then forget it and walk away. If you can not cut the check and not worry about that money, don't do it.
Rule #2, purchase knowing at some point you are likely to walk and get nothing for what you have acquired.
Rule #3, if you purchase do so at a place you plan on staying. If you are buying to exchange or rent out it is very unlikely that you will get what you are hoping for. Not a wise choice except in very few cases.
Rule #4, research the place you are considering and the history of the ownership / management. Know the Maintenance Fee history and how much they are compared to other places. Places like Royal Islander and La Vista have been very stable. Places like Flamingo and Royal Palm have seen their AMF's shoot way up.
Rule #5, buy resale and not direct from a resort. Ebay, owners forums, etc.
I have broken some of those rules and do it eyes wide open, but not the SS#. If you want a specific place a specific week you may have to pony up a bit more money but really think about if if you are paying over $500.
If you do it right, it can be a great deal and you will get your enjoyment and money out of it. If you don't, you likely will end up bitter. Times have changed.
I own at Royal Islander, La Vista, Atrium, Towers and was a Caravanserai owner. All except one purchased off of Ebay, and that was to extend my stay in the same unit at La Vista.
Zero regrets.
Cheers, Todd
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: LBI2SXM]
#123371
03/09/2017 10:08 AM
03/09/2017 10:08 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 720 South Coast of MA
SXMBND
Traveler
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Posts: 720
South Coast of MA
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LBI2SXM said:
I paid @ purchase $420.00 ( $320 for one $100 for another) for two weeks at Sapphire 10 years ago and would never question that buying decision. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> At the Sapphire? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> I'll say no more. [/quote] Saved thousands of $$$$$ and never had a problem with my accommodations........ <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: SXMBND]
#123372
03/09/2017 10:13 AM
03/09/2017 10:13 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 83,552
Central Florida!
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Really? I don't have any horse in this fight, but all I kept hearing for months and months was that there was no a/c in a couple of the buildings. Other maintenance stuff perhaps I might overlook but no a/c????
Carol Hill
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#123373
03/09/2017 10:33 AM
03/09/2017 10:33 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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We have friends who own at Sapphire, and while I don't know what they own (although I think it may be a penthouse or very upper unit with multiple bedrooms ), and I know there are always exceptions to every rule, they are happy every year and never complain about a lack of airco, or anything else (besides not enough parking....) for that matter. Is it possible some buildings are perhaps more prone to problems than others? I know they don't appear to be the norm as Sapphire owners, but they are still very pleased with their unit. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#123374
03/09/2017 01:05 PM
03/09/2017 01:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,345 Vancouver, WA
Todd
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Posts: 4,345
Vancouver, WA
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Can they go much higher? A one bedroom at Flamingo is presently about 40% more than the Towers, over 50% more than Divi, and 80% more than Royal Islander, Atrium or La Vista.
I get that you like your unit, and that you find value there and that is A OK but I certainly would not steer somebody to purchase at Flamingo or any place that is run by the same management company.
T
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: kim]
#123376
03/09/2017 03:00 PM
03/09/2017 03:00 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,488 Rhode Island
RonDon
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Posts: 4,488
Rhode Island
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kim said:Bob_Dot said: .......
Resorts go bankrupt, are sold at auction and the new owner sends you a notice that you no longer own your weeks. We have had that happen twice.
Bob But how many times has that happened in comparison? Other than Dawn and Caravansari have there been others?....... Remember when no TS owner could get into Pelican and we all helped to find them places to stay? They were shut out because the property was auctioned.
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: pat]
#123379
03/09/2017 05:15 PM
03/09/2017 05:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 720 South Coast of MA
SXMBND
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pat said: We have friends who own at Sapphire, and while I don't know what they own (although I think it may be a penthouse or very upper unit with multiple bedrooms ), and I know there are always exceptions to every rule, they are happy every year and never complain about a lack of airco, or anything else (besides not enough parking....) for that matter. Is it possible some buildings are perhaps more prone to problems than others? I know they don't appear to be the norm as Sapphire owners, but they are still very pleased with their unit. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Me Too <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#123380
03/09/2017 05:41 PM
03/09/2017 05:41 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,345 Vancouver, WA
Todd
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Vancouver, WA
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Scuba Steve, No, not really six one half dozen of the other. Yes Atrium had a special assessment, approx 2006. But I would note that if they had one every other year ownership there would still be less than what is at Flamingo. La Vista had one this last year, but if I added the special assessment to my regular AMF's then I still paid less than what Flamingo pays each year. Royal Islander has not had one nor has The Towers. You have a unique unit, but most of Flamingo is not unique.
My point which I thought was clear is that one should do their research on the AMF's, the management and how they compare. If said person then makes the decision that the extra $600 or so per week to own at say Flamingo then they know where they stand going in. We all justify where we spend our money and find value differently.
I would not have done anything differently than what I have done, and I would do it again. Still watch for deals, my addiction. I have noticed that less and less places are coming up on Ebay.
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: Timeshare
[Re: GaKaye]
#123382
03/09/2017 06:05 PM
03/09/2017 06:05 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,488 Rhode Island
RonDon
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Rhode Island
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GaKaye said: If you like that area, look into La Vista. It's smaller, and locally owned and operated by honest people, not a huge corporation. If I was looking to buy TS this would be the place. Well, run well maintained.
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