DVC Before or After Kids

[crisi]

I wouldn't count on that. We purchased in 2000. Our cost was $67/point. Fast forward to 2006. $98/point? (now in 2007 it's $100 something). My math isn't perfect, but that looks to me more like 50% in 6 years, or an average of 25% in 3 years.

I'm not trying to encourage anyone to make a purchase they cannot afford, but like many others I wish I had bought sooner. The vacation costs between the time I first heard about DVC and when we finally bought in would have paid for most of it.

That's just a 6% a year increase (2000- 2007 $67 to $101). It sounds like a lot, but the whole compounding interest thing makes the yearly increase actually much smaller. Granted, its higher than inflation (which is I think 3-4%) and its higher than most of us get in raises.

I'll tell you our kid story. We went to WDW on our delayed honeymoon in October of 1995 and I went off the pill at that time (we'd gotten married in June, but delayed the honeymoon). In 1999 our son arrived from South Korea - four years worth of infertility costs and adoption bills later. Had we purchased DVC on our honeymoon, we'd have needed to have sold it to afford our children.

 

[jodifla]

For us, we bought before we had a child, and paid it off before then as well (5 year payment plan).

This worked out perfectly for us, because once we had a child, we've always had someone working from home on a more part-time basis, so less income.

But, we're able to stay at places we'd NEVER splurge on with just one true income.

If I were you, I'd buy a small resale I could pay off quickly, so I'd just have the dues once a child came along.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Actually, when I bought my first DVC contract in 1997 it was because I had returned to work full time after being part time many years. My DD's were then old enough where they could manage without a parent after school and the opportunity was there in my position.

Once I started full time, we made our plans to purchase. We always said though, our only regret was not purchasing sooner. Everyone has to do what keeps them in their financial comfort zone.

 

[Juliet25]

Well, I'll chime in saying that I don't feel kids are that expensive. Quite a bit of the expense is based on parenting style and decisions...we used cloth diapers, and spent a fraction of what my friends, buying high-end disposables, did, AND we still have them for any future children. Not everyone needs to figure in formula, and the only gear we bought for DS was a carseat (though he grew so long so fast that he was into a convertible seat before he was 4 months, so THAT was unexpected, but only $200) and a little seat thing that we could have done without.

Then again, there was my baby sling addiction.


What I'm saying is...you don't have to go with the prevailing thought that kids are automatically expensive. We have more "play" money now that I'm at home and we have a kid than when we were both working. And now that we found out about DVC, we're planning on doing it (though with a small contract via resale, rather than jumping in directly through DVC with a 160 point purchase), even though we have our boy and hope for more. Actually, we had BETTER do it now, b/c otherwise we'll start freaking out about how much FOOD he eats (he's like a teenager sometimes, I swear! and that's on top of the nursing he still does!) and we won't want to do it!

If you can do it, go for it!

I totally agree with you. The first few years of a child's life are relatively inexpensive. I breastfed and used generic diapers (or diapers I got with a coupon); had plenty of clothes from a baby shower; and was a SAHM (it would have been ridiculous for me to keep working with DD in day care. My wages were low and DC is expensive.) Now, with DD being 4, there's all sorts of expenses...pre-school; dance lessons; admissions to attractions (she's no longer free to many activities); and clothes that she grows out of in the blink of an eye.

I think you'd be fine to purchase DVC now if it feels right. As long as you can swing the monthly payments, go for it!

 

[crisi]

I totally agree with you. The first few years of a child's life are relatively inexpensive. I breastfed and used generic diapers (or diapers I got with a coupon); had plenty of clothes from a baby shower; and was a SAHM (it would have been ridiculous for me to keep working with DD in day care. My wages were low and DC is expensive.) Now, with DD being 4, there's all sorts of expenses...pre-school; dance lessons; admissions to attractions (she's no longer free to many activities); and clothes that she grows out of in the blink of an eye.

I think you'd be fine to purchase DVC now if it feels right. As long as you can swing the monthly payments, go for it!

Provided nothing goes wrong, and your current circumstances make either inexpensive daycare possible or being a SAHM not a huge hit to your income.

My sister couldn't breastfeed after she discovered she had breast cancer. So formula it is - and expensive formula since her son has to have the hypoallergenic non milk based stuff.

My friend had a delivery go horribly wrong. After six weeks of NICU, they took home a severely disabled child who will have thousands in uncovered medical expenses every year for the rest of her life.

