Purchasing thru Redweek or other resale companies

Hi 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!

Typically, before you can bank your floating week with RCI you must contact your home resort and have a week assigned. Basically the earlier out you contact your resort to assign a week the better off you will be since you should be able to select in prime season if you are early. I had a floating week and I used to call the beginning of January and I chose which week to have assigned with no problems. Your chances of getting an exchange into another resort through RCI are the greatest if you are searching out 11/2 to 2 years in advance, so remember to bank your week with RCI as early as possible for greater trading power. If you fail to plan you will probably be disappointed when you are unable to get the exchange you want.

I too was really confused about what exactly an exchange company does and have been very dissatisfied with the availability for RCI exchanges. My "home" resort is in Las Vegas and it seems, no matter how early we bank our week, we can never exchange for a comparable resort, much less actually go during the same week. Anyway, I found this link that explained it all pretty well, makes sense now with regard to floating weeks and everything - http://rcivip.com/2007/fixed-weeks-vs-floating-weeks/ There was also something on there about exchange companies, but I can not seem to find it now... Let us know what you end up doing!

llhayden wrote:

Hi 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!

The float week is a good thing as you are not locked into the same week every year. What if you have a weding, funeral, illness, you would lose out. I have a float on my timeshare and I have never had a problem as my resort, Island Seas, holds units for owners, especially with beach front property.

reilly3 states, quoted in relevant part: >> The float week is a good thing as you are not locked into the same week every year.<< ========================================

True enough, but not the whole picture. It's very important to find out and clearly know (BEFORE purchasing) whether a particular resort has any restrictions or "blackout periods" on reservations for float week owners there.

For example, I know of numeorous resorts in coastal SW Florida where "floating" week owners are specifically excluded from ever making reservations between weeks 1-15. Those 15 excluded weeks are most of the winter!! So at these places, if you don't own a FIXED winter week there, you're simply never going to be able to get in there in the winter with a "floating" week ownership.

Every situation is different --- my intended point is simply to make VERY SURE that you find out about any reservation restrictions or "blackout periods" imposed upon "float / flex" week owners at the particular resort in which you are interested in purchasing. This is not something you want to learn AFTER purchase, when it's too late to change your mind and/or correct the oversight...

ken1193 wrote:

reilly3 states, quoted in relevant part: >> The float week is a good thing as you are not locked into the same week every year.<< ========================================

True enough, but not the whole picture. It's very important to find out and clearly know (BEFORE purchasing) whether a particular resort has any restrictions or "blackout periods" on reservations for float week owners there.

....

AH, so this is why I have noticed (on Ebay) that people say their timeshare is a floating RED season, then they list their weeks and about 10 weeks are missing (mostly summer weeks.) I thought RED (high) season meant ALL weeks. I guess those are the blackout weeks! Wow, there really is a ton of miniscule things to make sure you are aware of!

llhayden wrote:

AH, so this is why I have noticed (on Ebay) that people say their timeshare is a floating RED season, then they list their weeks and about 10 weeks are missing (mostly summer weeks.) I thought RED (high) season meant ALL weeks. I guess those are the blackout weeks! Wow, there really is a ton of miniscule things to make sure you are aware of!

Well, unfortunately it's even a little more complicated than that. The whole "Red" season business is a bit subjective in the first place. It's really just an artificial reflection of historical "highest demand" time periods, and there are "shades" of red ranging between "pale pink" and "bright crimson". In most instances, even where there are "blackout" restrictions, the (so-called) "Red" season is usually a much longer time frame than just the restricted (blackout) period. In short, "red" season and blackout periods are entirely separate and distinct concepts, although there may well be overlap between the two time frames, with the extent of overlap determined by geography, seasonal demand, whether the fixed weeks there are all sold out already, etc.

Consider also, as another illuminating example of complexity, that in Hawaii EVERY SINGLE WEEK of the year is a (so-called) "Red" week. Yet, there may well still be some blackout periods for float week owner reservations at some resorts there.

You are absolutely correct that there really and truly is a myriad of little details in timeshare purchase and use. Accordingly, it behooves each and every potential buyer to become educated and well informed about timeshare intricacies BEFORE buying ANYTHING. In my personal opinion, one significant reason that many timeshare owners become disgruntled, unhappy or complaining is that, in plain truth, they never really learned or ever fully understood in the first place exactly what they were buying, what it is really worth, what reservation restrictions might exist there, or what the (often pure fantasy) "trade or exchange" value of their purchase really is. In addition, many buyers don't realize that "special assessments" pop up from time to time (fees imposed over and above the annual maintenance fees, arising from unexpected things like hurricane damage, etc.) and they scream like banshees when that reality arrives unexpectedly. In terms of real value, some timeshares on eBay aren't worth their $1.00 listing.

