I did it, and I thought I didn't want to
By reinydawn
@reinydawn (11642)
United States
December 29, 2008 6:09am CST
This past weekend, we went away on a "free" trip. A while back I filled out a drawing or something that got my name on a list for a time-share thing. Although we are interested in this and would LOVE to have one, we just really haven't seen how we can afford it. I mean, it's almost like another mortgage payment and that's just not going to cut it for us.
So, we got a free weekend get-a-way to Colonial Williamsburg, which is only a few hours from here. We took my husband's cousin and just made a weekend of it, doing much of nothing, hanging out, having fun. It's just that we had to go listen to the "90 minute" presentation and be hounded by these people. Hey, I'm really good at saying "NO!" so we didn't really worry about it too much. I told the man up front what our position was on things and that this was an information gathering kinda thing. He of course agrees with me, and we agree to listen and learn.
Before we left our hotel, we told our cousin to call us at 10:20 - right before our 90 minute presentation was to be over with - so that we could say "Oh, hey, we gotta go, thanks but no thanks." So she calls and we tell her, "Hang on, we wont be much longer." We were actually VERY interested in this one, it would work out pretty good for my family reunion. Also, since we've started traveling quite a bit it IS something we'd use and when I went through the numbers it was actually a pretty good deal!
So, yes, we are now proud owners of a time-share. From looking at all the information, I think we did pretty good. We didn't get the "best" one they were offering, in fact we got the next to the "worst" one. But, for our needs, I think it's going to work out pretty well. Now I will be planning my family reunion based on what is offered with this place, but I'm sure it's going to go over FANTASTICALLY!!!
I would like to know though, what are you experiences with time-shares? Or even the presentation. Have you been on one, did you feel "abused", did you buy one, did you regret it or love it?
2 people like this
3 responses
@808nala (640)
• United States
29 Dec 08
I did the same thing you did. We went with the intention to say "no", but ended up saying "yes" instead. The presentation was very informative and kind of fun. I liked taking the tour around the property to see exactly what you were getting. My husband and I travel quite often so we thought this would work out well for us. We are planning a get-a-way in March so hopefully we'll be able to take advantage of our timeshare for the first time. Can't wait!!
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
29 Dec 08
We have been traveling pretty regularly too so I'm sure it's not going to go to waste!
I hope you have a great time with yours!
1 person likes this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
31 Dec 08
I have been to many time share presentations in Mexico and cannot afford them. When I could afford them I told them NO I wanted to buy a house. I would love to own a time share in Mexico because I would love to vacation there but I do not know how I could afford it.
My friend has been trying to sell her time share and now with the economy she has to pay 5K to get rid of it. At least she no longer has the monthly fees or the taxes on it. She has another time share she is trying to sell I have not heard if she has had any takers or not. I told her to list it on EBAY.
I am glad you got your time share and I hope it works out great for your family reunion.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
1 Jan 09
Ours was fairly inexpensive, and if we take the vacations we have been planning on in the next few years it'll more than pay for itself.
You don't have to buy a time share in Mexico to use one in Mexico. We bought ours in Williamsburg, but we have zillions of places world-wide that we can "trade" with. It's a nominal fee to trade, so maybe check out a local place like we did and just use the others to vacation in... I doubt we'll ever actually stay at "ours" in Williamsburg. If you want, I can list you as a referral and they can show you a local one???
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
1 Jan 09
I was reading through the literature we got and it does stress to put your exchanges in early. We usually plan almost a year in advance so hopefully it'll work out for us this way. My boss has a time-share and he's never had a problem (yet) trading it. But, he really likes his in Cancun so he goes there most of the time!
1 person likes this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
1 Jan 09
I will tell you my friend has time shares in Arnold CA and in a ski resort in Ca and she has trouble trading to find space in Mexico. She has one in Mexico and can always trade that one for Cozumel where she loves to go. I would put in your exchange long in advance so you get it. She has had problems getting her exchange so be careful.
1 person likes this
@suzzy3 (8341)
•
29 Dec 08
Sounds like you did alright as long as you have not stretched yourselves to much,but you sound like you know what you are doing.We have never considered a time share as yet still got a kid in school and no spare cash,not moaning he is worth every penny,May be one day.I do hope you enjoy your family reunion at least you have accomodation sorted out and somewhere to base your self from.Well done and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
30 Dec 08
Thank you!
I remember when the kids were younger... Vacation was a 4-letter word! Now that they're grown and we have less responsibilities in that area we are able to travel a bit.
