How do you trade?

[Crazy Kanga]

Hi. I am new to this so forgive me if this is the wrong place to post this.

My sister-in-law and I are planning a big family trip for May 06. Her family owns a 3 br 2 bath condo in Destin FL. How likely is it that we would find someone willing to trade DVC points to stay there? We want enough to get either a 3 BR Grand Villa or a 2BR and a Studio.
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chuck S]

You sister can try putting in a trade request through Interval International, assuming her condo trades with them...or you can maybe find someone willing to trade privately (owner to owner) through the rent/trade board her on the DIS, or she may try other private trade websites.

However, I would say the chances may be slim for an owner to owner trade...most folks bought DVC because when they travel to FL they prefer the Orlando (and specifically Disney) area.

You'll never know until you try, though.

 

[RobDoc]

You should post the dates and resort you are interested in on the Rent/Trade Board and any specifics about your condo that you think would be helpful.

At this point, there may not be a lot of availability for the GV's, but there should be plenty of 2BR's and Studios available.

You may need to be creative about the trade you are trying to make. As Chuck pointed out, few DVC members are intrerested in other FL locations when they already have DVC as an option. You might want to trade a week in your condo for 5 days at WDW or some other such trade. Members can already exchange thru II for fewer points than what a 2BR would cost at WDW for 7 nights.

Good luck!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

OK. Thanks.

 

[Dean]

Several points. First, DVC does not deposit the 3 BR units and even if you got a trade through II, it would only be for one unit unless you could lockoff and deposit as 2 units with II. That assumes that the unit is even with II, many in Destin are only RCI and I think the only Panhandle II resort with 3 BR is Landmark in Panama City. The only RCI 3 BR I could find in Destin was Landmark Phase II but the lists are not always 100% accurate. Or in some cases the owners looks at it as a 3 BR but the exchange company only lists it as a 2 BR.

I would doubt one would find any interest from a DVC member trading a 3 BR GV or a 2 BR plus studio for this unit. The truth is that even if it were 4th of July, the comparative value is simply not there. Now if you were willing to take 5 days avoiding Fri and Sat nights, that MIGHT and I repeat might, get some interest. Even then I think it's doubtful for the unit size(s) you quote. The most I think you could expect would be a 1 BR for 7 nights or a 2 BR for 5 nights avoiding weekends. And that assumes a mid summer week, anything that's at all off time would be worth even less in terms of DVC points.

I would think they're best bet would be to rent out what they have then rent from a DVC member. Even then, getting a 3 BR will be difficult at best. IF the resort is with II, they should in a trade request for 6 people for the dates desired. II will usually require a combo of 3 choices. Maybe 3 resorts or 3 weeks. Just list all the DVC resorts. If they are with RCI, they should trade for off site or rent what they have and pay cash. They should also list on the Rent/Trade board and hope they find someone that needs exactly what and when they have to get the most value exchanging.

 

[tamu91]

It's not an easy task striking up an equitable trade between DVC and most other timshares. I should know, I've been trying to find an "equitable trade" into CI @ Sandestin for about 4 months now.