DVC Resale Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide
After 25+ years in the DVC resale market, we've helped thousands of families purchase their memberships. The process involves eight distinct steps, takes 75-90 days from start to finish, and includes Disney's unique Right of First Refusal review that you won't encounter with any other timeshare purchase.
The DVC resale process isn't complicated, but it does have some unique steps. Disney maintains control over every resale transaction, which can extend timelines. When you understand what's coming, you can plan accordingly and avoid common delays.
Step 1: Determine Your Point Needs
Before browsing contracts, you'll need to calculate your vacation requirements using Disney's point charts. A standard view studio at Bay Lake Tower requires 12 points Sunday through Thursday in Value season, but jumps to 20 points Friday and Saturday during Magic season. These seasonal variations significantly impact your annual point needs.
The right approach is estimating your vacation plans for the next 2-3 years, calculating the points needed, and purchasing based on that average with some buffer built in. Every family's needs are different, and every family's needs change over time.
Contract expiration dates matter less than many buyers think. Saratoga Springs expires in 2054, which is well beyond most families' vacation years. Focus on resorts that match your current preferences and budget rather than chasing distant expiration dates.
Step 2: Selecting a Broker
Commission rates vary significantly in the DVC resale market. The industry standard is 9.5%, but we charge 6.9%. On a $20,000 transaction, that difference puts $520 back in your pocket.
Beyond commission, you want a broker who understands current market values. Riviera contracts at $155 per point are overpriced in today's market. Saratoga Springs at $118 per point represents solid value. Experience in this specific market helps you avoid overpaying and identify fair deals.
When reviewing our DVC resale listings, you'll see complete details for each contract: home resort, point count, use year, and whether points are banked or borrowed. These details directly impact your purchase decision and first year point availability.
Step 3: Making a Competitive Offer
Most buyers either lowball significantly or offer full asking price immediately. Both approaches are ineffective in the current market.
In our experience closing thousands of contracts, offers $5-8 per point below asking price typically generate seller responses. If a Polynesian contract lists at $165 per point, an offer at $158 per point shows you're serious while leaving room for negotiation.
Remember to factor in closing costs when calculating your total investment. You'll pay our $500 admin fee, title insurance (typically $400-600), and prorated annual dues. On a 150-point contract, expect approximately $1,200 in additional costs beyond the purchase price.
Step 4: Contract Execution
After both parties accept the offer terms, you'll sign the purchase contract and provide 10% earnest money. These funds go directly to our title company, which holds them in escrow throughout the transaction.
Review all contract details carefully, particularly the deed date, use year, and any restrictions. If any information doesn't match our previous discussions, contact us immediately before signing.
Step 5: Disney's Right of First Refusal (ROFR)
This step is unique to DVC resales. Disney reviews every resale contract and can choose to purchase it themselves at your agreed price. They call this Right of First Refusal, or ROFR.
Disney typically uses the full 30-day review period, sometimes longer. They're more likely to exercise ROFR on smaller contracts at premium resorts. A 50-point Grand Floridian contract faces higher ROFR risk than a 200-point Old Key West contract.
If Disney exercises ROFR, you receive your full deposit back and can begin searching for another contract. While disappointing, this protects you from overpaying since Disney only takes contracts at below-market prices.
Step 6: Closing Process
After Disney waives their right, the title company orders an estoppel certificate from Disney. The seller pays this $150 fee, and the estoppel confirms available points, outstanding dues, and contract status.
You'll receive closing documents electronically for signature and wire the remaining funds to the title company. This phase typically takes 2-3 weeks when all parties respond promptly to requests.
Don't schedule Disney vacations during this period. You can't make DVC reservations until Disney registers your membership in their system.
Step 7: Deed Recording
The title company files your deed with Orange County or Osceola County, depending on the resort location. This recording makes you the legal owner of the DVC interest. The process typically takes one to two weeks, depending on county processing times.
Step 8: Disney Membership Registration
Disney updates their membership database with your information and provides login credentials for the DVC member website. This step completes your transition to active membership status and enables reservation booking.
Disney registration can take anywhere from one to three weeks. Disney processes these requests on their own schedule. Once complete, you can access all member benefits and book your first DVC vacation.
Expected Timeline
From accepted offer to making your first reservation, plan on 75-90 days. The timeline can be shorter with rapid responses from all parties, or longer if Disney extends their ROFR review or registration processing.
ROFR represents the biggest variable in the timeline. Disney can extend their review period, particularly during busy seasons or when reviewing contracts near their purchase thresholds.
We've guided thousands of families through this exact process over 25+ years. We understand every step, anticipate potential delays, and maintain relationships with title companies and Disney departments to keep transactions moving efficiently.
Ready to start your DVC resale purchase? Contact us to discuss your vacation plans and review current available contracts that match your needs and budget.