Timeshare can be a wonderful thing. However, timeshare is certainly not water which people should just jump into head first, unless they are a good swimmer to begin with. In timeshare, the time to learn to swim is BEFORE jumping in!

ken1193 wrote:

Timeshare can be a wonderful thing. However, timeshare is certainly not water which people should just jump into head first, unless they are a good swimmer to begin with. In timeshare, the time to learn to swim is BEFORE jumping in!

Buying timeshares from a reseller can present problems. Wyndham will not honor points purchased from reselers.

RE: >> Buying timeshares from a reseller can present problems. Wyndham will not honor points purchased from resellers.<< ==============================================

It is true that some CORPORATE systems such as Wyndham exclude certain benefits from "resale" purchases. These corporations (understandably) want all purchases to be made directly from them and their practices help to prop up "market value". One can't fault that logic and their products are certainly very good ones (although still quite overpriced, in my personal opinion).

However, in the majority of instances (including each and every deeded "fixed" unit / week purchase on the planet) it does NOT matter one bit from whom a resale purchase is made. Such weeks are (and remain) exactly what they are, whether purchased resale on eBay, or from a classified ad placed by a private individual or by a commercial reseller. In my experience, the best "value" deals are often "one on one" transactions where the buyer has researched the actual current market value and the seller is looking to sell at a fair price --- but is not necessarily looking to "hit a home run" on the transaction, like many commercial resellers.

llhayden wrote:

Hi 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!

It looks like you have received a lot of advice on this question so I won't say a whole lot, other than, buying on RedWeek or through timeshare resellers (the Good Business ones) is a great way to save money!! Us that bought at the resort...well from my experience we could have made a better purchase elsewhere :-) As for floating week vs set week I think that depends on your vacationing lifestyle...if your a planner and like to know get to know your neighbors..a set week is great. If you like to change it up during each year and don't care if you know your neighbors or not then floating works.

Good luck to you with whatever you end up doing!!! Happy Timesharing :-)

Casey

llhayden wrote:

Hi 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!

When I first started using my timeshare and had been attempting to trade for it, I had found that I needed to be a minimum of 13 months out to schedule it. Now, I've started having a bit more fun with it now that I'm using my timeshare for trades more often.

Here's what I'm now doing. I have a Time Share through Palm Canyon (that I willing be putting up for sale in the next couple days) that is floating for 52 weeks. It's a studio (and typically you trade like for like). The membership with the timeshare is through interval international. I go to Interval international, check out what resorts have availabilities. I typically look for locations a couple months of when I want to travel that DO NOT have studios but have 1 or 2 bedroom places at a minimum. Then I call my resort, tell them what I'm trying to lock in as a trade. They go through their weeks to find the "highest trading value" for me that spans that entire year... and then we make the transaction.

I also have travel points with Worldmark versus a deeded location that allows me to trade points with Interval International as well as other travel related services. That tends to cost me more points on each trade since it's paying equal to equal.

Now that I'm working more with the customer service people... I have had much more success. If you're considering timeshares though... without a question I would want a floating week.... unless you can lock in what might be considered a "top" week at a destination. Floating gives you much more flexibility.

Also pay attention to the points. A timeshare may be "one size", but they also look at the points. Most timeshares allow you to "bank" the points so that you can upgrade. Your points can also be used for shorter timeframes than a week for long weekends or get-aways. Many of the timeshares also allow you to use the time share for day use at a minimal or no cost. If you're in the area...even when not using yours, you can spend a day poolside or enjoying the activities at your own getaway for the day.

Overall, timeshares can give you amazing vacations and getaways in wonderful accommodations. To take advantage of them, you need to have a bit more patience and search a bit more than you would for vacation packages at hotels, etc. Annually, you save more and more as prices continue to increase.

Good Luck in your search!!!

llhayden wrote:

Hi 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!

It is never that easy to get want you want when trading. Its hard and its luck. Buy only what you want to use forget exchanges

ken1193 wrote:

RE: >> Buying timeshares from a reseller can present problems. Wyndham will not honor points purchased from resellers.<< ==============================================

It is true that some CORPORATE systems such as Wyndham exclude certain benefits from "resale" purchases. These corporations (understandably) want all purchases to be made directly from them and their practices help to prop up "market value". One can't fault that logic and their products are certainly very good ones (although still quite overpriced, in my personal opinion).

