In Need of Advice

[Calcio]

I'm in need of some good advice from veteran members of the vacation club.

My situation is I spend about 1 week a year at WDW. I've stayed at many of the resorts, but my last 3 trips have all been to the Boardwalk Inn. It's my favorite by far, and I expect I'll stay there from now on.

I went through the open house last week. They are selling SSR as the home resort right now, and here's where I need some veteran advice.

If I hope to stay at the BWV from now on, does it make sense to purchase the SSR as home resort?

I realize you can book non-home resorts 7 months in advance, so if I buy SSR will I be able to book BWV when the 7 month window opens?

I always travel at less that peak times. In 2004 I was at WDW Jan 10 - 15, and I'll be back March 14-19. I assume it's very tough to book non-home resorts in busy times, but what's the situation in lighter times?

Given my strong preference for the BWV, would it be smarter to purchase one of the available re-sales with BWV as the home resort? I guess BWV members are looking at 43 years or so left, but I'm 47 now, so I think I'm okay on that one.

Has anyone had good or bad experience with a re-sale purchase? I see the disboards have a link to DVC resales. Is this a reputable clearing house? What are the additional fees of purchase through the clearing house, and how do you receive documentation of your membership?

Sorry about all the questions, but I'm torn between the options for membership. Any specific information anyone out there has would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Chuck S]

If you really want to spend the majority of your trips at the Boardwalk, I would purchase there. It is one of the most difficult resorts to trade into at the 7 month window because it has fewer units. However, while the SSR contract would end in 2052, all other DVC resorts end in 2042, so you will be getting 10 years less usage.

But the general rule of thumb is buy where you want to stay.

 

[tjkraz]

I'd say BWV is the way to go.

If you can swing a home equity line to finance the purchase (or pay cash, of course) then definitely look into a resale. It's a bit more hassle to acquire a resale, but you will pay less than DVC's prices.

If you need to finance through DVC, then I would simply call them and make it clear that the only property you are interested in is BWV. They aren't actively selling contracts, but they can pick them up by exercising ROFR on a resale. If you are very firm in your demands, I suspect they will find a way to accommodate you. Finance rates are very reasonable--I sincerely doubt you will find a lower rate short of home equity. And, if you're willing to sell back your first year's points via Magical Beginnings, you can probably reach a net cost that approaches resale levels.

 

[Calcio]

Thanks tjkraz

I certainly wasn't aware of right of first refusal on resale for DVC. I well understand the reps are paid to sell SSR, but my sales guy (who was helpful, etc) didn't bring up that option. I made it clear through the entire session that I was only interested in BWV, and it would have been nice to hear they could get points with BWV as the home resort if it was that or no purchase at all.

My concern on a resale through a 3rd party is living in Massachusetts, how do I ensure my payment for points doesn't end up in a sham transaction? My $ gone, and no ownership received. I see the boards link to a 3rd party re-seller, but can I be sure my $ get the ownership points?

 

[llp479]

We bought BWV direct from Disney in '98. However, when we decided we wanted points at OKW in '02, our only option was resale. We used the The Timeshare Store, link at the top, and had no problems.

 

[princetonnj]

The realtors use a closing and escrow service. It is not much different than a real estate closing in Mass. Title search, title insurance, escrow, contracts etc. You make an offer, if accepted you sign contract and send in 10% as escrow. Upon closing you pay the balance plus any closing fees ($400-600).

Other than minor complaints I have not heard anything negative about any of the 3 major resellers. ( I think if any sham was happening you would see it on these boards very quickly.)

www.dvc-resales.com
www.atimeshare.com
www.dvcbyresale.com

 

[RLevy29]

I agree with the above posters. I would find a BWV resale for the number of points that you want. That way you can be sure to get a villa at the 11-7 month window.
Good Luck!

 

[Calcio]

I really appreciate everybody's inputs on this. Your advice based on personal experience is extremely valuable.

Thank you.

 

[mikesmom]

Buy where you want to stay. You may go at lightly traveled times now, but that may change. BWV can be a challenge to get into at times.

For what it's worth, we made one purchase thru Disney and one purchase thru The Timeshare Store. (We also wanted points that were no longer available through Disney.) Both transactions were perfectly fine.

 

[mtdewhead]

We also bought through The Timeshare Store with no problems at all. I didn't see what I wanted listed on the above link, so I called them and told them what I was looking for (possible banked points etc) and they called me with a package before it hit the boards. I didn't even have to pay closing costs (got the seller to do it). I would definately recommend them!