DVC can't send any information to NS?

[redrosesix]

So...we decided to start thinking about buying into DVC. But apparently, since I live in NS, they can't give me any information by phone, email, or mail. The only way they can give me information is at WDW. I'm a bit confused, and quite a bit angry since it certainly does put us at a disadvantage -- I guess I would have to buy on the spot without looking over the information in advance?

Does anybody know why this is the case?

Is this going to be an issue with any timeshare information we would like to get (since we are also considering a couple of them outside WDW)?

[MikeyNS]

They aren't registered to do business in NS is why.. no legal representation, blah blah. You can buy resale (big savings!), but you can't buy directly from DVC. I believe they're only registered in ON and AB.

[Hockey Mom KQ]

It's true. We had to buy when we were down there 3 years ago, but we went to the presentation the year before and had done research on our own before we made the decision. We bought AKV. We just had to put a deposit down, and leave our credit card on file. Our payment is made through our credit card. I believe that is the only way to do it if you live in Canada, unless you have the money and pay in full. Some people set it up with their lender before they get to Orlando. We love it!! It is worth every penny in my opinion. Although my husband really hates the maintenance fees and taxes:( You really need to go to the DVC thread on this site. It is extremely helpful. :cool1:

[MikeyNS]

We're heading down on Friday. We're taking a bunch of family and we'll be on the Boardwalk in a 2BR for the week.

The value we're getting out of DVC is phenominal. It's already "paid" for itself, and if I sold on the resale market today I would recoup my initial investment.. so other than the maintenance fees I've paid I've had years of GREAT vacations for almost nothing.

I know you're not supposed to purchase DVC as an investment, but being able to almost break even after all these years is a nice bonus.

[redrosesix]

Thanks for all the replies. This is something we have to seriously consider because we'll be going at the same time every year for the forseable future (DD competes at Twirlmania in Feb and it gives her a break from asthma attacks :cheer2: ) We're ok with staying at ASMusic, but if I can stay for close to the same price at a studio in AK (other than the initial investment) it will make the every year thing a lot easier (we do several other trips each year for competitions) Plus, sometimes we'll have extended family going with us -- love that I can rent points to get a bigger space.

It seems like they must be registered in Ontario, since the DVC request for information section does list Ontario. I'm wondering if they would be able to send the information to my brother -- he's a real estate lawyer but his firm also has offices in Ontario, I think.

I'm hoping the other timeshares we're considering won't have the same issues, since I'd love to feel like I'd done my homework.

[MikeyNS]

IF you're looking at staying onsite at Disney every year than definitely consider DVC. It's basically like paying value rates to stay at the more deluxe resorts.
What kind of information are you looking for? Perhaps some of us DVC members can help out! I would SERIOUSLY consider purchasing resale from NS. You get a better price than is out there now, and almost all the resorts are available if you're finicky about where you want to stay.

[redrosesix]

IF you're looking at staying onsite at Disney every year than definitely consider DVC. It's basically like paying value rates to stay at the more deluxe resorts.
What kind of information are you looking for? Perhaps some of us DVC members can help out! I would SERIOUSLY consider purchasing resale from NS. You get a better price than is out there now, and almost all the resorts are available if you're finicky about where you want to stay.

Well...I'm really thinking about starting small -- adding more later as funds become available ie. when the stock market improves :lmao:

A studio at AK would be my first choice right now, I think, but then I haven't been to all of the other resorts. One thing I like about ASMusic, and this may sound silly but remember we visit in Feb., is that if we get a ground floor room I can just walk outside into the sunshine -- I know I'd have to give that up at AK, but not sure if I would have to elsewhere.

BTW, next year's competition is always announced during the current one, so we have no problem booking 11 months out. The home resort advantage will work very well for us, so I need to choose that carefully.

Other than that, all I know is where to find the 2010 points chart, and that MFs are approx. $4.50 per point -- are there any other fees I don't know about? Other than that, nothing! So I really don't have enough information to compare this to not buying, or to buying elsewhere (such as Hilton at Seaworld, for my future dolphin trainer)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[MikeyNS]

Maintenance fees go up a smidge every year, but other than that there are no additional fees (other than if you want to stay outside of DVC). AKV would be a great resort because you have so much choice. Value rooms are a great deal, as are standard view. If you goto the DVC boards you'll be able to find the 2010 point charts.
..but be warned, if you ever stay in a 1BR you will never want to stay in a studio again. ;) The additional room, washer and dryer and the kitchen are an absolute blessing.
I see there are a few 100pt AKV resales going for ~$8500US, which at the 2010 rates would get you a standard studio for a week during the first of Feb (91pts!).

[redrosesix]

Maintenance fees go up a smidge every year, but other than that there are no additional fees (other than if you want to stay outside of DVC). AKV would be a great resort because you have so much choice. Value rooms are a great deal, as are standard view. If you goto the DVC boards you'll be able to find the 2010 point charts.
..but be warned, if you ever stay in a 1BR you will never want to stay in a studio again. ;) The additional room, washer and dryer and the kitchen are an absolute blessing.
I see there are a few 100pt AKV resales going for ~$8500US, which at the 2010 rates would get you a standard studio for a week during the first of Feb (91pts!).