And, as I said, we had conception problems - before our son arrived home we were $25,000 into a child - and that's cheap for infertility treatments (we bailed early) and adoption (we had a really inexpensive program) - I know plenty of folks six figures into trying to get a baby before one arrives. Babies adopted at six months pretty much are going to be formula babies (adoptive breastfeeding is possible, but almost always require supplementation).

The energy costs for washing/drying diapers and detergent often turns out to not be that much cheaper than disposables - depending on what energy costs are like in your part of the country.

 

[Gren]

We, too, are considering buying into DVC, but have decided to wait based on the fact that my wife is pregnant with our second child.

It seems that many of the posters have given financial reasons as to why it might not be the best time for you to buy into DVC, and I am not disputing the fact that there are a lot of costs associated with having a baby. However, our decision to wait was not at all based on finances. In fact, my wife and I have been married for just over 7 years and after annual raises and various job-changes/promotions, we are much better-off financially than when we were newly-weds, and slightly better-off than just before our first son was born. Our decision was based primarily on the fact that we simply don't have any desire to take an infant to Disney World. I understand that we are probably in the minority (based on the legions of strollers that are parked outside the rides on any given day) but, to us, it would be a miserable experience.

We waited until a couple of months after our first son turned 2 years old to take our first "big" family vacation to WDW. We had a wonderful trip, but even then, it was difficult. Even the little things, like trying to navigate the stroller through the crowds, can be a chore (of course, this is only a factor if you make an attempt to avoid running into the other guests -- which I think also puts us in the minority ). I believe most (if not all) rides offer baby swaps (I was pleased that we always seemed to end up with our own), but after one or two of those, we decided to skip any rides for which my son didn't meet the height requirement. We were there as a family, so we wanted to experience everything together. With this approach, I think we were able to experience about 75% of the rides (I'm just estimating, it could be more or less). If you were to take that same approach with an infant, that percentage would probably drop. Looking back, I would have added a couple of days to my trip, because I forgot to factor in the daily 4-hour naps when we made our reservations.

Basically, I suppose I'm saying that I wouldn't recommend basing your decision entirely on the financial aspects. It is no secret that your life changes when you have children. Your vacation habits are in no way immune to this fate, and there is no way to anticipate how you will be affected or to what extent... That is unique to every child.

 

[Starr W.]

The energy costs for washing/drying diapers and detergent often turns out to not be that much cheaper than disposables - depending on what energy costs are like in your part of the country.

Don't forget to add in that water bill if you live in an area where the big city gouges for water, then our surburban city sticks it to us that live in the township.

I would make sure before you even consider DVC to have at least 6months of cash for living expenses set aside in a account that is easy to access(if you can do a full year even better). As Crisi says you never know what can happen with a pregnancy or life for that matter.

By the way we didn't buy DVC until this December and my boys are 10 & 6, I wasn't a big fan of flying with baby and all the assorted stuff, so we just vacationed alot up in Northern Michigan.

 

[SINYMom]

I guess I'm on the other side of this coin, as we didn't buy years ago when we had the opportunity to purchase. Three boys (14, 10,10 one set of twins) later, we just bought last year. I can tell you that I could kick my husband for not buying sooner.

Yes, children are expensive but the reason we go to Disney year after year is because of the children. My twins went to Disney for the first time at 6 months old because when my older son was 2, my husband promised him that he could go to Disney when he was 4. There was no way Daddy was backing out of that trip after listening to his baby say, "Me go Disney, when me 4." My darling son told everyone he met that line for 2 years.

The cash we have spent on rooms alone over the years would have more than paid for our DVC ownership. You can start small as you would only need a studio for the next couple of years, this way you could make the most of your points. Also, it will be years before your child starts school so value season will also save points.

Last point, many people have expressed some of the risks and hardships endured either with having children or the health of the child once they are born. As the Mom of a 10 year who has had 10 surgeries (looking at #11 right around the corner) and 14 hospitalizations, we need the joy, love, and laughter that going to Disney brings us so very much. No matter what we go through, going to Disney is one of things that brings us great joy and good memories that sustain us until our next visit.

So from someone who has wanted to own for years but just got my DH to agree with me, I say buy now and enjoy!!!

 

[Juliet25]

Provided nothing goes wrong, and your current circumstances make either inexpensive daycare possible or being a SAHM not a huge hit to your income.

