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Re: Starwood Timeshare (by Jennifer C.):

marilynbw

jenniferc190 wrote:

"I am wondering if I should wait for the North Villas resales to become more available or purchase "pre owned" ones on the existing buildings."

I'm wondering why you would be interested in buying - isn't it much less expensive in the long run to rent? One of the reasons I enjoy this site is that there is such a large variety of great timeshares to rent from owners who are anxious to sell their weeks. I have been to many timeshare presentations where part of the sales pitch is how easy it is to trade weeks as an owner. Judging by the number of owners on this site who are trying to sell or trade their weeks, I'm guessing it must not be that easy - but this site is great for renters. All the advantages of staying at a great resort, with none of the hassles of paying maintenance fees or worrying about trading or losing points. Can anyone explain to me why ownership is better? Thanks

Hi, thanks for the information. This kind of confirms what I have been thinking. I am interested in a Oceanfront 2 bedroom, resale about $58, 000. Assuming this is all I pay (I doubt it). At 6% per year (opportunity cost), I could have earned $3480 from just putting $58,000 in the bank CD, (I am sure I can do better). And considering the maintence fee + taxes, misc. at about $2200 per year, maybe more. I am looking at $5,680.00 ($3480+$2200)per year. Divide that by 7 nights, that's $811.43 per night. I am already a gold member in the SPG program, hoping to be a platinum member some time next year. I think I might be better off just renting the villa from someone ANYTIME, ANYWHERE I want or just stay at the Westin Maui hotel or its family and get upgraded to the best room possible (due to the elite membership). Either way, it sounds like it's a better investment. Keep in mind that I still get to keep my $58K. Am I right on this? With the timeshare, I have to worry about getting the exact week I am looking for (one year in advance), pray that the airfare will not be too expensive for that week (forget the possible deals) and my or the kids' schedule will not change (hard to tell due to the year in advance). When I do get to the villa, I must HOPE that my oceanview is not a over a parking lot. I really loved this villa and dying to purchase it, I am having difficulties justifying this mathematically. Please do correct me if I am wrong. I do welcome all opinions regarding this location (Westin Ka'anapli Ocean Resort and Villa). THANKS GUYS!