Hoping someone can answer a few questions for me....

[AnninIowa]

I've been lurking here and also looking at the Timeshare Stores resales....I have some questions, and hoping someone will take pity on me and answer them!

There are only two of us, and we like to go to Disney once a year and stay at AKL for about a week. Looking at the resales, there are some for 50 points, which would seem to cover what we want to do (since we travel at off-season times). 50 points seems enough to get a studio for about 6 days during the slowest period. The 50 point resales are a bit under $5,000.

So....say I bought one of these 50 point resales. Most say they currently have 50 points and another 50 points are coming due the next year. Are these only 2 years contracts then, or would we get 50 points every year through 2050-ish?

What would the yearly dues on a contract like this be? Do the dues always remain the same every year or do they increase?

Thanks in advance to any answers - I'm just having a hard time wrapping my mind around this whole DVC thing!

 

[arthur06]

I've been lurking here and also looking at the Timeshare Stores resales....I have some questions, and hoping someone will take pity on me and answer them!

There are only two of us, and we like to go to Disney once a year and stay at AKL for about a week. Looking at the resales, there are some for 50 points, which would seem to cover what we want to do (since we travel at off-season times). 50 points seems enough to get a studio for about 6 days during the slowest period. The 50 point resales are a bit under $5,000.

So....say I bought one of these 50 point resales. Most say they currently have 50 points and another 50 points are coming due the next year. Are these only 2 years contracts then, or would we get 50 points every year through 2050-ish?

What would the yearly dues on a contract like this be? Do the dues always remain the same every year or do they increase?

Thanks in advance to any answers - I'm just having a hard time wrapping my mind around this whole DVC thing!

Hello Fellow Iowan!

Since you can only borrow from the next year contracts are stated in banked points, current points, and borrowed points. If the contracts is "Loaded" it would typically have all current and future points along with some or all previous years points. If the contract is "stripped" the they typicall have no banked, current and in most cases almost all of next years points were borrowed.

The contract that you are looking at has all of the points after the 2 years. All contracts do, because of how borrowing works. You can only borrow into the next years points. The contract is also good until 2054 (I think).

As far as the dues go. They can increase ever year, however there is a limit (15% per year I beleive) that they can increase.

I am not an expert and someone can probably give you better answers, but, I hope that helps!

 

[chalee94]

if you're pricing your stays based on "value" rooms, there are only a very few of those available and they can get pretty cramped.

there is also the chance that sun-thurs point costs will be raised over the next few years.

i'd advise getting a slightly larger contract, but you're on the right track. (also, you can buy a 50 pt contract, and if you need a few more pts, you can add-on another 25 pt contract pretty easily.)

 

[wildernessDad]

So....say I bought one of these 50 point resales. Most say they currently have 50 points and another 50 points are coming due the next year. Are these only 2 years contracts then, or would we get 50 points every year through 2050-ish?

What would the yearly dues on a contract like this be? Do the dues always remain the same every year or do they increase?

For AKV, you would get 50 points every year until the year 2057.

AKV dues is currently $4.86 / point.

 

[AnninIowa]

Thank so much for the replies! So, a 50 point AKL contract would be about $250 a year for dues, but then that could go up? I hear about people adding points - what is the minimum amount of points you can add? 10, 25? That would be done through Disney?

Here is a sample resale of 50 that is listed for $4400: 50 points coming on 9/1/10 and 50 points coming on 9/1/11. Priced at $88 per point.

Does this mean they are currently 50 points banked, and then another 50 are coming in 2010 and then another in 2011...or are there no points banked?

I'm so confused - I really appreciate the help!!

 

[Sandisw]

Thank so much for the replies! So, a 50 point AKL contract would be about $250 a year for dues, but then that could go up? I hear about people adding points - what is the minimum amount of points you can add? 10, 25? That would be done through Disney?

Here is a sample resale of 50 that is listed for $4400: 50 points coming on 9/1/10 and 50 points coming on 9/1/11. Priced at $88 per point.

Does this mean they are currently 50 points banked, and then another 50 are coming in 2010 and then another in 2011...or are there no points banked?

I'm so confused - I really appreciate the help!!

Based on what you listed, the contract is considered "stripped"--there are no banked points as well as no points coming until September, 2010. Unless you borrow points from future years, this contract would not allow you to have points to use until after September 2010, well over a year away.

Personally, to buy something that requires you to immediately borrow points is not the ideal place to start.

As far as add ons, you can do that direct through Disney with as little as 25 points, if you pay cash, or with as little of 50 points if you want to finance.

UY is very important as you can bank points during the first 8 months of your UY. If you travel at certain times on a regular basis, you want to try to get a UY that starts right before as it allows for a lot of flexibility in terms of canceling and reusing points.

I travel in August so I chose a June UY so I will always get my new points right before we go.

Good luck!!!