My DH was diagnosed with cancer when DD was 6 months old, so I'm well aware that life doesn't go according to plan. But by and large, a newborn is not a huge financial burden. Babies 'R Us would like consumers to believe that you need every genuis baby gadget on the market, but babies are simple creatures. They don't *need* a swing, a crib, or even their own room.

 

[crisi]

My DH was diagnosed with cancer when DD was 6 months old, so I'm well aware that life doesn't go according to plan. But by and large, a newborn is not a huge financial burden. Babies 'R Us would like consumers to believe that you need every genuis baby gadget on the market, but babies are simple creatures. They don't *need* a swing, a crib, or even their own room.

Oh, I know that. We had expensive day care bills because I'm a work outside the home mom - but we were a "borrowed pack and play - no swing - borrowed crib - hand me down clothes" family (I'm cheap). However, assuming your baby will be cheap is not a place I am in terms of financial security. Saying "should I buy DVC and then go through a major life change that may or may not add a lot to my budget" sounds to me like a way to get yourself in a tight spot.

But, for reference, we started funding our kids college when they were born. And I have financial OCD - we manage financial risk very conservatively. Its played well for us - we paid cash for our adoption.

 

[tjkraz]

However, assuming your baby will be cheap is not a place I am in terms of financial security. Saying "should I buy DVC and then go through a major life change that may or may not add a lot to my budget" sounds to me like a way to get yourself in a tight spot.

I totally agree.

Assuming OP is going to be financing over 10 years, he could still be making DVC payments until the child is 9. This deserves a little more big-picture thinking than simply "oh, the baby can breastfeed and doesn't need a crib so go ahead and get DVC if you want it."

No, you can't reasonably plan for every eventuality. But the responsible way to approach this is to make some assumptions regarding child care expenses (and I don't just mean day care) while the DVC points are still being paid.

Nobody is saying that family vacations are superfluous and should be ignored until you have thousands of dollars in an emergency fund. However, DVC cannot be called anything other than a luxury. This family can still enjoy many, many happy Disney memories by (for example) taking trips every-other-year staying in Value or off-site resorts, while saving THOUSANDS of dollars over the cost of DVC.

Only OP knows what his budget looks like and can make an educated decision. And that's exactly what I would recommend: look at the numbers and make a financially sound judgement based largely upon what your budget can absorb. I think it's a little irresponsible to imply that raising a child to age 8 or 9 will cost next-to-nothing and that OP should go for it just because it feels like the right hing to do.

Many decisions are easier to make when you have the benefit of 20/20 hindsight. But when it comes to finances, conservative decisions are much more sensible. It would be very easy for me to look back and say, "gosh, look at all the money I would have saved if I had bought DVC in '97 after my first Disney trip." Sure we had every intention of coming back, but in reality we went several years without visiting WDW due to other more urgent commitments (numerous home remodeling projects, starting our own family.) All DVC would have done was insured that more of our money went toward things like airfare, park tickets and Disney dining, not to mention the cost of the points and annual dues. Looking back, I have no idea where that money would have come from. It probably would have meant less put toward or savings, retirement or various home improvement projects.

Even though we may have paid $15-20 per point more for our DVC in '03, I don't regret it one bit because it would have been irresponsible to buy sooner.

 

[starbox]

We intentionally budget ourselves so that we could live on one income. We were a one income family for years while the kids were small and on-the-way - and, even now, we could afford for me to not work. This meant that we budgeted closely and made sure our "essential" bills - like the mortgage - were not and are not dependant on two incomes.

DVC falls under the category of "things we can afford because Mommy works". It is not an essential, but it's very appreciated. I am glad to have had the luxury of years at home with babies and preschoolers. We did take vacations to Disney every other year, but we did it very economically with Priceline and etc. - spending nowhere even near the range of what we spend with DVC.

I think the biggest thing is to sit down and really have a heart-to-heart about what you both want the early years of your parenting to look like. Children really are only as expensive as you decide to make them, so assuming normal expenses, is it okay to be tied into X amount of monthly expenses? Will you be happy if you both have to continue to work at a pre-child rate, or does one of you want the option to take a year off, or do part-time for a while? Will you be happy in your current jobs, are they flexible enough? What do you want to do about childcare? How many children do you think you want, and how close together would you like to space them? What sort of maternity leave do you need/want and does your empolyer pay for it?

