Many people don't
realize that you don't have to buy at a time share to enjoy the
outstanding amenities that virtually all of these resorts provide
to their owners. Time share properties often have weeks to rent
that owners can't use, or weeks that are unsold as of yet that they
want to generate extra revenue from. Checking time share resorts,
especially for last minute travel plans, can get you a top flight
resort for extremely low bargain prices!
However, if you are considering buying at a time share rather than
renting, see our buying tips below.
Recommendation (Travel Tip)
We've stayed at Westgate resorts around the country, but we've traded in as we
own time share weeks ourselves. We've always found Westgate properties to be
highly customer service oriented, family friendly, with spacious units and
all the extras. I recently saw a three day Westgate special in the ads to the
right of where you are reading for about $50 a night for a condo! This was
a mid summer special!
We'll also give the little resort we own at a plug. Riptide
Beach Club I & II is a small but well run resort, with both motel and
condo style accomodations. They have two pools, one heated year
round, and a spacious hot tub. You'll also find complementary barbeque
grills and accessories, and an exercise room with sauna. The staff
is wonderful. Go Ocean
Front all the way (Travel Tip)
Even though ocean front time shares are somewhat more expensive,
we think it is always worth taking ocean front accommodations.
After all, you are going to the beach to enjoy the beach. Budget
the extra
cost into your vacation plans and do it right. Why travel for
hours for your long anticipated getaway, and then have to peer
between
buildings or around corners to see the sea? Trust me, its much
better to relax out on your balcony with your sweetie and your
favorite
beverage, watching the waves roll in and hearing that unique
'ocean sound'. When you take this advice you'll thank me for
giving it. Discounts at non-traditional resorts (Budget Tip)
You can also rent blocks of days or entire weeks from various
time share resorts. Sometimes these can be a real bargain,
as they are
trying to rent weeks of owners who are not using that week.
They will give good deals at the last minute to get some income
for
the owner.
High Season Pricing (Travel Tip)
For the summer season, of course expect higher per night prices,
and be sure to make your reservations early. June, July,
and August dates fill up fast at the best hotels.
Membership
Discounts (Budget Tip)
Most resorts provides discounts for membership in such organizations
as AAA and AARP. Make sure to mention such memberships
both when you make your reservation, and when you check in at
the registration
desk.
Buying a Timeshare (Budget Tips)
If you are considering buying a Timeshare, here are the steps to
take:
1. Accept free weekend offers to visit timeshares as often as you'd
like to take a free weekend at the beach.
2. NEVER actually buy at one of the free weekends, no matter how much
pressure the sales staff uses, nor how much incentive they offer you
to "buy on the spot".
3. Use these weekends to sample different types of timeshares in the
area to see what you like. You may prefer either the very large resorts
with more amenities, or you may prefer the smaller, "homier" resorts.
Figure out which one you like better.
4. When you are ready to buy, buy a repo. You can virtually always
find repo timeshares, even in high season, for three or four thousand
dollars at the highest. Buying "new" will cost you between $10,000
and $50,000.
5. How do you find a repo? Visit timeshare properties
in which you are interested. Look for announcements on their bulletin
boards, entrances,
and in elevators. You may also find these listed on web sites.
6. When you make an offer, ask the resort to pay the closing costs.
7. I recommend that you buy your unit in either Myrtle
Beach or Orlando. Both areas are so overbuilt with timeshares that
it is easy to find
great deals. Both areas will also allow you great flexibility to trade
out so that you can vacation anywhere around the world using the unit
you buy.
8. Just to make sure you got this, NEVER buy
a new unit when you visit the resort for a tour or a free weekend.
Repeat after me ... NEVER. ALWAYS buy a repo unit.
WARNING!!
You'll find representatives in the lobby (or out front) of many restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area shilling for Bluegreen Resorts. We strongly recommend that you NOT attend any presentation by this company. First, the "free cruise" offered for attending the presentation is not free. It costs a minimum of $200 per person. Second, their sales representatives misrepresent the company's activities. Third, they actually have a disclaimer in their closing that disavows ANYTHING told to you during the sales presentation! LOL (Sorry, but I've never seen that one before and I've been to a LOT of sales presentations). Any internet search of reviews for this company will find a very high percentage of bitter complaints over satisfied customers. Just steer clear.
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