Buying Resale DVC Points

Buying Resale DVC Points: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Buying resale DVC points offers significant savings compared to direct purchases from Disney. This guide walks you through the process of acquiring Disney Vacation Club membership through the secondary market.

Why Buy Resale DVC Points?

The primary advantage of buying resale is cost savings. Resale DVC points typically sell for 40% to 60% less than direct purchase prices. For a 150-point contract, this can mean saving over ten thousand dollars while receiving the same fundamental vacation benefits.

These savings make DVC membership accessible to families who might not afford direct prices. The cost difference can fund additional vacations, park tickets, dining experiences, or simply remain in your savings account.

Understanding What You Get

Resale DVC points provide the core membership benefit of booking deluxe Disney resort accommodations. Your points work identically to direct purchase points for making reservations at any DVC resort. You receive the same home resort priority and general booking flexibility.

Point management features including banking unused points and borrowing from future years work the same for resale owners. The vacation experience at DVC resorts is identical regardless of how you acquired your membership.

Acknowledging Resale Restrictions

Disney has implemented restrictions on resale purchases affecting supplementary benefits. These may include limited access to Member Getaways destinations, certain discounts, and Disney Collection options. The restrictions apply to benefits beyond core resort booking.

Most buyers determine that substantial cost savings justify accepting these restrictions. Evaluate which benefits matter to your family when deciding between resale and direct purchase options.

Step 1: Research and Planning

Before shopping for contracts, determine how many points you need based on your vacation patterns. Study DVC point charts to understand how many points different rooms require during various seasons. Calculate your typical annual point usage.

Research different DVC resorts to understand which best suits your preferences. Your home resort affects your booking priority, so select somewhere you want to vacation frequently. Consider location, theming, and room configurations when evaluating options.

Step 2: Finding a Broker

Licensed DVC resale brokers facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers. Research multiple brokers to compare inventory, pricing, and customer reviews. Established brokers with strong reputations provide the smoothest transaction experiences.

Brokers maintain listings of available contracts across DVC resorts. They can help you understand market pricing, identify suitable contracts, and guide you through the purchase process. Their expertise makes the transaction efficient and professional.

Step 3: Finding Your Contract

Browse available listings to find contracts matching your requirements. Evaluate each option based on home resort, point allocation, use year, and current point status. Compare asking prices against recent comparable sales to assess value.

When you find attractive options, act promptly as desirable contracts can attract multiple buyers. Delaying may result in losing preferred contracts to faster-moving buyers. Balance thoroughness with decisiveness in your search.

Step 4: Making an Offer

Work with your broker to submit an offer on your chosen contract. The offer includes your proposed price and any terms or conditions. Negotiations may follow as you and the seller work toward mutually agreeable terms.

Once agreement is reached, you sign contracts and submit an earnest money deposit. This deposit is held in escrow and applied toward your purchase at closing.

Step 5: ROFR and Closing

After accepting your offer, the contract goes to Disney for Right of First Refusal (ROFR) review. Disney has 30 days to decide whether to purchase the contract at your agreed price. Most contracts pass ROFR and proceed to closing.

During closing, the title company prepares documents, collects your funds, records the deed, and distributes proceeds. After closing, Disney registers you as the new owner and activates your membership. The entire process typically takes 60 to 90 days from accepted offer to membership activation.

Additional Considerations

While the resale market offers substantial savings, it's important to consider the long-term commitment. DVC contracts typically last several decades, and annual dues will apply. These dues cover resort maintenance and operations, so factor them into your budget planning.

Additionally, keep in mind that DVC points are subject to availability. Popular resorts and times of year can book up quickly, so planning and flexibility are key to maximizing your membership benefits.

In conclusion, buying resale DVC points can be a smart way to enjoy Disney vacations at a reduced cost. By understanding the process, working with reputable brokers, and considering your vacation habits, you can make an informed decision that benefits your family for years to come.