As a working mother, I can't really put into words how grateful I am that I was able to decide when and how to stop working and when and how to return to the workforce based on my children's, husband's, and my own personal best interests and was not forced into working when I felt that was needed (and need to be) at home. Each family and couple will have different ideas and feelings about how to prioritize. My suggestion is just to sit down together and talk very seriously about what will make you both the happiest in terms of employment and budget - and the least stressed - when babymaking begins.

 

[tksbaskets]

Lots of good advise here. DH and I waited years to buy into DVC Our first trip with our sons to WDW was in 1998 when the boys were 7. We saw the DVC mountains and wondered what the heck DVC was. Trip cost ~3000. We have been to WDW every other year since then with the cost only going up. So with my shaky math we've shelled out 15K for Disney vacations. (Not counting the 3 DCL vacations we've taken.)

Why did we wait? We wanted to pay cash for our contract. My DSis (not a Disney person) was a bit dumbstruck that DH and I would purchase now when our sons are 16. DH and I high-fived each other in front of her and said "WDW paying for only 2" DH and I are looking foward to vacationing when it ISN'T a school break and plan to enjoy the many adult activities at the resorts. Now our DSs are planning to go with us each year and have informed us that they will still have a 'spring break' throughout college and wouldn't we be sad to stay at DVC without them??? We've raised good, Disney lovin' boys.

Also, I lurked the DVC DIS boards for about 2 years and asked questions of all my DIS friends. (Much advise and support from WDWLVR and her DH). Now that we are members we LOVE being part of the 'group'. Not that we've been 'Home' yet, but on our cruise we got goodies every day from our DVC reps on board.

I wish we had purchased sooner, but we are thrilled to be DVC owners now. If you and your sweetie have done the math and are comfortable with the expense, I say go for it. I think if you buy and circumstances change you would easily be able to sell your DVC contract and recoop your cost.

 

[Glendamax]

If you and your sweetie have done the math and are comfortable with the expense, I say go for it. I think if you buy and circumstances change you would easily be able to sell your DVC contract and recoop your cost.

Great advice!

 

[wonka27]

I am really glad I asked this question, because it seems to have promoted a great deal of excellent discussion. I hope others in the same boat as my wife and I can learn from the good advice given from both sides of the argument.

I have learned that ultimately this is our decision. We must really look carefully at it. I'm trying to figure out what raising a baby would cost, but there is no one "right" number. Every situation is different. After a couple of months, my wife would go back to work. We both make about the same amount of money (I am a teacher in my 8th year, she is a social worker by education, but works as an admissions manager in a rehab unit). Her take home pay every month would most likely surpass (fairly easily, I believe) what day care would cost in our area. Also, her mother is a teacher retiring this year, and is very interested in being involved in our child's care while we are working. Additionally, depending on "timing", I have a couple months off in the summer as well.

I believe if we'd jump at a resale contract of 130 points, we'd need to finance about $10,000. One personal loan offer I get from a certain bank/cc company is a 6.99% personal loan. I don't know much about it, so I'd have to look into it further. The rate is supposed to be fixed, and for 5 years the payments would be about $200/mo. I'm guessing another $40-$50/mo. in MF.

Approx. $250 is affordable right now with no problem. With a child, that could be a little more difficult. I'd guess if we'd have a second child, the DVC would be just about paid off. We will take a look at this soon and see what we come up with.

Thanks again for the great discussion.

 

[BrooklynMomof4]

My husband and I know exactly what you're going through. We first vacationed at WDW in 2003, and we have consistently said that we would purchase DVC. Two more children, house remodels, and other expenses later, we are finally taking the plunge and buying this summer. There are, as always, things to consider. The price per point continues to rise, and, if you wait as long as we have, that has made a difference of almost $20 per point. Sit down and consider the trade-offs of purchasing now, or waiting. We actually own another timeshare, but nothing beats staying with Mickey. this is an investment, as you consider the rising prices of vacationing, and as your family grows along with your vacation needs.

 

[pilferk]

I want to thank everyone that responed (and re-responded) to this thread. I really have enjoyed your conversation, as I am a very calculated person when it comes to finances, and you have given me a great deal to think about.

First, I just wanted to let everyone know I have been looking at resale vs. direct from Disney. Just seems like it could be a little cheaper...SSR contracts are $80-$90...and I was looking at a few that were around 130 points (which seemed like would more or less accomodate a trip every year to a studio to start with.

