DVC Resale Points

DVC Resale Points: Understanding What You're Buying

DVC resale points represent ownership interests in Disney Vacation Club being sold through the secondary market. Understanding what these points are and how they work helps prospective buyers make informed purchase decisions.

What Are DVC Resale Points?

DVC resale points are annual vacation point allocations attached to existing Disney Vacation Club contracts being sold by current members. Each contract includes a specific number of points at a designated home resort with an established use year. When you purchase resale points, you acquire this ownership interest from the selling member.

These points function as vacation currency within the DVC system, redeemable for accommodations at any DVC resort according to published point charts. The points work identically whether purchased through resale or directly from Disney.

How Resale Points Work

Your annual point allocation arrives at the beginning of your use year. These points can be used throughout that year to book accommodations. Point requirements vary by resort, room type, and season according to DVC point charts available to all members.

Unused points can be banked into the following year if done before the banking deadline. Points can also be borrowed from the upcoming year if you need more than currently available. These management features provide flexibility in matching points to vacation needs.

Importantly, understanding the banking and borrowing rules is crucial as they can impact your ability to plan vacations, especially during peak times. Banking points must be done within specific deadlines, usually several months before the end of your use year, to avoid losing them.

Resale Points vs Direct Purchase

Resale points cost significantly less than points purchased directly from Disney, typically 40% to 60% below direct prices. This substantial savings represents the primary advantage of buying through the resale market.

Disney has implemented restrictions on resale purchases affecting supplementary benefits like Member Getaways and certain discounts. However, the core benefit of booking DVC resort accommodations works identically for resale and direct owners.

While resale buyers miss out on some perks, the ability to book stays at DVC resorts remains unaffected. This makes resale points a viable option for those primarily interested in accommodations rather than additional perks.

Evaluating Resale Point Offerings

When shopping for resale points, evaluate multiple factors beyond just the number of points. The home resort determines your priority booking access during the 11-month window. Use year timing affects when your annual allocation arrives. Current point status impacts immediate usability.

• Home Resort Priority: Your home resort gives you an 11-month booking window advantage, while other resorts have a 7-month window.
• Use Year: This is the month your annual points are renewed, impacting your booking and banking strategy.
• Point Status: Check if the contract is loaded (with banked points) or stripped (with points already used).

Price per point serves as the primary comparison metric, but context matters. Prices vary by resort based on demand, location, and other factors. Compare asking prices against recent comparable sales to assess value.

Point Status Considerations

Resale contracts come with varying point status situations. Fully loaded contracts include all expected current and banked points. Stripped contracts have had points used by the seller, leaving minimal immediate availability.

Loaded contracts command premium prices but provide immediate booking capability. Stripped contracts cost less but require waiting for your next use year allocation. Calculate effective value considering what points you actually receive.

How Many Points Do You Need?

Calculating your point needs requires understanding DVC point charts. Different rooms at different resorts during different seasons require varying point amounts. A week in a studio might need 100-150 points while a two-bedroom villa during peak season could require 250-350 points.

Consider your typical vacation patterns. How often will you visit Disney? What room size does your family need? Which seasons do you prefer? Answering these questions helps determine appropriate point quantities for your contract.

Remember, purchasing the right number of points is crucial. Buying too few points could limit your vacation options, while buying too many might result in unused points unless you plan to bank them.

The Purchase Process

Buying resale points involves working with licensed brokers who list available contracts. After finding suitable options, submit offers and negotiate terms. Accepted offers proceed through Disney's Right of First Refusal (ROFR) review before closing and ownership transfer.

The process typically takes 60 to 90 days from accepted offer to membership activation. During this time, title companies handle documentation while Disney manages the ROFR review and membership registration.

It's important to work with experienced brokers who understand the DVC resale market. They can guide you through the complexities of the transaction, ensuring a smooth purchase experience.

Making Your Purchase Decision

Purchasing DVC resale points requires balancing cost savings against supplementary benefit restrictions. For families focused on Disney resort stays, resale points typically provide excellent value. Research thoroughly, understand what you are buying, and make an informed decision aligned with your vacation goals.

Ultimately, the decision to buy resale points should align with your vacation habits and financial considerations. By understanding the nuances of DVC resale points, you can make a purchase that enhances your family's vacation experiences for years to come.