Renting DVC points?

[Mouse House Mama]

For anyone who has rented points can you tell me where you rented from and how the whole process went? I know we have a board here but you can't post what you are looking for. You can only respond to what people offered. I know about the timeshare store guy but his point rental prices are way too high imo. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Suger Mag]

For anyone who has rented points can you tell me where you rented from and how the whole process went? I know we have a board here but you can't post what you are looking for. You can only respond to what people offered. I know about the timeshare store guy but his point rental prices are way too high imo. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I have rented my DVC points twice and have been very lucky.

The first time was when friends cancelled at the last minute and I was left with a extra reservation that I would have "eaten" if I didn't find a renter.... It was suggested that I try to rent using the DIS boards and so I joined and posted my reservation on the rental board. Since it was Thanksgiving week at Animal Kingdom Lodge it was not hard to find someone who was interested. I used the current rentals as a guide to come to a price per point and went lower ($10/point) to give good deal because I needed to unload it quick and it was not a reservation we could modify. I was surprised at how fast it was to find someone to take the reservation... An awesome Mom who got it for her kids as a surprise because Dad was serving in Afghanistan and was not going to be able to come home for the holidays.

The second time I rented points was to help finance a cruise we are doing this July. I choose to rent because of the positive experience I had the first time and it made more financial sense to rent and then book with cash. When you do the math, using your points for a DCL cruise comes out to something like $6/point, and you do not get a lot of choice of room availability/dates etc as compared to using cash to book a DCL cruise. This time a had a chunk of points and could make a reservation of someone's choosing. I posted my points using the DIS again and responded to folks who asked me to check dates and availability at different resorts. I still used David's as a pricing guide as well as the "current market" prices from the DIS rental board and when the dust had settled... I rented to another wonderful lady who was running the marathon for I think it was $11.50/point.... less than she would have spent renting points from David's ($13/point) and more than I would have gotten if I used David's as a broker to manage my rental points ($10/point). Again I was lucky and had nice responsible people who rented from me and it seemed the process was pleasing to us both.

As renting my points is not something that I ever envisioned doing when I bought into DVC in 2008, it is nice to have it as a option, but you have to be careful... as it is not a process without risk to both the renter and the person renting the points, which is why using a place like David's can be easier on the stress level as they take a lot of the risk for both parties.

Looking last minute... you can find folks like me who needed to get rid of a ressie and can give a good deal, but that is a gamble and subject to the whims of fate. I would suggest if you use a private party rental that you rent from someone who has home resort status at where you want to stay and begin the process about 11 months out from when you might want to go. Why? Because DVC members can book 11 months out prior to arrival at their home resort (AKV: Animal Kingdom Villas is my home resort) and 7 months out at all other DVC resorts. Thus they will be able to secure the best dates and rooms at their home resort, which is important if you want to go over a popular time like Christmas, Halloween, Food and Wine, or Marathon etc.

Ask for references, and do your research if using a private party. I was lucky that my first and only renter was willing to be a reference to my second renter. Good luck

 

[DVC'96]

I highly recommend Dave's DVC rentals, he is a sponsor on these boards and has a banner add on the rent/trade forum. I have rented my points with him several times and I think having a middle person like him makes it less risky for both parties. I believe he charges $13 a point. You tell him what you want and he lines up a member that can make your reservation. You have to pay in full up front, but the only gets half of their money until you check in. This helps keep everyone honest. Hope I was of some help.

 

[cvjw]

If you are looking for cheaper points, they are usually distressed points that you see advertised. That means that they are about to expire, and you have to take whatever resort and/or villa size is left at that late date. If you want a certain resort or villa size at a particular time of year, you need to work with someone close to the 11 month booking window. For that privilege, you will pay more per point.

Another vote for using a service - less worry about an owner cancelling your reservation without telling you.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

I've always used the board here with great results.

You can see how many points you need by checking charts ahead of time and then respond to posts that have enough posts. Even if you're not very knowledgable about how it all works, most people are very helpful. Just dive in and ask a question to a renter that you think meets your needs. They will check availability for you or let you know if what you want does not apply to what they have for rent.

I've rented points to use myself and also sold points for others by booking trips for them. There is some risk involved, but stick with someone who has been a round a long time. Fortunately we've never had a problem at all. Always very good experiences!

 

[wendow]

We rented from David's for our first trip last September and it went perfectly. I didn't know a lot about the process and felt more comfortable using a broker with a very good reputation. But for our trip this September, I was ready to try an individual since the price is usually a bit better. I watched for board here on the DIS and found the member we are renting from. I do wish you could post what you need and let people respond to you. You can do that on another forum but in general, I just felt better about using someone from here and being able to check their number of posts and previous posting.

