Comments for RCI member informer

Comment on What Happens if I Stop Paying My Timeshare? by RADHA

RADHA — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:27:04 +0000

Hi,

I want to know one information. I am owning a timeshare with west gate resorts and spa in Orlando. I still owe some 18k to them. And I paid them 3K till today. I want to know if I stop paying the remaining amount then you said the developer will do some kind of foreclosure. So what do you mean by that. Will the developer take some kind of police action or do I need to go to any kind of court about the legal proceedings. Please let me know.

Comment on My RCI Timeshare Horror story - The Grandview Las Vegas by Robert

Robert — Tue, 06 May 2008 20:05:32 +0000

I currently own a timeshare through Fairfield Resorts, and 2 weeks with 4 bonus weeks at
Grandview Las Vegas. I love my Fairfield Resorts timeshare. No problems at all with them. Grandview on the other hand has been my worst nightmare for the past month that I have owned it. I was walking to get breakfast on the strip when I was approached by a guy trying to get my wife and I to check them out. He offered us $400 in casino cash at the Grand Royal Casino, and free breakfast. Said the presentation would take 2 hours max. I figured I would wait that long in line anyway at the buffet so we went for the free cash, and food knowing we were not going to buy. Once we got there our sales rep gave us this line about how it was his last day, and he was going to hook us up with a sweet deal. Said we would get 6 weeks for what everyone else paid for 2. He then proceeded to tell me that Grandview rents back their weeks from their owners at $1250/week. He promised me that all 6 weeks can be rented back each year if I wanted to do so. I even verified this with his manager. With that being that case I would have been an idiot not to take the deal. It would have been paying me to take it. I asked the guy 6 times if he was for real, and check 2 different times with his boss. They both said all 6 weeks and can be rented back to them for $1250/week no questions asked guaranteed. I was never told that
The 4 extra weeks were treated any differently than the other 2. They way it was told to me is that I got 6 equal value weeks. I know, because again I asked that question a few times. It all seemed hard to believe. Guess that should have tipped me off. Needless to say the guy who was quitting the company still works there, the $400 casino cash could only be used on a very limited selection of slot machines that could not be cashed out unless the jackpot was hit, the breakfast we a small selection of doughnuts, I later found that the 4 weeks were extra weeks, with minimal value, yet I still get charged the same maintenance fee as the 2 1br weeks, I can not rent back the 4 weeks, and the 2 that I can rent back are not guaranteed, but if rented back they kindly take a 30% fee off of the $750 that they really give you instead of the $1250. Horrible company. Oh yeh, and don’t try calling them to ask any questions unless your prepared to be put on hold for 15 – 20 minutes before anyone answers. I have called several times, and every time I had to wait a minimum of 15 mins before the call was even answered. For issues with your contract you will be directed to your verification officer who will conveniently be in a meeting every time you call and will also kindly NEVER call you back when their meeting is over. As for transferring my 2 deeded weeks to RCI, no problem after you pay your maintenance fee, luckily when you call RCI you get a foreigner on the line, who is conveniently hard to understand, but is as equally helpful as the Grandview Resort staff. Luckily I had the 2 powerful deeded weeks on my RCI account when trying to book my vacation this summer because I was told I can go to either Georgia, or Vermont. Everywhere else is booked. With sooooo many options I have yet to decide which of these exciting locations I should go to. Now I did get online myself and found several locations I could go to elsewhere, but that is the kind of help I was offered when calling in. Despite all of the hassle I was very nice to everyone I spoke to so I could not have received poor service for being a jerk. They just provided it willingly. Although I joke about my ordeal, none of this was an exaggeration. I rarely get suckered into anything like this. I guess that’s what I get for trusting a sales rep in Las Vegas. I would say it would be a good deal if you spent the $24,000, and your time there if your other option was losing $24,000 at the tables. If you read this, and still buy from Grandview then send me an e-mail sometime, and we’ll schedule a time to play poker online heads up. Fairfield Resorts GREAT company. I just wish I had spent the money on more points with them.

Comment on RCI Class Action Lawsuit, Murillo vs. R.C.I. by Steve R

Steve R — Sun, 04 May 2008 01:02:49 +0000

I look forward to this action and have plenty of the same experiences with RCI over the last 18 months that I have been a member. No premium properties available during desired times even with a year or more of advance request. The web site for week exchanges is pathetic; sort of ironic that their improvements to UI (user interface) are all in the last minute and extra getaway properties which are only available if you pay for them, no exchanges. The customer service team is not knowledgeable, but does recite well management’s preselected playbook of answers. So far I have 2 weeks banked, have purchased a 5 year membership and have committed funds to search for 2 exchanges — nothing to show for it. Our home property is a 5 star ski resort in the northeast U.S. I think will enjoy my weeks there

—RCI is one of the worst services I have ever come in contact with. Please keep me on the class action info list.

