Purchase DVC Resale Contract: A Complete Guide
Purchasing a Disney Vacation Club resale contract can save you $30,000 to $80,000 compared to purchasing directly from Disney while providing access to the same deluxe Disney resort accommodations. We've helped hundreds of families through this process, and understanding how resale purchases work will help you make an informed decision about DVC ownership.
What Is a DVC Resale Contract?
A DVC resale contract represents an existing ownership interest being sold by a current member rather than purchased directly from Disney. These contracts include a specific number of points at a designated home resort with an established use year. When you purchase a resale contract, you assume ownership of these points and the associated membership benefits.
The contract itself is a real estate deed giving you an ownership interest in the resort property. You're not purchasing a timeshare week or a hotel package, you're becoming a real estate owner at a Disney resort with a membership that typically extends until the mid-2040s through 2070s, depending on the resort.
Resale Price Savings
Current Disney direct retail prices range from $150 per point at Vero Beach to $310 per point at Grand Californian. Walt Disney World resorts range from $205 per point at Saratoga Springs and Old Key West to $275 per point at Bay Lake Tower and Beach Club Villas.
Resale contracts typically sell for 40% to 60% below these direct prices. For a 150-point contract at Bay Lake Tower, you might pay $110,000 directly from Disney versus $65,000 on the resale market. That's $45,000 in savings while receiving the same ownership rights and point allocation.
These savings exist because Disney's retail prices include sales commissions, marketing costs, and new owner incentives that don't apply when purchasing from an existing member. The underlying ownership remains identical.
Resale vs. Direct Purchase Benefits
Resale owners enjoy full booking privileges at their home resort starting 11 months before check-in and can reserve accommodations at other DVC resorts beginning 7 months out. Your points function identically to those purchased directly from Disney, providing the same flexibility for banking unused points to the following year or borrowing from the next year's allocation.
Contracts purchased resale after certain cutoff dates don't include access to Member Getaways (discounted non-DVC Disney hotel stays), Disney Collection destinations (resorts outside Disney parks), or certain member discounts. However, you maintain full access to all DVC resorts, which represents the core value of membership.
For most families, the restricted benefits represent a small fraction of their actual DVC usage. The primary purpose of DVC ownership is booking stays at Disney resort villas, and resale contracts provide complete access to this benefit.
The Purchase Process Step by Step
The resale purchase process involves several distinct phases. First, you'll work with a licensed DVC resale broker to identify contracts matching your preferences for points, home resort, and use year. Once you've selected a contract, you'll submit an offer through the broker.
After the seller accepts your offer, the contract enters escrow with a title company that manages the legal transfer. During escrow, Disney exercises their Right of First Refusal (ROFR), reviewing the sale price and deciding whether to purchase the contract themselves. This process typically takes 15-30 days.
If Disney waives ROFR, the sale proceeds to closing where you'll receive the deed and assume ownership. The entire process from accepted offer to closed sale usually takes 45-75 days. At DVC Sales, we charge a $500 administration fee to buyers and guide you through each step of the transaction.
Evaluating Contract Options
When comparing resale contracts, consider factors beyond price per point. Your home resort determines your 11-month booking window priority, which matters most at popular resorts like Bay Lake Tower or Beach Club Villas where availability can be limited during peak seasons.
The use year affects when your annual points become available. February use years work well for families taking spring break trips, while September use years suit those planning fall or holiday visits. Your use year should align with when you typically plan to vacation.
Point allocations also influence value. Contracts with current year points ready for immediate use may cost more per point but provide instant booking capability. Stripped contracts with no points until the next use year typically sell at lower prices but require patience before you can make reservations.
Understanding Right of First Refusal
Disney's Right of First Refusal allows them to purchase any resale contract at the agreed sale price. They typically exercise ROFR on contracts priced significantly below market value, helping maintain resale values across the system. Most contracts priced at or near current market rates pass through ROFR without issue.
ROFR isn't arbitrary. Disney generally takes contracts when the price is well below comparable sales or when they want inventory at specific resorts. If Disney takes your contract, you'll receive your earnest money back and can continue shopping for another contract.
In our experience, contracts priced within reasonable market ranges pass ROFR successfully. Your broker should provide guidance on pricing based on recent sales and ROFR patterns.
Working with a Resale Broker
Licensed DVC resale brokers facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers, maintaining listings of available contracts and guiding both parties through closing. At DVC Sales, we charge a 6.9% commission compared to the 9.5% industry average, and we provide detailed market reports to help you understand current pricing.
When selecting a broker, look for companies with extensive DVC experience and positive member reviews. Ask about their commission structure, average closing timeline, and what support they provide if complications arise. A knowledgeable broker makes the difference between a smooth transaction and a stressful experience.
We also provide a comprehensive guide to how DVC works so you understand the membership before making your purchase decision.
Financing Your Purchase
Unlike Disney's direct financing program, most lenders don't offer loans for DVC resale purchases because the contracts are considered timeshare interests rather than traditional real estate. Most resale buyers pay cash at closing.
Some companies specialize in DVC resale financing, though interest rates are typically higher than conventional mortgages. If financing is necessary for your purchase, research these options before shopping for contracts to understand your budget constraints.
Cash purchases also provide negotiating advantages and faster closing timelines, since you don't need loan approval during the escrow period.
Making Your Purchase Decision
Before purchasing a resale contract, calculate the points you'll need for your typical Disney vacations over the next 2-3 years. Review annual dues for different resorts, which range from about $7 to $10 per point annually and increase each year.
Consider the contract's expiration date, which varies by resort. Newer resorts like Copper Creek extend until 2068, while established resorts like Old Key West expire in 2042. Longer contracts typically command higher per-point prices but provide more years of ownership.
Most importantly, ensure DVC ownership aligns with your family's long-term Disney vacation plans. DVC works best for families who visit Disney parks regularly and prefer staying at Disney resort hotels. The flexibility and point system provide excellent value for these vacation patterns, while the upfront investment makes sense when spread across many years of use.
