Club o ownership costs?

Met someone who said they owned a a unit at club o.
I was unaware some of them had individual owners.
what do the units cost?
- I am sure it varies.

You are best to contact the Club O site. Units for sale range from less than 100,00.00 for studios to mid $300.00 for the beach front chalets.

There is a bulletin board with units for sale, and their prices, in the office.

Guess the downturn in the world economy has affected prices there. It seems that the prices used to be a lot more than that.

Wow! What sort of return would they get? I imagine privately-owned units are in the rental pool, but I'd also imagine Club O would rent out their own units first.

Don't have the faintest idea, if that question is addressed to me.

Did you misplace commas, forget zeros, or what? If you move the comma on the studios one place to the left you are saying ten thousand dollars for a studio. I also doubt the beach front chalets are selling for three hundred dollars?

Your numbers make no sense... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Guess I read it quickly! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> I thought they had said $100,000.00 to $300,000.00. Still seems low to me. I have no idea what the correct numbers are.

Yeah, I have no idea where those numbers are coming from as they bear no resemblance to any I've heard lately. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Note that the prices are set by the individual owners, not Club O, and not all units are available.

As some of the literature says; you're buying a lifestyle, not an investment (but, oh, what a lifestyle! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />). It is best to ask an owner while you're there for his/her experience. Only you can decide if the cost/benefit ratio is correct for you. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

When we were there in April the owners of the unit next to us arrived. We talked at length about Club O ownership, it's ups and downs. There are several studios available for $75,000 and Chalets up to $300,000. Sounds pretty good, but wait, there is no HOA fee, sounds better don't it, but wait, the folks next to us (owners) were paying 50 Euros per day to use their Mini Suit Deluxe. Does it still sound good? Now I've run the numbers and can't envision paying 350 Euros a week to stay n my own place. There are several owners who have pulled out of the 'Rental Pool" because they don't like the management no one could tell me if they were still charged the 50 Euros per day fee. As usual, I'm sure there are several sides to this story.

$75k, anybody want to go in on one?

I personally would not be interested, but whoever is on island next, go check out that board that they supposedly have listings of people wanting to sell. That would be the best indicator of what is really available.

In jan 12, the lowest was 125k. One owner was so excited we had bought the studio we were in. But we had to tell her we wished we were. It does look like a great way to live a bit.

To be clear...less than ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND for some studios to MID THREE HUNDRED THOUSANDS for beachfront chalets. The caps helped me self check. I think I got it right this time. Phew! Sorry, bargain hunters. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

They told us you have access X months a year and Club O has access the remainder. If you choose not to occumpy all your Xmonths, they canbe rented out. It wasn't clear whether "owner" got a cut of the rental action. Maint Fees??????

As Jenniboston said, I wouldnt look at as an investment but a lifestyle expense.

Hang on to your checkbook--I looked into this a couple of years ago and am sure things can change but here are a few thoughts that stopped me. First you DO NOT get a title/deed to the property like in the US.(i.e--no loans available form a bank--ALL CASH transactions) The reason was that the Beauperthy family kids (original owners of the property) were challenging the ownership of the whole place in French courts. Then you had property taxes from the tax office in Marigot. (never did figure out exactly how these were calculated.) Then you have CoPro Assessments (what we would call Condo Fees) based on the annual budget. Then you have Extraordinary Co Pro year end fees (what we call assessments if the budget was not made) As the time we looked you had to put your unit into the rental pool for FIVE YEARS where the rent went to the ASSOCIATION not the OWNER. Then there was a daily "facility charge" when an owner visits to cover overhead services--employees. Then there were restrictions/approvals required if you ever wanted to sell. In the end we wanted our time there to be totally relaxing (why we go there) and felt we were potentially buying something where renting would be more enjoyable than owning.

We looked into this as well. It is not and I mean NOT an investment. Club O is up-front with this as well. They are very transparent. It is a sum of money you pay so you can be recognized as an owner of the property.The "purchase" allows you a certain amount of time in your unit for a small daily fee. Preferred reservations for additional time at a higher cost. The sales angle is that you are supporting the nudist lfestyle. I could not find any way that it would ever be profitable. Factor in weather disasters, legal changes regarding nudity on Orient, a host of many other potential legal issues and what you have is basically a "donation" to the nudist lifestyle. If I remember correctly the property is only able to be insured for a % of its actual value. That is a mess that will eventually become reality. They also maintain their own water plant to de-salt the sea water and that is a money pit. If you are wicked wealthy and so inclined it may fit. I remember leaving the meeting and heading to the Perch for a lemon breeze or 6 as I could not believe what I had heard.

is there a perch lemon breeze fee too?

I hope plenty of wicked wealthy keep making donations to keep the place afloat and I hope the rest of us patronize as much as we can get away and enjoy. It would be a Caribbean Bummer of the 10th magnitude for them to no longer be. Ah, is this yellow umbrella taken? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

After many conversations with owners here is what we gleaned. if able, and interested in staying 3 months, and likely to do so for 6 years, it's a viable option to buy a studio. It is not a money making investment, but rather one that supports Club O as a naturist resort. Also, for anyone NOT a committed naturist, hence not desiring to live without clothes round the clock, and not needing to have the proximity of the room when rain interferes with a beach day, the expense makes no sense at all, no matter how long one might stay.

