Where Should I buy RCI points Time Shares, What should I know first?

My wife an I want to buy a timeshare (or timeshares) that we will primarily use to book last minute get-aways using the RCI points system... I think.

I have been trying to learn more and have talked to several time share resale brokers. But I know NOTHING really. I can not access the RCI site to see what I could really get with points until I have joined (maybe I should do that first).

I need some help. I have a big family (7 kids and my wife and I) so when we go away, if we are bringing the kids we would need a very large place, or several rooms. I want to get enough points to take a family vacation once a year for a week or so, and 3 to 4 get-aways.

Where should I go to buy RCI points timeshares? I have looked at some, and have started comparing maintenance fees, and annual fees. What else do I need to consider? Is there a broker that would be willing to spend the time to educate me? Everyone I have talked to seems to be in a hurry, I am assuming, because their commission is probably pretty small.

Please help me not make a mistake when I buy! Thanks!

Why not just rent a unit you find on this site or another one. That way you won't be obligated to pay the ever rising maintenance fees and assessments for the rest of your life.

Just a clarification... I am not looking for a location to buy at (when I said where should I go to buy), I am looking for recomendations of brokers, sites, or other ideas.

I will look at rental costs. It seems (and this is me talking without having looked yet) that the cost to rent would be more than the annual maintenance costs (otherwise why would someone rent it out)?

So I have looked at a few rentals. The ones that I looked at rent for between $150 to $400 a night. I could get similar points timeshares for about $2,000 to $5,000, with $400 to $900 annual maintenance (giving me 92,000 RCI points).

If I take the average I would be paying $250 a night for 7 nights ($1,750 for the week). Compared to the $650 for maintenance. Yes the initial cost adds to that, but it still seems better to buy not to rent.

Also for the 92,000 points I could trade for resorts around my local area (which are much less expensive) and take quick get-aways and end up with three to four weeks a year.

Why do you think rentals are better? I may be missing something...

When you buy a timeshare or points you are commited to pay ever rising maintenance fees and assessments for the rest of your life. A lot of people, myself included, love their timesahres at first but things change over years but the obligation to pay fees never stops. What people are asking for rent is negotiable. If your shop around you will find many people renting for less than their maintenance fees. Read the posts in these forums before you decide on buying points. It may be good for you to buy them but read what others say about them and then make a wise decission. I'm glad to see that you are asking questions before you buy something. I hope others will respond to your inquiry and give you their opinions.

Thanks donp196.

I second the statement above advocating renting. There are tons of rental weeks out there that can be had for the price of the maintenance fee. Don't lock yourself into a long-term contract just to enjoy the weeks now. If you must, use this site or ebay to find the best deal.