On Tue, 19 May 2009 13:52:16 -0400, HK wrote:
jps wrote:
On Tue, 19 May 2009 13:29:30 -0400, HK wrote:
wrote:
On Tue, 19 May 2009 12:21:58 -0400, "Reginald P. Smithers III, Esq."
wrote:
Buying a timeshare directly from the developer is a
VERY expensive way to go on vacation. They are NEVER a good deal. You
can buy the exact same timeshare in the resale market for 10 -20 cents
on the dollar from individuals trying to get rid of a timeshare.
It is always fun going to one of those time share pitches with my
brother in law. He is one of those gifted people who can crunch big
numbers in his head instantly. He catches the salesman in mid sentence
with the lifetime cost of the time share, summarized as annual rent,
extended cost of the note and such within seconds of the guy telling
us how "cheap" it is.
Usually they will just give him his free gift and send him on his way
as quickly as possible.
It sorta depends on what you get, how much you pay for it, and whether
you can take full advantage of what is offered. Currently, the Disney
time shares similar to what we have are selling on the resale market for
three times what we paid for ours about 10 years ago, even in today's
sucky economy. I didn't have a "note," as we paid for the share in cash.
My folks did the same in Mexico 25 years ago. We went with them for
years and really enjoyed it. Listened to their pitch several times
and agree with your take. If you can take advantage of it, depending
on the price, it can be worth it.
I've looked on ebay for timeshares in the same area of Mexico and
(prior to swine flu scare) found that many people are happy to unload
them for next to nothing to avoid the yearly maintenance fees.
I expect between flu and drug cartel news that Mexican timeshares are
pesos to the dollar.
First time I was in Cancun, I went to a pitch about a timeshare south of
there, on the way to Tulum. This was 30 years ago. It was a deal
incorporating Mexico's land lease provisions for non-nationals. The
developer hadn't broken ground yet. The "share" for two full weeks was
about $1500. Went by the place again in 1992, I think. Fully developed,
and shares now selling for 20 times the original offering price. Tulum
and Merida are two of my favorite places in Mexico.
We've concentrated on the left coast. Cancun seems too much like San
Diego, with most destinations being vacation spots and little else.
Part of the charm is going to a city with some history and culture and
locals to mix and learn from. Nothing like going to a city center and
taking in the Catholic church, public market, shops and food.
Great experience for the kids. They get to witness kids in very
different circumstances. Good reference for their lives in the US.
When I was 13, my folks took the family all over Mexico including a
trip via taxi from Acapulco to Mexico City. It was an incredible eye
opener for a new teen. That was in the sixties when there was a real
middle class emerging in the country. It's since been squashed.