Bluegreen Vacations Points: Pros and Cons

Originally established in 1966 as Patten Realty, Bluegreen Vacations is today a leading vacation ownership company that offers customers the flexibility and luxury of vacation points. Through its timeshare points-based program, members can access a wide range of resorts and destinations. But, like all offerings, it has its pros and cons. Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages of the Bluegreen Vacations points system to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of Bluegreen Vacations Points

Flexibility

The greatest benefit of Bluegreen Vacations points is the flexibility they offer. Rather than being confined to a specific timeshare unit for a set week each year, points allow members to choose where and when they want to vacation. You can book a week in Florida during spring, spend the summer in the mountains, or take a winter getaway to the desert southwest.

The Bluegreen points system gives you the freedom to tailor your holidays according to your preferences. Not only can you decide the timing of your vacation, but you also have the ability to choose the duration of your stay, which can vary from a weekend getaway to an extended break. It just depends on how many points you own.

Variety of Destinations

Bluegreen has a portfolio of over 60 resorts across nearly 40 popular destinations in the U.S and Caribbean. This variety ensures that members can experience new places and adventures every year.

With such an expansive network of Bluegreen timeshare resorts spread across some of the most sought-after destinations, Bluegreen points offer an enviable variety. From the sun-soaked beaches of Florida, the mesmerizing beauty of the Ozarks, to the historical charm of New Orleans and the Caribbean's tropical paradise of Aruba, Bluegreen points make these dream vacations accessible.

Accumulation and Rollover

Another big benefit is that unused points can roll over to the next year, so there’s no 'use it or lose it' policy. This is beneficial for those who can't or don't want to travel every year, allowing them to save points for bigger vacations in the future.

Unlike traditional timeshares where your use is limited to a specific week, the Bluegreen Vacation points rollover feature ensures that you don't lose out if you can't vacation in a given year. This feature provides the comfort of knowing that your points can be saved and pooled for an extravagant holiday in the future, perhaps an extended vacation or larger accommodation.

Choice of Accommodation

The points system allows you to match your accommodation size to the size of your travel party. You can choose from a studio for a couples’ getaway, or a multi-bedroom unit for a family vacation.

Your lifestyle is well taken care of with the option of selecting accommodations that suit your needs. From condos with oceanfront balconies to secluded woodland cabins with a well-equipped kitchen, the choice is in your hands.

Trade-ability

Bluegreen points take the concept of choice a notch higher. Because it is a points program, it’s almost like having an internal exchange program because you can stay in different Bluegreen timeshare resorts or in your favorite one, depending on your preferences.

Bluegreen Vacation points can also be exchanged through external timeshare exchange companies like RCI. This opens up even more destinations worldwide, with another 4,000 resorts to choose from globally - adding to the flexibility and versatility of the program.

Cons of Bluegreen Vacations Points

Complexity

On the flip side, the flexibility of Bluegreen Vacation points comes with a level of complexity. The dynamic nature of the points system, where resort point values vary by location, season, and unit sizes, requires a learning curve and can be daunting for first-time users. Understanding how to maximize the value of your points can be a challenging task.

The most common critique of Bluegreen Vacation points is their complexity. The points system can be hard to understand and booking procedures and rules for using points can feel overwhelming for some members.

Availability Issues

As with many points-based vacation programs, availability can be an issue. Popular destinations during peak times often get booked up quickly, and late planners might find their choices limited.

One of the key drawbacks is the challenge of booking your preferred accommodation at your desired time. High-demand locations in peak seasons are often fully booked well in advance, which means you need to plan as early as 11 months in advance or be flexible with your travel dates or destinations.

Maintenance Fees

Despite only using the points for a few days each year, members are still required to pay annual maintenance fees. These costs can increase every year due to inflation and upkeep costs.

The annual maintenance fees and annual dues for Bluegreen points are mandatory. These fees are used for the upkeep and refurbishment of the properties, and the cost can add to the overall cost of your vacation.

Long-term Commitment

Owning Bluegreen Vacation points is a long-term financial choice. Although you have the flexibility to choose when and where to vacation, you're obligated to pay maintenance fees for the term of your contract.

While you have access to a variety of resorts and flexibility, it comes at the cost of annual fees and a contract that may extend for several years.

Resale Issues

As with many timeshares, selling your Bluegreen points can be challenging, primarily due to the way the points were originally sold at the resort and the overall lack of successful resale operators.

Points typically sell for much less than the original purchase price because the resort retail prices are inflated to cover marketing costs and sales commissions. This brings the resale price down by 50-60 percent from the resort price, which can be a surprise to sellers entering the resale market. Understanding this dynamic is important to overcoming resale difficulties.

Although there are platforms to facilitate resale, many operators just want to get upfront fees from sellers with nothing to show for it. Outlets who successfully market online such as SellaTimeshare.com do not charge upfront fees and invest in online marketing strategies designed to bring buyers and sellers together, resulting in a sale.

Choosing to Buy or Sell Bluegreen Points?

Bluegreen Vacation points offer a great deal of flexibility and an extensive choice of destinations, making it an appealing choice for those who want diversity in their vacation experiences. However, the complexity, potential availability issues, maintenance fees, long-term commitment, and difficulties in resale are considerable drawbacks.

Before choosing to buy Bluegreen points, it's crucial to consider these factors and ensure that it aligns with your lifestyle and vacation preferences. It's also advisable to seek professional advice to fully understand the terms of the contract.

This is why we provide our clients with access to licensed agents with our sister company, Timeshare Broker Associates, who can provide advice and price properties for sellers with no upfront fees. Buyers can also discuss their vacation needs with agents that can find the points package at the right price. 

For owners looking to sell Bluegreen points, click here to get started.

For buyers researching the Bluegreen points on offer on our platform, please click here.