Frequently asked questions are organized by subject:
Owners
Maintenance Fees
Reservations
Bonus Time and ResorTime
AFC
Owners
Q: What did I buy?
A: You have purchased a lifetime of quality vacations for you and your family - at today's price - from a company that is dedicated to making these your best vacations ever.
Q: Is it worth the money?
A: Yes! Because you will find yourself taking vacations as a family that you otherwise might only talk about. For most people, these vacations provide some of the best memories of their lives —something you can't put a price tag on.
Q: Did I buy from a good company?
A: Absolutely! Grand Pacific Resorts is the oldest and largest timeshare company based in California. We are members in good standing of the local Better Business Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce. We are actively involved in the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), a not-for-profit trade association representing the vacation ownership industry in Washington, D.C. ARDA is actively involved at the state and federal level in helping write legislation to protect consumers in the real estate timeshare industry.
Q: As a new owner, when can I call my exchange company to plan my first vacation exchange?
A: You can call three to four weeks after your escrow closes.
Q: How far in advance can I make my exchange reservation?
A: You can make a reservation for an exchange up to one year in advance.
Q: What is day use?
A: Day use is the ability to come and use the amenities at the resort at which you own on a daily basis throughout the year. It's like being a member of a country club! All we ask is that you bring your owner's card to the front desk or activities center to sign in.
Q: Can I plan special events or parties at my home resort?
A: Yes, special events or parties can be coordinated by contacting your home resort. When you call the resort, let them know what you want to do and you will be transferred to the appropriate person.
Maintenance Fees
Q: What are my maintenance fees used for?
A: Maintenance fees are used for the day-to-day operations of your resort, as well as for the refurbishment of the resort.
Q: What is the capital reserve account used for?
A: Capital reserves are saved in an account that is set aside for future repairs and refurbishment of the resort. This ensures that your resort will look as good 10 years from now as it did the day you purchased!
Q: Why do I pay property taxes?
A: You pay property taxes because, like your primary home, you have a deed to a piece of property that is taxed by the county in which it is located.
Q: Are maintenance fees tax deductible?
A: It is unlikely that you can write off maintenance fees or property taxes on your timeshare; however, please check with your accountant for verification.
Q: Can my maintenance fees be taken from my checking account by direct deposit?
A: Unfortunately, not at this time. The maintenance fees are billed once a year, and you have the option of paying them in quarterly installments. You will always receive a statement from Advanced Financial Company (AFC) notifying you when your fees are due.
Reservations
Q: If I own a specific week, how can I use my home resort at a different time?
A: If you own a specific week at your home resort and wish to use your week at a different time, you may request an internal exchange with your exchange company. An internal exchange gives you priority over other exchange members as well as a $15.00 discount on the exchange fee. You can also check to see if ResorTime or bonus time is available if you wish to bank your week with your exchange company and stay at your home resort at a reduced rental cost.
Q: Can I split my week of use?
A: Owners at some resorts have the option of splitting their use week at their home resort. You will have to check with your home resort or Owner Services if you are unsure. You may not split your week when exchanging.
Q: If I do not own a fixed unit, when can I request a specific unit number?
A: If you do not own at a fixed unit resort, you can call your home resort front desk 90 days prior to your reservation date to request a specific unit number.
Q: What happens if I do not use my week?
A: If you do not wish to use your week, you have several options. You can rent out your week, you can give your week away to friends or family, or you can bank your week with your exchange company. You must either use or bank your week in some form, or your week will be lost.
Q: Can I rent my week?
A: Yes, you can rent out your week when your resort has sold out. Typically, each resort asks that you send in your rental contract at least six weeks prior to the start date of your week. Please contact owner services at (760) 827-4100 or (888) 477-6967 to obtain a rental contract.
Q: Can I give my week away?
A: Yes, you can give your week away. All we ask is that you send the front desk of your resort a letter of authorization stating who will be checking in for you. Please send a copy of that letter with your guest as well. Just a reminder, we do not accept liability for those you send into your unit.
Bonus Time and Resortime
Q: Can you explain the difference between Bonus Time and ResorTime?
A: Bonus Time is the term used when you would like to stay a few nights at your home resort
at a reduced rental rate. These nights do not affect the week that you own. By owning a Grand Pacific Resorts vacation, you are already a
member of ResorTime. Using ResorTime, you can stay at more than 90 affiliated resorts at greatly reduced prices. Click here to learn more
about ResorTime.com.
Q: How can I make Bonus Time reservations?
A: Bonus Time is available on a limited basis within a "reservation window." Each resort sets its own reservation window, which is typically 7 to 21 days before arrival. To see how far in advance you can book Bonus Time at your resort, visit the Owner Services area of this web site. Bonus Time reservations can be made online at ResorTime.com or by calling Central Reservations at (877) 477-7368. You also have the option of calling your home resort or visiting the front desk.
Q: How do I make a ResorTime reservation?
A: You can make a ResorTime reservation at any Grand Pacific Resorts property or Winner Circle Resort property by calling the resort directly, or you can call Central Reservations at (877) 477-7368. You can also visit ResorTime.com to learn more about the ResorTime properties and make a reservation request online.
AFC
Q: Who do I contact regarding my loan payment?
A: Questions and options regarding payment of your loan should be directed to AFC at (800) 234-6222.
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