I think I'll lean towards the title insurance for the same reason. If I get it, it will be a waste of money and go unused. If I don't, inevitably something will happen and I'll wish I had it a few years from now.
I do have a few questions for the diligent group that continues to examine this thread. I'll be purchasing when the opportunity makes its way to the non-members, at the end of the month. I've asked these questions in years past, but as the rubber is about to meet the proverbial road, I'm going to review my thinking with smarter and more experienced members.
1) I'm buying in at 150-160. Been looking at resale for years, but wife wanted direct and we'd already planned (but not reserved) a vacation this December (pre-Christmas). Getting in VGF with "reasonable" direct pricing is a great opportunity. We plan about 5-6 days every year, or a nicer room every other year (if banked points allow). DS headed to college in the fall (only child), so some trips may be just us, and some will be with him and whoever he eventually cons into participation. 150-160 gets me 5 days (and change) in Travel Periods 1-5.
2) I think a September USE YEAR makes the most sense. We typically go in SEPT/OCT (and maybe NOV, going forward) or after Christmas (JAN/early FEB). I expect in the years to come that a few summer trips will happen, but never late JUL or AUG. I'd rather eat points than walk around Orlando in AUG. SEPT allows me to bank points as late as 30 APRIL, correct? Still some risk for summer trips, but that's ok.
3) Wife is travelling starting on 1 April, so paperwork may take a few days on our end. Is that any sort of issue? I'll just have to fax or email. Do they allow digital signatures, or is it pen and paper and snail mailing manually signed documents? Not a big deal, just planning out.
4) Base price point. I am in at $207/point base. That's what is is this month. Do they typically raise prices when points go on sale to new members? I understand the incentives will change (and not be quite a good), but I'm sort of counting on that $207. Should I be more wary?
Thanks for any advice or suggestions.
Very Respectfully,
Chuck