If you are planning on a trip between now and 8/1, you’ll be able to use those 2018 points right away - as mentioned your guide should be able to help you find a villa if you are unable to find what you want on the member site once your account is set up and you have access to the site.
If your next trip won’t be until after 8/1, then you need to bank those 2018 points into your 2019 use year (which runs from 8/1/2019 - 7/31/2020.) Normally you must bank points in the first 8 months of your use year - so March for an August use year & you’ve missed that deadline - however, with direct points they’ll waive that banking deadline for you that first time.
I’m curious why you chose AKV rather than the newest resorts - CCV & Riviera. I love AKV and it was my first
DVC purchase, but I sort of assumed most new buyers would opt for the newest resorts.
Hope you enjoy many stays at AKV, I really enjoy staying there.