Comment on What Happens if I Stop Paying My Timeshare? by mandie

mandie — Sun, 04 May 2008 00:42:04 +0000

Racheal,

I would say the chances of having a deed in lieu of foreclosure prepared for your timeshare really depends on where the resort is and whether or not you have paid off the entire principal balance of the timeshare. If you are not behind on payments, have paid the principal balance and have a desirable timeshare - whether it be a good location or excellent points program - then your chances are good that an agreement can be met with a deed in lieu of. If the former are not true, and you already have some delinquency recorded, it is not likely that your lender will allow you to stop payments with a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

The best thing you can do, if you are current with payments and have paid the balance in full is to stop paying your maintenance fee and wait until your Owners Association (or HOA) turns your account over to a third party collection firm. After the collection firm has used up all their typical methods (like threatening letters and phone calls), they will usually advise you that your home resort will accept a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

If you are successful in reaching an agreement with the lawyers, developers and any other party involved with your timeshare, you will need to make sure you get it in writing that this will not be recorded and reported to credit agencies in order to save your credit score. If the deed gets recorded inaccurately it will look like you were delinquent with payments and can sometimes look worse than actually foreclosing.

As for the lender being able to go after your home, or any other personal property in order to collect payment for a timeshare foreclosure, this will only happen if you have a lien on the timeshare.

A deed in lieu of foreclosure is a great way to remove yourself of all ties with the timeshare you no longer with to own. Please let us know how the process works out for you!

Comment on What Happens if I Stop Paying My Timeshare? by racheal

racheal — Sat, 03 May 2008 22:46:33 +0000

I am trying to ask the timeshare lawyers to do a deed in lieu of instead of a foreclosure. what are the chances of them doing that? they cannot go after my home, right? how will they collect any legal fees owed to them? by calling me continuosly?

Comment on Pet Friendly Timeshare Resorts by mandie

mandie — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:32:11 +0000

Hi Victor,

I just started a new thread to get some perspective on this issue from other RCI members. The post can be seen here - RCI Timeshare - Complaints and Experiences

Comment on Pet Friendly Timeshare Resorts by Victor Soler

Victor Soler — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:13:35 +0000

can you please let me know if you have had any bad experiences with your RCI timeshare?

Comment on Pet Friendly Timeshare Resorts by mandie

mandie — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:46:57 +0000

Hi Marty,

You can check this posts for RCI resorts that allow pets - RCI Pet Friendly Resorts in the US and RCI Pet Friendly International Resort Locations
Hope this helps:)

Comment on Pet Friendly Timeshare Resorts by marty

marty — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:45:05 +0000

What timeshares in the Fairfield / RCI / Wyndham group will allow us to bring our 11 pound toy poodle? She is more well behaved than most people’s kids, and is our ONLY child. PLEASE….. We don’t want to have to vacation without her… we REFUSE to place her in a kennel - a babysitter (housesitter) is the best we can do, and we’d MUCH rather take her with us!!!!! HELP!!!!!

Comment on What Happens if I Stop Paying My Timeshare? by Sharon

Sharon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:30:35 +0000

Florida, around Clearwater. He can’t fly anymore and has one of those scooter things to get around in. It is a shame they will spend the money to forclose when they can just have it without spending that money. No wonder they are in trouble.

Comment on What Happens if I Stop Paying My Timeshare? by mandie

mandie — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:26:35 +0000

I know it may be hard to hear, but if you do not have any luck giving the timeshare away either to charity or otherwise, I would just let your dad foreclose on the property. The only thing a foreclosure is going to do is make it hard for him to take out a loan or purchase big ticket items, they are not going to seize any of his assets of deduct any money from his social security/pensions for the foreclosure. Again, I know it is not a pleasant solution, but I strongly urge you to think about it. Where is the property located?

