Private swap

[Sheriff Woody]

Rather than going through II, I have a friend who owns two timeshares (Marriott and Westgate). I have 250 DVC points. What would be a fair trade? I'm thinking I might ask for a ski week at Marriott Mountainside in Park City in return for a week at a DVC resort of his choice. Is that reasonable for both sides? Is 250 points enough for a comparable (i.e. 2 BR for 2 BR) accommodation?

Another friend owns a house at the Jersey Shore. What should I offer him in return for a summer week at his place?

Also, what are the mechanics of that transaction? Would I call MS and reserve a week in my friend's name? Or do I have to reserve it in my name? If I reserve in my own name, how will he be allowed to check in?

Thank you in advance.

 

[RobDoc]

The DVC/II exchanges for a 2BR range from 207 - 270 points for a week, so you are certainly in a similar range with your thought of 250 points.

However, I'd be very careful how you set up your trade since you may have a challenge with the "DVC resort of his choice" - unless you can reserve at all resorts 11 months ahead. In addition, a full week in a 2BR will run, at the minimum, from 218 points for Adventure season at OKW to a high of 462 points for Premier season at the other resorts.

You will probably need to place some limitations on what you would offer - or just let them know that 250 points is the limit and let them choose what they'd like based on availability.

Good luck!

 

[Dean]

There are many factors in this type of transaction. First make sure you understand what you're getting on the other side and how many points you're looking to give up. Doc gave you the range for a 2 BR through II, the exact number would depend on the resort and season. You should consider the fact that you would be saving the $75 exchange fee but your friend would be saving a $135 exchange fee plus the $95 resort services fee. You would also get his owner preferences such as location and view type, he would get you're with DVC but that may be less important for DVC since they do little for preferences and view anyway from a request standpoint. But if by chance he wants something more difficult like a BWV BW view or a dedicated 2 BR or even a 3 BR unit, the direct booking becomes more advantageous to him.

It has been my experience that many people giving up high demand resorts/weeks want the same in return which translates to more points cost to you. For example, someone wanted to trade me a Marriott Grande ocean week but get a 2 BR unit in return that cost 350 pts, I said no even though it would have worked otherwise for me given that I needed an extra unit there.

For a Xmas, Feb or early March ski week; it's likely a good deal. For any other time like early Dec or Jan, I doubt it'd be a good deal even at the LOW DVC season designation. However, I think trading with friends is much like loaning money to a friend. If it works, it can work well. If there's a problem, it can be a big problem.