About Andreas Rossler Expertise I'm able to answer general questions on timeshares and specifically in regard to purchasing, renting or exchanging timeshares on the secondary or resale market and through the Internet. I have expert knowledge in sales, mechanics (how and why timeshares work), and timeshare exchanges.
I am also well versed in timeshare financing and may be able to guide you to better financing or refinancing options for your timeshare purchase.
If you ask questions of a legal nature, or those requiring tax advice - I may not be able to answer fully.
Experience I have 10 years of industry experience in sales, management and processing. I'm currently CEO of Timeshare Village, a resource for timeshare owners and industry professionals.
Organizations Mensa - Life Member
Publications I have been interviewed by Channel 7 News in the Bay Area of California regarding my opinions on Worldmark, the Club timeshares as developed by Trendwest-Wyndham Resorts.
Education/Credentials MBA - Master's in Business Administration
BS - Mathematics
BA - Economics
California Real Estate Broker
What is the difference between a timeshare and a destination club?
My wife and I are looking at the High Country Club (highcountryclub.com).
Do you know anything about them? They sound good, but I don't know how
to sniff out the BS yet.
Thanks for all your contributions.
Answer The primary difference is that you own the timeshare. A destination club is just that - a Club Membership. However, with the advent of pure points based timeshares, many timeshares are just that - Club Memberships. In reality, you are sharing time in vacation homes with other members - that is "timesharing". The real difference is in name alone - for marketing purposes. Timeshare has gotten such a bad image, that it's becoming a difficult sell - particularly to high end consumers. So, what they are doing is simply repackaging good old timeshare as a "club".
I looked at High Country Club and didn't really find any problems, but it does seem that it is priced too high. The Associate Membership is $30,000 with a annual fee of $3,500 - for 15 nights a year. That equates to roughly paying $233 per night (just the annual dues). I do like the 80% refund of purchase price if you want out (but you have to wait for 2 more members to come in). I suppose, depending on your vacation life style - it could be a good value (say you spend $400-$500 per night for accommodations while on vacation). However, my experience with high end vacationers is that they prefer choice and flexibility, and are not too concerned about expense. With this product, you are limited to using those 15 nights in their destinations. Their marketing seems to be centered around making us feel that we are joining something elite - a vacation plan for the rich. However, most rich folks don't join these plans - because they are rich and prefer to go where they want, when they want, and don't care about the expense.
As far as my opinion is concerned - I would think twice. Not because they are bad, but because I have no feedback from actual members. It sounds good.... but so does every timeshare presentation.
Questions:
1. How stable is the Maintenance Fee? Is there a yearly cap? Can the cap be changed? Who controls the organization? How are rules developed?
2. Can you be charged an assessment? Meaning, if a special expense arises for the club, how is that dealt with?
3. Almost all such clubs have required that you get less nights in future properties. Are you guaranteed to get 15 nights every year in all properties, both now and in the future? Many games can be played on this end.
4. What is the alternative? Have you really looked into renting vacation homes and what they cost? There are some good sites on the web, just do a search on the term "rent vacation homes".
5. What guarantees are in place regarding number of members to number of properties? Can this ration change? Who can change it? This is huge. Availability is of the utmost importance.
Here is something that I would look at... if you took the $30,000 and divided it up equally across 20 years, you would have $1,500 per year. Add the yearly dues of $3,500 and that gives you $5,000 per year to vacation. They are not covering air fare, only accommodations. With $5,000 I could stay in $300 per night hotels for 15 nights a year.
Their response would be, yes, but after 20 years you could get back 80% of the purchase price - $24,000. So, it could be a toss up.
A good CD would give you 5 percent per year - so, that equates to $1,500 per year from the $30,000 and after 20 years, you get the full $30,000 back. Plus you get to go where you want, anytime you want.
I mean, this analysis is very simple minded - but I would still think twice. If you really love one of their destinations and see yourself going there many times over the years - then maybe yes. Overall, I think it is priced too high for you get.
