This is a little dated. Just a little updated info: Not all resale properties can be used to tun into StarOptions. The majority properties that are called "Voluntary" Properties that do not allow your week to be converted to star options. They use to allow resale weeks to be upgraded into the system with a purchase from the developer, (that was a great way to get to elite status without having to buy hundreds of thousands of options/points from the developer) but as of 8 months ago they do not allow that anymore. You can however use Interval international but it is a week for week trade and trading power applies. Unfortunately most of the resale properties have a very low trading power and come with a substantially high maintenance fee. Thats typically why people are trying to sell them, and also why Starwood has not exercised their first right of refusal to re obtain the property. As for hotels you cant use your ownership for hotels and that is a MASSIVE bummer especially since they are now owned by Marriott and they added over 7,000 hotels two years ago. The hotels are the real bread and butter of the program especially since they now allow you to bundle Flights and Hotels together. Wont lie, its pretty AWESOME. All in all if you want to own a quality product buy from the developer, long term it is totally worth it in the value you revive. Just like anything you get what you pay for. However there can be A LOT of value in resale, If you like the off season and want to use it like an old fashion timeshare at the same week, same unit, same location at your (VERY NICE) "Home Resort" every year, its a great idea. The other plus is If you are just looking to get access to Interval International and "Get Away" discount weeks then resale is a great option, just don't expect it too much, you wont be getting peak season or premium units but like i said there is still a lot of value to be had especially if you are a family on a tight budget. Any Vacation is a good vacation. Hope this helps! God Bless.
This is a little dated. Just a little updated info: Not all resale properties can be used to tun into StarOptions. The majority properties that are called "Voluntary" Properties that do not allow your week to be converted to star options. They use to allow resale weeks to be upgraded into the system with a purchase from the developer, (that was a great way to get to elite status without having to buy hundreds of thousands of options/points from the developer) but as of 8 months ago they do not allow that anymore. You can however use Interval international but it is a week for week trade and trading power applies. Unfortunately most of the resale properties have a very low trading power and come with a substantially high maintenance fee. Thats typically why people are trying to sell them, and also why Starwood has not exercised their first right of refusal to re obtain the property. As for hotels you cant use your ownership for hotels and that is a MASSIVE bummer especially since they are now owned by Marriott and they added over 7,000 hotels two years ago. The hotels are the real bread and butter of the program especially since they now allow you to bundle Flights and Hotels together. Wont lie, its pretty AWESOME. All in all if you want to own a quality product buy from the developer, long term it is totally worth it in the value you revive. Just like anything you get what you pay for. However there can be A LOT of value in resale, If you like the off season and want to use it like an old fashion timeshare at the same week, same unit, same location at your (VERY NICE) "Home Resort" every year, its a great idea. The other plus is If you are just looking to get access to Interval International and "Get Away" discount weeks then resale is a great option, just don't expect it too much, you wont be getting peak season or premium units but like i said there is still a lot of value to be had especially if you are a family on a tight budget. Any Vacation is a good vacation. Hope this helps! God Bless.
Hello, thank you for the comments and the good information. Always appreciated.