I am not a
DVC member (...yet!) but I have rented several times. So, I am chiming in here from this side of the transaction (as it seems most posters are owners).
First, most renters are not really "in the know" about all of the ins and outs...renting, banking, borrowing, etc. So they may not understand the hassle that this can be. Secondly, again, since they are not in the know, they are just trying to get the best deal possible...which is something all of us do as consumers. Many renters look at renting points just as they would look at buying something used from the classifieds. "You want $50 for that bicycle...would you consider $40?" And using this example, most sellers who place a classified ad for merchandise DO come down on their price. So I think this may be the mind-set of many potential renters.
That being said, I have always paid $10/point and I would never consider a counter-offer. I know what a great deal this is.
As for trying to get a mass group to "raise the price" to $12 or more per point...you can only do what the market will handle. I'm not sure what that top number is, and none here can know for sure.
Yes, being on-property is what most people want. However, when you can rent a NICE 2-br villa off-site for under $150/night and don't have to worry about week-ends being more, etc., there IS a limit to what renters will be willing to pay just to stay on-site. Renters will either go off site OR just give up on a villa and get one or two "regular" rooms at one of the other resorts.
Finally (phew!) DVC owners who choose to rent their points now have major competition...Disney itself. The new family suites at ASMu (and more on the way at POP) are a very attractive alternative to those who rent. True, it is not a deluxe resort with all of the deluxe amenities...but at the end of the day, it is enough space and it is on property. This may force DVC'ers to keep their rental prices low. But again, no one here can know for certain.
Consider me a happy and satisfied renter...who will be an owner in the next year or two...
