DVC for Resale

DVC for Resale: Your Complete Buying Guide

Purchasing DVC through the resale market provides families an excellent opportunity to join Disney Vacation Club at prices well below direct purchase costs. This guide covers everything you need to know about buying DVC for resale successfully.

Understanding DVC Resale

DVC resale refers to purchasing a Disney Vacation Club membership from an existing owner rather than buying directly from Disney. Current members sell their contracts for various reasons, including life changes, financial considerations, or simply changed vacation preferences. These sales create opportunities for new buyers.

The resale market has operated for decades alongside Disney's direct sales, with thousands of contracts changing hands annually through licensed brokers. This established marketplace offers transparency, professional transaction management, and legitimate pathways to DVC membership.

Cost Savings Advantage

The primary motivation for buying DVC resale is significant cost savings. Resale prices typically run 40% to 60% below what Disney charges for the same points at the same resort. For a typical 150-point contract, this translates to savings of ten thousand dollars or more.

These savings allow families to either purchase more points than they could afford directly or invest the difference elsewhere. Many buyers determine that resale provides superior value despite the restrictions that come with non-direct purchases.

What You Get with Resale

Resale purchases provide the core DVC membership benefit: booking deluxe Disney resort accommodations using your points. You receive the same home resort booking priority as direct buyers, the same ability to reserve at other DVC resorts, and the same point management flexibility, including banking and borrowing.

Points purchased through resale function identically to direct points for reservation purposes. Your vacation experiences at DVC resorts will be indistinguishable from those of members who purchased directly from Disney.

Resale Restrictions Explained

Disney has implemented restrictions on resale purchases made after certain dates. These limitations affect supplementary benefits, including Member Getaways destinations, some discounts, and access to certain external programs. The restrictions do not affect your ability to book DVC resort accommodations.

Most buyers accept these restrictions in exchange for the substantial cost savings. Evaluate which benefits matter to your family and calculate whether the pricing premium for direct purchase justifies access to restricted benefits.

Choosing Your Resort and Contract

When shopping for DVC resale, consider which home resort best suits your vacation preferences. Location, theming, amenities, and room configurations vary between properties. Your home resort determines your priority booking window during the 11-month advance period.

Contract details, including point allocation, use year, and current point status, also require evaluation. Larger contracts provide more vacation flexibility, while smaller ones require less upfront investment. Use year timing should align with your typical vacation planning schedule.

Working with Resale Brokers

Licensed DVC resale brokers facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers. They maintain listings of available contracts, provide market guidance, help negotiate fair prices, and coordinate the closing process. Working with experienced brokers ensures smooth, professional transactions.

Research multiple brokers to compare inventory, pricing, and customer reviews. Established brokers with strong reputations provide the best combination of selection and service quality. Their expertise helps navigate the purchase process from offer to membership activation.

The Purchase Process

Buying DVC resale involves several steps. After finding a suitable contract, you submit an offer and negotiate terms. Accepted offers proceed to Disney's Right of First Refusal (ROFR) review, where Disney may purchase the contract. If Disney waives ROFR, the sale moves to closing, where ownership transfers.

The timeline from accepted offer to membership activation typically spans 60 to 90 days. During this period, title companies handle document preparation, fund collection, and deed recording. After closing, Disney registers you as the new owner.

Additional Considerations

• Financing Options: While Disney offers financing for direct purchases, resale buyers typically need to secure their own financing if not paying in cash. Some brokers may provide information on third-party financing options.
• Annual Dues: Regardless of how you purchase your DVC membership, annual dues are a recurring cost. These fees cover resort maintenance, operations, and taxes. They vary by resort and are an important factor in budgeting for your membership.
• Contract Expiration: DVC contracts have a set expiration date, generally 50 years from the resort's opening. When purchasing resale, consider the remaining years on the contract, as this affects long-term value and usage.

Making Your Decision

Buying DVC for resale represents a significant investment deserving careful consideration. Research different resorts, understand point charts, and calculate how many points your vacation patterns require. For families visiting Disney regularly, resale DVC often provides outstanding long-term value while delivering the same magical vacation experiences.

Ultimately, the decision to buy DVC resale should align with your family's vacation habits and financial goals. By thoroughly understanding the process and evaluating your options, you can make an informed choice that enhances your Disney experiences for years to come.