Bluegreens Intent to Sell Diamonds Intent to Buy August 5, 2008
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Bluegreen Resorts, Customer Comments, Donate a Timeshare, Fairfield Timeshares, General, New Features, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Travel , add a commentIn the beginning weeks of July, Bluegreen Corporation had been examining the feasibility of selling itself to a new owner. Recently Diamond Resorts LLC had stepped up to the plate and proposed a nonbinding letter of intent to acquire Bluegreen at $15 a share, or about $500million. But the transaction is not complete yet, and Diamond’s ability to finance such an endeavor seems to be the only question mark in the way.
Alan B. Levan, chairman of Bluegreen Corp, stated the company had been considering options for the next three to five years. “…When Diamond presented our board with this unsolicited, attractive offer, we believed that it was in the best interest of our shareholders to pursue this transaction at this time.” Levan is also chairman and chief executive of Woodbridge Holdings Corp, which owns 9.5 million shares of Bluegreen stock; he indicated that Woodbridge would also back the proposed deal.
Bluegreen is a top brand that markets flexible real estate-based timeshares and vacation ownerships, they provide access to over 40 resorts as well as an exchange network of over 3,700 resorts, cruises and hotel stays. In recent quarters Bluegreen reported that revenues fell to $111.3million, due to weaker home-site sales—their net income also slipped to $1.4million from $5.3million this time last year.
Owners of Bluegreen points may be facing some of the same issues Sunterra owners ran into after April of 2007 when Diamond Resorts bought the timeshare heavyweight for about $750million. Though current Bluegreen owners will gain access to Diamond properties, they will probably be required to upgrade their points to Diamond points—for a nominal fee of course. Diamond has been buying up rivals to become one of the world’s largest vacation ownership companies. It now boasts 110 branded and affiliated resorts in 14countries in the Americas, Hawaii and Europe, with more than 360,000 owners.
Even though vacation ownership and residential sales have dropped considerably (28.4%) at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, one of Bluegreen’s main competitors, Diamond is proceeding with extensive due diligence until early September 2008 to buy Bluegreen. This will allow Diamond to investigate the details of the potential investment, such as examinations of operations and management.
Though the letter of intent stated the acquisition is subject to the completion of due diligence and the execution of definitive agreements, Diamond said it was “confident that it will be able to raise the financing necessary to consummate the proposed transaction.” This may be a wise purchase for Diamond, since the timeshare industry has been a steady force during tough economic times—however; financing continues to be the biggest question mark surrounding the deal.
BuyATimeshare.com, the leading timeshare resale company in the world, is closely following the progress of this transaction. We have an extensive inventory of Bluegreen and Diamond properties for sale and rent, priced thousands of dollars less than developers will. If you are interested in buying a timeshare at any brand resort, BuyATimeshare.com can help; will no broker fees, no commission or appraisal fees, and absolutely no sales pressure!
Timeshare Gain Popularity Among Former Vacation Homeowners May 16, 2008
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Hilton Head Island, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, RCI, Sunterra Timeshare, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a commentA trend is forming in the timeshare market. Over the recent months more and more buyers have been people who have previously owned vacation homes. In today’s economic upheaval, fractional ownership and timesharing are starting to look less like a scam, and more like a reasonable, economically sound alternative to owning a separate vacation home.
The unparalleled benefits of timeshare ownership are even better when you can save thousands of dollars when buying. The timeshare resale market found on BuyATimeshare.com has hundreds of properties, for-sale-by-owner, with prices that are well below what a resort’s salespeople will attempt to sell them for.
For awhile, the timeshare resale market was a well-kept secret in hospitality industry, known only by brokers and seasoned timeshare owners. Resorts do not want their vacations peddled for thousands of dollars less, when they can sell the same package for $40,000.00.
Recently people have begun selling their multi-million dollar vacation homes, taking up timeshare ownership. After considering the maintenance costs and property tax for such little annual usage—owning that second piece of property does not make financial sense. Now, instead of paying maintenance fees that cover cleaning services, taxes, insurance, future furniture replacement, costs to maintain the resort, plus operational costs for management and personnel.
These annual maintenance fees are quite small in comparison to a mortgage, insurance and home maintenance costs. With no mortgage, your money is not tied up in one huge investment. A recent trend in our timeshare resale show that many former vacation homeowners now own multiple weeks—especially after seeing the many benefits, luxuries, and affordability of timeshare ownership.
To make ends meet, vacation home owners will often rent their second home out. This becomes a burden to the owner who is responsible for any maintenance issues, all repair, and scheduling tenants, guests and family, until, vacationing becomes more work than it is worth. That same owner can simply check out of a timeshare, with no concerns about the property, finally, vacationing becomes enjoyable.
