I would agree with Lanny: While you wait and decide what is perfect for you (Don't Rush!), it would be very good to try out the timeshare idea by renting at a few locations first. This will give you several advantages:
- By renting at different 'brands' of timeshares (TS), you'll get some sense of the flavor and quality of that TS system. Of course, resorts can vary from one resort to the next, even in the same brand. So, be sure and get some feedback (you can get plenty here on TUG) about the quality of the specific resort you're renting and whether it's truly representative of the TS system that you're interested in. For instance, Marriott, Hilton, Westin tend to be fairly consistent, but some systems can vary quite a bit.
- As mentioned, you're not really loosing any money by renting a few times: some resorts can be rented near the cost of maintenance fees (MF's). Of course, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. Peak beach weeks during holidays and summer can be quite pricey. Of course, they can be quite pricey to purchase as well.
- Timeshare vacations are a different experience from hotels. You have more room, usually a washer and dryer and the freedom to prepare and/or store some or all of your meals (and drinks) in your full sized fridge (depending on unit size etc...). This is huge when compared with buying 'pool drinks' for adults and kids or eating out every night. Kids especially benefit from having mom or dad made snacks and drinks instead of the usual sugar and grease found in vending machines and drive-thru's. Not that there is anything wrong with that
. Kids can take naps in a bedroom while others have private spaces, you can sit on the couch and watch TV or movies.... It's wonderful.. Of course, some folks like to eat out every night, like having daily maid service and never stay in the same hotel twice. The decision is yours....
- Picking a timeshare system is not a straight-forward choice. There are issues of cost, ability to trade/book during peak seasons, locations, maintenance fees, cost to purchase and availability etc.... Renting a season or two will really help you understand what you like and want. Think of it as 'test driving a new car' for a week.
Finally, I've give my thoughts on your survey above:
Your choice for home resort and trade locations favor a number of systems. Marriott and Wyndham come to mind.... The pacific northwest is pretty much exclusive to some smaller systems; WorldMark and Wyndham dominate the area. Both Interval international (exchange company associated with Marriott, Worldmark and many others) and RCI (exchange company associated with Hilton, Wyndham, Worldmark and many others) both have excellent access to resorts in this area.
Your desire to trade frequently supports buying (renting) from a large system with resorts in the areas you wish to frequent or excellent access to exchange companies such as RCI/II with access to those areas. Keep in mind: using an exchange company raises the total cost of your vacation week with annual fees and exchange/upgrade costs. I use and favor the exchanges, but others with a tighter budget may mind it's cheaper and easier to remain within your own resort system and simply exchange/reserve internally to avoid these fees. Again, not everybody can book peak weeks at the beach during prime summer holidays. It's a game and a lottery.
You expressed a desire to stay for 'less than a week.' This would seem to steer you into a 'point' system vs a traditional 'weeks' system. Two comments: when you purchase a traditional timeshare week resale, you have 7 days. You can stay for 1 day, 2 days....or seven days. You can check-in late (some issues could arise) and you can certainly leave early. Your check-in/out dates will almost always be Thur-Sun; some are more restrictive (Fri or Sat only) and some more lenient. With points systems, you can book exactly what you need, in theory. In reality, there are restrictions on booking less than 7 days during peak weeks. There are also restrictions about booking out of your home resort or for only Fri-Sat reservations. Beginning to understand why you need to study, rent and think before buying?
Your purchase price and annual maintenance fees survey suggests a reasonable amount of money for a 3.5* resort. You could find a cheap Marriott and just barely come in under your purchase/MF prices, but the MF's would probably climb above $1500 in the next 0-10 years depending on the unit location and size. You could easily purchase Wyndham points and remain inside those amounts for a descent number of points.... Wyndham is a more complicated system to understand when buying resale (IMHO) but it is flexible and has access to many locations you've mentioned as well as RCI for exchanges. Wyndham points are relatively stable currency (for now) but there are many ins/outs to purchasing a Wyndham contract, so be sure to get lots of advice before you leap at a veritable 'bargain' only to find that you've over/under purchased or gotten a high MF property etc.. Another thought: after renting, purchase a property that is priced right and meets your home resort/southeastern USA, California and Mexico/Caribbean needs. Then, later, consider just renting your needs in the Pacific NW or purchase a small Worldmark contract that lets you book easily in the NW and can also grab some great properties via RCI or II exchange.
Finally, I suggest that you start by renting at least a 1 bedroom unit with full kitchen. This will give you a sample of the 'timeshare lifestyle.' Then, maybe splurge on a 2br TS rental in a location with cheaper or more abundant rentals. This will show you the joys of having privacy for adults, kids, sleepers and even the chance to invite G'ma/pa or friends along. Renting a 'studio' timeshare or a unit with only a partial kitchen (small fridge and microwave) is not that different from renting a suite-style hotel room and won't really show you the main advantages, again IMHO.
Hope this helps ask any questions you might have.
I love my Marriotts, I love my Worldmarks and I love timesharing.
cheers.
