Can I buy DVC without my husband?

[bsusanmb]

HUMMM, that's a great idea! Didn't know you could do that. Did you get any incentives? Didn't know if this only happens when you are there in person. I got the video and there was a flier that said if you buy now you get $1500 credit.

Don't know what that means, though.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

We bought over the phone too. I called, got all the information. When my DH got home, we talked about it (didn't have to twist his arm, though! ) I called Robin, our guide, back and started the process. I put the deposit on a credit card and she sent the paperwork. We both signed the papers, I sent a check for...can't remember why I sent the check...maybe I only put part of the deposit on the cc...don't remember. Anyway, all this was done without ever seeing or staying at the Beach Club, or any DVC property! We were able to get the Magical Beginnings, I think that's what it's called...$10 per point bought back by DVC, $1500 all together. They put it towards our balance. You sell your first year's points, back to DVC.

It was a very easy process. They give you a FedEx envelope to send the paperwork back. We just had to take it and mail it.

Good luck!

 

[Dopey Sharon]

sorry, double post

 

[Dean]

I'm not going through the entire issues but there are a few points I want to make. Most have been made so consider this an emphasis. First, if your husband is not on the deed, he will not be a member and will not have access to the discounts and the like. While you could add him as an associate member, he would not thave a membership card. As noted, if you buy alone, you still may not be able to sell without his signature. While DVC will sometimes make an exception, it is rare for a timeshare to be willing to tour you without your spouse. And when they do, they generally refuse to give you the perks offered otherwise. Just general info that doesn't apply that much to DVC. Also, if you do any add ons in the future, they must be titled the same way, so the person who has one contracts in one name and two in another MIGHT have problems with add ons without changing the deed, depending on specifics.

A timeshare is a big commitement but just because you tour alone, doesn't mean he can't be on the deed, that is between you and him. DVC is not for everyone but it does sound like it will work well for your basic situation. Someone mentioned that you lose the flexibility for some of the extas like discsounts and extra financing within a short time after you tour. I was thinking it was longer than 3 days for financing but I know it was 3 days for the the special discount.

 

[gjw007]

Hi;

I'm not going to repeat most of what has been discussed. I am in the process of purchasing through Disney via a telephone call. Betty is the rep, I put a 10% deposit on my credit card and she sent the paperwork via FedEx. The notice does say $1500 but that is only correct if you purchase the minimum contract of 150 points. It is actually $10 per point off. So if you purchased 200 poiints, you get $2000 off. Essentially they are buying back the first year of points at $10 per point. It probably would be more confusing to prospective buyers if they said $10 off per point. For me this meant that I don't get any points until August 2005 (not a problem for me as I already have arrangements before then).

 

[Lexxiefern]

Originally posted by Dean
so the person who has one contracts in one name and two in another MIGHT have problems with add ons without changing the deed, depending on specifics.

I think you are referring to my post Dean. Just wanted to say I have not had any problems adding on (already did). The two contracts with my husband are dec use year and the one I own alone is June use year. When I added on, only my signature was required.

I have even been able to combine points from two of the contracts (one june, one dec) for one reservation. Obviously I had to book so many nights on one and so many on another. To my surprise the confirmation came as one reservation - which is great so we do not need to check out and in again.

Dean, just wondering, but why would someone have any problems adding on if the spouse isn't on all the contracts? Thanks.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Lexxiefern
I think you are referring to my post Dean. Just wanted to say I have not had any problems adding on (already did). The two contracts with my husband are dec use year and the one I own alone is June use year. When I added on, only my signature was required.

I have even been able to combine points from two of the contracts (one june, one dec) for one reservation. Obviously I had to book so many nights on one and so many on another. To my surprise the confirmation came as one reservation - which is great so we do not need to check out and in again.

Dean, just wondering, but why would someone have any problems adding on if the spouse isn't on all the contracts? Thanks.

It can be done but it does present some issues, consider a few situations. Lets say you buy one contract of 150 points in just your name and another at the same resort and same use year in both your name and your spouse. They are two totally separte contracts just like they were different use years or even totally different people. Each has it's own banking and borrowing guidelines and percentages. If you bought them under the exact same registration info, they would act as one contract.

Another scenario, say you bought 150 points at OKW and 150 at BCV with BCV in only your name. If you added on at BCV or possibly at BWV, you'd likely want them on the BCV contract, the one in your name only. Of course you can add your spouse as an associate to the other contract and it's a little know fact that in the situation described that DVC will actually treat the spouse as an owner on all contracts if they own together on one and are an associate on others.

While DVC is more flexible when dealing with multiple contracts of a single owner, the limitations of transfering and the like may catch up to you as well. And DVC is less likely to be as flexible in the situation being discussed. Just be careful.