 

[kimbe21]

I have rented points four times over the past three years and have always had a wonderful experience. I use ****************. You can post what you are looking for or you can review the posts from members who are trying to rent points.
By dealing with a DVC owner rather than a company you have to trust that the owner will make the reservation and keep it. I always use a contract and have the owner send me the confirmation by email or mail. You can also request references from other that they have rented to and you can check ownership of DVC property on the Orange County web site. I have never had a problem and now I have established a relationship with a few owners I go to them first when seeking points for my next vacation.
By renting points, I have been able to stay in a deluxe studio at AKL for less than it would have cost me to stay at All Star Sports. I highly recommend renting points but just be smart about it.

 

[kristenrice]

One hint I can provide is to be ready to book the minute you find an owner with available points at a price you agree on. DVC availability can change minute to minute. If an owner checks availability for you today, it could be gone tomorrow.

I believe the "average" rate for points is $11-$12 unless the points are about to expire. As a PP mentioned, availability becomes an issue once you are 3-4 months out. Reserving DVC rooms is not like booking through Disney. You cannot wait until 6 weeks out and expect to find alot of availability. Your best bet will be to book something at least 7 months out (when all points are equal) or try to find an owner at the resort you want and book between 7-11 months out.

Also, be sure to ask any questions that you may have. I think that a good owner would be willing to take the time to make sure you understand everything before handing over non-refundable funds. Honest and open communication is key to any rental transaction. Make sure you are comfortable with the owner and that they are comfortable with you.

Good luck!

 

[Karlzmom]

I have rented 3 times. All private party. Oddly, none of the brokers have been able to help me, doesn't seem to matter if it is relatively last minute or trying to book 11 months out. I have found all of my points on another board catering to owners. I have used a different owner each time, though I did recontact my prior owners as why not go with what you know.

I have found that trying to book 11months out has been the most expensive, however it did give me *exactly* what I wanted. Being open to possibilities means that you can find better deals. I do monitor the boards and it appears that many owners are moving their prices up to get closer in line with the brokers. From a pure economic perspective it makes sense, though part of the appeal of using a broker is there is someone you can go to if something goes wrong and there is a built in cost for that comfort. Only time will tell if the upward trend holds.

Get references. Cross check ownership records with the property tax rolls. Take whatever steps you can to verify that you have a legit owner. Remember, fraud looks a lot like stupid. Trust your gut....if it doesn't feel right then move on. For us, I can't even begin to think about going back to booking rooms through CRO. Of course I also can't imagine buying in either, as I can stay DVC without having a bunch of capital tied up in the "pre-paid" plan. For us, renting is the way to go.

 

[crisi]

There are a few things you should know about point rentals.

1) Treat the reservation as non-refundable - even non-movable. Plan on having the reservation you make be the trip you take. If you have to cancel, chances are you will not get your money back, and you may not be able to move your trip. If you are in a position where not getting your money back if you need to cancel is a BIG DEAL, book through CRO.

2) Its a private transaction between you and who you rent from. If you get there and there is no room - Disney is not involved at all in the transaction. Doesn't happen often, but it does once in a while. When you look for a member, look for someone with a history here - they are unlikely to risk that history on a scam.

3) Understand what you are getting - DVC rooms often book quickly, particularly the bargain rooms - if you are looking for a low point room this summer - its probably too late. In a studio there is a queen bed and a full pullout (Except at OKW where there are two queen beds). There isn't daily housekeeping. You often don't get into your room until AFTER 4pm. These are the things members - as well as renters - take in exchange for a good value (and most members don't mind no daily housekeeping, some like the pullout in the studio). No Free dining. You will not be entitled to member discounts or perks.

 

[Deb & Bill]

For anyone who has rented points can you tell me where you rented from and how the whole process went? I know we have a board here but you can't post what you are looking for. You can only respond to what people offered. I know about the timeshare store guy but his point rental prices are way too high imo. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

A two bedroom villa isn't going to be cheap even with "renting DVC points".

 

[kiki02]

I have rented 3 times. All private party. Oddly, none of the brokers have been able to help me, doesn't seem to matter if it is relatively last minute or trying to book 11 months out. I have found all of my points on another board catering to owners. I have used a different owner each time, though I did recontact my prior owners as why not go with what you know.

