Hey PPH,
I looked all summer. I'm sure someone has a better strategy than this. But if this helps.... I already have points elsewhere, so I was only looking at OKW(e). I really like being able to park right outside my room. And through the resort is old, it has a nice vibe. And it's quiet. And, at least I think, fairly restful, especially if you're not in the hospitality area. Also, because I already had points elsewhere I wasn't in a rush to initially buy in. Anyway, I went through the ROFR threads (multiple seasons) and made a list of what OKW(e) was selling for on the low end. I copied down information and dates so I could take examples to brokers. Once I could point to various sales, with dates and points, that helped get beyond the initial sales pitch. I've found that some brokers tend to follow this information and know how different resorts are trending. So if you have some of that information already, you might be able to have a more direct conversation with a broker. Also once I had a target low end price (which for me was $85 on a mid-sized contract, such as 150 points, or $90 for a contract under 100 points), I simply looked at OKW(e) all summer and made a bunch of offers, one by one. I was very polite with each offer, as I knew that I was making offers on the lower end--viable offers, but only by a few dollars. I kept my list, without removing anything, so I could see if something was returned to inventory. I don't have percentages. But this is not common--but also not that uncommon either. Maybe one out of 15 or 20 falls out of escrow. Just as when buying a home, if a sale falls through, sometimes the seller is more motivated to sell it, even at a lower price. That's what happened here. One contract disappeared then reappeared (same agent, same number of points, same UY, etc.), so I knew something had gone south with the previous offer. I couldn't tell you, but my guess would be financing. At this point, the sellers just wanted a sale that would close. So I got a little lucky there. A lot of it is knowing what contracts sell for at the lower end, (Also figuring out which brokers/agents will take a low offer to a seller), and then being patient and expecting a lot of rejection. Lastly, though this was a while ago, I was a grad student for many, many years, so holding out for a bargain is now in my blood. Anyway maybe some of this helps???
Also, you will love your OWK(e) contract. You'll have it until 2057. It's super chill there. The regulars are typical people who have been in
DVC for decades and know the ins-and-outs of the resort. It's a lovely space for walks. I think of it as the better themed version of SSR (though SSR has a better gym, two really nice pools, and a better quick service). Anyway, it feels more "Disney" to me than SSR, which has a similar layout. Lastly, OWK tends not to rent many cash rooms, so most everyone you run into has been to Disney World many, many times. So you have that in common with them. Anyway, I'm pretty sure you'll get decades of enjoyment from your OWK(e).
thanks!
