Those contracts are most often referred to as "resales." They are contracts that individuals purchased from
DVC, and have since decided to sell. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this.
However, a few caveats:
1. Watch out for "stripped" contracts. These are contracts which often have the current year's points gone AND the next year's points gone. If you buy one of these contracts, you may not actually get any points to use until 2006.
2. When you buy a contract, you need to pay annual dues to DVC based upon the number of points you buy. Each Home resort has its dues calculated separately. You will often find resales priced very low at the Vero Beach resort. However VB has the HIGHEST annual dues, meaning that you'll more than make up the difference over the next 38 years.
3. Spend some time researching each of the DVC properties. When you buy, you are permitted to book a stay 11 months in advance for stays at your one Home resort, but only 7 months in advance at the other resorts. It is therefore advisable that you buy points at a resort that is your favorite. Or, even if you can't decide which is your favorite, at least pick one that really appeals to you.
It sounds like you are pretty new to the DVC concept. I'd recommend you spend several hours (preferrably several weeks) reading this board before you dive right in. You're bound to learn a few things along the way which may keep you from making a mistake you'll regret later.
Good luck.