Aulani: Closing more complicated?

[maburke]

I just got my closing documents for an Aulani resale. This seems much more complicated than others I have done. Although I am using the Timeshare Store for the purchase, they are using a different title company from their usual; apparently for Aulani they use someone in Hawaii.

They FedEx'd my closing documents instead of emailing them (and I notice there is a $50 fee for delivery in MY closing costs). The closing costs seem very high ($900 on a 100 point contract). And the documents need to be notarized, which I have never had to do for a purchase without a loan.

Is this normal for Aulani, or is it just this title company?

 

[wdrl]

The State of Hawaii has different laws and regulations about timeshares than many other states, including Florida. For example, Hawaii requires that timeshare developers spell out certain things in plain language in the actual timeshare deed, whereas Florida lets them place it just in the Public Offering Statement. That is why the Aulani deeds are about 12 pages in length while the Florida deeds are usually two pages in length.

I doesn't surprise me that closings for Hawaii timeshares are much more complicated than what they are in Florida. Although I don't have first hand knowledge of buying a resale Aulani deed, I do have some experience with the Timeshare Store. TSS has always been upfront about its closing costs. If you have any doubts, call the TSS agent and ask him or her to explain the charges to you.

Edited to add: The Aulani Condominium Association also has different fees than any of the other DVC Condo Associations. For instance, Disney Vacation Development can charge up to $250 to process a ROFR request. Other DVC resorts charge $50 or less.

 

[disneynutz]

Why don't you contact your broker and ask them? My guess is that Hawaii sales laws are different than Florida's.

Bill

 

[maburke]

Why don't you contact your broker and ask them? My guess is that Hawaii sales laws are different than Florida's.

Bill

Yes, I assume they are, too. When I contacted the broker, she basically said that she doesn't know much about Hawaii, and told me to ask the closing agent my questions. But my questions really come down to, "Is this closing agent overcharging me?" That's not something I expect to get an objective answer to from the closing agent. That's why I asked here. I think I recall someone using a closing agent in Missouri for Aulani once?

 

[disneynutz]

Yes, I assume they are, too. When I contacted the broker, she basically said that she doesn't know much about Hawaii, and told me to ask the closing agent my questions. But my questions really come down to, "Is this closing agent overcharging me?" That's not something I expect to get an objective answer to from the closing agent. That's why I asked here. I think I recall someone using a closing agent in Missouri for Aulani once?

I would talk to the broker manager. IMO it's their business to know about the products that they represent. Didn't they choose the closing agent? Let them call and get the answers for you.

Bill

 

[lawboy2001]

It seems its the Hawaiian laws that are more formal.

Feel better about what you have to deal with: I am an Aulani purchaser, and because I'm in Canada, I have to get my docs notarized AT THE US CONSULATE -- NO WHERE else! I need to wait three weeks for an appointment and get charged 50$ for the privilege.

 

[wooclan]

I just got my closing documents for an Aulani resale. This seems much more complicated than others I have done. Although I am using the Timeshare Store for the purchase, they are using a different title company from their usual; apparently for Aulani they use someone in Hawaii.

They FedEx'd my closing documents instead of emailing them (and I notice there is a $50 fee for delivery in MY closing costs). The closing costs seem very high ($900 on a 100 point contract). And the documents need to be notarized, which I have never had to do for a purchase without a loan.

Is this normal for Aulani, or is it just this title company?

Yes, it is normal for Aulani. We bought a resale back in March and went through the same process. It was our first resale and when we bought the 2nd at AKV, we thought the closing company was skipping steps because there was less paperwork and everything was done electronically.

 

[maburke]

It seems its the Hawaiian laws that are more formal.

Feel better about what you have to deal with: I am an Aulani purchaser, and because I'm in Canada, I have to get my docs notarized AT THE US CONSULATE -- NO WHERE else! I need to wait three weeks for an appointment and get charged 50$ for the privilege.

Wow, okay, I do feel better! Thanks!

 

[Dean]

It seems its the Hawaiian laws that are more formal.

Feel better about what you have to deal with: I am an Aulani purchaser, and because I'm in Canada, I have to get my docs notarized AT THE US CONSULATE -- NO WHERE else! I need to wait three weeks for an appointment and get charged 50$ for the privilege.

All of the closing companies that I know of that specialize in timeshares charge more for HI than for FL. I know when I bought my Marriott week there it was far more complicated and time consuming than for others we've done.