With today’s huge exchange companies like RCI, II, and TPI, patrons can swap one or more weeks for a stay at thousands of luxury resorts for a variety of vacation experiences. Many of these ex-vacation homeowners have opted for these multiple destination packages—not affixed to a specific resort headquarters. These options have the most to offer those who vacation often and appreciate a change of scenery.
At BuyATimeshare.com there are hundreds of multi-destination packages, priced to sell by motivated owners. These timeshares are your best option of saving thousands of dollars on you next vacation—reaping the benefits of fractional ownership, without owning, renting, maintaining, or worrying about a second home. Finally enjoy your next vacation.
Live Chat Software Makes Buying Resale Easier May 2, 2008
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Hilton Head Island, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, RCI, Sunterra Timeshare, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a commentIn a continuing effort to provide cutting-edge service, BuyATimeshare.com has employed an innovative piece of technology to increase customer service and maintain our spot as the leader in the timeshare resale industry. Simply clicking the “Live Help” icon, placed throughout the website, will put in contact with one of our experienced staff.
Not only will this new addition help clarify any questions those looking to buy or rent a timeshare may have; it will also increase the chances that we will successfully match a buyer to those who are looking to sell their timeshare. Often people call who are not familiar with our website, or are simply unfamiliar with computers in general. These are the folks we are trying to help. With so many properties available on our extensive database, one may not find specifically what they are looking for right away. Now there is a way for you to get direct answers to any questions or concerns. Finally you can be put in contact with a living person who is trained in the business of timeshare resale.
Studies have shown that people are more apt to chat while browsing our website, rather than relying on phone calls. This will allow for expeditious answers and advice from our team in Tampa, Florida or in Merrimack, New Hampshire. No more being put on hold, or waiting until a sales associate is available. Exit surveys have shown that 80% of people make initial contact via on line, whether it is by email or through an internet search. This technological step forward will bring our office to your PC, making the process of buying, renting, or selling timeshares a mere moment of your time.
The benefits of such direct contact are endless. Speaking to a professional here will ensure that we answer any questions you may have in a timely manner. We have found that 90% of customers using this live chat technology are satisfied with the interaction, they spent less time searching on their own, and left with the exact information that they were looking for—plus a bit more. We know this will build higher customer confidence and trust by showing you that a live professional is simply a click away. Always a leader in the timeshare resale business, the ever-expanding Buyatimeshare.com is working to bring you the utmost in customer service.
This new live chat option is just one of the many additions to our website, dedicated to efficient and timely sales, with a workforce that is skilled and well trained. In 2007 we included “Timeshare Pulse” a program capable of notifying buyers when a specific property has become available. The secondary timeshare market has been a well-kept secret for serious buyers for quite some time. Known only to brokers and real estate agents, buyatimeshare.com strives to make these priced-to-sell timeshare properties available to everyone—and now they are easier to find than ever!
Cynthia’s Las Vegas Vacation Continues with Hilton Grand Vacation April 24, 2008
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Hilton Head Island, JetShare, New Features, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares , add a commentIn beautiful sunny Las Vegas, my journey throughout the various timeshare resorts continued on. After a trying trip with the folk at Westgate, I moved on toward downtown Vegas, at the lower end of the legendary strip. It was here that my long day paid off and was fortunate enough to visit the Hilton Grand Vacation at Las Vegas. This was my favorite among the many resorts I toured.
In order to truly understand the many resorts in this area I had to experience the room and find out firsthand the programs and packages available. The sales tour was effortless. After my last timeshare encounter I expected a slow, 4 hour visit. However, I found that after 40minutes we were given our lunch and complimentary tickets to a Toni Braxton show. There were no pushy sales representatives and I was able to learn and see a lot about this lovely resort.
The rooms were huge, fit for a King, though reasonably priced per dollar. I learned that when you bank your points with Hilton, they last forever—rather than expiring after a couple of years like with RCI or Interval International. With such a refined and posh look, this was certainly the level of comfort I could get used to. The view of Las Vegas and the awesome strip of casinos and restaurants were wonderful. More geared toward a family vacation, there is a kid-friendly side as is an adult side to the resort—separating the activity from the luxury.
The resort holds a great 5star restaurant near the lobby—this is a rare find in many resorts and is often a sought-after amenity. The Hilton Grand Vacation was definitely the best buy over all of the resorts I visited. And although the prices were not unreasonable, buyatimeshare.com advertises for motivated people looking to sell their timeshares. This is beneficial for serious buyers looking to save thousands of dollars. The developer will add as many extras as they can muster, but in the end, you’re only buying the room for a short stay each year. Save your money and come visit Las Vegas the right way, with buyatimeshare.com.