I have found that trying to book 11months out has been the most expensive, however it did give me *exactly* what I wanted. Being open to possibilities means that you can find better deals. I do monitor the boards and it appears that many owners are moving their prices up to get closer in line with the brokers. From a pure economic perspective it makes sense, though part of the appeal of using a broker is there is someone you can go to if something goes wrong and there is a built in cost for that comfort. Only time will tell if the upward trend holds.

Get references. Cross check ownership records with the property tax rolls. Take whatever steps you can to verify that you have a legit owner. Remember, fraud looks a lot like stupid. Trust your gut....if it doesn't feel right then move on. For us, I can't even begin to think about going back to booking rooms through CRO. Of course I also can't imagine buying in either, as I can stay DVC without having a bunch of capital tied up in the "pre-paid" plan. For us, renting is the way to go.

Great post. Thanks. What is CRO?

 

[sandeee]

I've rented from private owner from redweek - less expensive. As the other posts recommend - do your research. Had one person tell me she needed a $500 security deposit in addition to full payment. I knew it was a scam and then redweek notified me a few days later that this was the case. I used a contract and paypal.

 

[tinkerbell313]

Great post. Thanks. What is CRO?

Booking through Disney directly using cash/credit instead of through DVC. CRO stands for central reservations office.

 

[jpeppers]

There are a few things you should know about point rentals.

1) Treat the reservation as non-refundable - even non-movable. Plan on having the reservation you make be the trip you take. If you have to cancel, chances are you will not get your money back, and you may not be able to move your trip. If you are in a position where not getting your money back if you need to cancel is a BIG DEAL, book through CRO.

2) Its a private transaction between you and who you rent from. If you get there and there is no room - Disney is not involved at all in the transaction. Doesn't happen often, but it does once in a while. When you look for a member, look for someone with a history here - they are unlikely to risk that history on a scam.

3) Understand what you are getting - DVC rooms often book quickly, particularly the bargain rooms - if you are looking for a low point room this summer - its probably too late. In a studio there is a queen bed and a full pullout (Except at OKW where there are two queen beds). There isn't daily housekeeping. You often don't get into your room until AFTER 4pm. These are the things members - as well as renters - take in exchange for a good value (and most members don't mind no daily housekeeping, some like the pullout in the studio). No Free dining. You will not be entitled to member discounts or perks.

I do agree that you are not entitled to DVC perks but I have rented 5 times from owners and each time I received the perks anyway such as free internet. It is a great way to do Disney especially when you can develop a relationship with the member and be confident in your purchase and you have to love getting the Beach Club for what you would have paid for a moderate.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

When I bought our DVC we wanted to go more than I had points for so I rented twice. Once it was from a Dr. who took my credit card as payment at his office via phone. It was so easy.

I have transfered points once to an owner who was short. Because it was a small amount the price was higher and as a DVC owner we can only do one transfer in or out a year.

I have rented my points out also. Lately it has been to my internet "friends". But in the past I have rented twice to new people. I asked for half at the time of making the reservation and half 30 days before checkin. As an owner we run into problems if it is cancelled or changed because our points go into holding.

My past renters became friends and I even made some custom clothing as gifts for the family. That was the best rental and I felt so good with this family celebrating being cancer free.

It is a business transaction first and for most. Do your research, ask for references, use paypal to CYA. Get the confirmation email forwarded to you. It will have your name on it as the guest.

I now have enough points and won't be going to WDW for a few years. So renting my points covers my yearly fees, gives me some extra money and helps other have a great holiday.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

After thought, you can write to moderator on the rental board and ask about the person offering the points. They will say if they know of a problem with XX person but not much more.

 

[Jenny3]

I rented points privately through someone I met here on the Dis Got a fantastic rate for the dates we needed. She guided me every step of the way, as this was my first time renting DVC.

It was a flawless transaction; she was absolutely wonderful to work with and we still keep in touch from time to time. Next time we go, I will be contacting her again for sure!

 

[kiki02]

I rented points privately through someone I met here on the Dis Got a fantastic rate for the dates we needed. She guided me every step of the way, as this was my first time renting DVC.

It was a flawless transaction; she was absolutely wonderful to work with and we still keep in touch from time to time. Next time we go, I will be contacting her again for sure!

care to share her?

 

[Marionnette]

care to share her?

That's not allow on the DVC boards. I'm sure the same rules apply here, otherwise people would just come to the budget board to circumvent the DVC boards' rules. But if the PP wants to PM you with the information, there's no reason she cannot do it. You just cannot post the information in the forums.