few questions on ownership

[Izzyq]

I've check the FAQ and haven't found the info I'm looking for so I'm hoping someone here can help me. I'm looking into DVC ownership for myself and my extended family and have a few questions.

-How can I find out the cost of dues for the different resorts so I can get a good idea on total cost?

-Is there any benefit to my extended family all buying our points together as opposed to each doing our own deal? (we would sometimes use the points to vacation together and sometimes go each alone)

-Our family tends to travel to Disney at less busy times of the year (Nov, Jan) so I would assume it would be best for us to get the lowest price per point even if the resort is not our favorite because our chances of being able to book anywhere at 7 months out is probably good. Is this thinking flawed what am I missing?

Any other things I'm forgetting? Thanks so much for the help!

Amy

 

[Richyams]

-How can I find out the cost of dues for the different resorts so I can get a good idea on total cost?

Just ask, within moments the yearly dues at each resort from the begining will be posted, it almost magic.

-Is there any benefit to my extended family all buying our points together as opposed to each doing our own deal? (we would sometimes use the points to vacation together and sometimes go each alone)

No, not only that but it is better to have several smaller contracts than one big one, this is basically for resale, estate, children purposes. You can name whoever you want as able to make ressies on your points, you can also transfer points back and fourth between accounts, and link reservations. There is a once per year transfer rule, but when its spouses or relatives accounts, they are more flexible, way more flexible, I have two siblings and my father who are members(I was first), they don't even blink when you want to do it between family member's accounts.

-Our family tends to travel to Disney at less busy times of the year (Nov, Jan) so I would assume it would be best for us to get the lowest price per point even if the resort is not our favorite because our chances of being able to book anywhere at 7 months out is probably good. Is this thinking flawed what am I missing?

November is second only to the first two weeks of December in terms of difficulty to get reservations. For any sort of happiness at all with you purchase, if you plan to vacation in November regularly, the eleven month window is an absolute must.

Busy times of year for Disney and most difficult time to book at DVC are not related in any way at all. Part of the genius of DVC for Disney is getting people in the parks during less busy times by having low point requirements.

DVC is great for members and was truly genius on Disney's part for the parks also.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by Izzyq
-Is there any benefit to my extended family all buying our points together as opposed to each doing our own deal? (we would sometimes use the points to vacation together and sometimes go each alone)

Consider this VERY carefully before you move forward. Remember you're purchasing OWNERSHIP in DVC. If you put multiple names on the deed, there could be far-reaching implications if one or more of the "owners" were to die, divorce, want to sell, etc.

As Rich said, smaller contracts are much easier to sell if you ever want to dispose of your DVC contract. Once you purchase a single 600-pt contract, that contract can never be subdivided. You need to find a buyer for all 600 pts. But, if you instead purchase four 150-pt contracts, you would have a much easier time selling, if necessary.

Transferring points between the contracts to make a single, large reservervation is very easy.

-Our family tends to travel to Disney at less busy times of the year (Nov, Jan) so I would assume it would be best for us to get the lowest price per point even if the resort is not our favorite because our chances of being able to book anywhere at 7 months out is probably good. Is this thinking flawed what am I missing?

Yes, your thinking is flawed...but it's not your fault.

The low point months are very popular with DVC members. Even when the parks are relatively empty, DVC resorts can be booked solid.

Because it is currently the largest resort, Old Key West is the easiest resort to book on short notice. But if you want to stay elsewhere, you're better off buying at that resort.

One caveat: Given the large party of travellers you describe, you may want to factor the OKW Grand Villas into your decision. They sleep up to 12 individuals and have VERY low point requirements compared to the other resorts' GVs. OKW Grand Villas are virtually impossible to book at 7 months (often difficult at 10 1/2 months because people book them RIGHT at the 11 month window). So, if you have any intention of using the OKW Grand Villas, you are probably best to buy into OKW and take your chances with the other resorts.

 

[Izzyq]

thanks so much for the help!

Amy

 

[crisi]

I'll give you a different perspective on multi family ownership....

If your family gets along great, isn't going to sell and neither of these two things is likely to change, you may be able to find a large contract for cheaper than buying several small contracts resale. Large contracts are harder to sell and therefore the seller may be more willing to entertain lower offers (this will work against you if you ever need to sell, but could work to your advantage when you buy). Whether these get through ROFR is anyone's guess. If the going rate on a 200 point contract resale is $73 a point plus closing costs and you are going to buy three of them - and can get a 600 point contract for $70, that $1800, plus maybe $600 in closing cost savings.

Now, as someone who can't stand their sister in law, I'm not going to recommend this, but it is something to consider.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by Izzyq
How can I find out the cost of dues for the different resorts so I can get a good idea on total cost?

2004 Dues for the DVC resorts are as follows..........

OKW-$3.68
SSR -$3.80
HHI-$3.86
BCV-$4.17
VWL-$4.22
BWV-$4.25
VB - $4.67