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How often do MFs go up? Qs about if you use Hilton or RCI

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Sienna1033

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Hello,

I attended a presentation about a month or so ago and ever since then, it's really got me thinking. I've been lurking around the message boards and have a lot of questions.

How often do your maintenance fees go up and usually by how much. Let's say your MFs are $700 annually and they go up 6% every year, $742 (the first increase - 2nd year ownership; then $787 in your 3rd year and so on). I understand that increases are necessary, but it seems to me that this could add up significantly over time. Am I correct? Because to me, in addition to hopefully finding points at a low dollar value, I am looking for low MFs like everyone else, but I`m afraid that it will be not be affordable overtime or it may not be beneficial overtime. This is the main reason why I`m hesitating.

Does it make a difference if you purchase points at an older or newer property? We stayed at the Parc Soleil in Orlando (it was a beautiful, new resort) and I'm sure the MFs and purchase price is high because of that. On the other hand if you purchase an older property where you'll likely pay less, are you going to see your MFs go up alot over time esp if they have to do renos and maintenance?

When I went to the presentation, they said its a point based system and you don't purchase time during a week, you purchase points and can use your points towards a property anytime. If that's the case, I see on the board that you can purchase points and sometimes it's for a particular week and that you can book your vacation sooner for that time period. So, when you purchase points, is it always for a particular week? Was I not understanding?

Also, how often do you book RCI properties? It seems that there is so much more out there through RCI than with Hilton. On the other hand, I guess if you convert your points to hhonors points, then you have a larger selection. Is it worthwhile to do this? Do you get the same bang for your buck? Do you book often through RCI or convert your points often?

sorry if my questions are redundant and if they've been answered several times.
 
Sienna1033 said:
Hello,

I attended a presentation about a month or so ago and ever since then, it's really got me thinking. I've been lurking around the message boards and have a lot of questions.

How often do your maintenance fees go up and usually by how much. They go up every year, usually between 4% and 8%Let's say your MFs are $700 annually and they go up 6% every year, $742 (the first increase - 2nd year ownership; then $787 in your 3rd year and so on). I understand that increases are necessary, but it seems to me that this could add up significantly over time. Am I correct? Yes they could Because to me, in addition to hopefully finding points at a low dollar value, I am looking for low MFs like everyone else, but I`m afraid that it will be not be affordable overtime or it may not be beneficial overtime. This is the main reason why I`m hesitating. Typically this is Vegas

Does it make a difference if you purchase points at an older or newer property? Yes. Newer properties tend to be lower, but mainly in Vegas. We stayed at the Parc Soleil in Orlando (it was a beautiful, new resort) and I'm sure the MFs and purchase price is high because of that. Not sure, but usually they try to keep new properties as low as possible to get people to buy them On the other hand if you purchase an older property where you'll likely pay less, are you going to see your MFs go up alot over time esp if they have to do renos and maintenance? Likely it is more because they need more work and sometimes have Special one-time assessment fees

When I went to the presentation, they said its a point based system and you don't purchase time during a week, you purchase points and can use your points towards a property anytime. If that's the case, I see on the board that you can purchase points and sometimes it's for a particular week and that you can book your vacation sooner for that time period. So, when you purchase points, is it always for a particular week? Was I not understanding? Basically, you purchase points for a Platinum or Gold Season - many different weeks available to choose - except special Event weeks - like Hawaii, where weeks 51 and 52 - Christmas, is locked in. Other than these event weeks, you can book your vacation for the season that you own (Platnum or Gold) between 9 to 12 weeks out

Also, how often do you book RCI properties? This is always available for you to do. It seems that there is so much more out there through RCI than with Hilton. On the other hand, I guess if you convert your points to hhonors points, then you have a larger selection. Is it worthwhile to do this? Do you get the same bang for your buck? Many people have said that this should be a last resort because the conversion rate may not get as good of value; however, I say that the decision must rest with you on what is best .... using it to go to a location you want and when you want, versus using it not where you want. All I can say, is it is good to have, if needed. Do you book often through RCI or convert your points often? You get access to RCI's system through an HGVC Link, which show all the points available for use. It costs more for RCI, but you have a larger selection. Once again, it is a good option to have

sorry if my questions are redundant and if they've been answered several times.
Click to expand...

If you haven't already, I suggest reading the Member Handbook - http://multimedia.hiltongrandvacations.com/mg/Book_Reader.cfm?BookId=1 and also the following thread, which is from the Tuggs Home Page - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58716


The only other thing I would add is that the resale prices are extremely low now. Use a resale agent - not direct. Finally, I don't know if you have a family or not, but booking vacations for one bedroom or two, is very difficult and costly. Having access to HGVC total network, including RCI, makes it much easier. If you can't afford to pay the HGVC purchase purchase price in cash, I would recommend NOT buying HGVC or any timeshare. This is my personal opinion.
 
Thank you for your response! We have two young kids and you are right, booking larger rooms does add to the cost.

I've been going through the links on the site. They're really quite helpful but man is this really a lot to take in! It seems like it would be well worth it. I look at the amount we've spent the last few years travelling and can't help but imagine how much we could have saved.

I'm wondering if RCI has more selection, would it be worthwhile to purchase in RCI as opposed to Hilton?? hmmm...
 
. I'm wondering if RCI has more selection said:
I would say HGVC. There resorts can be awesome and of a higher standard than RCI. But RCI is in great places too. I am going to Mexico next year with them. I also traded a HGVC week for another week through SFX They have many places too. These trades are not uncommon. This is why some of so this. The possibilities are endless.
Click to expand...
 
