DVC Resale Process

DVC Resale Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the DVC resale process helps buyers navigate their purchase confidently from initial search through membership activation. This guide walks you through each step of acquiring Disney Vacation Club ownership through the secondary market.

Step 1: Research and Preparation

Before shopping for contracts, determine your vacation needs. Calculate how many points typical vacations at your preferred resorts require using published DVC point charts. Identify which home resort best suits your preferences based on location, theming, and amenities.

Research the resale market to understand pricing ranges for your target resort. Understanding market values helps you recognize good opportunities and make competitive offers when you find suitable contracts. Additionally, consider the contract's expiration date, as DVC contracts have a fixed end date, which can impact long-term value.

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 and most reliable service.

Browse broker websites to view available listings. Each listing shows home resort, point count, use year, point status, and asking price. This information helps you identify contracts matching your requirements. Some brokers may also offer additional resources, such as guides or webinars, to further educate you on the process.

Step 3: Making an Offer

When you find a suitable contract, work with your broker to submit an offer. The offer includes your proposed price and any specific terms or conditions. Sellers may accept, reject, or counter your offer, initiating negotiations.

Negotiation is normal in resale transactions. Be prepared to adjust your offer based on seller responses while maintaining realistic expectations about pricing. Your broker can advise on appropriate offer levels based on market conditions. Remember to consider additional costs like closing fees and annual dues, which are part of ownership responsibilities.

Step 4: Contract Execution

Once buyer and seller agree on terms, both parties sign purchase contracts documenting the agreed transaction details. The buyer submits an earnest money deposit, typically held in escrow by the title company until closing.

Review all documents carefully before signing. Ensure contract terms match your understanding of the agreement. Ask questions about anything unclear before committing. This step is crucial for ensuring that all parties are on the same page and that there are no misunderstandings that could delay the process.

Step 5: ROFR Review

After contract execution, the transaction goes to Disney for Right of First Refusal (ROFR) review. Disney has the contractual right to purchase any resale contract at the agreed price. This review typically takes up to 30 days.

If Disney waives ROFR, the sale proceeds to closing. If Disney exercises ROFR, they purchase the contract instead, and you receive your deposit back. While disappointing, ROFR exercise allows you to search for another contract. Understanding Disney's historical ROFR patterns can help set expectations for this step.

Step 6: Closing Process

After ROFR waiver, the title company prepares closing documents. They order an estoppel certificate from Disney confirming the contract's status, conduct title searches, and prepare the deed and other required documents.

You receive closing documents for signature, pay your remaining balance and closing costs, and the seller signs documents transferring ownership. This process typically takes two to four weeks. Ensuring all payments and documents are submitted promptly can help avoid delays.

Step 7: Deed Recording

After closing, the title company records the new deed with the appropriate county recorder's office. This legal recording establishes you as the owner of record for the DVC interest. Recording typically occurs within one to two weeks of closing. The timing can vary based on the county's processing speed.

Step 8: Disney Registration

Following deed recording, the title company notifies Disney of the ownership change. Disney updates their membership records to register you as the new owner. This final step typically takes one to three weeks.

Once registration completes, you receive access to your member account and can begin making reservations using your points. Your DVC membership is now fully active. Familiarize yourself with the DVC member website and mobile app to manage your reservations and points effectively.

Timeline Summary

The complete resale process typically takes 60 to 90 days from accepted offer to membership activation. ROFR accounts for the largest portion of this timeline. Understanding this duration helps you plan accordingly and set realistic expectations for when you can begin using your DVC ownership. Being proactive and responsive throughout the process can help ensure a smooth and timely transaction.