Comment on My RCI Timeshare Horror story - The Grandview Las Vegas by mandie

mandie — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:04:12 +0000

Just a note - this is not a forum for people to post discouraging remarks directed toward people who made uninformed timeshare purchases. This site is dedicated to informing consumers and to provide support for timeshare owners - whether they knew what they were getting themselves into, or not. That said, if you do not have anything constructive to say, please keep it to yourself - any posts containing disparaging remarks will be edited and/or deleted. If you need to find an outlet for your negative energy try Craigslist’s Rants and Raves section. Thank you:)

Comment on My RCI Timeshare Horror story - The Grandview Las Vegas by jane

jane — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:36:22 +0000

We just bought a timeshare at the Grandview - 1 bd with 2 extra weeks every year for 16,999. We bought because we knew we could afford it. I don’t understand people who could not say no. What is the matter with you?

Comment on RCI Class Action Lawsuit, Murillo vs. R.C.I. by Pam C

Pam C — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:53:47 +0000

I find this article very interesting due to the fact that my family has been wondering about some of the issues and/or difficulties in exchanging for the “better” units. Seems strange that with RCI you are ENCOURAGED to deposit early for “better trading power”; however, you cannot exchange for a period of more than 24 months in advance. Problem being when you get ready to exchange…..most and/or all of the BETTER and/or GOLD CROWN and award-winning units are non-existant. My husband and I were just discussing this lack of availability of good locations and units…and I even said……”I guess some people get “special treatment” from RCI…..and are allowed to book before we common-folk are allowed to”. Seems a little underhanded if this is the case. Will definitely bookmark this page and will try to stay up on this lawsuit. If what I read in this article in factual…it makes me furious!!! Thanks!

Comment on What Happens if I Stop Paying My Timeshare? by Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:47:19 +0000

Thanks, he does not have a house anymore. He moved in senior housing and needs all his money for his rent now. (Social Security and pension are not enough) The timeshare was taken over a few years ago and the “new” people keep adding extra administrative costs so that it costs about $2000.00 a wk for maintenance fees. NO one will buy a deal like that because I have relatives that aren’t far from where it is and they tell me the new people are letting the place get trashed and cut back on all their services. NO one would want to buy it now with the new owners. I worry because before my mother died, she and my dad put my name on the deed for survivorship rights, but I don’t want it at all.

Comment on What Happens if I Stop Paying My Timeshare? by mandie

mandie — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:37:51 +0000

Hi Sharon,

Unfortunately I do not have any other advice for you than what I have mentioned to Gary above. You may want to try giving the timeshare away to someone else via taking out an ad on Craigslist or eBay. Also do some research on donating the timeshare to charity - there is a link in my reply to Gary on how to do this. I suppose the last and final resort would be to actually go ahead and foreclose on the property, which may actually not be that bad for your father if he has his house, car, etc. paid off; i.e. he may be in a position where it would be ok to take a hit on his credit. Let us know what you decide and if you need any help. Best regards.

Comment on My RCI Timeshare Horror story - The Grandview Las Vegas by DonMarl

DonMarl — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:40:43 +0000

Mandie, you didn’t buy from an RCI person. RCI arranges (for a fee) exchanges. You bought from a representative of the developer of the resort.

Mike (03-11-08) hit the nail on the head. When you go to a presentation, ONLY buy if you think it’s a good deal. It rarely is. It’s usually much less expensive to buy the same timeshare property as a resale. Ebay is always full of timeshares for sale for excellent prices.
Exchanging can be difficult, but not impossible. You can see from some of the above posts, that some people are doing quite well with exchanges.

If you decide to go to a presentation, the routine is almost always the same. First, you meet a salesperson who takes you on a tour and gives you a high price. If you don’t bite, then a second salesperson (usually called a manager or something like that) comes in with a better deal. Frequently this is where the “Extra Vacations” are offered. Keep in mind that these are only offered to places that no one wants to go to. For instance, the Florida panhandle in mid-winter. It’s quite cold, so the demand for condos is minimal so you could use your “Extra Vacation” week for something like that. The “manager” might offer lower price, or a one bedroom unit instead of a two bedroom unit. If you still don’t bite a third person shows up supposedly to make sure the saleperson did a good job. SAY THAT IT WAS EXCELLENT!! You don’t want to get trapped any longer than possilbe. This final salesperson will have the best price or some offer of a free vacation in addition to the unit you’re considering. So, even if you think it’s a good deal, hold out until you’ve seen 3 people.

I feel badly for all you people who have purchased something you really don’t want. If you want to buy something and not have any regrets, buy Disney points. I’ve purchased a number of timeshares since 1988 and the only one where I could sell the unit for more than I paid is at Disney. There is no high pressure. They don’t need to pressure you. The places are so desireable that people are standing in line to buy. Disney trades through Interval International (II) and you can get anything you want anytime you wnant it because the Disney properties are in such high demand. I believe Hilton and Marriott points are also very good, but I don’t personally own them.

