I need PIC advice. We are at an update being offered PIC. What does that entail? Do you still retain ownership and usage of your points?
PIC is a non-Wyndham timeshare that you already own, but is not a part of any kind of points system. Wyndham gives you a certain number of points on an annual basis for those PIC weeks depending on whether it is a 1 BR, 2 BR or 3BR or higher, and whether it is low or high season. I believe the range is 77,000-254,000 points. You retain ownership of your PIC week(s) and still pay your maintenance fee(s) to those resorts as before.
I believe the current policy is the most PIC weeks allowed is two (it use to more, but they cut it back). It costs $89 a year to "PIC" your non-Wyndham week(s) with Wyndham. Also, Wyndham has a program fee they charge annually, but not much. You start the process by contacting the Wyndham/RCI representation and spacebanking your unit with RCI, but your maintenance fees must be paid prior to spacebanking. You must spacebank at least 10 months prior to your PIC week. This process is done each year. Of course, when spacebanking your unit, you are exchanging your week for points to use toward staying at a Wyndham resort.
One major caveat, it is my understanding that you must first make a new developer points purchase in order to roll your PIC week(s) into Wyndham. Another major caveat, is that after rolling you PIC week(s) into Wyndham, if that resort ever goes to a points program it will no longer be eligible for the PIC program.
Your PIC week(s) count toward VIP status, if that is important to you. It is my understanding that after you enter your PIC week(s) in the program, you do not have to spacebank your PIC week(s) every year, if you don't want. You can choose to vacation at your non-Wyndham week for that year, but you would lose those points to use with Wyndham that year.
Over a decade ago, I learned if I made a developer points purchase they would allow me roll my two non--Wyndham timeshares into the PIC program. Those two timeshares were worth 254,000 and 77,000. When added to the new purchase, and a Wyndham deed I had from a long time ago, it allowed me to reach VIP Gold. I have since become Platinum (see details on that purchase in another thread about "resales"). PM me if you can't find the thread.
If you are interested in going the PIC route, but don't currently have a non-Wyndham timeshare, I would recommend the following:
1. First, read the section in the Wyndham directory about the PIC program to become more familiar.
2. Call and speak to a Wyndham Owner Care rep with any questions you may have about the PIC program.
3. Research 3-bedroom/high season timeshares on the resale market. These are worth 254,000 when PICed with Wyndham and will count toward VIP status.
4. Make sure the timeshare is assigned a specific week and is not a part of a points program.
5. Find out the cost of the annual Maintenance fee and whether there are any special assessments.
6. Pay little or nothing for the timeshare resale. Often, the seller is willing to pay closing cost just to get out of the timeshare.
7. Visit a Wyndham resort and ask for the Sales Manager. Ask what is the smallest new developer points purchase you can buy in order to roll your PIC week(s) into Wyndham. Decide whether the purchase is worth it to receive the use of PIC points. If not, walk away. You can always wait and negotiate a better deal on another day.
Disclaimer: Wyndham is always changing things, so the information above is to the best of my knowledge. I welcome input/correction from others if I have posted anything incorrectly.
