how to convince prospective buyer that DVC is good despite RTU expiration

[disneyberry]

well, one of the families that we tried to refer to DVC just recently told us that they stopped being interested in buying DVC as soon as they found out it was a RTU property.

they said, "we don't like that it expires.. in what, 30 years? it's like you don't even own a property, and can't sell it or give it to anyone or pass it on to your children"

argh.

but this is a Disney fanatic family that goes to WDW about every 6 to 9 mos, and stays in Deluxe resorts only, and pays rack rates or books Dream Maker Packages, usually for 2 rooms per trip since the adults like privacy. (they've got teenagers that also love WDW.)

that's why dbf and i referred them, we thought it seemed like a good fit considering how much they love WDW, and how often they go.

anyway, the thing is, neither dbf nor i are too familiar with "regular" timeshares (non-RTU properties). so we don't have the knowledge to try to explain to them why the RTU factor shouldn't discourage them from looking into DVC some more.
i don't even think they bothered to call our guide or send for the video or brochures. they just heard word of mouth that it was RTU and not a "real" property. *sigh*

anyway, so i'm wondering, for those of you who looked into all Orlando timeshares, were you turned off at all by the RTU issue of DVC?
what made you decide to buy or not to buy DVC?
what simple things can we say to this family that might make them reconsider DVC despite the RTU expiration?

i guess it's just frustrating 'cause we were happy to buy DVC, we never were bothered by the RTU issue, and it's nice to refer a family to DVC and have them also fall in love with DVC. so when someone is turned off just like that, it's incomprehensible... heh.
plus, they seem to be a family that doesn't like to put in much effort to research things... which is also incomprehensible to me... who obviously does obsessive research since i browse the DIS DVC boards (which is all about being obsessive )

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

That's fustrating!!!!! I think we have 38 years left for BCV, BWV, WLV, HH OKW & VB. If they brought into the "new" resort SSR & anything after that its a 50 year contract!!! You can give will it to your kids or sell if you don't really like it or circumstances arise that you need to sell. I would try to tell these things!! Hope this helps!

Allison an associate

 

[RobDoc]

It sounds as though your friends already have a preconceived concept of what RTU would mean in their case. You can give it your best shot to provide all of the facts about DVC, but it may take the effort of a DVC guide to find the means to sway their present opinion and answer their objections.

It sounds as though anyone may have a tough time overcoming the obstacles they have in front of a sale.

The DVC program just doesn't appeal to everyone all the time.

Give it your best try and see what happens!!

 

[CarolA]

Sometimes you just need to let your friends make their own decsions. DVC is not right for everyone. Just let it go would be my advice.

 

[littlestar]

We were just the opposite in our thinking. We didn't want a traditional timeshare that goes on forever.

DVC appealed to us because it's a Vacation Club and has that end date. It's a great prepaid vacation plan for staying at Disney in the deluxe category is the way we look at it.

 

[chrissyk]

Maybe you could convince them to rent points from a DVC member. That way, they could enjoy the deluxe accomodations at a reduced price, and they might decide to buy in that way. That said, if these friends don't like to put a lot of effort into researching things (i.e. - they pay rack rate instead of using a code when booking), you may be looking at a lost cause.

 

[anniet]

I think I saw the best explanation here on the DVC board one time and I'm sorry I don't know who said it---they said something like "No, you don't own it forever, but my doctor says my chances of living forever are slim"

Seriously though the fact that it has an expiration date isn't what we were concerned with. My Dad and a close friend of mine purchased timeshares in other places that quickly went downhill while their maintenance fees kept going up. After watching their experience I said I would NEVER buy a timeshare, but let's face it, NOBODY keeps property up like Disney. I wouldn't have bought anywhere else.

I would tell your friends NOT to look at it as investing in a piece of real estate, but to look at it as prepaid vacations that will be discounted from Disney's rack rates and depending on where they stay now, upgraded. Between what I paid for loan payments on DVC and dues in the last two years, if I had paid cash to Disney for my vacations I would have paid $1000 more AND I still have 143 points banked for an upcoming vacation, so I consider myself ahead of the game.
I do think they may be "reaching" for an excuse and may not want to hurt your feelings. I would give it one more shot though!

Good luck!

 

[Chuck S]

Personally, I don't see buying things for "the kids, grandkids, great grandkids, great great grandkids..forever" What do they think a traditional timeshare will be worth in 50 years? Do they think their progeny will want to continue paying maintenance forever? What condition will a traditional timeshare be in 50 or so years from now? Remember, many, many 'forever" timeshares have a resale value of 10% to 30% of their original purchase price because of these reasons. I can get more for my DVC now, than when I purchased it...and I have no intentions of selling.