We started our timeshare adventure in 1989. It helped that we visited Hilton Head which was even then a family favorite. We had vacationed there for several years. But vacations had become sporadic after one year when no less than 3 of our party went to the emergency room, and Suz was admitted with pneumonia. We received a mailing offering a free visit if only we attended a timeshare sales presentation. Off we went.
There we heard what we now refer to as a timeshare “sales pitch.” Bill the sales guy regaled us with details of timeshare ownership with Marriott. We saw the facility; it was beautiful, right in the middle of tranquil Sea Pines Plantation and Harbour Town. Our two children were excited; we were excited.
Then there was the financial reality: Bill invited us to plunk down $14,500 for the privilege of enjoying the timeshare experience for one week each year. And then there was the annual maintenance fee that went on forever. Hmmmm. Suz and I became very pensive. We looked at each other, each of us wanting to say yes but assuming that the other was thinking “no way will we throw money at this boondoggle.” Almost by accident we began what has become a standard practice for major financial decisions: the 24 hour rule. That rule says don’t make any big decisions on the spot, think about it for 24 hours – then make the decision. We told Bill that.
We left the sales pitch buzzing with excitement and questions. I am an investment professional and hopeless left brainer. I do things by the numbers. Suz is cautious but much more right brained, thinking first of the people/family impact. So, I did the numbers – amortizing the proposed investment, factoring in the maintenance fee, and comparing that to condo rental rates. The numbers seemed to work. Great.
I also did the worrywart analysis – like what could go wrong with this investment. The prevailing perception of timeshare at the time was high pressure sales, shoddy construction, inept management, algae-choked swimming pools, and the like. And this project was only on the drawing board – preconstruction. Fortunately for us, Marriott’s role made the difference. We figured we could trust a top lodging company to build and maintain a quality facility.
Suz liked the idea of family vacations and being in warm, sunny climates more often. She refers to herself as “solar powered.” I felt the same way. And I wanted us to enjoy vacations more regularly. This would force us, if you will, to make our plans and enhance our family vacation experience. We went back to Bill and said YES (that would be pronounced "YAYUS" here in Appalachia").
It was one the best decisions we’ve ever made. Timeshare ownership has a truly rewarding family experience. We endlessly recount prior experiences, mishaps, fun times, and memorable quotes from our timeshare vacations. We have since added more weeks to our timeshare portfolio. Kids, grandkids, grownups, in-laws, outlaws, and occasional “significant others” have enjoyed our timeshare havens. And each year we learn more and occasionally do more. If only we had more TIME. Dang.
Gotta go. We'll talk later. More in the next post about how we maximize our timeshare.
There we heard what we now refer to as a timeshare “sales pitch.” Bill the sales guy regaled us with details of timeshare ownership with Marriott. We saw the facility; it was beautiful, right in the middle of tranquil Sea Pines Plantation and Harbour Town. Our two children were excited; we were excited.
Then there was the financial reality: Bill invited us to plunk down $14,500 for the privilege of enjoying the timeshare experience for one week each year. And then there was the annual maintenance fee that went on forever. Hmmmm. Suz and I became very pensive. We looked at each other, each of us wanting to say yes but assuming that the other was thinking “no way will we throw money at this boondoggle.” Almost by accident we began what has become a standard practice for major financial decisions: the 24 hour rule. That rule says don’t make any big decisions on the spot, think about it for 24 hours – then make the decision. We told Bill that.
We left the sales pitch buzzing with excitement and questions. I am an investment professional and hopeless left brainer. I do things by the numbers. Suz is cautious but much more right brained, thinking first of the people/family impact. So, I did the numbers – amortizing the proposed investment, factoring in the maintenance fee, and comparing that to condo rental rates. The numbers seemed to work. Great.
I also did the worrywart analysis – like what could go wrong with this investment. The prevailing perception of timeshare at the time was high pressure sales, shoddy construction, inept management, algae-choked swimming pools, and the like. And this project was only on the drawing board – preconstruction. Fortunately for us, Marriott’s role made the difference. We figured we could trust a top lodging company to build and maintain a quality facility.
Suz liked the idea of family vacations and being in warm, sunny climates more often. She refers to herself as “solar powered.” I felt the same way. And I wanted us to enjoy vacations more regularly. This would force us, if you will, to make our plans and enhance our family vacation experience. We went back to Bill and said YES (that would be pronounced "YAYUS" here in Appalachia").
It was one the best decisions we’ve ever made. Timeshare ownership has a truly rewarding family experience. We endlessly recount prior experiences, mishaps, fun times, and memorable quotes from our timeshare vacations. We have since added more weeks to our timeshare portfolio. Kids, grandkids, grownups, in-laws, outlaws, and occasional “significant others” have enjoyed our timeshare havens. And each year we learn more and occasionally do more. If only we had more TIME. Dang.
Gotta go. We'll talk later. More in the next post about how we maximize our timeshare.
No comments:
Post a Comment