Correct me if I'm wrong, please, but if I want to get only around 100 points, I have to buy them from the resale market since the minimum to buy directly is 160?

[MikeyNS]

Yup! And once you're in the system you can addon through Disney (if you're on property.. so some February you're down) at a 25pt for cash/50pt for finance minimum, or buy another small contract resale (which I've done) and save even more.

[redrosesix]

Another question: Once I'm in the system, can DVC then contact me about special offers, etc. or does that "not registered" thing always come into play?

[MikeyNS]

Once you're in the system you're just like every member.. there is a website that you can login to once you're a member and all the offers and perks are there. I don't remember getting anything "special" in the mail that I wasn't aware of from the disboards or logging into the website.. ie: they don't do things like "buy 25pts get another 25 free". Usually any offers are for like 100pt minimum addons and you'd get developer points or something.

[TagsMissy]

ahhh! Don't say this! LOL We are staying in a 2BR later this year! :rotfl2:

I am pondering getting a studio though in 2010 to get away from the west coast during the olympics LOL Smaller room but stay longer!


..but be warned, if you ever stay in a 1BR you will never want to stay in a studio again. ;) The additional room, washer and dryer and the kitchen are an absolute blessing.
.

[TagsMissy]

I've been contemplating buying an addon at maybe SSR as it seems to be the cheapest option out there but I am loathed to pay 2 maint fees LOL So I may wait for BLT resales in a couple of years LOL

[OvertheRainbow]

They aren't registered to do business in NS is why.. no legal representation, blah blah. You can buy resale (big savings!), but you can't buy directly from DVC. I believe they're only registered in ON and AB.


Unless something has changed very recently they're not registered in AB. I sure wish they were tho I'd love to be able to add on from here :)

[drag n' fly]

They are definitely not registered in Alberta. We had to fly to Disneyland, tour and sign all the paperwork on site. My guide is not allowed to offer me incentives but I am allowed to "ask questions" about them and she will answer them. If I want to add on I will need to fly to one of the parks and add on there. Which of course I dont mind because it gives me another reason to go back lol.

[redrosesix]

They are definitely not registered in Alberta. We had to fly to Disneyland, tour and sign all the paperwork on site. My guide is not allowed to offer me incentives but I am allowed to "ask questions" about them and she will answer them. If I want to add on I will need to fly to one of the parks and add on there. Which of course I dont mind because it gives me another reason to go back lol.

Holy cow! You can't even add on from anywhere but Ontario? This is going to be way more complex than I had imagined. Excuse me for saying so, but this kinda sucks.

So once you are a member, if you want to tour etc. do the guide's rules change?

[OntFamily]

Holy cow! You can't even add on from anywhere but Ontario? This is going to be way more complex than I had imagined. Excuse me for saying so, but this kinda sucks.

So once you are a member, if you want to tour etc. do the guide's rules change?

If you are physically in Florida, there are no restrictions.

The restriction (which is not a Disney restriction, but the gov't of your province) is for your benefit, to ensure "fly by night" operators don't try and sell worthless real estate.

[MikeyNS]

Holy cow! You can't even add on from anywhere but Ontario? This is going to be way more complex than I had imagined. Excuse me for saying so, but this kinda sucks.

So once you are a member, if you want to tour etc. do the guide's rules change?

I'm pretty sure when I originally chatted with my guide there was another province. Maybe BC?

[redrosesix]

If you are physically in Florida, there are no restrictions.

The restriction (which is not a Disney restriction, but the gov't of your province) is for your benefit, to ensure "fly by night" operators don't try and sell worthless real estate.

Yes, that's what my brother said. But we agree that it actually has the opposite effect -- since we can't evaluate contracts from home, we're left having to make a quick decision without the benefit of our regular legal representation and without being able to compare contracts from different companies. :sad2:

And, I really would have thought that once you had a contractual relationship with DVC, that they could send you offers, etc. The system makes little sense.

I'm pretty sure when I originally chatted with my guide there was another province. Maybe BC?

Could be, but the only one that comes up when you click on the DVD request is Ontario.

[MikeyNS]

What kind of "offers" were you thinking of getting?

As for the legal aspects it all depends on how comfy cozy you are with the whole timeshare industry in general. We had faith in Disney and signed without any legal advice, as it was just like purchasing a piece of property. We're bought and sold a contract or two and have had no hassle or hidden agendas on Disney's part. The only thing to be wary of is that if you wanted to sell your DVC to, say, your brother for $1 Disney has the right to have first crack at it (right of first refusal), which helps keep prices relatively stable.

[redrosesix]

What kind of "offers" were you thinking of getting?

