DVC purchase questions

[stacy6552]

Hey guys. I think I might have my husband close to buying into DVC! Can you help me with a few things?

Anyone purchased resale? With whom? How was your experience?

When we looked into it a few years back, I think I remember them saying you have a home resort like Beach Club. And you get earlier reservation time, up to 11 mos out. But up to 7 mos out you can stay at any DVC resort. And thats the only difference between staying at your home resort or another. So an OKW west member wouldnt pay more for the boardwalk than a boardwalk member. Have I got that right?

 

[RobDoc]

We have purchased several resales with Pat SPell at <a href="http://www.dvc-resales.com">The Timeshare Store</a>, who sponsors this site. Great service and good experiences with each one.

At 11 months, you can only make reservations at your home DVC resort. Once you are within 7 months of traveling, you can make reservations at other DVC resorts. The point costs are the same for all members, regardless when or where you make the reservation.

The point cost for an OKW owner staying at BWV is the same as the BWV owner pays...and both can stay at BCV for the same points as a BCV owner. The only difference is how early the reservation may be made.

Enjoy!

 

[JimC]

We purchased OKW resale. Used Pat Spell and The Timeshare Store. She was great! Very professional and efficient. Closing went real fast. It helps though if the seller is on the ball and ours was. We also bought direct from Disney for BCV. Byron was our guide and we think highly of him.

You are correct that the advantage of your home resort is the 11 month reservation window. At 7 months, you can reserve at the other DVC resorts. The points are lower at OKW and the units are larger so it is considered the best value of the DVC resorts.

However, you may be asking if an OKW member and a BCV member are charged the same number of points for the same reservation at BCV. The answer is yes. The point schedule for each resort is applicable to all members who make a reservation at that resort.

If you buy direct from Disney there are no closing costs. If you buy a resale the closing costs are negotiable (just think of any real estate transaction). I believe that closing costs for buyer generally run about $2 - $4 per point, with actual amount varying with size of contract.

Maintenance fees run from $3.50 (OKW) to $4.38 (VB) per point. Figure that they will increase at roughly the rate of inflation each year (OKW has increased an average 3.1% per year since 1993).
However, hotel room charges have gone up at a higher clip since the early 1990s (roughly 4.6% per year).

If you are paying cash, financing is not an issue. If not, then some buy direct because Disney is probably easier to finance from. Others have used home equity loans. There is one other company that finances timeshares and Pat Spell (or any broker in the business) can give you the referral if you need it.

Also, keep in mind that you do not pay hotel tax on DVC points (not when you buy nor when you use). And when Florida increased their tax rate 1/1/03 by .5% that added additional savings for us.

Good luck!!

 

[JOC]

We purchased our resale through Jaki Apetz of www.atimeshare.com and she was great! When we initially spoke she was very patient and answered all my questions (that was a good 45 minute conversation), and she kept me informed throughout the whole transaction via phone calls or e-mail. Shontell Crawford of www.timesharesbyresale.com is another resale broker who is very friendly and helpful.

 

[pennyb]

JUST SENT YOU A PM

 

[stacy6552]

ok if the 11mos/7mos thing is the only difference......

do those 4 mos make a huge difference? Has anyone not been able to book at a resort that was not their home resort?

 

[DebbieB]

It can make a difference if you want to go at a popular time or if you want to get a Grand Villa or Boardwalk Standard View.

For example, the first 2 weeks of December at Boardwalk are usually booked up at the 7 month mark. It's the lowest point season & all the Christmas activities are in full swing. We love to go then, that's why I bought at Boardwalk and make reservations at 11 months, usually standard view.