Frustrated searching for the right contract

[mustinjourney]

We're looking for a similarly sized Poly contract. Though the difference would be ~$6000 now between resale vs direct, we constantly ponder the direct benefits. We're a family of 3 and yes, we know that we may never be able to make up that additional expense via AP's. However, we're finding it tough to value the ability to use those points for future DVC properties, especially since future rooms will most likely cost more points than now. $6000 is a lot right now. But will it be worth more in the future?

One thing to think about is what you get for that $6000 premium.

Right now -- you are having a rough time finding the points. Based on the $6k difference, I'm assuming you're looking at getting a 75 point contract. With that in mind -- how long are you going to spend looking for the perfect contract? 6 months? And then another 2-3 months before you can use the points. Also -- the contract will likely be stripped...so there goes a year's worth of points.

So direct vs resale is likely 8 months of not being able to use the points AND likely at least one year's worth of points (with direct you always get a loaded contract). Those points are worth about $1000 right now ($13 per point value) -- so now you're down to only a $5000 true premium.

With a family of 3 -- if you buy APs, you're saving $420 per person per year -- so that is $1260 for year 1. Within 4 years, you'll have broken even with the AP savings.

Those benefits could go away -- but I don't think they will. In fact, I expect direct benefits to stay the same or get better since that is disney's best way of keeping people buying direct over resale.

so yes -- $6000 is a lot -- but it could make sense for you in this case. Finding that perfect contract could cost a lot in terms of your time and mental strain.

 

[kboo]

I would also add that if you see something worth making an offer on, *call* the broker. And tell them what you are looking for, because they may have a seller in the process of listing with them that might be the perfect one for you! I had an experience like that where the buyer for a contract that already had an offer accepted fell through, and rather than relist it on the website, the broker called me. I had another experience where the contract I called about was no longer available but they were in the process of listing another one. First dibs!

 

[kristenrice]

In 2010, I was going through the same struggle. We wanted a small (50-75) contract at HHI for an every-three-year trip and I wanted a Feb UY to match our AKV contract. Back then, the resales were in the $55-$60/pt range and direct was only going for $80/pt so the difference wasn't nearly as big as it is now. After a few months of waiting and looking, I gave up. I called our guide in the last week of January 2011 and added on a 50-pt contract. The points were in our account on January 28 and I was able to bank them. I received 2010 UY points and 4 days later, I had my 2011 points too! I have no regrets about spending the extra money because I might *still* be waiting for that resale contract....