Supplementing DVC with another timeshare

[goofy4dvc]

DH and I are considering supplementing our DVC with another timeshare. One option we have is a Bluegreen timeshare that our nephew purchased several years ago when he was married. He has since divorced and is trying to resell. He can't even get what he still owes out of it. So, DH is considering helping him out, which would also give us another alternative for vacation options. The Bluegreen contract has 7,000 points.

We have had been DVC members for about 6 years, but I am really naive when it comes to all other timeshares. And I know alot of you own multiple timeshares. So I was hoping you might share your expertise. I am not a member of TUG, but if we purchase another timeshare, I will join.

Here are some of our questions:

Of all the timeshares on the market, which would you suggest we consider for visits other than Disney? I prefer the point-based versus specific week of the year. Also need to consider any resale value. Are there any other that have ROFR (like DVC) that would keep the price of resale from going into the tank?

How does Bluegreen compare to others (Marriott, Fairfield, etc.) as far as ease of use, ease of trading through RCI and GETTING WHAT WE WANT (we are fairly flexible, but prefer non-traditional holidays since out kids are grown). Gold and silver timeshares (20,000+ points) have a one to two month reservation advantage over this particular contract. If I am going to be severely limited in my choice of resorts at the 11 or 12 month window, then it could be a deal-breaker. Bluegreen has 43 resorts, but has thousands available by trading through RCI.

If we purchase our nephew's Bluegreen contract, how is the resale done? How do we find someone to do the work (closing paperwork stuff).

Anything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated.

 

[littlestar]

Mona,

I spent months reading the tug boards before we decided to purchase a Marriott resale week to supplement our DVC membership. Here's a link to the tug BBS boards (I would do a search using the word Bluegreen to read about Bluegreen):

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/

Take your time and investigate what will work best for your family and travel habits. There's no one size fits all.

There's point systems, deeded week systems, etc., it mind boggles. We felt comfortable with the Marriott brand. I don't know much about Bluegreen - but I have read that some Bluegreen owners are worried about the owner of Westgate resorts taking them over. You can read about that over on Tug to find out the latest news.

Good luck.

 

[CapeCodFam]

If it's worth less than what he owes, that's a red flag. Caveat emptor. His albatros could become yours. If you really want Bluegreen, I suggest buying from the resale market, from someone else, at a fair price. I fear buying from a relative could lead to a road of sorrow for either side. IMO, mixing family with money issues has more risk than reward.

Best wishes.

 

[Dean]

You could buy 7K BG points for less than $3K so no surprise your nephew is upside down in the financing. I love other timeshares in conjunction with DVC and BG could work well if used appropriately. There are many other good choices that might work for you. I own DVC and several Marriott weeks to use then rent them out the times I don't use them. We usually do each about every other year on average. I also have other timeshares I use to trade, they fulfill my gambling urges. Spend around 6 months of active education time and TUG is a great place to learn a lot.

As to compare, BG & FF are similar in many ways from what I know. Lisa P. can tell you more about FF, I have learned a fair amount about BG in the last year or so as I'm in the process of converting, hopefully, fixed weeks to their points system. There are many points systems including Shell, RCI, Worldmark, Sunterra, Club Intrawest, VRI, Hyatt and Hilton. This is by no means an exhaustive list, there are others. Find one that has resorts you'd like to visit and that seems to work well for your situation.

 

[Talkingwoody]

I have a FF points based supplement. It works out well for us. This summer we were able to trade into HGVC on International Drive and Bonnet Creek. Both rated high on TUG. You can always trade into Vistana and Orange Lake using few FF points. Its nice to get an additional 2 BR for friends and relatives when visiting Orlando. Definately check out TUG for more info.
Good Luck

 

[CALNEVA DISNEYFANS]

We own a Hawaii timeshare. We get 3 weeks for 1 with our trade thru SFX. We use one week 2bd for orland during the weekend and use our DVC points for the 5 day week. The kids like the variety and it saves us lots of money - high DVC points for weekend use.

Orlando TS are a dime a dozen. I personally would never buy a Orlando timehsare. I know it works for some, but not for me.

 

[tomandrobin]

Florida has 28% of all the US timeshares! It no wonder they can't hold thier value.

 

[3DisneyKids]

just bumping...I, too, am interested in learning the ins and outs of all of the different timeshare styles. I had no idea it was so complex!

 

[spiceycat]

I think for where you are, Mona, worldmark might be best. they seem to have the more resort in the West.

but definitely read up on tug. start your homework now!!!

I like a resort that is easier for me to get to than DVC. So I would suggest anything a little closer at a good price. and I mean a good price under $3,000 if possible.

for Marriott and HGVC that is not possible.

 

[glewis1123]

Besides DVC we also have a every-other-year t/s at Mariotts Maui Ocean Club - this works great for us as we're in California.

We go to WDW every year and every even year to Maui - for us its the best of both Worlds

 

[tomandrobin]

We own Starwood and DVC timeshares. We really like the flexibility of both. Our Starwood timeshare (Westin) has a lot of flexibility and trades very well. I know I am bias to Starwood since I own Starwood, but I think they have some the better timeshare resorts. Harborside Atlantis and Westin St. John are part of the Starwood system. I would also add that Starwood has about 12 properties, with two more becoming available soon. You will find that the top four or five companies will have timeshare units in the same area. Florida, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Carribbean.

What it comes down to is where do you want to go? If you want to go to Disney, you DVC. If you want to just trade, buy the best week you can, at the best resort (with low maintenance fees) that is desirable.

I have a friend that bought a South Africa timeshare for $1500, maintenance fees around $200 a year. He gets trades to Cancun and Cozumel every year. But can't trade into Myrtle Beach with it. But for him, he is happy going to Mexico every year.

My suggestion is to research and ask questions. Spend at least 6 months researching before you buy anything. 90% of time it is not worth buying direct from the developer. There are exceptions to that, top resorts, ocean front units, peak week of the year, etc.

 

[spiceycat]

also check out these sites

www.tug2.net - of course
http://www.timeshareforums.com/
http://www.timesharegateway.com/forums/