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Seeking some advice on buying a timeshare

Hox

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Club Wyndham
Situation: We have a young family (4 of us) and we want to start vacationing yearly. We generally plan our vacations well in advance (12+ months ahead of time and vacation right around the same time each year (end of July/beginning of August). In the past, I have generally talked my in-laws in to letting us use their timeshare which happens to be through Wyndham; however, this isn't always an option because they generally vacation 2-3 times a year. We won't go to the same place every year, but we do have a few favorites which we will probably do every 4th year at best (Pagosa Springs, CO or Branson, MO). I definitely plan on buying via the resale market, but looking for other TUG members that have a similar scenario and what has worked best for them in securing their desired vacation spot each year through exchanges.


Question: I imagine I would want to focus on a location that trades well and has low MFs first, and then secondly on what I would prefer to frequent (even if it is only every 4 years).

Points versus a fixed week? If points, how do I know what the magic number of points is where I won't be too limited?

Any other major considerations?


Many thanks for the help!
Rick
 

Rent_Share

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You can probably rent from a Platinum Mega Renter for something between 50 % - 100% of what you would pay annually without any long term commitment.
 

Hox

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Club Wyndham
Thanks for the information; I have thought of this as an option as well since. What are the best sources out there for finding these deals?

Ebay? Craigslist? Other?
 

Rent_Share

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Thanks for the information; I have thought of this as an option as well since. What are the best sources out there for finding these deals?

Ebay? Craigslist? Other?

Stand by, At least 3 will contact you directly, though PM

To the extent you can be flexible TUG last minute rentals is a good source
 

Hox

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Club Wyndham
Yea, I will definitely take advantage of TUG last minute deals; that is a great opportunity within this community.

Just most of the time, I will be looking for something further out.
 

TUGBrian

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Hox

TUG Member
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Iowa
Resorts Owned
Club Wyndham
Awesome thanks, I am still pretty new and finding my way around the forums; didn't realize there was a dedicated marketplace for TUG!

At first glance, looks like there are some great deals!
 

TUGBrian

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they get even better at second glance! =)
 

Hox

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:) Yea, I think I will give it a shot for the next vacation and see how things works out. Thanks again all!
 

antjmar

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Situation: We have a young family (4 of us) and we want to start vacationing yearly. We generally plan our vacations well in advance (12+ months ahead of time and vacation right around the same time each year (end of July/beginning of August).

Renting is great advice. However, if you usually plan in advance and are tied to school schedules a timeshare may work for you. but dont rush into it. I have seen incredible last minute deals here! But if you need to buy 4 airline tix last minute the total price may not be so great...
Not familiar with the resorts you mentioned but I believe they are both have very high demand during the summer so its unlikely you will find a last minute rental there at a bargain.

Research here for 6 months or so and try to rent this summer. Maybe Wyndham will work...
If you do buy I suggest buying at a resort you plan to stay at often. This will give you the 13 month advance booking at that resort. If you usually stay in a 2 bedroom in Branson in the summer look up the point values and buy enough to stay there for your summer week.
 

JPD

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If your plan is to get into timesharing, There are valuable resources on this site. I especially rely on the resort reviews from Tug members. You must be a member to access this section, but you can get honest reviews from members before you check that box and pay for a vacation. I have never been
dis-appointed with a resort I have been to that I researched here on Tug.
 
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