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Looking at HGVC Tuscany in Orlando

dmanatoz

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I'm looking at purchasing 5,000 points for around $5,500 to $6,000 at Tuscany. Given some of the more recent postings, do you think I can do better? Have you seen fewer ROFR exercised by HGVC.

Also, I'm hearing that some Timeshare groups require you to go to sales presentations everytime you take a trip. Is this true? I don't want to buy a timeshare and then have these kinds of expectations every time I travel.
Also, any recommendations on who I might use for title search?

Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Dennis
 

pianodinosaur

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Welcome to tugbbs. I think the resale price quoted is reasonable. If I were going to purchase a HGVC unit resale, I would go through either Seth Nock or Judy Koslowski. They are both well respected experts on HGVC resales. I paid substantially more when I purchased direct from Hilton. Hilton does not require you to attend sales presentations when you travel.
 

PigsDad

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You can probably do a little better on the price, as that is on the high side of what Gold season points are going for these days. I am guessing that Tuscany weeks are going for a bit more than other locations -- do you really need to own at Tuscany? If you are just looking for points, you can buy a 5000 point package at any location and still make a reservation at the Tuscany resort.

And no, there is no requirement to atend a sales presentation when you stay at a property. They will ask and entice you to attend an "owner's update", but you are under no obligation to attend. I have never heard of any other timeshare system that forces people to go to a sales presentation. However, if you sign up for a special sales promotion (like $99 for three nights), you generally must attend a sales presentation as a condition of that promotion.

Kurt
 

Talent312

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Hilton does not require you to attend sales presentations when you travel.

True. But if you want, you can go to an "owner update" (a sales pitch). From time to time (no more than 1x every six months), you may get a call from someone in sales who will ask if you want to do an "owner update" and offer a small inducement.

Many of us avoid 'em like the plague, feeling that our time is more valuable. But others seem to salivate at the opportunity to have their ears-boxed and sanity-questioned for the reward of a dog-biscuit. Over the last week, I've ducked 4 calls from HGVC, no doubt to invite me to one of these waterboarding-sessions. Thank God for Caller ID.

But don't get me wrong, the customer-service side of HGVC treats owners, well, like owners, and by that I mean, very well, indeed.
 
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Bill4728

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You can probably do a little better on the price, as that is on the high side of what Gold season points are going for these days. I am guessing that Tuscany weeks are going for a bit more than other locations -- do you really need to own at Tuscany? If you are just looking for points, you can buy a 5000 point package at any location and still make a reservation at the Tuscany resort.
Kurt
There have been several reports of much better pricing for 5000 pt gold units at the other HGVC resorts. BUT you may find that spending the same $6,000 can get you a 1bd plat week worth 4800 pts. You'll basically have the same number of yearly pts but pay the MFs of a 1 bd vs the MFs of a 2 bd

Most people report they don't have problem getting reservations at the Orlando resorts with their points during club season. So there isn't any real reason not to buy at a lower priced resort like HGVC Seaworld.
 
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PigsDad

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But others seem to salivate at the opportunity to have their ears-boxed and sanity-questioned for the reward of a dog-biscuit.
Thanks for the chuckle, Talent! You had me laughing out loud! :hysterical:

Kurt
 

capjak

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I would also add that if you in the future want to trade points for a DVC exchange I believe florida units are blocked from trading into DVC.

So perhaps Las Vegas would be a better option for that flexibility
 

PigsDad

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I would also add that if you in the future want to trade points for a DVC exchange I believe florida units are blocked from trading into DVC.

So perhaps Las Vegas would be a better option for that flexibility
That is not the case for HGVC owners. Since we use Hilton's corporate RCI account (vs. a personal account) for RCI trades, there are no restrictions. You can search in this forum -- this has been discussed and confirmed in previous conversations.

Kurt
 

dmanatoz

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Great Information

Thank you all for your replies. You provided me with great information to consider which, for a newbie, brings up many more...LOL.

Given the floating points system, if I plan on buying a set number of points, e.g., 5000 points, what significance does the season play, e.g., Gold? Does this only give me a preference during that season in making reservations over HGVC members with a different season or a different home resort?

Also, I have been looking on E-bay and I'm finding where I can get a lower price, perhaps, but I see Closing Costs of $499 and Resort Transfer Fee of $300 that they are asking the buyer to pay. Are these fees reasonable in your experience? Do you recommend E-Bay or do you feel it's easier to negotiate price through a broker's timeshare resale site?

Thanks again,
Dennis
 

Talent312

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The Season that you buy into makes a difference in the following respects:

(a) You get a special "home" reservation period in which to book the same size unit in the same season at your home resort, i.e. 12-9 months from desired check-out date.
--- This is not necessarily a great advantage over the "club" reservation term that starts at 9 mos. out.

(b) Annual MF's at each resort is based on the unit-size, not the season, so a 1BR high-season pays less MF's than a 2BR low-season (at the same resort). This could save you significant $$ over the long haul.

The Closing Costs seem a tad high, but not out of line. The official Transfer Fee is $299.
 
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smokyhill

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There have been several reports of much better pricing for 5000 pt gold units at the other HGVC resorts. BUT you may find that spending the same $6,000 can get you a 1bd plat week worth 4800 pts. You'll basically have the same number of yearly pts but pay the MFs of a 1 bd vs the MFs of a 2 bd

That's exactly what we did using Judi Kozlowski to handle the deal for us.
We just closed and got our contract number. (Judi hand carried the deed to Hilton) We plan on calling Hilton in the morning to get our membership number. Can't wait!!! :D
 
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elwilliamson

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Tuscany orlando

[Message deleted. Duplicate posts are not permitted. Dave M, BBS Moderator]
 
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smshick

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I confirm

That is not the case for HGVC owners. Since we use Hilton's corporate RCI account (vs. a personal account) for RCI trades, there are no restrictions. You can search in this forum -- this has been discussed and confirmed in previous conversations.

Kurt

Hello,
We bought at International Drive (Tuscany) last year from the developer. Using our bonus developer points, we requested and received an RCI exchange to Disney Saratoga Springs for next July 2010.
 

Dan_D

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HGVC

Hello ... At HGVC, points are points. The only non-economical reason I found to buy at one particular resort is if you want to go to that particular resort for the same week you buy. Otherwise, the primary consideration for me is purchase price and annual cost. I purchased all of my HGVC properties in Las Vegas as the annual costs were much less than Florida. For example, in 2010: 4800 points at the Flamingo is $717.71, and the LV Hilton is $585.72. (You pay $99 per year extra for your first HGVC membership, not included above.) BUY RESALE. I look at 4800, 5000, and 7000 point packages and they nomally range from $5,000 to $8,000. I have stayed in HGVC Hawaii, Orlando, NYC W57th St, and Las Vegas, not to mention the many RCI exchanges, with absolutely no problems. I have even been able to get Las Vegas for New Years Eve for each of the past four years, which was available to all HGVC members at the time of booking, not just because I own there. One more comment: Call Seth Nock (google him) for true information and an easy transaction. Good luck.
 
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