Possible to purchase DVC with a friend?

skatalite

DIS Veteran
Joined
Oct 16, 2011
Hey there.

Is it possible -- direct through Disney and/or through resale -- to split a DVC membership/purchase with a non-family member?

Example: A friend and I want to go in together and co-own DVC because we both want the benefits that come with being an owner.

Thanks for any responses and information!
 
Yes you can purchase with a friend just like any real estate purchase.

Problem is, it may end your friendship.

:earsboy: Bill

Ha! We've already discussed all of the things that could come up, and so far we're on the same page.

But that's great to hear, so thanks for the info!
 
Ha! We've already discussed all of the things that could come up, and so far we're on the same page.

But that's great to hear, so thanks for the info!
So, if one of you banks and borrows all the points for three years in order to take one vacation without the other, you'll be cool with that? What happens if one of you gets into financial trouble and needs to sell, or if the contract gets included in bankruptcy proceedings?
 


So, if one of you banks and borrows all the points for three years in order to take one vacation without the other, you'll be cool with that? What happens if one of you gets into financial trouble and needs to sell, or if the contract gets included in bankruptcy proceedings?

Banks and borrows scenario: Say my friend does this, and I can't/don't want to go. He would pay all of the dues for those years he's tied up the points. But, more than likely, we'd all go together.

Financial trouble and needs to sell: We'd have cash available to buy the other person out. At that point all we can do is trust one another. That's why we're looking on the resale market for just 100 points -- it's not a lot of money (compared to what it can be). It's one of those risks we're still assessing, but are basically willing to accept.
 
Dave Ramsey: The only ship that never sails is a partnership.

Also from Dave Ramsey regarding the perils of a partnership: the deadly D's:

Divorce, Drugs, Death, Default, Disinterest, Disabilty.

All these things can seriously change the terms and circumstances of a partnership.
 
One or both of you gets married and then divorced, and the owner's half of DVC ends up as part of the divorce settlement.
 


Dave Ramsey: The only ship that never sails is a partnership.

Also from Dave Ramsey regarding the perils of a partnership: the deadly D's:

Divorce, Drugs, Death, Default, Disinterest, Disabilty.

All these things can seriously change the terms and circumstances of a partnership.

One or both of you gets married and then divorced, and the owner's half of DVC ends up as part of the divorce settlement.

I love me some Dave Ramsey. And I completely agree with him/you regarding what can harm a deal like this with a friend. It's not something we're taking lightly, that's for sure.
 
Ha! We've already discussed all of the things that could come up, and so far we're on the same page.

But that's great to hear, so thanks for the info!

Why don't you each buy a 50 point contract, you can transfer to each other to double your points when you want to stay together and you will each receive the limited benefits.

:earsboy: Bill
 
Hey there.

Is it possible -- direct through Disney and/or through resale -- to split a DVC membership/purchase with a non-family member?

Example: A friend and I want to go in together and co-own DVC because we both want the benefits that come with being an owner.

Thanks for any responses and information!
I wouldn't, there are far too many risks. These include things like divorce, change of mind, grow apart, get married, dies, financial issues, etc. I wouldn't do it for a fiance or even a marriage if it were on the rocks. IF you want to use one membership, one of you buy with an agreement to rent the other X number of points over time. Spell it out and write it down so there are no misunderstandings. Give each an easy out and write that down as well. Spell out how it works if you use it together since one might end up on the King bed and the other on the pullout. If you both want to own, I agree with the buy smaller contract option. The extra $1000 or so total it might cost extra will be well worth it. If by chance it's the only way one could afford to buy in, it still means one couldn't afford it so I wouldn't buy.
 
Why don't you each buy a 50 point contract, you can transfer to each other to double your points when you want to stay together and you will each receive the limited benefits.

:earsboy: Bill

That's an angle we're also considering. But my question is this:

If my friend's home resort is, say, AKL, and mine is BLT, and we combined points via transfer for longer/more deluxe stays, how would having two separate home resorts affect the booking window?

I wouldn't, there are far too many risks. These include things like divorce, change of mind, grow apart, get married, dies, financial issues, etc. I wouldn't do it for a fiance or even a marriage if it were on the rocks. IF you want to use one membership, one of you buy with an agreement to rent the other X number of points over time. Spell it out and write it down so there are no misunderstandings. Give each an easy out and write that down as well. Spell out how it works if you use it together since one might end up on the King bed and the other on the pullout. If you both want to own, I agree with the buy smaller contract option. The extra $1000 or so total it might cost extra will be well worth it. If by chance it's the only way one could afford to buy in, it still means one couldn't afford it so I wouldn't buy.

You make very valid points, for sure. We're mostly thinking of going in together so we can own a larger amount of points. We've already discussed how to handle room accommodations, but we'd also buy enough points to allow us stays in one bedrooms. That'd also allow us to bring more guests if we wanted to.
 
That's an angle we're also considering. But my question is this:

If my friend's home resort is, say, AKL, and mine is BLT, and we combined points via transfer for longer/more deluxe stays, how would having two separate home resorts affect the booking window?
You make very valid points, for sure. We're mostly thinking of going in together so we can own a larger amount of points. We've already discussed how to handle room accommodations, but we'd also buy enough points to allow us stays in one bedrooms. That'd also allow us to bring more guests if we wanted to.

