Original Message:
Re: Marriott Aruba Surf Club - looking for tips to buying a RESALE (by Jon H.):
We are points owners who paid Marriott's retail price going in about 5 years ago. We went in with eyes open, knowing what the costs were. We are not unhappy with our decision. We have used many of our points to stay at the Aruba Surf Club several times. Beautiful place , very popular. We are considering purchasing more points, but if we do, it will be a resale. We have used points at many other Marriott Vacation Clubs and they are all first class and very well maintained. That's what your maintenance fees are for. If a couple thousand dollars in annual maintenance fees is a worry, it might not be right for you
My advice to you is this: Buying real estate is always a long term decision. It can be a single family home, a condo , or a time share. They are all long term decisions with reasonably high in and out costs. It's a lifestyle choice , not always a "lowest cost vacation " choice. Know the costs, do your homework, and realize it's not easy to get rid of ANY sort of real estate if your life changes.