In my own situation, our first contract is in my name only because the lawyer screwed it up and we didn't realize it in time. She was PO'd because Disney and DVC is VERY important to her and just the idea her name wasn't on it really upset her. One of the reasons I bought the second OKW contract (with her listed FIRST) was in part due to this issue. She HAD to have separate mailings, duplicate books and the like. That was another hassle that took about a year to get fixed. My wife even got an ID card for the contract she isn't on.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I know I am not good with this - it's all new to me. I am used to just forking over the money to the mouse at our vacations -

And you can STILL just "fork it over to the mouse"! If you made a down payment the size of what most vacations would cost staying on-site, you would have MORE than an adequate downpayment. Then, if you can buy withour financing, you will have an even bigger value to the contract. I hope you can get him to the presentation, because once he sees that DVC is about as much like a regular timeshare as WDW is like a regular theme park, he will understand!

 

[bsusanmb]

Ahhh, well said! I like the analogy!

Who knows, maybe he will make it!

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by bsusanmb
I think that when anyone hears "TIMESHARE" it sends a cringe.

Well, I don't know that I agree with that. I'm close personal friends with about 82,000 people who don't cringe at the word.

If I were you, I'd spend an hour or so constructing a spreadsheet comparing the DVC purchase cost to the Rack Rates at Disney resorts. Since you rented points, you already know how many you would need on an annual basis. You could probably figure on about $85 per point if you buy Saratoga Springs. Spend some time researching resales if you want a different resort.

Then determine the cash price for the same stay.

You'll probably break-even on the purchase in 6-7 years. Then you're left just paying your maintenance each year, and the savings start to pile up.

We rented, too, before buying. If you want, you could do a second analysis comparing rack rates to point rental. That will extend your breakeven point a few years, but it's still just a fraction of the 50 years you get with SSR.

Spring that information on him when you board your plane to leave for the trip. I bet he won't be so opposed to taking the DVC tour.

 

[manning]

See no problem in buying on your own. Besides it may be fun telling him if he behaves you might take him along on vacation.

 

[bsusanmb]

Great information. That's the stuff I need!

About 5 years ago I brought up the subject of DVC. Like I said, he insisted that with his ability to go to the Shade of Green (the old Disney Inn), tax free, he was opposed. The daily rate was $59 at that time. It is now up to $97 and climbing. So that shot that theory -

I suppose if you really understand timeshares and do your homework they are a good thing. Our oldest daughter went on a "free" vacation and cruise when she graduated from college and got stuckin a very bad deal with a timeshare - she paid it off, and continued to have the maintenance fees which were sky high. She actually gave the timeshare back to the company after it was paid off and never got to take a vacation.

With Disney, this is the real deal. With our love for Disney, taking so many vacations there each year, it would pay for itself!

I appreciate any information anyone has given or can give!

 

[Lexxiefern]

Originally posted by Dean


In my own situation, our first contract is in my name only because the lawyer screwed it up and we didn't realize it in time. She was PO'd because Disney and DVC is VERY important to her and just the idea her name wasn't on it really upset her. One of the reasons I bought the second OKW contract (with her listed FIRST) was in part due to this issue. She HAD to have separate mailings, duplicate books and the like. That was another hassle that took about a year to get fixed. My wife even got an ID card for the contract she isn't on.

Ah, good to see you're in the same boat! I can totally understand your wife being upset. When we bought our first contract, I put my DH on it just to be nice (and so we wouldn't have any problems with him checking us in, receiving discounts, etc).

When I started making reservations, everything was coming in his name. That ticked me off royally. This was supposed to be MY vacation club I was able to rectify that.

Anyway, thanks Dean for the examples.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by bsusanmb
I suppose if you really understand timeshares and do your homework they are a good thing. Our oldest daughter went on a "free" vacation and cruise when she graduated from college and got stuckin a very bad deal with a timeshare - she paid it off, and continued to have the maintenance fees which were sky high. She actually gave the timeshare back to the company after it was paid off and never got to take a vacation.

Timeshares are great if bought and used correctly. The problem is many people buy something they won't use for a price frequnetly 5-10 times what it's really worth. And they add insult to injury by never putting in the time or effort to find out how to get the best use out of it. Your example is unfortunately one I see repeated over and over again though I think the net is helping somewhat educate people.

Companies like DVC and Marriott have gone a long way in changing the impression many have of timeshares.

 

[bsusanmb]

Well, I have a worse one that I just experienced, and I wasn't gong to mention, but I will.

Before I came onto this board, I bought on ebay for years. I never knew that people rented their points on ebay, and happened to see this a few weeks ago.

I am an avid DIsney reader, own all the books, go to all the web sites - except this one, unfortunately, and I was scammed.

A woman posing as her husband was renting weeks at WDW listed at $350 to start and buy it now for $400. These were weeks at BCV, BWV, AKL, Celebration, and they were TWO BEDROOMS! I emailed this person several times about availability and how could this be - did I read it wrong, etc. One of them was listed as 3 separate weeks at BWV for $800!!!

