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
Question Andreas, my wife Rebecca and I recently rented a Westin St. John timeshare week... and are hooked. We wanted to buy a Westin timeshare, but do not want to pay the heavy upfront charge for a guaranteed week in St. John. What do you recommend? We are considering Scottsdale, AZ as the Westin Deeded property... but I am very infamiliar with our exchange options for weeks at other locations.
Also, how do I go about buying a resale? Are all timeshares with the Westin going to have 'right of refusal' by the Westin? I would hate to negotiate a deal and loose the timeshare back to SVO.. any ideas input that you may have would be great.
Thanks, Tim Range
Answer Hello Tim,
Great question. First, I am aware of exchange possibilities as well, and I would encourage you to purchase the week at the resort you want to go to the most (not suggesting buy retail, but rather, don't rely on buying it in Arizona then trading every year to St. John). The reason being is that although Westin owners can go to any Westin resort, they usually have a reservation advantage at their home resort (they can book further in advance). What happens is that the owners tend to take the best weeks. So, St. John might be nice - but perhaps not during the hurricane season.
The right of refusal is a tricky thing. As a general rule of thumb - if they are still selling weeks retail at a particular resort, they are unlikely to exercise their right for resale weeks at that resort.
Also, when negotiating, you should be able to procure (the Broker does this) a waiver from Westin stating they won't exercise their right of first refusal - so you have an assurance the deal will go through.
The Westin is pricey retail - I would definitely seek out a resale - you'll save thousands. However, my suggestion is don't wait around for the best possible deal - you know what it costs to rent the Westin, and, in general, the quality time you spend with your wife on vacation isn't worth waiting for to save a few hundred bucks.