As for the legal aspects it all depends on how comfy cozy you are with the whole timeshare industry in general. We had faith in Disney and signed without any legal advice, as it was just like purchasing a piece of property. We're bought and sold a contract or two and have had no hassle or hidden agendas on Disney's part. The only thing to be wary of is that if you wanted to sell your DVC to, say, your brother for $1 Disney has the right to have first crack at it (right of first refusal), which helps keep prices relatively stable.

Not comfortable with the timeshare industry at all. Buying at Disney may be pretty safe, but it is one of the most expensive and many other time shares out there are going pretty cheap -- pretty difficult to compare when you can't even get information on the incentives being offered and can't talk to a salesperson.

As far as DVC, if you can't even add on from home then it makes it pretty difficult to take advantage of any incentives unless they're still running them when you get there for your next trip.

Even if we do buy DVC, I'd prefer to have my lawyer and my accountant evaluate the deal and help me figure out the best way to own the contract, especially if there's any chance we won't be using it some year and will be renting out the points. Definitely don't want to get in trouble with the IRS or Revenue Canada, or pay taxes unnecessarily.

[MikeyNS]

Yup, DVC is definitely one of the more expensive ones out there, but as I mentioned it does hold its value!
The only tax issue you will have is when you sell it. The IRS holds back 10% of the value, but you can get it back if you file a US tax thingy (good term 'eh?). As for renting you're supposed to claim it as income for revenue canada.

I wouldn't get too hung up on incentives.. unless you're buying a wack of points I've never heard of any real incentives that made me go "gosh, I wish I could get on board with this." (which you can't unless you're in Florida, but then again you tend to find yourself there at least once a year. We found ourselves down 3 times in one calendar year once, and walked out of each resort without a bill for accomodations. Sweet!)

Research, research, research! :)

[redrosesix]

Research, research, research! :)

What would I ever do without Dis Boards? :confused3

Our vacation has to be every Feb. -- the competition my DD goes to is usually over Pres. weekend, although next year it's the weekend after. It's a 2-week trip, but 1 week of it we'll be staying at ASMusic with the other twirlers. Going once a year and trying to get this set up is a bit of a pain -- really wish we had taken time to do the tour when we were there last, but without knowing what questions to ask I guess it wouldn't have helped much.

[TagsMissy]

I'm pretty sure when I originally chatted with my guide there was another province. Maybe BC?

Definitely not BC. Perhaps 1 other Provence is in discussion to allow but hasn't done it yet?

I know only people in Ontario can get the information DVD... I just tested it now.

[TagsMissy]

Yup, DVC is definitely one of the more expensive ones out there, but as I mentioned it does hold its value!
The only tax issue you will have is when you sell it. The IRS holds back 10% of the value, but you can get it back if you file a US tax thingy (good term 'eh?). As for renting you're supposed to claim it as income for revenue canada.

I wouldn't get too hung up on incentives.. unless you're buying a wack of points I've never heard of any real incentives that made me go "gosh, I wish I could get on board with this." (which you can't unless you're in Florida, but then again you tend to find yourself there at least once a year. We found ourselves down 3 times in one calendar year once, and walked out of each resort without a bill for accomodations. Sweet!)

Research, research, research! :)

Even for us.. we bought the 160pt BLT plan. We know we won't go every year but by pooling points we go every other year it's still a great deal! We're paying our whole investment off by the first payment due date so we won't have monthly dues over our head.

It isn't necessarily for everybody. Being on the west coast we'll definitely head to Anaheim in the next year or two for a get away too!

[MikeyNS]

I was just chatting with a co-worker as she wanted to see where we were staying come this weekend. No problem. Showed her the 2BRs at the Boardwalk, then she asked "that looks nice. how much would it be to stay there?". I looked up the rack rates, multiplied them by the number of nights we're there and came up with $6,210US. WOW.. I don't know how people would afford staying in a 2BR normally, but some actually do pay for cash.

[redrosesix]

I was just chatting with a co-worker as she wanted to see where we were staying come this weekend. No problem. Showed her the 2BRs at the Boardwalk, then she asked "that looks nice. how much would it be to stay there?". I looked up the rack rates, multiplied them by the number of nights we're there and came up with $6,210US. WOW.. I don't know how people would afford staying in a 2BR normally, but some actually do pay for cash.

I wonder about that too, but I think it must be those people who go all out on a once in a lifetime type of vacation -- DxDP, the works. I think it's the same people who rent the most expensive cars they can get knowing they would never actually buy one.

I'm not sure they actually can afford it -- from reading the boards I get the feeling there's a lot of people who actually can't but do it anyway. That's just not for me. :scared1:

[MikeyNS]

Everytime we go we tell ourselves how lucky we are because some families can never go no matter what, and others can only afford to go once in their lives. Very thankful.

[OntFamily]

Yes, that's what my brother said. But we agree that it actually has the opposite effect -- since we can't evaluate contracts from home, we're left having to make a quick decision without the benefit of our regular legal representation and without being able to compare contracts from different companies. :sad2:



Once you sign the paperwork, you have 10 days to cancel, and get all of your deposit returned. You can use this 10 days to review the paperwork with your accountant/lawyer.