Guess We'll Be Renting...

[raelee]

Although I have talked until I am blue in the face my DH absolutely refuses to buy DVC...

His reasons:

We aren't getting any younger and need money for retirement (we are 38 and 42).

He doesn't like timeshares.

He doesn't want to be tied to Disney.

We have to get the basement finished (the only thing I think is keeping me from buying today).

He doesn't think we'll use it.

I've tried describing it to him (he refuses to look at the brochures "my mind is made up"), explaining that if we needed extra $$$ one year we could forgo a vacation and rent points, explained about the worldwide flexibility, option to do the cruise, go to Hawaii, Hilton Head, etc- NO GO!

Just thought I'd share how totally bummed I am....

Looks like the only way I'll get into DVC is if we win the lottery and have so much money my DH won't really care what we spend it on- LOL. Now if I only played the lottery...

Anyway, thanks for the ear.

Steph

 

[BCVOwner2002]

Steph,

Sorry to read DH doesn't want to purchase DVC but I'm sure he has very good reasons. I always say things happen for a reason and this just might not be a good time to purchase. DH and I just purchased this year and it took us almost 10 years to do so. It seemed something else was always more pressing - a new car, down payment on a home, private high school for DS, etc. The list went on and on.

We finally decided this was the right year to do this and took the plunge! Just remember, there is always someone on the DIS renting their points. Who knows, maybe DH will change his mind. Best of luck.

Annmarie

 

[PamOKW]

The timing just might not be right for him. Have you stayed at a DVC resort (preferably 1 bedroom or larger) yet? That may be what puts him over into the "buy" column in the future.

 

[raelee]

Annmarie and PamOKW-

Thanks for replying- pretty bummed tonight.

I agree that things do happen for a reason- I just have to remember that and realize that DH might???? change his mind in the future.

Will definitely be renting points for the next stay- would love to do OKW in 2004.

Thus far we've been at WL (suite) and FW (cabin) and are making a quick trip in early Dec. (Embrace the Magic) just myself, two sons and their aunt (my little sis') staying at CS.

Guess I'll wait till the basement is finished and van paid off and talk again...

Thanks again for "listening"- think I'll go eat chocolate- LOL-
Steph

 

[PamOKW]

Don't be bummed. It could still happen and, even if it doesn't, you are still getting some pretty great trips to WDW (and a finished basement)! DVC is getting pretty pricey and I can understand your husband being reluctant to buy without at least a "test drive". It may happen yet!

We aren't getting any younger and need money for retirement (we are 38 and 42).

LOL! He bummed me out, too with this reasoning! Of course, he's right that you need to plan for the future but we need to enjoy today as well. He also made 38 & 42 sound awful old!

 

[johde]

Another option you could try is to talk your husband into a small resale of between 50 and 100 points. This would be enough points for a short trip (sun-thurs in a studio) every year or a bigger trip every 2 or 3 years (with banking and borrowing). For example, The timeshare store had a 60 point contract for $4,020 or $67 if you add on $375 in closing costs you are still under $4,500 and maintenance at OKW would be under $200 a year. These small contracts sell quickly so I would call or email each of the places and get on their call list. If you then decide you need more points you could buy them in them later. I did this and I have heard of several other people who did this as well.

 

[buzz5985]

Maybe you can try this on your husband. I am currently buying a resale. I have always wanted to own DVC, but like your DH, my DH and I had to save for retirement. Then our DS came along, and we opened the college account. My DH is 44 and I am 43. Our son is 6 next week. Well the retirement accounts are down 30%, I am scared to figure out the percentage that the college fund is down. So we decided, the heck with it, we can buy a resale. We are so Happy with our decision. We should be closing within 2 weeks. Should have done it years ago!!! We can't wait!!!!!

 

[lehrsj]

If you are going to be there in December maybe you might try stopping by the BCV and looking at the open house unit. There's a two bedroom unit open that you can go in and checkout. Seeing the real thing is always better than the brochures.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Renting points is probably a pretty good option, you'll have total flexibility, and still get much of the benefit. It's probably not a bad way to go at all.

 

[raelee]

The other reason DH is saying- NO WAY!

We actually got the courage to open our retirement account and college fund statements the other day. I was prepared (cause I had talked to our investment guy) but hubby about keeled over.
And we are actually doing way better than the market (loss-wise).

I think he panicked a bit and started thinking about kids, college, not wanting to live in a cardboard box and eat cat food when he's 65, so....

Like johde's idea of starting small- will look around. But will still probably rent a really cool 1-2 BDR for 2004 trip.

Steph

 

[montessori]

I agree with CaptainMidnight,

We rent points often and I am happy with that.
We explored buying into DVC years ago, but my husband wasn't interested either. And now is not the right time for us financially.
We have had great experiences renting points from owners. The price is right and we have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful DVC properties without being locked into anything for 40 years.
Start planning your next Disney trip, you'll feel better!

 

[justcruisin]

Try this approach:

With the cost of points constantly INCREASING, while everyother investment is in garbage .... some bought in at $50/point!

 

[mikesmom]

It's always possible that after he actually stays in a 1 or 2 bdrm he'll change his mind - makes a world of difference. If the time becomes right, you might pull together the sum of the monies you've spent on WDW vacations. (I don't notice that he's so worried he's staying home, LOL) and compare to what DVC would save going forward.

