Real Estate tends to be a simpler category than some of the others. You want to focus on:

Home Value and Quality
What is the price range for the homes that the club is purchasing, and what is that buying, in terms of size and quality of finishing and fixtures? You want this to be very high-end, since you are staying here instead of a luxury hotel. Also, higher quality appliances and fixtures will stand up better to the wear and tear that these residence homes get.

Inside the Home
You should make sure that every home in the portfolio has what you need: all kitchen appliances, stereo (with iPod hookup), at least one or more large screen TVs and laundry facilities.

Summary
The best clubs provide you with floorplans and photos of the homes for you to evaluate. These tools should also be available in the reservation process when you become a member. Some of the clubs promote that their homes are part of existing 4 or 5 star resort complexes – implying a benefit to you, as a guest in the house. But check to see if the club has been able to negotiate access to resort amenities and services when it bought the house.

Finally, we think that each club should have standardized AV (stereo/TV) across all homes along with thorough and simple manuals at the home. Or someone to call when it’s 9pm and you can’t get the kids video to play!

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Critical due diligence questions
• What is the true market value of all the homes?
• What percentage of homes do you anticipate will be developed rather than purchased?
• What is the average size of the homes (square footage; number of bedrooms, baths)?
• How are the homes furnished? (Style, quality, fixtures, etc.)
• Are photos and floorplans available for all homes?
• Do members have access to a car at the homes?
• Are flat panel TVs installed in the homes?
• Do the homes have gourmet kitchens?
• What can I expect to find in the kitchen?
• What is the AV or media setup for the homes?
• Is the AV or media setup standardized across all homes?
• What onsite AV or media help is available?
• Are there video game consoles in the homes?
• Do the stereos have iPod connectors?
• Is there a golf cart available for resort properties?
• What is the occupant capacity of the homes?
• Are pets allowed?
• Is smoking allowed?
• Please briefly explain the destination or home arrival and departure process.
• Does the home and guests have access to the full amenities of the resort (if it is located on resort grounds)?