Timesharing is great. We’ve been all over the US and also a few places in Europe.
Good Luck!

Comment on What Happens if I Stop Paying My Timeshare? by Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:33:00 +0000

My father is retired and my mother died. He cannot use the timeshare anyomore and the company keeps charging additional maintenance fees ( last year it was 2000.00 for one week) He had not paid the fees the last couple years hopin ghthey will take it back because they won’t take it back the other way. He has not paid it and wants to give it back but they say they can’t take it. He added my name on it for survivorship, but I don’t want it either and I don’t want to be stuck with his problem. Is there anything we can do. We want to give it back and save them collection costs but they don’t want it back.

Comment on What Happens if I Stop Paying My Timeshare? by mandie

mandie — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:19:37 +0000

Hi Gary,

If your timeshare is paid off in full you can often give it to charity even if the resort will not take it back. Another option would be to “sell” the timeshare for an extremely low cost, even free, letting the buyer know that all they will be responsible for is paying the maintenance fees. I would suggest putting an ad up for the timeshare on your local Craigslist, eBay or in your local paper. Best of luck!

Useful links:
Charities that accept timeshare
Alternative Timeshare Sales Options
Selling a Timeshare

Comment on What Happens if I Stop Paying My Timeshare? by Gary

Gary — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:25:00 +0000

Is it any easier to terminate if the balance is paid in full? I bought a timeshare at Virginia Beach, VA in 1995, paid it off completely, but have never used it. I offered to give it back for free because I don’t want to pay maintenance fees for something I don’t use. When I called the resort they said they couldn’t take it and I have to keep paying the fees.

Comment on Timeshare vs. Fractional Ownership by Airport, Travel, Airline, Flight Delays » Blog Archive » What Are the Differences Between Fractionals and Timeshares?

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:06:57 +0000

[…] are all (typically) true of fractionals, as RCI explains, “The major difference between timeshare and fractional ownerships is money.” Fractionals - for good reason - cost more to purchase than do […]

Comment on 10 Steps to Successfully Rescind Timeshare by mandie

mandie — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:41:33 +0000

I am not too familiar with Wyndham timeshare (maybe someone else here can be more knowledgeable), but you will need to contact the company directly - not just the resort where the timeshare was purchased. Make sure you have copies of everything you sent, are able to document exactly when the paperworks were received and you have a copy of your contract in hand. You need to make sure you have ample proof that these documents were indeed received by the intended parties, otherwise the timeshare company does have grounds to say that no rescission ever took place. This is why it is so important to send everything by certified mail and get confirmation faxes. If reasoning with them does not work, you may want to take legal action - there are attorneys that specialize in Real Estate law, and more specifically, timeshares.

Three other things to keep in mind -
1) If you stop paying the timeshare it will go into collections and Wyndham has the option to report it to the IRS, which will reflect negatively on your credit score. It will not look as bad as foreclosing on a house, but it is real estate and will appear on your credit report in a similar manner.
2) Contact the Better Business Bureau where the timeshare is located. Let them know your experience and file a complaint with them; sometimes the BBB will even help you obtain legal counsel.
3) If you absolutely can not recoup any of the cash you spent you may want to try your hand at renting out the weeks to cover your expenses, at least you will break even this way.

Sorry I do not have better news for you, but unfortunately the timesharing system is created this way on purpose - to make the salesman rich, and make sure the owners have no easy way of getting out.

Comment on 10 Steps to Successfully Rescind Timeshare by GlobalTravGal

GlobalTravGal — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:17:52 +0000

Rescinded Wyndham timeshare within 10 days by certifed letter,email,fax, and also dropped off briefcase and copy of contract along with letter at front desk of resort where I was strongarmed into purchasing. This was done Oct2007 and I’ve yet to see any refund, only demands for monthly payments and daily harrassing phone calls. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated as I really need to get this refund so that I can help out my folks with their primary mortgage. Thanks

Comment on My RCI Timeshare Horror story - The Grandview Las Vegas by Mike

Mike — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:53:10 +0000

Oh my Gawd, people act like they put a gun to your head to buy. Just say no, thank you, take your show tickets and move on. As someone posted, if you like what you see, buy it on the resale market for nickels on the dollar. You can buy the Grandview on ebay for $1500 w/ lots of points and the same $295/mo maintenance you will pay the developer $20,000 for. THE SAME EXACT THING except one person pays $2k and another pays $20k. People need to perform due diligence and use common sense. It is a real estate purchase and a complicated one at that. Would you walk into a BMW dealership because they offered a free lunch and then buy a car you couldn’t afford because the salesman was pushy?! C’mon people, take some responsibility for yourselves.

