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Looking for Advice - Marbrisa Purchase/Overall HGVC upgrade

HappyHarry

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This week we are staying at the Grand Marbrisa and really love it. Would love to buy here at some pt - esp with the upcoming expansion of Marbrisa but we're leary...Currently, we own - since 2008 at SeaWorld (4800 pts for $20K - please LMK if you think we overpaid for that...) but would really like to upgrade to Elite status at some point or at least into that point range. We also don't have a long term love for Orlando - it just seems that they have the lowest HOA fees. Also, with a 2 yr old - it's a perfect spot for us for the next few years.

The Marbrisa presentation was very nice. However, they wanted to upgrade us today for the following: 9600 pts for roughly $50K. Interestingly, the sales person also mentioned that So Cal's fees were the lowest - even more so than LV or Orlando...Very surprising to hear.

Another offer- EOY at Grand Palisades for $21K. The lowest offer was $7K for 2500 pts at Palisades - that was to just bump us up to the 7000 club.

Anyway - any thoughts or advice would be most appreciated. We aren't looking to buy more pts today - but would like to expand our pts in the next few years.

Also, is it worth it to reach Elite status? I have seen many ppl thinking of buying pts through other sources, but then won't Hilton NOT honor those pts in the quest for Elite status?

Thank you for any advice/comments. Most appreciated!
 

ricoba

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Most Tuggers would not encourage you to buy direct from the developer.

Whether you do that's up to you, but you can buy a lot of points resale for $50,000. :)

Other than Elite status, resale buyers are treated the same in HGVC.
 

bosco0633

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I almost purchased a 7000 point Annual through Judi Kozlowski on the resale market this year. I think it was 12,000.00 for the unit.

I think anyone that purchased from the developer over paid, I wouldnt say ripped off, as you are joining an amazing system no matter what you pay. But I would only purchase resale for a third of the price.

I would talk to Judi today and see what the resale value on the marbrisa is right now. Then you will have current resale value to help make your decision easier. I tell everyone in your situation to call her because it will satisfy you curiousity and either strengthen you decision to keep you unit or rescind and go by way of resale. If you want to call her, her number is 1 800 541-5666 ex 622. She works with Orlando Remax, and in my opinion one of, if not the most highly recommended resale agents out there.

The nice thing to remember as well, is that last year Marbrisa opened its resale, by allowing a resale purchase a one time opportunity to join the HGVC network. It is an extra 950.00 upon sign up, but well worth it. I think that they realized that the marbrisa resale market was going to fall apart without this option so they changed it.

Good luck.
 

alwysonvac

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SOLD (DVC, FSRC)
Anyway - any thoughts or advice would be most appreciated. We aren't looking to buy more pts today - but would like to expand our pts in the next few years.

Also, is it worth it to reach Elite status? I have seen many ppl thinking of buying pts through other sources, but then won't Hilton NOT honor those pts in the quest for Elite status?

Thank you for any advice/comments. Most appreciated!

Here an old thread that you might find helpful regarding elite status - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136521

Keep in mind, you need to buy 14,000 annual HGVC points from the developer to get Elite Status.

Good Luck :)
 

Garnet

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I think most weeks sometime and select weeks all the time...

The nice thing to remember as well, is that last year Marbrisa opened its resale, by allowing a resale purchase a one time opportunity to join the HGVC network. It is an extra 950.00 upon sign up, but well worth it. I think that they realized that the marbrisa resale market was going to fall apart without this option so they changed it.

My understanding was that they originally let in any week just because of poor cash flow-might as well have some cash in the door. This was when Marbrisa was still an affiliate. Now Marbrisa seems to be more than an affiliate, but Marbrisa deeds still state HGVC points are only for original purchaser. (Can't change the deeds-that can be a nice thing for owning at this (or other deeded) resorts.)

My understanding is that a lot of folks want the option to use HGVC points in locations other than Vegas, HI, and Orlando, plus a couple other (mostly) affiliate locations-- Hilton decided that CA was a great mainland location to add to their portfolio-with not much prime So Cal beach areas available, Hilton decided to put a real stake in Marbrisa-resale or developer, they want the weeks in their system. Hilton does have ROFR--we'll see what they exercise. With CA unemployment still pretty high, (ie, not a huge purchasing base right now) prices may be pretty low.

Anyway, my understanding is that Hilton will either exercise ROFR on a week (take it back), or be happy to accept $950 in the hopes that the resale party will be part of the HGVC (and deposit a So Cal week for points for others as they would like this inventory).
 

smokyhill

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HappyHarry;Currently said:
We purchased 4800 pts at Seaworld last September. We bought resale on e-bay and paid $3050.00 plus closing costs. We also have 4800 pts in Las Vegas on the strip. We purchased that about 1 1/2 years ago for $6150.00 resale through Judy K.
As you can see, we have 9600 pts for less than 10K. I think if you continue your research, you'll find the points you need on the resale market for a significant savings. As far as elite status, you can't get it buying resale. Others have posted they don't feel it's worth the extra you have to spend buying direct from HGVC. Good luck!
 

yumdrey

TUG Review Crew: Veteran
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I own 19000 points annually (3 contracts) and paid toal $14,500 for them. Of course I bought them from resale market. All of them are in vegas. Maintenance fee is around $2,500 each year.
I don't think Elite status has worth tens of thousands dollars.
 
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