Time to try an Interval Trade...

[mbhoxsie]

On Wednesday, I called MS and put a search in for a 2BR at the Big Sky Resort in Montana for anytime in the month of August 2004...



The resort is 18 miles northwest of Yellowstone... A 45 minute drive from what I've researched...

At the time I called MS, there were no immediate trades available, but the CM stated that since I was still over a year out and that we have given ourselves a few weeks window to go, that it should come through..

I was curious on what other people's experiences where with trading with Interval... Did your requests come through? Any problems?? Or tips or tricks that would help??

Thanks!!

 

[Doug Wolfe]

Smart move doing the trade search more than a year out. I made the mistake of trying just a few months out and had no luck at a Marriott in Fort Lauderdale. I know a couple of friends of mine have had very good luck with their trades!

 

[rombar]

I recently put in a request for Cancun during August 2004 - they didn't have it available when I called, but less than two weeks later I received a phone call and already made my trade.

 

[Dean]

Summer in Caribbean and MX is pretty easy to get. I'm not quite sure about Big Sky though I suspect summer will still be much slower than winter. The reviews are very positive but it is not a 5* resort. The other resort (Fairmont Condo's) must be pretty new as there are no ratings or reviews. There are no units on line for any II resort in Montany for August either this year or next.

 

[sitchu2]

I had put in for a search for the westin st. john for summer 2004. I know this resort is all but impossible to get your hands on, but I am hopeing.

If I do not hear anything I may change my plans and just book a cruise.

I think 270 pts for a 2 br is a good deal, I was told by ms that most trades will come thru in the 6-8month out period.

I am so used to planning 11 months out I dont know if i can wait for that time to pass without having a sure plan.

It will be my 20th anniversery!!

 

[Dean]

You can always schedule a cruise which is cancellable. You could look for a Starwood owner and try for a direct exchange.

 

[sitchu2]

Great Tip,

I would think DVC is just as valuable a trade as the Westin St. John, and maybe someone who owns a piece of that would like to do Disney and have options and flexability.

Would I have to join TUG to find a Starwood owner?

Thanks Felicia

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by sitchu2
Great Tip,

I would think DVC is just as valuable a trade as the Westin St. John, and maybe someone who owns a piece of that would like to do Disney and have options and flexability.

Would I have to join TUG to find a Starwood owner?

Thanks Felicia

Agreed but if going through II, it doesn't work that way. You could look at www.timeshares.com, www.timex.to or talk to any one of the independents. TUG would be your best bet and at $15 for year one with a free ad, it's definitely a bargain. I don't even think the direct exchange ads count as that one either. All you have to lose is the time and $15 and it's your best bet of success.

Not directed at you but a general observation. I get the feeling that many DVC members who are looking to exchange think that all they have to do is say OK and all will be theirs. The top resorts at the prime times are rarely available. There are many resorts just as in demand as DVC, some more so for some times of the year. These members use or rent directly just like DVC members do.

 

[icydog]

when you do an exchange on your own does ms get involved?
How do you find someone to exchange with you? What websites??

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by icy-dog
when you do an exchange on your own does ms get involved?
How do you find someone to exchange with you? What websites??

See my post above. Don't forget the Rent/Trade board on this site. MS does not get involved, it's like a rental or guest from their standpoint.