DVC planning books?

[Minderbinder5]

Are there any books out there geared toward those of us trying to plan for buying into the DVC for the first time? The FAQ info I've found is very basic, and I have a lot more questions. Things like the logistics of how properties are released for sale by Disney, how/when do they historically release insentive packages, resale data on the different room types (do 2 BR places resale easier than studios?), if you buy in with a studio, but always stay in a larger villa is that a logical purchase, etc.? It is a real estate investment at it's core, and I need more info than point charts.

It's seems fundamentally more difficult than just picking a home resort and how many points I want...or is it? How do you decide which room type to buy? I understand that your points are good at any resort in any room type you want to reserve, but you do physically own a stake in the resort, so for investment value, it seems like there's something I'm missing.

If there are any good books out there (or chapters in general WDW books) that more thoroughly explain the DVC investment process, I sure would love to check them out. Thanks!

 

[DVC Grammy]

Probably the best source of DVC information is on these DVC boards!
You'll get answers to just about any question you ask, and they'll all (or mostly)
be based on the experiences we've had and the lessons we've learned. No question is too minor, and from what I've gathered, no question is beyond the expertise of some of these very knowledgeable members.
You can also order any material regarding ownership directly from DVC; it'll help you in a general way, and then you can ask more specific questions here.

 

[pilferk]

Are there any books out there geared toward those of us trying to plan for buying into the DVC for the first time? The FAQ info I've found is very basic, and I have a lot more questions. Things like the logistics of how properties are released for sale by Disney, how/when do they historically release insentive packages, resale data on the different room types (do 2 BR places resale easier than studios?), if you buy in with a studio, but always stay in a larger villa is that a logical purchase, etc.? It is a real estate investment at it's core, and I need more info than point charts.

It's seems fundamentally more difficult than just picking a home resort and how many points I want...or is it? How do you decide which room type to buy? I understand that your points are good at any resort in any room type you want to reserve, but you do physically own a stake in the resort, so for investment value, it seems like there's something I'm missing.

If there are any good books out there (or chapters in general WDW books) that more thoroughly explain the DVC investment process, I sure would love to check them out. Thanks!

To address one of your questions: You don't really need to worry about room type. The % ownership you're deeded to a specific unit doesn't make one whit of difference in resale, or in your own points usuage. Points are points. 210 points which represent a % ownership of a studio can be used (and are viewed) exactly the same as 210 points that represent a % interest in a Grand Villa. Just because you "own" a studio or Grand Villa doesn't give you any sort of exclusivity on those types of units. You get the exact same 11 month to 7 month out exclusivity on your home resort, in any unit type available when you call to book, and 7 month booking window everywhere else, on every type of unit. That's exactly the same for everyone who bought into your home resort.

Incentive packages have no real rhyme or reason to them (well, there's reason, but it's Disney reason...we're left to speculate), so it's not usually more beneficial to buy at a particular time of year or season. And you never really know which incentive is coming next, or when Disney will institute a price increase (well, we do know about price increases..but not too far in advance).

 

[humantouch]

I agree with the last person, this website is probably the best for answers.

I think I can answer some of your questions: I think you are thinking of this like a typical time share, and it is not. You own a percentage of time and do not own any piece of the resort as there is a 50 year lease on your agreement. Think of it as prepaying for vacation time, now if you do not stay at WDW all the time this may not be the best investment for you. This DVC is geared towards folks staying at DVC property, then comes when do you typically stay at WDW. This will determine HOW many points you should purchase, I own 150 points and fine it more then adequate for the time of year we like to visit (off season Oct, or Jan/early Feb) As to the resale value it seams to hold it value very well at $75 to $80 a point resale depending on your HOME resort. (some resorts are more popular then others) As far as trading value (not selling points) it doesn't mater were your home resort is, it is all about points. Once you get past the payment part of the resort it becomes a good deal, dont forget there is are annual maintenance dues for my resort (SSR & 150 points) it is around $600 a year. If you have any further questions I would be more then happy to answer them, just PM me.

Are there any books out there geared toward those of us trying to plan for buying into the DVC for the first time? The FAQ info I've found is very basic, and I have a lot more questions. Things like the logistics of how properties are released for sale by Disney, how/when do they historically release insentive packages, resale data on the different room types (do 2 BR places resale easier than studios?), if you buy in with a studio, but always stay in a larger villa is that a logical purchase, etc.? It is a real estate investment at it's core, and I need more info than point charts.

It's seems fundamentally more difficult than just picking a home resort and how many points I want...or is it? How do you decide which room type to buy? I understand that your points are good at any resort in any room type you want to reserve, but you do physically own a stake in the resort, so for investment value, it seems like there's something I'm missing.

If there are any good books out there (or chapters in general WDW books) that more thoroughly explain the DVC investment process, I sure would love to check them out. Thanks!

 

[Chuck S]

Legally you own an extremely small portion of a "unit". The definition of that "unit" varies by resort. At OKW we own a portion of "buildings."

However, as you noted, DVC is a point based timeshare, so you may never stay in the "unit" you own an interest in. You do not "own" a studio, or one bedroom, etc.

For practical matters, the only thing your "ownership" actually determines is when you can book (11 month out at your home resort, 7 months at others) and how much your annual dues will be, as they are based on actual resort expenses.

On the outside chance the unit you own a portin of is damaged beyond reasonale repair, the insurance received will be divided amongst the other "owners" of that unit, and you will no longer be DVC members. Also, if your unit is closed for anextended period during repairs, DVC could prevent you from using your points elsewhere durnig reconstruction. They could also charge you a special assessment if the insurance doesn't cover the rebuild cost...all pretty much standard to timeshares. Vero announced they may need a special assessment after the hurricanes, but the insurance and other resources covered it, and the assessment was not done.

It is becoming increasingly important to buy at the resort you want to stay at most often, if you are able to book youtr vacations more than 7 months in advance. After the 7 month window opens, reservation are up for grabs to all DVC members, and during popular times, folks can't get a desired reservation. This is especially true at the smaller DVCs that are "attached" to regular WDW hotels.

 

[humantouch]

Actually if you look at your contract you may own the building but you only do so for 50 years and DO NOT own the land it sits on.

Legally you own an extremely small portion of a "unit". The definition of that "unit" varies by resort. At OKW we own a portion of "buildings."

However, as you noted, DVC is a point based timeshare, so you may never stay in the "unit" you own an interest in. You do not "own" a studio, or one bedroom, etc.

For practical matters, the only thing your "ownership" actually determines is when you can book (11 month out at your home resort, 7 months at others) and how much your annual dues will be, as they are based on actual resort expenses.

On the outside chance the unit you own a portin of is damaged beyond reasonale repair, the insurance received will be divided amongst the other "owners" of that unit, and you will no longer be DVC members. Also, if your unit is closed for anextended period during repairs, DVC could prevent you from using your points elsewhere durnig reconstruction. They could also charge you a special assessment if the insurance doesn't cover the rebuild cost...all pretty much standard to timeshares. Vero announced they may need a special assessment after the hurricanes, but the insurance and other resources covered it, and the assessment was not done.

It is becoming increasingly important to buy at the resort you want to stay at most often, if you are able to book youtr vacations more than 7 months in advance. After the 7 month window opens, reservation are up for grabs to all DVC members, and during popular times, folks can't get a desired reservation. This is especially true at the smaller DVCs that are "attached" to regular WDW hotels.