Another Benefit of DVC

[PamOKW]

At the bottom of the www.tcpalm.com pages people are posting desperately trying to find out information regarding the condos/homes they own in Vero (snowbirds). Many of the complexes they are asking about are in the general area of DVC Vero. So far, they aren't getting any responses since no one has been allowed out yet.

It's disconcerting not knowing what's happened to our resort but we have some comfort in knowing that Disney will take care of managing the necessary repairs. If you "own" the place it's on your shoulders to figure out what's happened, how you are going to fix it, etc., etc. Many of them are posting that they can't even reach their management companies (not surprising).

To me, there's a lot to be said for being able to walk away worry-free every time I finish a DVC vacation at WDW, Vero or HHI.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I definitely agree with that, Pam! We were just talking this morning with the folks who will be making our October trip with us. They were concerned that OKW would not be able to accomodate us in the GV as before, I was able to say with a great deal of confidence, that I had no worries! I do think the storm might delay the completion of the OKW slide though.

 

[danny1649]

 

[jimmytammy]

I totally agree with you Pam

 

[DBBN]

This is one of the top 5 reasons we chose DVC to make a substantial investment for our retirement years. We plan to winter at OKW. I have no doubt whatsoever that when my wife checks into OKW next month things will be as beautiful as ever. No worries. NONE.

We could have purchased a condominium/house anywhere in the world. We chose DVC and OKW. I feel better with our decision every year we own and we're just getting started!!!

 

[SonicLogic]

Don't agree. I prefer to have fee simple title, rather than an expensive timeshare that goes down in value over time. Insurance takes care of property damage, so no worries here!

 

[PamOKW]

I'm not talking so much about the expense of repairs but of the incovenience and uncertainity of owning property at a distance.

If it were a personal condo, I'd have to be getting down there to survey the damage, arrange for repair, either stay there and oversee the repairs or be sure someone else was doing that, etc. Someone I know lost their house in Port Charlotte because they were away, the roof was damaged and no one was there to tarp it, water got in and destroyed the walls -- destroyed the home.

While DVC will eventually go down in value, I could sell now for about 25% more than I paid.

Of course, I understand your point about actual real estate having more value in terms of a cash investment. I'm talking more of a lifestyle choice.

 

[CVW]

Sounds like this thread is turning into a "timeshare v real estate" debate. Which I think is great. We don't often get true vacation home owners (at least admitting it) on these boards.

SonicLogic, tell me more about your vacation property. Do you own at DVC also or just lurk on the boards?

I looked extensively at buying a vacation property. But I strongly preferred the trade-flexibility and worry-free (though not dollar-free) maintenance of timeshare.

By far the biggest disadvantage of timeshare is inflexibility of reservations. The only advantage I see of owning my own vacation home is being able to pop in any weekend I wanted to. But I would hate to be tied to one property, even if it offered rental income.

To me, the differences are so stark that titles, value over time, etc. are only secondary considerations.

What made you decide differently? I'm guessing that you get to be true king (or queen) of your castle. And that's good enough. I suppose another good reason is if someone truly enjoys maintaining and keeping another home. To me, that's not vacation.