 

[chalee94]

Thank so much for the replies! So, a 50 point AKL contract would be about $250 a year for dues, but then that could go up?

yes. it averages 3-4% a year. here's all the history for annual dues/maintenance fees, for reference.

I hear about people adding points - what is the minimum amount of points you can add? 10, 25?

minimum is 25 pts.

That would be done through Disney?

it's easiest through disney. you could also buy a 25 pt resale but it can get a little more complicated looking for the right UY month and making sure they are combined under one membership number to act as one contract.

Here is a sample resale of 50 that is listed for $4400: 50 points coming on 9/1/10 and 50 points coming on 9/1/11. Priced at $88 per point.

Does this mean they are currently 50 points banked, and then another 50 are coming in 2010 and then another in 2011...or are there no points banked?

no points banked. definitely a stripped contract.

 

[AnninIowa]

You guys are awesome! I'm understanding things a lot better now!!

 

[5forDiz]

Thank so much for the replies! So, a 50 point AKL contract would be about $250 a year for dues, but then that could go up? I hear about people adding points - what is the minimum amount of points you can add? 10, 25? That would be done through Disney?

Here is a sample resale of 50 that is listed for $4400: 50 points coming on 9/1/10 and 50 points coming on 9/1/11. Priced at $88 per point.

Does this mean they are currently 50 points banked, and then another 50 are coming in 2010 and then another in 2011...or are there no points banked?

I'm so confused - I really appreciate the help!!

This contract is stripped of 2008 Use Year points - the "current" UY allotment of points (2008 UY is from 9/1/08 - 8/31/09).

This contract is also stripped of upcoming 2009 Use Year points ( you should have received allotment of 50 points on Sept 1 2009 for 2009 Use Year which is from Sept 1 2009 - Aug 31 2010 ) which means the seller borrowed them into 2008 Use Year and is utilizing them for a reservation which is sometime between Sept 1 2008 - Aug 31 2009.

If you make an offer on this contract you may want to offer a lower price because you aren't getting 2008 or 2009 Use Year allotments of points.
Also the seller should be paying all MFs for 2009 and you can request that the seller pay MFs for months of Jan - Aug 2010 since you aren't receiving an allotment of points until 2010 Use Year begins which is on Sept 1 2010.

If you did decide to purchase this contract you can, however, borrow those 50 points coming on 9/1/10 into 2009 Use Year for a reservation that will take place between Sept 1 2009 - Aug 31 2010.

Good luck

 

[AnninIowa]

This contract is stripped of 2008 Use Year points - the "current" UY allotment of points (2008 UY is from 9/1/08 - 8/31/09).

This contract is also stripped of upcoming 2009 Use Year points ( you should have received allotment of 50 points on Sept 1 2009 for 2009 Use Year which is from Sept 1 2009 - Aug 31 2010 ) which means the seller borrowed them into 2008 Use Year and is utilizing them for a reservation which is sometime between Sept 1 2008 - Aug 31 2009.

If you make an offer on this contract you may want to offer a lower price because you aren't getting 2008 or 2009 Use Year allotments of points.
Also the seller should be paying all MFs for 2009 and you can request that the seller pay MFs for months of Jan - Aug 2010 since you aren't receiving an allotment of points until 2010 Use Year begins which is on Sept 1 2010.

If you did decide to purchase this contract you can, however, borrow those 50 points coming on 9/1/10 into 2009 Use Year for a reservation that will take place between Sept 1 2009 - Aug 31 2010.

Good luck

Thanks for the great advice! There are a lot of these 50 point resales to choose from - most seem to have 50 points available now, this is just one that didn't. I'm still looking over everything and doing research; I really never thought I'd consider this, but with these harsh Iowa winters, I'm thinking DVC would be easier than buying an actual second home in Florida, LOL!!

 

[crafty91]

Ok complete newbie here but where do you find resales? Also I'd assume that in this economy there may be some deals to be had? Or is that off base?

 

[Sandisw]

Ok complete newbie here but where do you find resales? Also I'd assume that in this economy there may be some deals to be had? Or is that off base?

There are a lot of resale brokers out there. I have used the Timeshare Store and they were great (you can just click on their name at the top of the board and it will bring you to the site).

Right now, SSR is a great deal. MF's are low (between $4.00 - $5.00 per point), selling for around $65 - $75.00 per point, and the contracts go through 2054.

Of course, you have to be okay with staying there. You will always be able to book reservations at your home resort 11 months in advance. At 7 months, you may or may not be able to get reservations at other resorts so you want to be sure you own where you want to stay.

I bought at BLT because I really only want to stay there. It cost me more to do it but worth it. Now, I can try the other resorts for a day or two, but at least I know that I can always book and stay at BLT if nothing else is available to try!

Good luck!!!

 

[crafty91]

Is Boardwalk going to be at a premium? Thats where we like to stay but the new Contemporary tower would be nice too.....

 

[Sandisw]

Is Boardwalk going to be at a premium? Thats where we like to stay but the new Contemporary tower would be nice too.....