Sienna1033 said:
Thank you for your response! We have two young kids and you are right, booking larger rooms does add to the cost.

I've been going through the links on the site. They're really quite helpful but man is this really a lot to take in! It seems like it would be well worth it. I look at the amount we've spent the last few years travelling and can't help but imagine how much we could have saved.

I'm wondering if RCI has more selection, would it be worthwhile to purchase in RCI as opposed to Hilton?? hmmm...
Click to expand...

Whatever you do, don't rush into a decision. Take your time. There's a lot of good information on TUG.
You have to decide which timeshare is right for you and your family. Each timeshare system has their PROs and CONs.

Keep in mind, that the listings found in the exchange company directories may not available year round for trading. It's not like booking a hotel where you simply call up and/or go online and book the week that you want. Sometimes it's not where you want to go. It's where can I go with my timeshare via a trade.

RCI availability depends on what is deposited into RCI either by owners and/or the developer. All weeks are not deposited therefore a limited number of week are available for exchange. It's not like making an internal HGVC reservation where everything is completely open for anyone to reserve. Some resorts have tons of weeks deposited while others only deposit a few. The popular destinations and/or resorts will have more competition especially during high demand periods. Exchangers should expect high owner occupancy during high demand periods at popular destinations/resorts and fewer deposits so they need to plan accordingly.

Here are some recent HGVC threads that you might find helpful.
Maintenance Fees - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=911126&postcount=6
HGVC points: Is one better than another? - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121130
Difference in Pricing - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123218

Good Luck and Welcome to TUG :hi:
 
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Welcome to tug. If you are looking for low MF's then Vegas is the place to own. When you purchase ata new resort hilton is more aggressive on buy backs to keep the resale high. However they lower the taxes to sell the units. Once the developer pulls out the taxes begin to increase.

As for yearly fees going up. They do but it is at the rate of inflation. If you look at the scale of flamingo over past 10 years it is not that bad. This really should not be a major considering factor.

Points are points yes but Hilton also utilizes a floating week system so you can book full weeks. The hgvc is great because it uses the best of both systems of timeshare.

We have young kids and we currently have 17,000 points and we have booked so many amazing trips in our second year of ownership. For example this year we have gone to Colorado for 5 days in a one bedroom, Carlsbad one bedroom for a week, NYC west 57 th 4 nights, parc soleil in December this year one bedroom, and Vegas we went to in June 4 nights in a studio.

We rented out two units to friends and we still have 4000 points left for travel. Is it worth it?? I believe so but it's not for everyone. You need to plan ahead and be patient.

Rci is affiliated to hgvc. When you purchase an hgvc membership you become a member of rci. The hgvc are gold crown traders giving you great trade power in the rci network.

I agree with the person above. Find a great resale agent for the first purchase. We have had great luck with Judi kozlowski of Orlando remax. Her number is 1800 541-5666 ex 622. She is amazing and will help you through the entire purchase.

Anyways good luck and welcome to tug. Read lots and ask questions. There is so much knowledge here to learn from.

Sorry for te spelling I Am on my iPhone here and it is difficult to type.
Ryan.
 
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I'm at an RCI resort that's 1 block from a SW Florida which I booked thru HGVC's portal into RCI.
Only its raining and I'm inside, so right now... TS'ing sucks. But to answer your questions:

How often do your maintenance fees go up and usually by how much?

Typically, close to inflation rates, but it depends on insurance rates, local property taxes, resort program changes, grounds maintenance, and other administrative expenses.

It seems to me that this could add up significantly over time. Am I correct?

Sure. To determine your true cost to buy, take your cost of acquisition and add 10 or so years of MF's, tack on another for increases. OTOH, divide that number by 10 and consider whether you could have a high-quality resort, condo-style vacation for that amount.

Does it make a difference if you purchase points at an older or newer property? [A]re you going to see your MFs go up alot over time esp if they have to do renos and maintenance?

Major renovations are usually paid for thru special assessments. You might want to check on when the last one was... if over 15 years ago, you might be ripe for a new one, but there's no telling.

Newer resorts could have lower initial fees, but they ramp up quickly from break-in costs and as more functions are turned over to the HOA. Older resorts could be more stable.

So, when you purchase points, is it always for a particular week?

You get a deed for a unit/week, but you do not get the right to use that unit/week. Istead you get points representing its size+season which allows you to participate in "the club." You do get to make a home-reservation from 12-9 months out for the same size+season (many of us never do). Even so, you will likely never see or know which one is yours.

Also, how often do you book RCI properties?

As often as you want to... but with HGVC resorts, you know you are getting a uniformly high quality resort.

On the other hand, I guess if you convert your points to hhonors points, then you have a larger selection. Is it worthwhile to do this? Do you get the same bang for your buck?

While HHonors is a good hotel-guest program, using or converting HGVC points to HH points is not a particularly good use of your club points. Think about this: About 1100 HGVC points can get you a 3N stay in a HGVC-studio, but at 25:1 only 27,500 HH points or maybe 2/3 of 1N in a hotel room.

Do you book often through RCI or convert your points often?

Booking an RCI vacation thru HGVC is a far better deal, as you can often get a unit for fewer points than the same size HGVC resort would cost, but you cannot count on having the same amenities.

The best use of HGVC points is for their original purpose, booking resort vacations. I convert to HHonors only those points I have banked from a prior year and would lose from non-use, OR if I need a some HH points to book a special discount HH award, like "Going Global."
 
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