What I love about the DVC buying process (especially if purchasing direct), is that there is no pressure. What better way to say your product is superior then to basically say, we do not need to push you to buy it. So, yeah, took me about a year to finally pull the trigger. In 2009, we bought 250 points at BLT. Twelve years in, and I can still sell the points for more than I paid. I have basically used 25% of the “product” and it is still worth more than what I paid for it.
Financing is the thing that can turn a great investment into a poor one. We did finance our purchase, but paid it off within a year. So, yeah, I basically paid 10% more than the “sale” price. But all of that was figured out before I walked in to actually do the purchase. Spreadsheets galore...
Has it “worked out” for us. I would say so. But many things have changed. For about 8 of the last 12 years we have had annual passes. At times, DVC had some great deals. Twice I remember purchasing vouchers for AP that were $300 off. That represented a $1,500 savings, which basically paid our dues. Two years after purchase, we moved from NY to NC. Did not see that coming. Funny how life changes. But from our WDW point of view, it changed the trip from a long car ride (and half way family visit) or airline flight to an 8 hour drive. The number of trips per year increased. We mixed in some cheaper or "free on points" offsite stays. As my children grew older those DVC points went further. The family of 5 became a family of 4, and now the trips are normally just 3 of us.
Disney does seem to be in an upward spiral when it comes to their pricing. That may (will) impact how we “do” Disney as time marches on. Their price increases (admission, food, etc.) are increasing at a much faster pace than my entertainment budget.
Things are about to change again with the family. My oldest daughter and son-in-law just informed us a couple of weeks ago we are about to be grand-parents. So, I am assuming that soon as my youngest goes off to college, there will probably be at least 3 of us continuing to go, just the youngest will be much younger. Funny how life changes.
My point (yeah, there actually was one), always good to think about what you want. But remember your lives will change, hopefully for the better. Just think about what you want now, and how that may change as life marches on. Selling and buying different may be an answer, but like make a mix tape (yeah, I am that old), remember you lose a little with each copy. You may want to do that process once or twice as your needs change, but you probably do not want to make than an annual event…