Comment on My RCI Timeshare Horror story - The Grandview Las Vegas by Mike

Mike — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:33:56 +0000

I have read most of these posts and think that most everyone here do not understand all about the Grandview timeshare. We have taken the extra vacations and my wife could not have been more pleased. It was an extremely NICE place. We have banked our time to be used in 2009 for a month stay in Hawaii. I feel like this is a good deal.

Comment on Alternative Timeshare Sales Options by Larry

Larry — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:30:49 +0000

There are also a number of reputable companies that will facilitate buying and selling timeshare by owner. Find ones with an in house legal staff to help with all of the paperwork and transfer

Comment on My RCI Timeshare Horror story - The Grandview Las Vegas by mark

mark — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:24:51 +0000

Jan 15th 2008

Hi there. My wife and I just got back from vegas. Long story short,
we purchased a 2br suite at the grandview for 22900 plus 89 anual renewal fee and 590 per year for maintenace for 1 week in a 2br or 2 weeks in a 1br. We were also “given” 4 additional free weeks (we still have to pay the 199 fee) at any RCI affiate resort for every year for life. We were also told (it is in writing) that we can will our timeshare as well as the free weeks to our kids.
Does anybody out there think we got ripped off? We are still within the 5 days so a quick response would be greatly appreciated.

Comment on My RCI Timeshare Horror story - The Grandview Las Vegas by Mike K

Mike K — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:00:38 +0000

Tracy,
We do have a week at Vacation Village Parkway too. This is what we did with their 17% ridiculous rate. We paid them $14k and transfer balance to 0% APR credit card luckily. First a couple years after we purchased a timeshare my wife and I tried to rip off them. We went to many timeshare presentations for free perks like, breakfast, lunch, theme park tickets and dinner show tickets. And that was something very stupid, I admit. As you know, these presentations takes long time, you have to go on tour, listen not just one sales rep but like three or more. Then, at the end when they can’t convince you to buy, they give you the tickets. The whole process could take up to 6 hours. We were mentally and physically tired after spending our two small children in their office for 6 hours. Basically, we wasted one day out of our precious week vacation for stupid free park tickets. As I said it was very stupid for me to do that. Now, we are trying to make the best out of it.

Comment on My RCI Timeshare Horror story - The Grandview Las Vegas by Tracy

Tracy — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 20:44:18 +0000

I purchased a timeshare at Vacation Village Parkway, Orlando Fl in Oct. 06. As many of the horror stories of the bullying I was somewhat put into the same situation - no credit check, etc. I was also talked into buying both “A” & “B” sides and that I have a great “Trading” week as it is the 24th week of the year (when kids get out of school - what’s that all about)? I asked about refinancing or getting my own financing because Lando Resorts rate is at 17% - the sales guy told me it should be no problem. Much to my dismay nobody will finance a timeshare because it is considered an entertainment home and I really have no equity per say. Secondly, I asked why they don’t check my credit (although very good) what would happen if I just couldn’t make the payments, they said they would just take the timeshare back - no problem - the money I paid of course I would eat…well not true either! I didn’t take vacation last year and was deciding if I just wanted to forfeit my timeshare when I called RCI (or Lando Resorts) they told me that I would go into collections, etc. the whole 9 yards.
So it is I am stuck paying $208.00 p/month for 6 more years plus $89 p/year RCI plus $655.00 p/year maintenance. I only hope that I can at least get some decent vacations out of this but according to the emails above it’s highly unlikely!!
By the way if anybody can shed some light on how to obtain a separate loan or something so I am not paying 17% interest, please let me know.
Here’s to hopeful happy timeshare retirement at least (oh and maybe a couple of trips to Hawaii) By the way if anyone wants to come down to Orlando, Florida and needs an extra unit my “A” side is available for rent 24th week. (I believe it’s about the 14th of June)

Comment on My RCI Timeshare Horror story - The Grandview Las Vegas by Praveen

Praveen — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:35:27 +0000

Brian, I did buy a timeshare when I was at Grandview on Dec23 2007. I think I bought it for a pretty good price. I get 1 week of vacation every 3 year at Grandview and I paid $4491.I am planning to sell this as I realized that I won’t using this as much because I rarely go on vacation.Let me know if you are interested.