So for the roughly $100,000 investment (in a studio) you don't own the property, you're assessed fees, when you stay at your studio you pay a daily facility charge, the ownership only allows you a certain amount of time at your studio, and preferred reservations contain an additional fee.
Granted, it's a beautiful beach, but it sounds pretty close to a high priced time share to me.

what per cent of the property's units is "owned" by individuals?

They are basically all owned by individuals

Me thinks a group of buyers interested in single ownership "Club O", would be better off banding together funds and buying "N Resort" in Jamaica. Incorporate and make purchase. That place has unbelievable potential with the right investers.

Marc--I thought, way back when, that the resort kept some of the units, like the minisuites or something? Did they sell them later or I just mis-remembered?

You're not mis-remembering; not all units are privately owned. I don't know the figures, but I believe it's a little closer to 2/3rds. The villa is also not privately owned.

OK, thanks. My memory often isn't what it used to be, so I tend to doubt myself.

And the amount of rumors that are always floating around Club O can't help, right? Hey, did you hear about the pool?!? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

I was sure I corrected that mis- typing, and had done so in TWO ways... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

So far, it seems the TVs are the same myth. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Actually, the TVs are coming. They have to find a company to wire the place for less than a grand fortune. It is hoped this will lessen the strain on the internet pipeline. The project is just on island time. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, I know the TVs have been in the newsletter, but as you say 'island time'... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

when we were there last Thursday week, in la boutique there was an architectural concept drawing of a proposed pool. Pool was an above ground pool.

Really???? That makes absolutely no sense, on a whole lot of levels. If they were going to do it, why in the world would it be an above ground pool? Today isn't April 1, come late, is it?

Not that I am interested in buying, but one advantage of ownership is that the owner can fix up the unit to their tastes. I visited one unit that was furnished much better than the unit I was staying in.

Above ground pool? sounds like any backyard in my good old Midwest!

Hopefully, it remains just a "concept". An in-ground pool and/or hot tub would, in my humble opinion, be more useful than TV's. A nice way to relax after a rough day on the beach. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

We've met owners that were happy with their purchase and the terms. I believe Jenni's parents are owners - I wonder what their overall perception is. Jenni?

I totally understand the reason why they are putting TVs in, as basically, people watching TV now are totally destroying their band width, and making it unusable. As far as an above ground pool, in a hurricane prone area? Weird..

We refer to it as "The Folly". But we do so affectionately. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> As previously mentioned, it isn't a money-making venture, but they get to be a part of the club. Owners also get to tweak their unit; my parents have put in a pick-nick table behind the unit for sitting outside but away from the wind when it gets strong off the water. The units all have "owner's" closets where personal items can be left.

If you've got the money to spare and want to have some say and would enjoy being a part of the resort, and can get your head about owning the Caribbean, I'd say go for it. But only after doing your homework and talking directly with other owners.

I guess it's all relative to cost and what one can, and is willing to, pay. But, having your own personal storage space, right in your unit, would be great. As you say, do your homework. Maybe after the Powerball tonight.......... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

but then I woke up, sorry, it was a dream.

Yep.....The worth of everything is in how often you can enjoy it.......A Boat....A Vacation Home......A ClubO Unit...........If you can disappear from society to veg out at Club O 1/3 to 1/2 a year or more........starts to be worth every penny..............................to buy it and visit one or two weeks a year........not so much

well said... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

OK, didn't think it was correct..

For us the better value proposition was to just rent a mini-suite for our annual low season week at Club O and instead buy a condo at Avalon Resort in Eastern WV, about 3 hours from home. We paid $105k for our 2 bedroom unit and we have averaged 20 to 25 weekends per year enjoying it whenever we want to for the past eight years.

They do not appreciate in value much, so those that go on the market sell for about the original price...there is a nice one bedroom unit in our building for sale at the moment for just below the $70k original price for example.

I think a Lazy River with random floating "taxi tubes with drink holders" floating around the grounds would be a great way to relax and get you to the pool located by the front desk or back to the beach.

Wow I get it

and a pirate theme putt putt with maybe a go cart track next to Perdos rib shack?.
No go karts after 9 PM please.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Not quite. All units are owned by the same people. The Chalets and Studios are owned individually, but the mini-suites are owned by a corporation that is owned by the same people that own the other individual units.

Huh.

Putt putt, that would be cheap and easy and good for all ages

Wrong. Like others in this post we inquired about ownership at Club O. I pointed this out as an advantage and was quickly shot down. They are in charge of furnishing the units because all units are in the rental pool at some point and must be furnished somewhat alike.

Well, I guess the question is 'what is somewhat alike'? There definitely ARE some differences between how units are furnished.

There are some basic, required items that all units are to have. But, I agree, there is at least one Studio that is a substantial upgrade, #18 I think. The furniture, ceiling fan, walls and a bigger shower have all been upgraded considerably.

And NOT all the units are in the rental pool. There is a division withing the ownership group.