There were about 25 listings and it was 4th of July weekend. I saw them being sold like hotcakes. Her feedback rating was ok, and I got caught up in the frenzy - bought two of them, paid instantly from my bank account - and then I immediately got scared. I did a search on the internet and found that she had done jail time in 2002 for selling bogus timeshares on ebay and was on parole. I contacted everyone immediately who bought from her and most people igmored me, even though I attached a copy of the newspaper article and something from the Timeshare Street Beat Talk. Long story short - ran to my bank when it opened, reversed my money, filed charges, and all of us are now involved in the legal system to stop this person from ever doing it again - unfortunately, it will.

I went onto Mousesavers and found Mary Waring's information, and then went to this web site. Found a lovely person who didn't want money up front until she got my reservation to me in the mail.

So, I will own my own "Piece of the Magic" and never be scammed again.

SOrry for my long post - but maybe it will save someone else.
My parents always told me if it looks too good to be true, it is!!!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by bsusanmb
Well, I have a worse one that I just experienced, and I wasn't gong to mention, but I will.

Before I came onto this board, I bought on ebay for years. I never knew that people rented their points on ebay, and happened to see this a few weeks ago.

I am an avid DIsney reader, own all the books, go to all the web sites - except this one, unfortunately, and I was scammed.

A woman posing as her husband was renting weeks at WDW listed at $350 to start and buy it now for $400. These were weeks at BCV, BWV, AKL, Celebration, and they were TWO BEDROOMS! I emailed this person several times about availability and how could this be - did I read it wrong, etc. One of them was listed as 3 separate weeks at BWV for $800!!!

There were about 25 listings and it was 4th of July weekend. I saw them being sold like hotcakes. Her feedback rating was ok, and I got caught up in the frenzy - bought two of them, paid instantly from my bank account - and then I immediately got scared. I did a search on the internet and found that she had done jail time in 2002 for selling bogus timeshares on ebay and was on parole. I contacted everyone immediately who bought from her and most people igmored me, even though I attached a copy of the newspaper article and something from the Timeshare Street Beat Talk. Long story short - ran to my bank when it opened, reversed my money, filed charges, and all of us are now involved in the legal system to stop this person from ever doing it again - unfortunately, it will.

I went onto Mousesavers and found Mary Waring's information, and then went to this web site. Found a lovely person who didn't want money up front until she got my reservation to me in the mail.

So, I will own my own "Piece of the Magic" and never be scammed again.

SOrry for my long post - but maybe it will save someone else.
My parents always told me if it looks too good to be true, it is!!!

You are lucky. Ebay also has a system where you can file with them and they will reimburse all but $25, I assume that's per auction. I hope you reported it to ebay so they could take action quickly.

 

[bsusanmb]

I did all of that, but so far ebay and paypal have not been very cooperative. With ebay, you have to wait 30 days from auction end. I did file fraud charges, as did the rest of the folks. It is a huge mess, and what is particularly bad is that this person was certified, a square trade verified seller, and was posing as a travel agent. Had I not known Disney as well as I do, I would have done like so many others did - they drove to Disney thinking they had a reservation - and either found out they didn't, or someone else had the same name, they checked in and when the real person showed up, were told to pay or leave. One guy drove from Canada with his 5 kids! Disney reservations was very nice to tell me, Call the person who sold this to you, do you hear my hint??? What a scam.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by bsusanmb
I did all of that, but so far ebay and paypal have not been very cooperative. With ebay, you have to wait 30 days from auction end. I did file fraud charges, as did the rest of the folks. It is a huge mess, and what is particularly bad is that this person was certified, a square trade verified seller, and was posing as a travel agent. Had I not known Disney as well as I do, I would have done like so many others did - they drove to Disney thinking they had a reservation - and either found out they didn't, or someone else had the same name, they checked in and when the real person showed up, were told to pay or leave. One guy drove from Canada with his 5 kids! Disney reservations was very nice to tell me, Call the person who sold this to you, do you hear my hint??? What a scam.

With ebay, you have to do it by the letter for them to refund. Paypal may be a problem as they fulfilled their side and my understanding is they will cancel your account if you reverse payment. All being certified means is that they own what they say they own, in this case DVC.

 

[bsusanmb]

Ah ha, but they don't own anything. It was all fraud. I have spoken with the lead detective in Russellville Arkansas, and these people have a long criminal history.

Paypal has recovered most of the money from the criminals.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by bsusanmb
Ah ha, but they don't own anything. It was all fraud. I have spoken with the lead detective in Russellville Arkansas, and these people have a long criminal history.

Paypal has recovered most of the money from the criminals.

Unfortunately the certification process is not perfect.