How to buy DVC resale

Buying DVC resale offers significant savings compared to purchasing directly from Disney while providing access to the same wonderful resort accommodations. The resale process involves several steps, from finding the right contract to completing the closing. This comprehensive guide walks you through how to buy DVC resale successfully.

Step 1: Research and Define Your Criteria

Before browsing listings, determine what you want from your DVC membership. Consider which resorts appeal to you most based on location, theming, and amenities. Think about how many points you need annually based on your vacation patterns. Research point charts to understand how far different point totals will stretch at various resorts and times of year.

Establish your budget for both the initial purchase and ongoing annual dues. Remember that annual maintenance fees add to your cost of ownership each year. Understanding the full financial picture helps you make an informed decision about contract size and resort selection.

Understanding Resort Options

Disney Vacation Club offers a variety of resort options ranging from the tropical ambiance of Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows to the rustic charm of Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Each resort has its unique appeal, and understanding these can help refine your choice. Consider proximity to parks, dining options, and transportation availability when selecting your preferred home resort.

Step 2: Browse Available Listings

DVC Sales maintains current listings across all Disney Vacation Club resorts. Browse available contracts to see what matches your criteria. Each listing includes details about the home resort, point total, use year, current point availability, and asking price. Use search filters to narrow results to contracts matching your preferences.

Compare multiple listings to understand market pricing. Calculate price per point to enable accurate comparisons across different contract sizes. Note which contracts have points available for immediate use versus stripped contracts requiring you to wait for the next use year allocation.

Evaluating Contract Details

• Home Resort Priority: Owning at a specific resort gives you booking priority at that location, typically 11 months in advance.
• Use Year: This determines when your annual points are allocated and can impact your booking strategy.
• Point Availability: Check if the contract has banked, borrowed, or current points available for use.

Step 3: Create a Saved Search

If you do not find an ideal contract immediately, create a saved search alert. Specify your criteria and receive notifications when new matching listings become available. The DVC resale market sees regular turnover, and new listings appear frequently. Saved searches help you discover opportunities quickly before other interested buyers.

Step 4: Submit an Offer

When you find a contract you want to purchase, submit an offer through DVC Sales. Your offer should reflect current market conditions for similar contracts. Offers significantly below asking price may be rejected or countered by sellers. Competitive offers that reflect fair market value have the best chance of acceptance.

The seller will respond by accepting your offer, submitting a counteroffer, or declining. If countered, you can accept the new terms, counter back, or walk away. Most DVC transactions involve some negotiation before reaching agreement.

Negotiation Tips

• Research Comparable Sales: Understanding recent sales can help you make a fair offer.
• Be Prepared to Walk Away: If the terms don't meet your expectations, consider other options.

Step 5: Sign the Purchase Agreement

Once you and the seller agree on terms, both parties sign a purchase agreement documenting the transaction. You will also submit an earnest money deposit, typically held in escrow by the title company until closing. The purchase agreement initiates the formal closing process.

Step 6: Disney Right of First Refusal

All DVC resale transactions must pass through Disney Right of First Refusal. The contract is submitted to Disney for review, a process taking approximately 30 days. Disney can choose to purchase the contract at the agreed price or waive their right and allow the sale to proceed. If Disney exercises ROFR, your deposit is refunded and you can pursue other listings.

Step 7: Title Work and Closing

After ROFR passes, the title company prepares closing documents. They conduct title research to verify ownership, check for liens, and prepare the new deed. You will receive closing documents to sign and instructions for submitting your final payment. Most payments are made via wire transfer or certified funds.

Step 8: Deed Recording and Membership Activation

Once all documents are signed and funds received, the title company records the new deed with the appropriate county office. After recording, they notify Disney of the ownership change. Disney updates their membership records and activates your account, typically within one to two weeks after recording.

Timeline Expectations

The complete DVC resale buying process typically takes 60 to 90 days from accepted offer to membership activation. ROFR accounts for about 30 days, with title work and closing taking an additional few weeks. Plan accordingly if you hope to use your new membership for a specific vacation.

Working with DVC Sales

DVC Sales guides buyers through every step of the resale process. We help you find appropriate contracts, submit offers, navigate ROFR, and complete closing successfully. There are no buyer fees when purchasing through DVC Sales. Contact us to discuss your DVC buying goals and start your search for the perfect contract.