However, in the majority of instances (including each and every deeded "fixed" unit / week purchase on the planet) it does NOT matter one bit from whom a resale purchase is made. Such weeks are (and remain) exactly what they are, whether purchased resale on eBay, or from a classified ad placed by a private individual or by a commercial reseller. In my experience, the best "value" deals are often "one on one" transactions where the buyer has researched the actual current market value and the seller is looking to sell at a fair price --- but is not necessarily looking to "hit a home run" on the transaction, like many commercial resellers.

The only one that does not exclude their points on resale is disney

caseyy4 wrote:

llhayden wrote:

Hi 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!

Hello,

It looks like you have received a lot of advice on this question so I won't say a whole lot, other than, buying on RedWeek or through timeshare resellers (the Good Business ones) is a great way to save money!! Us that bought at the resort...well from my experience we could have made a better purchase elsewhere :-) As for floating week vs set week I think that depends on your vacationing lifestyle...if your a planner and like to know get to know your neighbors..a set week is great. If you like to change it up during each year and don't care if you know your neighbors or not then floating works.

Good luck to you with whatever you end up doing!!! Happy Timesharing :-)

Casey

you can ask before you buy which week and unit number you are buying. I know some old resorts have phases but ussally the older phase like 1 have more rights than the second phase.

mer1 has stated: >> you can ask before you buy which week and unit number you are buying. << ===============================================

This statement is only true for "fixed" weeks. For "floating" weeks, there is NO guarantee of any particular unit or for any particular week...

ken1193 wrote:

mer1 has stated: >> you can ask before you buy which week and unit number you are buying. << ===============================================

This statement is only true for "fixed" weeks. For "floating" weeks, there is NO guarantee of any particular unit or for any particular week...

I was trying to answer the question about how you know if you are buying the new or old side of the resort when you buy a resale. Even if it is a floating week , if there are two sides of a resorts developemnt there is some way on paper to tell which side of the resort you are on. It may have a room number or it may have a phase name. Of course floating weeks do not have room numbers except sometimes to make a deed. I would not recommend buying a float week unless it also has a season where you have priority reservations and are aware of that season.

ann286 wrote:

llhayden wrote:

Hi 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!

Marriott has first right of refusal on all weeks being resold. With that being said, Marriott picks up most units that are being offered below current Market value. Therefore, you can begin a purchase and once it goes across the Marriott desk to be signed off on, you risk the chance of not getting it.

Alway purchase thru Marriott as this entitles you to the point program and Marriott will resell it for you down the road and service your account. Buying externally opens you up for disappointments down the road. This does not hold true for off brand timeshares but with Marriott, the point program is what makes us!

Call us today as we can help you with any Marriott location, both new and resale at some great pricing and incentives!

(sales contact info deleted here)

Please take your advertising to a more appropriate venue. These forums are for discussion, not for thinly veiled commercial advertising.........

ken1193 wrote:

ann286 wrote:

llhayden wrote:

Hi 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!

Marriott has first right of refusal on all weeks being resold. With that being said, Marriott picks up most units that are being offered below current Market value. Therefore, you can begin a purchase and once it goes across the Marriott desk to be signed off on, you risk the chance of not getting it.

Alway purchase thru Marriott as this entitles you to the point program and Marriott will resell it for you down the road and service your account. Buying externally opens you up for disappointments down the road. This does not hold true for off brand timeshares but with Marriott, the point program is what makes us!

Call us today as we can help you with any Marriott location, both new and resale at some great pricing and incentives!

(sales contact info deleted here)

=================================================

Please take your advertising to a more appropriate venue. These forums are for discussion, not for thinly veiled commercial advertising.........

You can save a lot of money buying Marriott resale (probably >$10000). If staying/having the option for marriott points is important to you than pay cash for the hotel stay and rent out your timeshare or bank it with II. You can purchase points from Marriott every year I believe 50,000 for you and if married 50,000 for a spouse which is probably a better deal than turning in your Marriott Unit.

Look into Hilton they have a great program as well and they do not penalize resale owners (you can use there hotel program unlike Marriott and Starwood).

This also helps resale if you decide to sale in the future. Timeshare User Group is a good resource go to that site as well.

I used to own Marriott and I bought from the resort hoping to have the option to use points as well. there were always black out dates so I rarely could book my room. You had to do most 12 months in advance to get the reservation. also the points are not a great value. The only value is the fairfield and resident inn resorts. Many Marriotts in this catagory are old and have few decent services...ie I wanted an extra blanket and they had none. So the points are no great deal. Also they do buy the timeshare back but at the true value not their marked up value. I resold through redweek and got 10 G more than Marriott would buy back for. Go with Disney or starwood. no black outs or just get a resale from redweek.