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Vic Smith

On Tue, 19 May 2009 13:20:54 -0400, 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.

I've read that some people PAY to unload their timeshares and get out
from under the maintenance.
We've been staying in timeshare housekeeping units at a place on the
beach at St. Pete about the last 5 years of Florida vacations.
Used to be a pure rental "resort." Very few "resorts" left.
About a grand a week, and if you reserve early enough and are flexible
within any month you can pretty much get a specific unit.
I think about 1/4 of the units are for sale at any given time.
Maybe I've been just a little bit tempted to pick one up, but I won't.
Talking to owners there, quite a few are from Georgia, and family
members often have adjoining units.
"How do like the new TV's? That's my sister's unit you're in."
Seems real nice for family gatherings, as many do.
Speaking of Vero Beach, that's the town that told me never to vacation
in Florida in the winter. A workmate flew down there for a week's
vacation in January in 1980. Came back pale as when he went and told
me it never got over 50F and he spent a lot of time watching TV.
Since vacation and beach are the same word to me, I vowed never to do
that, and have never been to Florida except in the summer or fall.
Of course living there is different, and sometimes I'm envious of
those balmy winter 50's.
And farther south is a better winter bet for vacation, but I've never
been willing to risk my vacation time.
Hurricane season is my Florida vacation play. Cheaper rates too.

--Vic