Big 3?

[IleneF]

When speaking of timeshare resells, one of the posters mentioned
the "big 3". Could someone mention who the big 3 are exactly? I'm only
aware of the Timeshare store affiliated with these boards.

 

[Dean]

The "Big 3" would be The Timeshare Store, www.atimeshare.com and Lee Reid. Since Shontell has gone out on here own, I'd add her to that list as well. Frankly, I've seen the best deals at those that are not as well versed in DVC or get as many contracts. Other possibilities I'd add are ERA stroman in TX, Century 21 in Orlando/Kissimmee, the FSBO website http://www.floridavip.com/central.htm, www.timeshares.com, TUG classifieds at www.tug2.net, Sharon Eden at http://www.timeshareresalesusa.com/, www.classifieds2000.com, Coldwell bankers at http://www.cbtimeshare.com/, http://TIMESHARESDIRECT.com/, ebay auctions, Yahoo auctions and bidshares autions. Fern Modena's listing of timeshare resale company is at http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/1060/resales.html.

If one wanted to narrow the search down, I'd say the "big 4" plus ERA stroman, Century 21 and maybe Sharon Eden would be my list. I'd still look at the online options from time to time, especially the ones allowing individual classifieds and the auction sites.

 

[TrudyZ]

Thanks Dean.

I actually had my name in with A Timeshare, The Timeshare Store, ERA Stroman, Shontell Crawford, and Lee Reid. But found I had the most luck with those that had a lot of DVC dealings--that is why I called them the "Big 3" (could have also been due to my DH working for one of the "Big 3" here in MI).

I also checked a few FSBOs from some of the sites mentioned; but they were either not the same use year or the contract was "stripped". And, I found they wanted the same as if you went thru a broker--more risk and not worth my time if nothing is saved.

The only thing that I found is that finding a small point add on in the point range you want with your specific use year is very much up to the luck of the draw--and can be few and far between. And, it seemed that those with the higher amount of DVC inventory seemed to have more to offer. I woulnd't want to discourage you from putting your name in with everyone--it can't hurt--but I found that the first two mentioned above had more available.

My experience was like this: I found something thru A timeshare (actually, an exact match), The Timeshare store called me twice with add ons (but not use year matches); ERA stroman sent me some info, but never had an add on (and the person I talked to seemed to know less about DVC than I did??) ; Shontell contacted me also, but the contract was not a good match; and Lee Reid indicated that he would keep me in mind, but got few add ons, and never contacted me about a specific contract.

So, I would follow Dean's advice and check everywhere--and know what you want so when you see it, you are ready to buy.

Trudy

 

[Dean]

I would agree with Trudy in that looking for an add on could be difficult. While the usual ones will get more inventory and more likely to have the add on you want, the prices tend to be a little higher.

 

[Peterd]

Dean, we've added on 5 times through Disney, and haven't used a timeshare store or private seller. I would guess you and nuthut would know which is better.
I have two friends looking to buy. One can get the $75 per point for the BCV and the other would have to use the $80 per point. They were considering resale. Who or which one would you reccomend? Could you tell them how much in closing they would pay? I've heard around $450. Who's responsible for the commission, buyer or seller? How long it takes? and are there any other costs besides the possible dues for the current year? Have you used tug?
thanks for the info.
Pete

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Peterd
Dean, we've added on 5 times through Disney, and haven't used a timeshare store or private seller. I would guess you and nuthut would know which is better.
I have two friends looking to buy. One can get the $75 per point for the BCV and the other would have to use the $80 per point. They were considering resale. Who or which one would you reccomend? Could you tell them how much in closing they would pay? I've heard around $450. Who's responsible for the commission, buyer or seller? How long it takes? and are there any other costs besides the possible dues for the current year? Have you used tug?
thanks for the info.
Pete

I think it depends on your goals, wants, desires and comfort level. All is negotiable but in general I'd say that most people pay around $450 closing costs, a little less for small contracts (less than 150). The seller is responable for the commissions. Buyer will likely pay at least a portion of the current years maintenance fees but this is an area where those that buy resale tend to overpay. Even if one could get the $75 per point at BCV WITHOUT SELLING BACK THE FIRST YEARS POINTS, I think resale is the better value. OKW will tend to be the cheapest and best deal. BWV is close to BCV in many ways, some would say superior in many aspects as well. You should be able to save at least $10 per point at BW compared to BCV and have access to the standard view rooms making the potential savings even more.

Through DVC you will not pay closing costs and will pay only a prorated first years maint fee, a potential savings of around $450 plus as much as $2 per point or more. Of course if you want BCV, you will buy through DVC. There has been one resale already but I doubt any real savings so not worth the hassle to go through resale. Of course some must have BCV and that is their prerogative. If one can get a lot of leftover points or negotiate a particularly good contract, the resale takes a major leg up.

Length from start to close will vary but I'd say 6-8 weeks is a good guide and as little as around 30 days. DVC will be a little quicker but not that much. As for TUG, I am a member and feel it is indespensible for timeshare matters in general including exchanges. DIS is where you need to be for DVC issues. There may be an occaisional DVC contract listed on TUG but don't expect bargains there. Of course you can always offer less than the listing price. Good luck.

 

[Peterd]

Thanks for the info, My one friend would get the $75 per point deal for BCV from the Ny original offer without having to give up the first year points, but he really loves the BW. He's thinking of a resale because of the BW, but he was trying to get the original 70 dollar offer they offered before BCV was offered in Ny. If it was only for DVC members, we'd both go on the deeds. He's playing phone tag with my guide now. Thanks again.