New- how many points to buy, and when?

[Tink&PirateMama]

Hi,

We've been thinking the last couple of months about becoming DVC owners. Realistically, I think we could use about 250-300 points for our typical travel requirements, however, we can't purchase that all at once (especially if we are planning a vow renewal in the next year!). I do NOT want to finance this, so that is not an option for us.

I've been looking at resale, and thinking of starting with 100 points, and then in another year, adding on another hundred or hundred and fifty, etc. Is this a smart way to do it, or is it better to save and buy the whole chunk at one time?

Thanks so much!!

 

[Sandisw]

That is exactly how I did it. I bought my first resale (50 pts) at VWL. I then added on at BLT, 100 pts. Also, it allows you to get in with a small financial committment--as you said, without having to finance.

Once you are a member, you can add on directly from Disney at most resorts--some have waiting lists, but its easy to do. The minimums for doing that are less for members.

Here are some things to consider as you are getting ready. Choose a resort that you want to stay. Although you can try to get reservations at the 7 month mark, and if you are traveling at an off time, it is usually not that big of an issue, having the 11 month booking window can be important.

If you have set times you think you will be traveling, choose a UY that allows for your travel to fall within the first 8 months of that UY. It gives you an opportunity to cancel a trip and still bank points into the future.

Good luck and happy planning!

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Thanks so much!! I didn't think about the timing of the UY!

 

[DeblovesPoohbear]

Can someone explain more about the resale?
Thanks!!

 

[Sandisw]

Resale is simply buying a contract from a current owner instead of going directly through Disney.

Here are some of the pros/cons:

1. Getting a contract with less points than the required minimum by Disney (currently 160) is possible.

2. Getting a contract at a resort that is currently "sold out" through Disney. Right now, Disney is selling AKL, BLT, and SSR. Of course, other than BLT, AKL and SSR can also be bought through resale.

3. Price per point on resale contracts can be less than what they are through Disney. It allows you to get into the market with either a smaller financial commitment, or the ability to get more points for the same price. End year of the contract does have to be considered (ie: BLT ends in 2060, yet VWL ends in 2042--so buying a BLT contract would give you an extra 18 years worth of points).

4. Contracts take longer to close through the resale process than going direct with Disney. Typical resale timeline is 4 - 7 weeks where points can be available in a very short time frame for new members buying direct through Disney. There are closing costs associated with resale that may not be there when buying direct from Disney

I just used TSS to buy a small resale contract. They are wonderful and very knowledgeable about the resale process. I used Jamie but I have heard everyone is great. I am sure if you call them directly, they will be more than happy to explain everything and answer all your questions, even if you are not interested in a specific contract right now. I never felt pressured to buy when I called. Good luck!!!

 

[DeblovesPoohbear]

Resale is simply buying a contract from a current owner instead of going directly through Disney.

Here are some of the pros/cons:

1. Getting a contract with less points than the required minimum by Disney (currently 160) is possible.

2. Getting a contract at a resort that is currently "sold out" through Disney. Right now, Disney is selling AKL, BLT, and SSR. Of course, other than BLT, AKL and SSR can also be bought through resale.

3. Price per point on resale contracts can be less than what they are through Disney. It allows you to get into the market with either a smaller financial commitment, or the ability to get more points for the same price. End year of the contract does have to be considered (ie: BLT ends in 2060, yet VWL ends in 2042--so buying a BLT contract would give you an extra 18 years worth of points).

4. Contracts take longer to close through the resale process than going direct with Disney. Typical resale timeline is 4 - 7 weeks where points can be available in a very short time frame for new members buying direct through Disney. There are closing costs associated with resale that may not be there when buying direct from Disney

I just used TSS to buy a small resale contract. They are wonderful and very knowledgeable about the resale process. I used Jamie but I have heard everyone is great. I am sure if you call them directly, they will be more than happy to explain everything and answer all your questions, even if you are not interested in a specific contract right now. I never felt pressured to buy when I called. Good luck!!!

Thank You!!

 

[Donna M]

The only concern I have is that when you buy a small contract, you can make reservations 11 months out for that villa only. So check when you expect to go. If it's a high demand period you'll want to have enough points.

 

[mecllap]

Hi,

I've been looking at resale, and thinking of starting with 100 points, and then in another year, adding on another hundred or hundred and fifty, etc. Is this a smart way to do it, or is it better to save and buy the whole chunk at one time?

Thanks so much!!

I've just started getting into DVC, via resale -- and all the reading I've done indicates that it's better to have smaller contracts rather than one big one -- lots more flexibility in the long run. You probably want to start with an amount of points with the same Use Year at a resort you're happy staying at for maybe every other year or so (enough for the size unit you want). It can be very complicated -- so be sure you read a lot of different threads about how the system works. (Some of the reasons for smaller contracts are for resale, if you might need that at some future year, and inheritance to more than one person).

 

[girlsx2]

I too, am considering taking the big DVC ownership plunge. I also, do not want to finance anything. I have been reading everything that I can find about resale of Disney. For me, it would be better to buy small contracts and build on that. I am "renting" points for the first time in March just to get a "feel" of what it would be like to own. I may even do the DVC tour to see the 1br and 2br units.

 

[mecllap]

Another consideration about buying smaller contracts is the number of times you'll pay the closing costs (so I wouldn't go for all really small contracts either).

 

[Sandisw]

Another consideration about buying smaller contracts is the number of times you'll pay the closing costs (so I wouldn't go for all really small contracts either).

Yes, but once you are a member, you can buy small contracts (except BLT) directly through Disney without closing costs.

While there may be a higher point cost, it could outweigh the closing costs--of course, it might take a while to get the one you want, but there are other options than just resale.

 

[bnk1120]

Is there a minimum number of points you have to own before adding on through Disney? I am looking at buying a small resale contract with the intent of adding on later. Would I have to own the minimum 160 points or whatever to buy more points directly through Disney or would I have to do another resale?

 

[Sandisw]

Is there a minimum number of points you have to own before adding on through Disney? I am looking at buying a small resale contract with the intent of adding on later. Would I have to own the minimum 160 points or whatever to buy more points directly through Disney or would I have to do another resale?

No, once you are a member, it does not matter to Disney how many points you have.

My first contract was 50 pts at VWL. Within a week, I added on at BLT.

Right now, you can add on to all the resorts at the 25 point level and above. BLT had gone to the 100 pt minimum, but they seem to have changed that back for the time being.

25 pt add ons are cash sales. If you want to finance with Disney, you must add on at with at least 50 points. The smaller contracts don't always come with incentives so always be sure you understand what is available at what level.

For example, right now, if you add on at BLT with 100 pts, you are eligible for a 3 night cruise for 4 and a discount of $5.00 per point ($107 per point). For add-ons less than that, it is $112/ppt with no other incentives.

 

[bnk1120]

Thank you.

 

[bcrook]

I too, am considering taking the big DVC ownership plunge. I also, do not want to finance anything. I have been reading everything that I can find about resale of Disney. For me, it would be better to buy small contracts and build on that. I am "renting" points for the first time in March just to get a "feel" of what it would be like to own. I may even do the DVC tour to see the 1br and 2br units.

After you see the 1 and 2 bdr units you will want to buy. They Rock!!! Oh those AKV 2 BR are incredible. If you have any doubts about purchasing - you better not take the tour - because you will be hooked!

 

[disneynutz]

We have purchased several contracts over the years at all of our favorite resorts. Having the 11 month booking advantage is becoming even more important every year.