Your points at different resorts book separate at 11 months or combined at 7. You are allowed 1 transfer in or out per UY.

Which resort are you shooting for and which UY will work best for your typical vacation dates?

:earsboy: Bill
 
You make very valid points, for sure. We're mostly thinking of going in together so we can own a larger amount of points. We've already discussed how to handle room accommodations, but we'd also buy enough points to allow us stays in one bedrooms. That'd also allow us to bring more guests if we wanted to.
IMO this has disaster written all over it, I wouldn't buy if this is the only way to work it out. But buying each with separate home resorts and "sharing" along the way is very workable. The partnership only works if everything goes well. Likely the best way to work the logistics with 2 separate ownerships and home resorts with you intent to "share' is to alternate who "pays" and not to worry too much if it's not the exact number of points each time but to have a way to work out when/if there's a big difference. IMO you still need to deal with the who sleeps where issue as well as how to handle as things change along the ways I mentioned above but at least you wouldn't have a legal mess on top of any drama or emotions that might come up. I'd equate it to the issue that being college roommates has ruined a lot of friendships.
 
Your points at different resorts book separate at 11 months or combined at 7. You are allowed 1 transfer in or out per UY.

Which resort are you shooting for and which UY will work best for your typical vacation dates?

:earsboy: Bill

Throughout our conversations about DVC we've been using AKL as our basis. It's not expensive, it's dues are reasonable (compared) and it's a beautiful place. We've stayed there before and really like it.

I think the only other property we'd seriously consider is BC, for reasons related to the deliciousness that is F&W. But BC is considerably more expensive than AKL.

Thanks for the clarification, disneynutz!
 
Throughout our conversations about DVC we've been using AKL as our basis. It's not expensive, it's dues are reasonable (compared) and it's a beautiful place. We've stayed there before and really like it.

I think the only other property we'd seriously consider is BC, for reasons related to the deliciousness that is F&W. But BC is considerably more expensive than AKL.

Thanks for the clarification, disneynutz!
AKV dues are a fair amount higher than SSR or BLT and with the animals, presents more risk. One might consider BLT due to the lower fees and it's not that much more than BCV. BWV is a much better value from an EPCOT standpoint because it's both cheaper and has the standard view villa option.
 
The final decision will be yours of course. I know a few people that have bought different things together (house, snow blower, vacation home, etc.). Always starts out well, all thought out and peace for a while but not one of them ended good. Some better than others of course. We are all giving you our opinions.

Really consider each of you buying your own 50 point contract at the same resort. Even if it costs you an extra few dollars each for your own contracts, it will be worth it. Good luck with your decision.
 
What happens if one of you can't afford the maintenance fees one year? Will the other pay in full, since legally you are both fully responsible for payment? And, if one doesn't pay, and then uses all the points that year, then what? What if, after 10 years in, one of you has used 80% of the points, and the other has used 20%? Will you expect the buy-in split to reflect usages? Will you split the maintenance fees based on usage? Or, if one has to buy the other out, how will you calculate the price; based on usage, investment, or split down the middle? How does ROFR work if you have to buy the other out?

If you buy separate, smaller contracts, you'll have a slightly higher cost per point and extra closing costs, but you'll be better off in the long run.
 
Buying with a friend is usually not the best idea.

My siblings asked us to book her family a 2bd at boardwalk on the 11mo mark. Jersey week and food/wine in 2012. They backed out 9 mo later and 2 mo before check in.

This sibling has her own dvc (BLT)- she had used up her points for the year, and she knows how the system works.

She claimed airfare was too pricey for jersey week/food and wine. Our 2bd at BWV was cancelled we lost/wasted a lot of points. She has had no problem going every year since and paying Disney cash or using her points. She didn't pay us a dime to compensate.

And this is a rental situation with family which i will never do again.

I know of other situations where ppl bought vacation homes with family. It did not end well.

No one goes in expecting a partnership to sour. But they do. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the input and anecdotes, everyone! My friend and I are in agreement with those posters who suggest we each purchase our own small amounts and combine them when we want to travel together.
 
What happens if one of you can't afford the maintenance fees one year? Will the other pay in full, since legally you are both fully responsible for payment? And, if one doesn't pay, and then uses all the points that year, then what? What if, after 10 years in, one of you has used 80% of the points, and the other has used 20%? Will you expect the buy-in split to reflect usages? Will you split the maintenance fees based on usage? Or, if one has to buy the other out, how will you calculate the price; based on usage, investment, or split down the middle? How does ROFR work if you have to buy the other out?

If you buy separate, smaller contracts, you'll have a slightly higher cost per point and extra closing costs, but you'll be better off in the long run.
To answer the technical questions here. Anyone on the deed is responsible for ALL of the fees just like if one cosigns for a car or student loan. If one doesn't pay, the other must or they will both be in default. ROFR should be automatic in this situation and not affect any pending reservations either, assuming one of the owners remains on the deed.
 

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