Selling DVC with a Pending Reservation

How Pending Reservations Impact Your Sales

Segoe UI, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.7; color: #2d3748; margin-bottom: 15px;">Selling a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership with a pending reservation is possible, but it does influence the closing timeline. Disney does not allow an active reservation to be transferred to the buyer, which means you must complete your trip before the ownership officially changes hands. Because of this, the closing date will always be scheduled after your checkout. This factor is important for both sellers and buyers to understand when entering into a DVC resale agreement.

Coordinating Your Closing Date

To ensure a smooth transaction, you must update your seller profile. Within the Required section of your Profile page, indicate “Yes” if you currently have pending reservations and provide the exact check-out date. By doing so, buyers know what to expect, and the resale broker can align the closing timeline appropriately. For sellers, this step prevents unnecessary delays. For buyers, it establishes trust and confidence that the process will be transparent.

Marketing and Negotiations Continue

Even if you have an upcoming trip planned, your listing will remain active on DVC resale listings. You can still receive offers, negotiate prices, and move forward with the transaction. The only difference is that the final closing will take place once the reservation is completed. This ensures you can enjoy your planned vacation without compromising the progress of your sale.

Option to Cancel Your Reservation

If your goal is to finalize the sale quickly, you have the option to cancel your reservation. Doing so allows the closing and payout to occur sooner. However, this decision should be carefully considered. For reservations scheduled within 60 to 90 days, most sellers choose to keep their travel plans and close after their trip. Since many DVC buyers plan vacations far in advance, a short delay is usually acceptable. To better estimate your contract’s value before selling, you can use the DVC resale value calculator.

Buyer Transparency

Transparency is key in the DVC resale process. Buyers are always informed if a pending reservation exists, ensuring there are no surprises later. By being open about your plans, you strengthen buyer trust and reduce the likelihood of last-minute complications. Clear communication helps both sides feel confident moving forward, which leads to smoother negotiations and fewer delays.

Getting Professional Help

At DVC Sales, our team is committed to making every transaction as seamless as possible, even when pending reservations are involved. We provide sellers with guidance on timing, strategies, and options to achieve the best possible outcome. For more information, you can review our selling strategy guide or reach out directly through our contact page.

Additionally, it may be helpful to review Disney Vacation Club’s official guidelines on resales, which explain what buyers and sellers should expect. By combining official resources with expert broker support, sellers can confidently manage the process, even when vacations overlap with closing schedules.

Understanding the DVC Resale Market

When selling a DVC membership, understanding the resale market is crucial. The DVC resale market can be competitive, with many buyers looking for specific resorts or point allocations. Sellers should be aware that the value of their membership can vary based on several factors, including the home resort, the number of points, and the remaining years on the contract. Typically, resorts with higher demand, such as Disney’s Beach Club Villas or the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, may fetch higher prices due to their popularity and location.

Furthermore, sellers should consider the timing of their sale. The DVC resale market can fluctuate throughout the year, with certain periods experiencing higher demand. For instance, the months leading up to the summer vacation season might see increased interest from buyers planning their family trips. Understanding these market dynamics can help sellers set realistic expectations and optimize their selling strategy.

Final Thoughts

Pending reservations do not prevent you from selling your DVC membership, but they do affect the timing of closing. Whether you decide to complete your vacation before finalizing the sale or cancel the reservation to accelerate the process, the key is transparency and planning. With the right guidance and clear communication, you can enjoy your vacation and still achieve a successful sale afterward.