As far as my financial situation, we are in pretty good shape as a two person family. The big ??? for me is what do the kids cost. To be honest, to try and avoid certain stresses already, my wife and I remodeled our kitchen just a couple of months ago. Between this summer and upcoming winter, we plan to do our bathroom as well. This is my way of taking care of the "big ticket items" so they are not issues when the children come around. Sure when you own a home, there is always something. But our two major projects to really update the house will be over and done with!

That is why the DVC question came up. I feel that buying now would tighten up finances a little, but I know there are ways we can make our money stretch further. And really, we may not even have to stretch...just be smart. I feel like if I have a child, I will never find the money to pay for DVC, but if we buy now, we have no choice but to find the money to pay for a kid.

Anyway, you have all given me quite a bit to think about. I will take both sides of the coin into consideration. My gut tells me to really take a good look...try to figure out where we will be in a few years...and see what I come up with. But under no circumstance will I make a decision that does not feel good financially.

We have 3 kids.

I'm the sole income.

We just bought into DVC....and quite frankly, I wish I'd bought in after we'd had our first (though AKV was worth the wait ).

It's about spending smart and prioritizing where to spend your money,for us. Again, for us, having a family vacation every year, from now until well past the time our kids will be out of the house, is worth making very small, almost unnoticeable "sacrifices" (ie: we eat out less, we don't go out to the movies as much, we don't buy as many DVD's, etc).

So it's all about what you feel comfortable budgeting. The kids cost what the kids cost, there's certainly no getting around that, but we found ways to "downsize" some of the discretionary spending, usually stuff not relating to the kids at all, to offset the DVC purchase. If you think you can do the same, go for it. If you're unsure....wait until your child is about 6 - 9 months old. You'll be at the height of "diaper, wipe, baby food" expenses and you'll have a better idea of what can fit into your budget.

Sitting down and number crunching isn't fun, but it's probably the best suggestion anyone can make for you. Take a "dry run" shopping expedition to Walmart or Costco or Sams club and price out a bunch of stuff: a big box of diapers (lasts us about 2 weeks), a big box of wipes (lasts us about a month), baby food (we go through about 3 gerber 6 packs of fruits and veggies and 1/2 box of gerber oatmeal per week) , "incidentals" like powder, lotion, and Desinex (the large sizes last a month or 2) and 3 to 5 outfits. Factor in day care and forumula if you need to (We don't, so can't offer much there). That, plus 10% or so ('cause you'll have unexpected or "big ticket" purchases ever so often like a new car seat, etc) should give you a good expectation of what your monthly budget is going to come close to. It won't be an exact science, but at least you'll have SOME idea of what you'll be spending.

Then factor it all into your budget and make sure you have enough breathing room so you feel comfortable.

 

[pilferk]

I totally agree with you. The first few years of a child's life are relatively inexpensive. I breastfed and used generic diapers (or diapers I got with a coupon); had plenty of clothes from a baby shower; and was a SAHM (it would have been ridiculous for me to keep working with DD in day care. My wages were low and DC is expensive.) Now, with DD being 4, there's all sorts of expenses...pre-school; dance lessons; admissions to attractions (she's no longer free to many activities); and clothes that she grows out of in the blink of an eye.

I think you'd be fine to purchase DVC now if it feels right. As long as you can swing the monthly payments, go for it!

I feel you on the expense of a pre-schooler.

But, on the flip side, if they buy in now, you would assume their incomes will expand over the next 4+ years, too....as the expense of their child increases.

 

[El&Asmom]

Well, I'll chime in saying that I don't feel kids are that expensive. Quite a bit of the expense is based on parenting style and decisions...we used cloth diapers, and spent a fraction of what my friends, buying high-end disposables, did, AND we still have them for any future children. Not everyone needs to figure in formula, and the only gear we bought for DS was a carseat (though he grew so long so fast that he was into a convertible seat before he was 4 months, so THAT was unexpected, but only $200) and a little seat thing that we could have done without.

Then again, there was my baby sling addiction.


What I'm saying is...you don't have to go with the prevailing thought that kids are automatically expensive. We have more "play" money now that I'm at home and we have a kid than when we were both working. And now that we found out about DVC, we're planning on doing it (though with a small contract via resale, rather than jumping in directly through DVC with a 160 point purchase), even though we have our boy and hope for more. Actually, we had BETTER do it now, b/c otherwise we'll start freaking out about how much FOOD he eats (he's like a teenager sometimes, I swear! and that's on top of the nursing he still does!) and we won't want to do it!

