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Re: Buying timeshares (even resale) (by James D.):

Buying timeshares (my experience)

I've recently purchased three deeded timeshare properties and will list total costs (which includes all closing, deed recording and resort transfer fees):

Each through eBay sellers. Each a 2 bedroom lock-off unit. Each an RCI Gold Crown or II 5 Star Resort.

One is an annual, fixed week 13, at V & V Bonaventure in Weston, FL a resort I stayed at as a rental last in 2006 and that I plan on using each year and not exchanging. RCI points resort this unit has not been converted. Total Aquisition Cost $889.

One is an annual, 75000 RCI Points, fixed week 44, at Sunrise Ridge in Pigeon Forge, TN a resort I have not visited and purchased for the RCI Points to be used as my exchanger for various destinations. RCI points resort this unit has been converted. Total Aquisition Cost $2172.

One is a biennial (even), floating week 1-51, at Club de Soleil in Las Vegas, NV a resort I have not visited and that I plan on using and perhaps splitting the lock-off to allow for annual use. Trades with Interval International. Total Aquisition Cost $804.

I vacation 5-6 weeks a year. I like nice accomodations and at a bargain price. These timeshares were acquired to provide high quality accomodations for at least three weeks vacation during peak travel seasons, with two fixed desired destinations and one flexible destination (not that each couldn't be exchanged).

I've been a regular timeshare vacationer to gold crown resorts for the past several years, mostly during off peak season at rates far below the maintenance fees charged for the units in which I've stayed. This is something that I will continue to do at a total cost between ($50-$150 a week).

My view is that the only timeshare worth owning is peak season/prime time ownership and that these purchases should only be made on the resale market. Off peak season should not be owned, as the same use can be obtained at a cost below the maintenance fee and there is little to no resale market should you decide to sell once acquired.

Just my experience and opinion.