Boardwalk prices are running in the high 70's, low 80's right now. MF's are higher than BLT and the contract is 18 years less (ends in 2042 vs. 2060).

If you buy 200 points through Disney (with a member referral), you can get BLT as low as $96.00 per point. MF's are only $3.67 per point so that would help to offset the more expense MF's at Boardwalk.

However, the points to stay at BLT are more than BWV, so that has to be considered. Also, certain times of the year, getting BWV at 7 months may not be easy (ie: October during Food & Wine) so if you feel you want to go then, you may want to own there.

There are a lot of different options. You could also buy a small BWV resale contract to own some points there. Then add on through Disney at BLT. You could then alternate each trip between BLT and BWV (by banking and borrowing) or do split stays so you could take advantage of the 11 month booking window for each resort.

Of course, if you don't see yourself planning your trips prior to 7 months out, home resort is less important since you will be competing with all members at that point for rooms.

 

[AnninIowa]

To answer the above poster, I've been looking at the Timeshare Store, as they are a DIS Sponser and recommened by the DIS team podcasters.

Okay, another question about banking points. Do points ever expire or unused points automatically roll over into the next year?

Also, I keep seeing UY, which I assume means use year. Is this just your point anniversary? What are the reasons people are interested in a use year date? For instance, there is a resale with 50 points currently available and 50 points coming on 2/1/10. Priced at $92 per point. I'm assuming that means new points are added every February 1?

Many thanks again!!

 

[AnninIowa]

Oh, and what is the different between a value room and a standard?

 

[Sandisw]

To answer the above poster, I've been looking at the Timeshare Store, as they are a DIS Sponser and recommened by the DIS team podcasters.

Okay, another question about banking points. Do points ever expire or unused points automatically roll over into the next year?

Also, I keep seeing UY, which I assume means use year. Is this just your point anniversary? What are the reasons people are interested in a use year date? For instance, there is a resale with 50 points currently available and 50 points coming on 2/1/10. Priced at $92 per point. I'm assuming that means new points are added every February 1?

Many thanks again!!

Points do not automatically roll over. You must bank them during the first 8 months of your UY. If you miss the deadline, the points will expire at the end of that UY.

Most people who travel at consistent times of the year will try to get a UY that falls just before they typically travel. This allows for a lot of flexibility if a vacation needs to be cancelled at least 31 days out as it would fall within the 8 month banking window.

The UY is the date when you get the new points. So a contract with a Feb UY would get new points Feb. 1st each year. The contract you refer to has its current UY points (2009) and all its points next year. That tells you the contract is not stripped and once you close on it, you would be able to make reservations right away.

In addition, you would have until September 30th to bank those 2009 points if you were not planning to use them before Feb 1st, 2010.

 

[chalee94]

Okay, another question about banking points. Do points ever expire or unused points automatically roll over into the next year?

they don't roll over automatically. if you don't bank your current year points within the first 8 months of your use year, then they will expire at the end of the current use year.

if you bank them, they will expire at the end of the next UY. you cannot bank them again. banking and borrowing are both final transactions - when the points are moved to a different UY, that is where they will expire.

Also, I keep seeing UY, which I assume means use year. Is this just your point anniversary? What are the reasons people are interested in a use year date?

UY month tells you when your points are valid for booking. UY month also tells you when your banking window closes. this can be a huge issue:

if you like to travel in november but buy a dec UY contract, you may find that while you can cancel 2 months (for example) in advance and put the points back into the current UY with no restrictions, you will be past your banking window and as a result, your points will expire on nov 30th regardless...which doesn't give you much time to scramble to rent or rebook those points.

OTOH, with a nov UY, if you cancel a november reservation 2 months in advance, you still have plenty of time to figure out whether to bank your pts or book another reservation later in your UY.

please read the first post in this thread. it will explain a lot!

 

[chalee94]

Oh, and what is the different between a value room and a standard?

value rooms are smaller rooms at AKV (due to converting hotel rooms at AKL into DVC villas).

they can have any sort of view: parking lot, savannah or pool.

there are only about 10 or so value 2BR lockoffs available at jambo and none at kidani, so they tend to book fairly quickly...

edited to add: standard rooms are pool view, IIRC.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

To answer the above poster, I've been looking at the Timeshare Store, as they are a DIS Sponser and recommened by the DIS team podcasters.

Okay, another question about banking points. Do points ever expire or unused points automatically roll over into the next year?

Also, I keep seeing UY, which I assume means use year. Is this just your point anniversary? What are the reasons people are interested in a use year date? For instance, there is a resale with 50 points currently available and 50 points coming on 2/1/10. Priced at $92 per point. I'm assuming that means new points are added every February 1?

Many thanks again!!

Yes, you will get 50 new points every February. Keep in mind that means you can go on the trip starting on February 1st. You can make the reservation 11 months before then.

I also think $92 is a little high now, but maybe not for 50 points.