Whew…. there is a lot in this thread.
Best of luck in your journey! My tidbits:
1) Buy where you want to stay (get the feels) even if it costs a bit more if you plan more than 7 months out. (better to just cry once). Step foot on every property you are considering before you buy and watch copious amounts of YouTube room walkthroughs.
2) Buy 110% of the points you think you will need and never assume you will get the least expensive view category.
3) The resale market tends to overvalue stripped contracts and undervalue loaded contracts.
4) Always negotiate hard on the upfront price. Don’t let brokers make you question yourself if you have done your research.
5) Make sure you get a Use Year that works for your planned travel schedule.
6) The dues are more important than the purchase price over the long run.
7)
Point charts matter. Older resorts tend to require less points.
8) Smaller point contracts are harder to find and cost more per point. They also are easier to sell and will more likely to retain a higher % of their value.
9) Look at the availability tables.