If you can do it, go for it!

You guys sound like us. Dh says if I sold off my sling collection on FSOT at TBW, we could have a nice DVC contract

I agree kids don't have to be that expensive. For our first, before we knew better, we spent a lot on baby gear. With our second, slings were about it, and well worth every penny. Although dh thinks my stash is a little excessive, but what does he know.
We also have yet to spend a dime on formula.

For us, we've also been fortunate to not need daycare. Even though I worked full time until just recently, dh and I work opposite hours so that someone would be home with the girls. It doesn't work for everyone, and I'm fortunate to work ER hours, but it has been a sacrifice that has been worth it so that the kids aren't in daycare. (Not bashing daycare, but it wasn't the best solution for us).

I agree with many others that you should look at what you predict you're going to spend in the next 10 years if you go on at least 5-6 Disney vacations.
We have gone twice in 1.5 years, and have our next trip scheduled. We figure will will probably continue the same pattern for at least the next 10 years, so mine as well invest in DVC and go for much longer for nearly the same price.

 

[tjkraz]

Approx. $250 is affordable right now with no problem. With a child, that could be a little more difficult. I'd guess if we'd have a second child, the DVC would be just about paid off. We will take a look at this soon and see what we come up with.

I've worked in health insurance / employee benefits most of my life and here are a few other things that you should factor in:

Health Insurance: Whether you and your spouse are both on single policies thru your respective employers or on one policy together, chances are your monthly costs will increase after the first birth. If you are both on single policies, one of you will have to upgrade to a two party or family policy. If you're already on a two party you'll have to go up to a family. The days of companies offering just "Single" and "Family" rates are mostly over, so you are almost certain to end up paying more as you add a dependent.

The good news is that once you have children 2, 3, 4, etc. there may not be any additional bump.

Birth costs: Depending upon your benefit plan, you may have significant bills just for the birth of the child. HMO-style plans may have just a single inpatient hospital copay to cover the entire birth. But if your plan has a deductible and coinsurance, your out-of-pocket responsibility could easily be over a thousand dollars.

You will also be making regular Dr. office visits for several months (for both the mother and child) so that could add up.

Time off work: This is a tricky one and hard to predict. If it's a difficult pregnancy, the mother could be put on bedrest several weeks or months before the actual due date. Any complications with circulation, feet problems, back problems, etc and the doctor will require that she not work until after the baby is born. Even under the best cases you need to plan on the mother being off work for 4 weeks. If it's a C-section (major surgery) it will be 6-8 weeks.

Having vacation / personal / sick time to cover that time off is best-case scenario. She'll get full pay for the days missed. In lieu of that, find out if she has any Short Term Disability benefits thru her employer. STD often doesn't pay the full wage (1/2 to 2/3 is common), so even while covered by STD she won't be earning her full wage.

Some employers will also require that the employee pay the full price of benefits while on any sort of leave. Most employers pick up a portion (often substantial portion) of the actual cost for benefits like health insurance, life insurance and STD. These plans normally have an "actively at work" clause which stipulates that the employer contribution only applies when the employee is working. For the month or two on STD, she could be subject to paying the entire cost of her benefits.

On the plus side, the IRS gives some fairly decent tax cuts for children. You'll get to claim another deduction and there is also a flat child tax credit which comes right off of your bottom line tax liability. I think the tax credit is up to $1000 per child. Effectively, that's about $80 per month that you can add back into your budget.

Having Grandma willing to babysit will be a big help, and potentially a big money saver. But don't forget to consider some of the worst-case scenarios. Is she really willing to take the child 40+ hours / week so that you both can continue to work full time? If not, can one of you afford to work part time? What other arrangements might you have to make (i.e. day care part of the week) and what will that cost? What will you do with the child when grandma wants to go out of town for a few days or when she's sick?

Back to DVC, if you're planning to buy resale it will help in terms of selling the contract if necessary. However, if you use a broker to sell the contract plan on paying 10-12% commission on the transaction. That's money well spent given the complexities involved, but it will impact your net returns. If you spend $12,000 for a contract now and have to sell in a year for roughly the same price, you could end up pocketing only $10,500 or so. Given that you are financing part of the purchase (and paying interest), you'll probably have to hold the contract for 3-4 years to really break even. And plan on it taking a few months to sell the contract. Over that time you will have to continue making payments on both the loan and annual dues.

Good luck in your research!!!