Question about buying small contract direct, UY, and dues...

[MamaBear12]

So, I know if you buy direct depending on the UY you buy and when you’re buying in relation to that UY they’ll pitch it as getting an “extra years worth of points” but with prorated MFs. I know from reading this board the points aren’t free or extra, but given the prorated MFs, I’m assuming there’s some small advantage to purchasing at certain times in relation to the UY to maximize points and minimize MFs on that first year of points. We’re toying with a 75 point direct purchase for benefits. Dec UY. Since Dec is still in the 2018 UY at this point, would it be advantageous to buy later in the year, but prior to Dec 2019, in which case we would get the 2018 points but pay less in MFs since they would be prorated to reflect a month or two if ownership as opposed to several months (in which case we might save close to $500)? Or am I misunderstanding this? Thanks!

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

It depends on when you need the points. If you don't plan any trips this year, you could purchase any time before December and get Dec 2018 points, and then get Dec 2019 points a little later. I would not try to cut it too fine, because there is generally a wait list for VGF point, and if you don't take them when offered, you may not be able to get back in line in time to get them before December.

 

[skippytx]

Your understanding is correct. I bought a Feb UY add on in December 2017 and only paid prorated dues for the months I owned the points, but got full 2017 UY points with the contract.

The only downside is, the longer you wait in the current UY to buy, it's less likely DVC will have the points to sell. You decide if the gamble is worth the potential savings or not.

 

[MamaBear12]

It depends on when you need the points. If you don't plan any trips this year, you could purchase any time before December and get Dec 2018 points, and then get Dec 2019 points a little later. I would not try to cut it too fine, because there is generally a wait list for VGF point, and if you don't take them when offered, you may not be able to get back in line in time to get them before December.

Thank you! Great advice. Not planning to purchase VGF, but I will definitely start feeling out the waitlist situation of whichever resort we settle on a few months before so we don’t cut it close.

 

[MamaBear12]

Your understanding is correct. I bought a Feb UY add on in December 2017 and only paid prorated dues for the months I owned the points, but got full 2017 UY points with the contract.

The only downside is, the longer you wait in the current UY to buy, it's less likely DVC will have the points to sell. You decide if the gamble is worth the potential savings or not.

Thank you. Good point! Leaning towards OKW, so I’m assuming waitlist will be less of an issue than for resorts like BCV or VGF, but I’ll be sure to feel it out a few months in advance and go from there.