I laughed when I saw his reasoning. We're 51 and 53, a LOT closer to retirement. We bought in 3 years ago. When we open the retirement and college funds they've taken a serious hit, also. When we check our DVC, we realize the resale price is pretty close to what we paid and climbing. Our DVC is the only investment that's increased in value in the last 2 years! Yeah, I know you can't count on that increase forever, but it is real now. And, by the way, you can't count on always being able to rent. As more people become aware of the rental possibilities, I see more and more people on the rent board trying to rent at a price that would beat cash rooms. Even though many are successful, I see many, many more who are not.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I was in your shoes about a month ago, with us, it was "do we really need it!!!" Probably not, but what I did was book a trip renting points, this was cheaper than renting direct from disney, I contacted DVC and had them send me the movie and info. I then got my brother in law involved, he is as cheap as one can be, but bought 210 points and doesn't regret it.!!! Then started making notes of all the trips we have made to WDW, we usually go every 12-15 months, plus a trip to Vero each summer to see the inlaws, all the time paying directly. Once I figured out what we paid, he realized that maybe it would be a good idea to do this. It would have been paid for already if we had bought initially. Plus we have become so darn spoiled having a kitchen (we have a timeshare elsewhere) though we loved our stayes at WDW (Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge) with kids, the kitchen or mini kitchen is a must!!! Then I decided I really wanted to have the Wilderness Lodge Villas as my home, I love having access by boat and a short walk to the monorail. I called my DVC rep regarding VWL, she never got back to me??? So I stared searchiing for resale agents, found a good contract, then presented the info. Either he agreed with me, or just said yes to shut me up!!! But we should be closing any day now!!! We leave tomorrow for our trip renting points, and maybe by the time we get back, we will be members!!!

 

[ohanafamily]

Speaking strictly as a DVC Witness...My wife put a moratorium on me buying more points. If money is tight, they have financing available, but I think the rate is a little high. I do not know if there is alternate financing available. As far as a good investment, I think I can get close to what I paid out of it, and we have taken several vacations.

When I first wanted to join, my guide told me not to. I just didn't vacation enough, and when I did I didn't plan it far enough in advance. On the second trip after that I told my (then girlfriend) I was ready to buy. We have gone on 2 cruises and have thoroughly enjoyed our points. We have yet to bank a point in 3 years, and it has encouraged me to take vacations. I actually proposed while staying at OKW...great story...

Back to your problem, Try the investment angle, but if you don't mind, I will repute each of his arguments....

We aren't getting any younger and need money for retirement (we are 38 and 42).
I will be 40 in less than a month, I am saving for my retirement, but with the DVC, I am convinced it is much more expensive paying for hotel rooms that are smaller w/o the DVC.
He doesn't like timeshares.
Who does? I have sent many people to talk to the guides. They are not your typical timeshare salespeople. Their product is backed by Disney, if for no other reason than their name is attached. They do not pressure you, and if it isn’t something for you they are very likely to tell you. Go in for a presentation if you haven’t already.
He doesn't want to be tied to Disney.
You aren’t. Check out the adventure collection. Also look on the boards about where people have gone on points. Worse case scenario, You can rent out your points…
We have to get the basement finished (the only thing I think is keeping me from buying today).
Hmm, can’t help you with that one; I am not a Mr. Fixit.
He doesn't think we'll use it.
I didn’t either…DW says it is the best thing that ever happened short of the day we met. We actually plan and take my vacations now. We have been on 2 cruises with a third one planned. I have heard that they run specials with some of the other hotels. One person spent a whole week in Hawaii on 50 Points… while this isn’t usual it happens…


I hope this helps…

 

[SheriB]

Steph,

I don't know if this helps any, but we just purchased, and my DH is having a little bit of buyer's regret! He's not so sure now that this was a good thing to do. I hope he changes his mind after we have our first trip home next June, but until then, he's not all that enthused. And if anything goes wrong, of course it will be all my fault for "making" him do this. The funny thing is, when we took the tour and presentation last July, he was ready to buy then and there, on the spot. I was the one who said, let's go home and think about this! Even if you got your DH to change his mind, he might act the same way mine is now, which is a total bummer. I'm happy about it, but not as happy as I should be, because my DH's heart (and support) is not in it at this moment. He's sort of like a light bulb-on and off at different times.
Good luck to you, either way!

Sheri

 

[ohanafamily]

Sheri, It will change. If all else fails, you got in before the price increase, and you should be able to get most of your money out of your points. Then if you add the cost of the vacation you take next June, even if you sell right away, you should not lose too much, if not make a small profit.

He will be quite happy; it is a typical response to spending lots of money in a bad economy. If you look at the resale points as a stock or a commodity, you get the vacation for free, and it holds its value very well.....

 

[AEN]

Good luck.

DW did ours somewhat reluctantly. Now she can't wait to go on our first trip next July to HH and already has planned for her and I to go to our home next October (just the two of us). She said, "...if I have it, I am going to use it". She is really looking forward to these trips. She is also anxious to try other trips (i.e. non-DVC sites, but within the program).

Based on our recent vacations; Disney every two years (three kids) and some island everyother year, we should break even at about 10 years, after considering the annual fee.

And, we just did our basement.

 

[ohanafamily]

Dear AEN, if you do the banking and borrowing right, I think you might be able to get your value out before then. I would also suggest looking into the cruises.....you might be able to do both the island hop and Disney on points. Additionally, trading points for hotel rooms helps cut costs way down. you might want to check into that as well...now do you understand why my DW stopped me from buying MORE!!! points?

 

[DeeP]

Sheri,
I think once your DH actually stays in a DVC villa he will be singing a different tune. When you are relaxing in a beautiful villa in WDW is when the actual value/worth of your membership finally hits you! My first DVC trip as a member was only about a month after joining and all I kept saying to myself the whole trip: "I should have done this yrs ago!". Yes, a DVC membership is a substantial investment and there are timeshares out there that can be had for a lot less than a DVC membership, BUT for what you get ON WDW property AND the fact that the memberships either remain stable or have risen in value over the yrs -which that fact alone is mind boggling--I know my investment in DVC has worked to my advantage a heck of a lot more than most of my other investments! LOL!