We vacationed several times in Vacation Homes before buying
DVC. We really liked the Homes and were ready to put the money down and build one.
Since we had never stayed onsite up to that, I thought we should try onsite so we knew if we were making the right decision. Last September we stayed onsite for the first time and visited all the DVC resorts.
I dont know about you, but in order for us to afford a Vacation Home, we would have to rent it out. We would also have to do some maintenance if we wanted to keep our costs down. I pictured us coming to Florida for a week for a vacation and then having to touch up paint, pull weeds, etc. Not to mention the reservation process. (The only way you make money is to book ressies yourself)
Then I looked at DVC where all that is done for you and the maintenance fees for a year would cost me what 1 month's mortgage payment would cost on the vacation home.(It's very difficult to book a house 52 weeks a year and most owners only book 30-35 weeks therefore the remaining mortgage would be paid by us).
I split my contracts so each son will have their own if they want it.
I also agree about the transportation. With a home everyone needs to have their own transportation or you end up having to be together all the time. I wanted guests to be able to visit, but they would need rental cars so being onsite allows our guests to move about freely.
Good luck with your decision, Im thrilled with mine!
