Thanks Dean, I've asked my Mom more questions because when I went to Ebay to check on buying some more points, they always seem to designate a particular resort. So I asked if it was like DVC and owning at a particular resort just gives you an advantage of when you can book.
Just so you know, we will not be adding this to a trust fund. DH and I have a trust fund, but no one else in the family does. So all of our DVC is in our trust, but if we go with this generous offer of BG it will not be put into the trust.
A question for you, have you found Ebay to be reliable to buy timeshare points? We've used Ebay for various reasons in past years but are just not sure about using them for this type of purchase (if we find one).
I really appreciate your input on this, thank you so much.
BG holds the deeds in Trust, there are currently 5 (A-E) with F having already been designated. There seems to be some question whether BG has sold in trust fund F. It's important for how the fees are calculated and it's important for the risk of Special Assessments (SA). Some are more favorable to low points amounts and some for high. Trust fund E is best for larger amounts and worst for smaller amounts. If you can give me the exact fees total for any recent year, I can likely figure out which you're in, otherwise you'll have to call BG or look in the original papers because it won't be on the website info. And you really should because it might be costing more than it's worth. In addition, for trust fund E, there are 2 sales types (A & Y) but these really only matter if adding additional points.
As for resort, ALL points are based at a given resort, unit type and in a week (usually) or sometimes in a portion of a week and for the new Aspen resort, just one day at times. For most people this really has no meaning and I'll explain why and when it might below.
With the exception of the underlying week, points are points with BG. There is no home resort priority and no limitation on when you can book for shorter stays (this changed a few years ago). Everyone can reserve at 11 months out subject to availability and their points. However, BG has an active VIP system so some can go on the wait list waiting for the 11 month window to open then get their reservations at 11 months out. This means that unless you're VIP you're not going to get MB mid summer or Big Cedar in the summer in all likelihood because those who are VIP will be on the WL and take it all for the prime time.
As I said, no home resort priority but you can take your week (or portion thereof) instead of points if you do it before it's opened for the 11 month window. BG resorts tend to have up to 5 points levels but some only have 3. Those with 5, red is the middle and not the prime time, for older resorts, red may be prime time. Saved points can only be used red or below and there are limits on using saved points for exchanging as well. So while points are points and the base week doesn't matter to most, if you happen to have a monster underlying week, it can be make or break, esp for rentals.
I have bought a number of timeshares off ebay but none for BG. There are some people I am comfortable dealing with and some I am leery. I can put you in touch with a person I know you can trust and it will be a little higher but not a lot. Of the BG listed as free closing, I've dealt with 3 and am comfortable with 2 and wary of the third. IF you decide to expand, make sure you match trust fund and if you can, sales type as well or at least know what the sales type issue does (too complicated for here). IF you find the right contract and a good seller, I wouldn't hesitate for ebay for something like this where you're risk is the bid and fees you have to pay, just investigate the seller (you can email me on this if you want).
