Expert: Stacey Zimmerman - 11/10/2005

Question
I have been looking at a property in Mexico that is a fractional ownership vacation villa. Although it works similar to a timeshare, you actually hold a deed of trust to the property.
Have you any experience in this arena or are there other properties that you feel have a good program that i could compare notes to.

Answer
Tom,

Is your interest more in the location in Mexico or in the fractional ownership concept?

Timeshares and fractionals are very similar. Timeshare is sold in "weeks" and most fractionals are sold in either "quarter shares" or a "twelfth share". A quarter share would be 1/4 of a year or approximately 3 months (12 weeks) and a twelfth 1/12 would be for one month (4 weeks). Other than the amount of vacation time they are pretty similar products.
The fractional programs that I would recommend would be either Marriott's Grand Residence Club or the Ritz-Carlton Club. Obviously you are looking at 4 to 12 times the price of a single week of ownership. You could use these to compare.

If the Mexico location is your primary interest then I would need to know a specific loction to give you some suggestions.

My experience as a "timeshare expert" would be more in line with the single week form of ownership.

I hope this information helps you.

Please rate my answer.

Stacey Zimmerman.
if you need more details, contact me directly.
stacey.zimmerman@vacationclub.com