Planning Your Visit to a Fractional Property

by Sherman Potvin

 

Developers have long recognized the fact that most folks need to see, feel and touch what they’re contemplating buying. With this in mind they created the “min-vac” – a short vacation package where you could actually visit the property and get a feel for what it would be like to own there.

 

Fractional mini-vacations involve very little sales pressure, unlike the timeshare vacation offers of old. They mainly rely on the property and its amenities, not the sales people, to clinch the deal. The vacation package is offered in hopes that you will fall madly in love with the place and decide to purchase. This happens around 20% of the time, which makes it a good investment for the developer. Many customers make more then one visit before buying.

 

Once you have narrowed your choices down to one special property, call the sales department and ask to speak with the sales director or someone in authority. Tell them that you have seen their property on the Internet (courtesy of LuxuryFractionalGuide.com) and would like to learn more. Ask if they are offering any special rates for folks to preview the property and, if so, would they explain your options?

 

Questions you may want to ask:

 

• What is the cost compared to your regular rates? (Am I truly saving money?)

 

• What is expected of me? How much time must I spend with your sales people?

 

• What kind of accommodations will I be in?

 

• Can I take my family or friends? My pet?

 

• How many days/nights is the package? Is it available weekends or just during the week?

 

• What activities can I enjoy while I’m there? (Do you offer a complimentary round of golf or ski lift tickets?)

 

• Do you have a building that’s complete or a model residence to view?

 

• Will the cost of this visit be credited back to me should I purchase?

 

Keep in mind that a resort hotel will usually attempt to book you during their slow season so that they can continue to accommodate their full-paying customers. Another reason for this is to discourage folks without serious interest in the property from trying to get a discounted vacation in prime time. However, if you are truly interested, it’s actually good to go during a slow period so that you can take your time and really get a feel for the property. If you have children, make every attempt to take them along, as their approval will be important too. When you arrive, simply kick back, learn all you can and enjoy your inexpensive little getaway.

 

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