posted 03-17-2005 08:22               

I was just offered 77,000 points and a free "PIC" (week to points conversion) for $9000 to get into the Fairfield points program. Once I do that, I could convert my 3 BR South Africa to their points at 254,000 pts/yr with my "PIC". The points home resort would be Bonnet Creek on the Disney property. (Would this be a good property to own? If it is a good property to own, will the developer sell it out soon?) This would give me a total of 336,000 Fairfield points per year. That many points would make me a VIP (priority check in, points discounts, and free housekeeping at Fairfield resorts.) I would pay my MF for my South Africa week as I have been. I would pay $26 per month ($312 per year) for Maintenaince Fees for the Fairfield points. It is my understanding that to convert my points I have to buy from the developer. (Is that true?) Also, I can only be in the VIP program if I buy from the developer.

Is this an advantageous deal for me? I like the idea of staying for as many nights as I wish instead of having to do one whole week. I also like that I could avoid trading fees if I stay within the Fairfield system.

The salesman made it sound like I could use the points to pay for so many other things too-like airfare, car rental, regular hotels, Disney tickets, ect. He said I would not have to pay for these things anymore, just use my points. Is that true? It sounded to good to believe.

I don't know anything about converting my weeks to RCI points. Would that offer me more choices or a better value?

Any helpful thoughts would be much appreciated!!!

posted 03-18-2005 15:17               

However, with Fairfield developer purchases and PIC, it can prove out. But, you need to take a minimum 5-6 year time horizon on your timeshare purchase at a minimum AND you must heavily use your VIP benefits on discounted trips for rental or use.

posted 03-18-2005 16:36               

But it doesn't buy you the right to the benies offered if you bought from the FF developer. You need to decide if the price difference is worth it or not.

The major difference between the .03 cents and the .019 cents per point is usually related to the maintance fees and taxes. The higher the yearly fee, the less per point.

Was hoping another Tugger might have posted this info. If you need a Yahoo Groups contact for specific FF questions, I will post. Also, I will post an e groups (also Yahoo) resaler if you need a contact.

But the decision is pretty financial....sometimes there is a big difference in price...

Also, as Ethel pointed out, it might be cheaper to buy a FF resort that has not been converted to the FF Points program yet. An example is the Santa Barbara or Royal Vista in Pompano Beach...whish were obtained by FF from Vacation Break. The original owners did noot have a points program with Vacation Break. But FF took over management and offered...for a fee..to convert to points. Those that didn't have Gold Crown and 5 star beach front units, but sell for what some might consider well below value. (I've seen studio units go for $600.00 and 1 bedroom units for about $1200 at the Santa Barbara (sometimes less via Holiday Group (plus a bonus at times....{a free additional week elsewhere.. but after closing, many feel might not be such a good deal}) . These were spring weeks...but not usually during Easter) ie..pretty bright red....not pink red (like fall might be (All weeks in S FL are red....to different degrees)

I would expect (if you could find) a resale 2 bedroom in either place (Royal Vista pref) you would get excellent trades even without a point conversion. (ie- Royal Vista trades with II, too...forgot if Santa Barbara does.) Would stay away from FF Sea Gardens/Ocean Palms and FF Palm Aire, as it seems certain sections of the condo units are treated differently from others (some bldgs are super, others are poorly rated...but FF is the manager of all).

Finally, taxes on T/S weeks have been moving up quite a bit in many S Fl (and some central ) ...so be aware that your maintance might be a bit higher than in other parts of the country.

Anyway, I have forgotten how much it costs to convert a non pointed FF week to points.

posted 03-20-2005 07:46               

Point: FF Bonnet Creek isn't on Disney property....I hope a FF sales person didn't tell you that....

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posted 03-21-2005 09:05               

1) Yes, Bonnet Creek would be a fabulous property to own
2) The price and the maint. fees are horrible for 77,000 points, which isn't enough points to do anything with. However, by adding in the PIC offer, it becomes better.
3) You can easily buy 336000 points for around $6K. BUT, you'll have higher maintenance fees. You can do a financial analysis to determine how quickly the higher fees pay for that $3000 difference to determine if it makes sense to pay $3000 more for the Advanced Reservation Priority at Bonnet Creek, and the benefit of the VIP level. If you don't plan to use the points at Bonnet Creek, that benefit doesn't add any value to you.

Here are the questions you need to ask yourself before pulling the trigger.

1) Will the "PIC" feature be available to whomever you sell to in the future, or does that go away as soon as you re-sell it. When you resell, you'll probably get about $2K for the 77,000 points per year if that PIC doesn't go to the next buyer. If you plan to keep it and use it for many years, factor that into the equation. If you sell in just a few years, it would be an expensive venture, and you'd be better off renting at Bonnet Creek or whereever from another owner.

2) Does the "Advanced Reservation Priority" for Bonnet Creek apply for the whole 336,000 points, or ONLY the 77,000 that you actually own at B.C.? For the next several years (if not more), this may be one of the more highly demanded FF properties, due to it's newness and it's location. If you can't get into your own resort, what's the use of buying (assuming that's where you really want to go). If that's not where you really want to go, you might consider buying on the resale market and save the money.

3) Is 336,000 points enough? I haven't looked at the points chart, but I suspect Bonnet Creek takes a LOT more points than the older, converted properties. Probably around 250000 - 300000 points for 1 week in a 2bdroom during popular times. If this is not enough points, you might consider buying another SA week like the one you have, and tell them you'll do it if they'll include both in the PIC program. They'll tell you they'll do it ONLY if you buy more than 77,000 points, at full list price.

Another note, don't forget, the VIP benefit will go away when you resell. Whoever you sell for will get less value, since they won't be VIP.

quote:

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Originally posted by ckrieg:
Please help! I could really use your knowledgable advice!! I am new to timesharing, and I don't fully understand all the ins and outs.

I was just offered 77,000 points and a free "PIC" (week to points conversion) for $9000 to get into the Fairfield points program. Once I do that, I could convert my 3 BR South Africa to their points at 254,000 pts/yr with my "PIC". The points home resort would be Bonnet Creek on the Disney property. (Would this be a good property to own? If it is a good property to own, will the developer sell it out soon?) This would give me a total of 336,000 Fairfield points per year. That many points would make me a VIP (priority check in, points discounts, and free housekeeping at Fairfield resorts.) I would pay my MF for my South Africa week as I have been. I would pay $26 per month ($312 per year) for Maintenaince Fees for the Fairfield points. It is my understanding that to convert my points I have to buy from the developer. (Is that true?) Also, I can only be in the VIP program if I buy from the developer.

Is this an advantageous deal for me? I like the idea of staying for as many nights as I wish instead of having to do one whole week. I also like that I could avoid trading fees if I stay within the Fairfield system.

The salesman made it sound like I could use the points to pay for so many other things too-like airfare, car rental, regular hotels, Disney tickets, ect. He said I would not have to pay for these things anymore, just use my points. Is that true? It sounded to good to believe.

I don't know anything about converting my weeks to RCI points. Would that offer me more choices or a better value?

Any helpful thoughts would be much appreciated!!!

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