Original Message:
Purchasing thru Redweek or other resale companies (by Patricia T.):
llhayden wrote:Hi Hayden. We are experienced ts owners but when we weren't, we did make one mistake which we donated to charity. Buy your timeshare on e bay or Redweek but do not pay full price from a resort because you won't be able to get back the value. If you can, make sure it's a 5star resort which enables you to exchange anywhere. If you are bidding on a resort of interest go to the website of that resort and read the reviews (very important). Pix don't mean a lot. Also read trip advisor. Keep in mind that there is always at least one disgruntled person but if most say it's great than it's great. To exchange you do need to book a year or more in advance. Of course you can exchange 59 days out... which we did....and what is available is leftovers like a gorgeous condo in Florida when the temp is 110 in summer. If you are buying in a warm climate then google and find out the hurricane and /or rainy season. Interval charges about $125 to $139 for an exchange and RCI is about that too so that's in addition to your timeshare fee. Once you buy, your mailbox will never be empty again because you will be deluged with 3 night invitations for a "short tour". If no interest avoid those marketeers. Otherwise....it's really great, much better than a hotel and you get to go everywhere including cruises. Good luck to you. patriciagayleHi All:I have been a lurker on Redweek for many years - never, though, have I taken advantage of either renting a timeshare or buying one. I did, however, have my sister rent through Redweek, and she said it was a great experience.
My question is this, as I am a novice timeshare person. I already know that there is a ton of overhead costs if you purchase a timeshare directly from the facility (Marriott, Sheraton, etc.), so using a website like Redweek to purchase is best. But, how do you know whether these timeshares for sale on this site are in the "old" or "new" section of the resort?
Also, 2 questions regarding "floating" weeks- how easy is it to get a reservation at a resort outside of your home resort when your week says "floating"? In other words, if your home resort is in Orlando and you want to RCI elsewhere, is it just as easy with a floating week than with a set week to get a reservation elsewhere? ****Does having a floating week help or hurt you when you want to make a reservation at your resort - since there's no set week, do you have to call many months in advance to get the week you want?
Thanks for your help! I'd like to purchase something, but am a little hesitant due to the floating week thing!