OT: Bluegreen Timeshare

[SamSam]

I need some opinions on Bluegreen Timshare. I know that I've seen it mentioned here in a positive manner but I can't bring it up in 'search' right now.
A little background...my mother has had Bluegreen for several years and has used it to the fullest (as far as I can tell). Her health is failing and she now is offering her shares to myself, my brother and my sister for no cost (it's paid for) just the annual dues ($500.00)

It's 5,000 points ( I know that's not a lot), enough for us to take turns using it for family vacations. Okay, at least on a Sunday thru Thursday, once a year in a 2 bedroom.

I can assure you we've been through family 'stuff' before and this brother and sister would be ideal to share with so that's not an issue. I would just like some opinons on Bluegreen, as to ease of use, ease of trading into RCI, etc.

Thanks for any help on making this decision.

 

[bwvBound]

Links to various searches:

Disboard references to "Bluegreen": http://www.google.com/search?q=site:disboards.com+bluegreen

Timeshare User's Group references to "Bluegreen": http://www.google.com/search?q=site:tugbbs.com+bluegreen

 

[JimMIA]

Here's a link to their website: http://www.bluegreenonline.com/explore/home.aspx

Dean is a Bluegreen owner, and very knowledgeable. I'm sure he can answer just about any question you might have.

 

[SamSam]

Thanks for the links. I feel pretty positive about it, but just wanted a little feedback. I've had DVC for years and never ventured out to other timeshares before so wanted a little feedback from those that have dealt with Bluegreen before. I always like to be prepared before making decisions and you all are so knowledgeable.

 

[Dean]

I need some opinions on Bluegreen Timshare. I know that I've seen it mentioned here in a positive manner but I can't bring it up in 'search' right now.
A little background...my mother has had Bluegreen for several years and has used it to the fullest (as far as I can tell). Her health is failing and she now is offering her shares to myself, my brother and my sister for no cost (it's paid for) just the annual dues ($500.00)

It's 5,000 points ( I know that's not a lot), enough for us to take turns using it for family vacations. Okay, at least on a Sunday thru Thursday, once a year in a 2 bedroom.

I can assure you we've been through family 'stuff' before and this brother and sister would be ideal to share with so that's not an issue. I would just like some opinons on Bluegreen, as to ease of use, ease of trading into RCI, etc.

Thanks for any help on making this decision.

I do own BG and I really like it for what it is. In general they are not to the level of DVC but some of their resorts are top notch. 5000 points isn't very much and in reality 5000 points is usually not worth the fees you pay on it depending on which trust fund you're in because of the structure. 5000 points is really not enough to do much for one family, much less 3. Personally I'd either not fool with it or add to it resale. You can buy a much better package really for free on ebay often including closing/transfer costs.

The trust it's in will determine the fees, there's also a club fee, I think it's $129 added on. Trust fund D & E will protect you from underlying special assessments to a degree, I don't think the others will. On 5K points the fees for trust fund B, D & E including the club dues are $635,50, $519 & $695.50. For trust fund A & C it's determined by each resort.

If you were buying 12K or above, preferably 20K or more, and it seemed to be a good fit for you, I'd encourage you to do so but cheaply. 5K points, even 10K with borrowing or 15 K with banking/borrowing will generally not be enough to do much exchanging other than off season. Personally I'm saying no for several reasons. Not enough points to work with, not worth the dues plus I'm not in favor or family partnerships, too much chance of affecting life long relationships. Plus it really has no value and even if you wanted to get rid of it you'd likely have to pay the transfer fees. The fact there are qualified points really doesn't mean anything for 5K. My suggestion is to leave it in her name and manage it for her (for you) that way when something does happen or you decide it's more problems than it's worth, you can just send a letter to BG saying good luck. They don't charge fees to put it in your name. The only thing you'd pick up by putting it in your name would be access to the other benefits like bonus time. One way to change the name is to buy an additional membership putting her name and yours, that way you become an owner of all if it's done right. The transfer fee is $250.

Remember you can borrow one year ahead by paying dues but that banked points are fairly restricted (red time or below).

If you want to email me directly about any of these issues, I'll be glad to try to help. I also have access to someone who does a LOT of resales there but is interested enough in helping people to answer any questions in a helpful manner even when not planning to buy anything (I get nothing and want it that way). It's hard to beat that type of perspective.

 

[SamSam]

Thanks Dean - Your post was very helpful and I will forward to my brother and sister so we can discuss it with your helpful knowledge.

 

[Dean]

Thanks Dean - Your post was very helpful and I will forward to my brother and sister so we can discuss it with your helpful knowledge.

I'm glad to help but sorry to be the bearer of somewhat bad news. I looked through the ebay listings (Timeshare for Sale) for BG and saw quite a few that were free or very reduced closing and a low bid currently. One that interested me greatly, wish I had the uncommitted cash to bid on it. One thing to know with BG is it's important to worry about which trust fund if adding on.

 

[SamSam]

I'm glad to help but sorry to be the bearer of somewhat bad news. I looked through the ebay listings (Timeshare for Sale) for BG and saw quite a few that were free or very reduced closing and a low bid currently. One that interested me greatly, wish I had the uncommitted cash to bid on it. One thing to know with BG is it's important to worry about which trust fund if adding on.

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.

 

[JimMIA]

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.

I could be wrong, but I don't think a personal/family trust was what Dean meant.

Some timeshare systems pool resorts together into "trusts" where the rights, expenses, etc are pooled as a method to reduce or smooth costs of ownership. And that pooling would affect both your use, and cost of use, of the timeshare.

 

[Dean]

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).

 

[SamSam]

Such helpful information, thank you so much Dean and Jim. My Mother gave me her log-in info so I was able to do a good 'looking around' and feel very good about BG in general. I think we will hold off buying more points and just take over her (my mom's) annual dues for now to see how it works out.

I have to say though that after your input and the research I've done, I think BG could be a nice addition to our DVC.

I will PM any personal questions I have after I've had a chance to talk to family members about the whole 'taking over our mom's contract' idea.

As always, I'm thankful for these boards, where there's always someone who has knowledge and experience and are willing to take the time to share.

 

[Dean]

Such helpful information, thank you so much Dean and Jim. My Mother gave me her log-in info so I was able to do a good 'looking around' and feel very good about BG in general. I think we will hold off buying more points and just take over her (my mom's) annual dues for now to see how it works out.

I have to say though that after your input and the research I've done, I think BG could be a nice addition to our DVC.

I will PM any personal questions I have after I've had a chance to talk to family members about the whole 'taking over our mom's contract' idea.

As always, I'm thankful for these boards, where there's always someone who has knowledge and experience and are willing to take the time to share.

I'm glad to help and welcome any PM's. I do agree that for many, other timeshares plus DVC is a great approach.