Originally posted by clnational
thanks for the link and the opinions. so many decisions and I am at the point, I just want to purchase and move on.
If that is your frame of mind, I would contact
DVC and commit to Saratoga Springs before the discount is reduced in 2 days. You get the benefit of 12 additional years over the other resorts, and DVC couldn't make the process simpler if they tried. With one phone call (and 10% deposit), you are basically a member. The paperwork will follow in about a week--everything in one package including your temporary membership cards and financing paperwork if you want to finance through DVC.
You sign the papers, return to DVC in the pre-paid FedEx envelope, and you're done.
Financially the SSR purchase is a better deal than any resale if you factor in the extra 12 years of ownership.
A resale would make more sense if two conditions apply:
1. You want to spend the vast majority of your stays at a DVC resort OTHER than SSR, and
2. The extra 12 years of ownership at SSR are meaningless to you.
If either of these conditions apply to your situation, then you should consider a resale. But be aware that the resale process does take additional time and energy. You'll have to find a seller and reach an agreement on price. Then the resale has to pass through DVC's Right Of First Refusal. If the resale you are looking at meets DVC's own needs they can agree to purchase at the price you negotiated, and you are out of luck. The seller could also change his/her mind, leaving you back where you started.
Granted the above is something of a "worst case scenario", but it does accurately illustrate some of the differences between a DVC direct purchase and a resale purchase.
Good luck with your decision.