What would you do? Need opinions on 1st time Purchase

[marynvince]

No one will argue that more points are better then less points. Forget banking and borrowing. The more points you can get, the happier you will be, trust me.

If you ever plan on visiting HHI, especially during the summer, you will want points there to take advantage of the 11 month window. The HHI cost per point from listings on the TTS are very attractive.

We bought SSR direct from Disney before I knew about resale and we will definitely by HHI resale in the next year. It is a fabulous resort and drivable from Ohio.

Good luck.

 

[dis-happy]

How many points are you buying? If you don't need the 160 minimum direct from Disney then resale is your best bet.

I'd also buy at BWV if I were you. Standard rooms are a great points savings, plus the ability to WALK to two parks. Location is everything!!!

 

[TLSnell1981]

if I finance through Disney I can get the tax break by writing off the interest. Trying to get my own financing I would probably have to do sometime like a signanture loan which I can't write of the interest on my taxes. I think we are looking at buying 100 points at AKV through Disney.

I seriously doubt, the tax break would be anywhere near the savings of buying a resale. Also, you can't count on the tax break of today...being here tomorrow.

Run the numbers...I bet the resale will still be a better deal. (unless, you buy BLT)

 

[saintstickets]

I too am going to purchase DVC through a reseller. The ones I have been talking to are (not in any particular order):
The Timeshare Store http://www.dvc-resales.com/ (sponsors this site)
DVC Resales http://www.**********.com/
DVC by Resale http://www.dvcbyresale.com/
Fidelity Resales/GMAC http://www.fidelityresales.com/

There are others out there but their options for contracts are very low. Stick with someone that does this on a consistant basis and has a long track record. Good luck. Here's some for luck!

 

[Crystal_27]

Which resort? I know I said I was interested in BWV, but SSR has better rates and the maintenance fees are lower. BUT...in looking at the resale boards it is very obvious that the least expensive properties are Hilton Head and Vero Beach (Resale said to go with Hilton because the maintanence fees are lower). If I bought Hilton Head I could get about 50 points more for my budget. YES I know the big drawback is I can't book any WDW property earlier than 7 months. But I don't plan on going Xmas week or Presidents week and I can be flexible with resort and time. WHAT DO YOU THINK? IS MORE POINTS A GOOD TRADE OFF FOR THE 7-MONTH LIMIT?

When DH and I first discussed buying into DVC, we had the same type of thought patterns. We wanted BLT and were trying to avoid having to pay the (then) $96/point. So, we looked at the off-WDW properties first, but then realized that (i) their MFs are higher so they may not be as good a "value" in the long-run; and (ii) that if we wanted to book during a peak season, we would have to leave it up to chance as to whether we could get something on-property or not. So, we decided that the off-property resorts were too risky for us.

Next, we moved to OWK/SSR because of how great a deal you can get on the resale market. BUT, we had to ask ourselves whether we would truly be happy staying at those resorts every single year. The answer, for us, was no (we hate the Disney busses, so avoiding them as much as we can is paramount for a successful vacation for us).

We also knew that we'd be disappointed if we couldn't stay at BLT (or at least have the option of staying at BLT) every year. So, we opted to buy BLT directly through Disney. Sure, we paid a little bit more, but we are happy with our home resort. Your mileage may vary, but I think that people sometimes convince themselves that home resort isn't really *that* important when they see the price difference in buying resale versus buying through Disney. However, in 10-20-30-40-50 years, that price difference becomes less and less important, especially if you're frustrated every single year when trying to book a vacation.

Either way, best of luck with your decision! Buying DVC is soooooo exciting!!!

 

[5forDiz]

I have to agree with posters here who recommend buying in at one of the onsite WDW DVC resorts because, even if you wouldn't book until 7 months or less for right now & in near future, at some point maybe much sooner than you are even thinking you will probably want to book during the priority booking window (11 mos - 7mos+1day prior to check-in). We love HHI & have been many times but own at OKW ( a small HHI add-on is in our near future ) because majority of our trips are to WDW & will continue to be so we do not want to chance waiting until 7 month window opens for an onsite ressie. If from time to time all that you are able to book is HHI and you're okay with that & feel the initial buy-in price balances out higher MFs then go for the HHI contract. btw we drive to HHI from NY,leaving around 4AM we arrive there between 4pm - 6pm (approx. 800 miles)

Best wishes on your planning

 

[toniosmom]

Another piece of advice that I have found helpful is "buy where you wouldn't mind staying". So, don't buy at a resort that you really don't want to stay at. You never know -- you may in the future decide to travel at Christmas, Easter, or some other propular time and find that a 7-month window at your resort of choice won't work for you and you are "stuck" at your home resort that you booked at 11 months as a backup. I own at AKV and know that if I am ever unable to book at a different resort, I'm still happy to stay at AKV.

 

[DeeCee735]

When DH and I first discussed buying into DVC, we had the same type of thought patterns. We wanted BLT and were trying to avoid having to pay the (then) $96/point. So, we looked at the off-WDW properties first, but then realized that (i) their MFs are higher so they may not be as good a "value" in the long-run; and (ii) that if we wanted to book during a peak season, we would have to leave it up to chance as to whether we could get something on-property or not. So, we decided that the off-property resorts were too risky for us.

Next, we moved to OWK/SSR because of how great a deal you can get on the resale market. BUT, we had to ask ourselves whether we would truly be happy staying at those resorts every single year. The answer, for us, was no (we hate the Disney busses, so avoiding them as much as we can is paramount for a successful vacation for us).

We also knew that we'd be disappointed if we couldn't stay at BLT (or at least have the option of staying at BLT) every year. So, we opted to buy BLT directly through Disney. Sure, we paid a little bit more, but we are happy with our home resort. Your mileage may vary, but I think that people sometimes convince themselves that home resort isn't really *that* important when they see the price difference in buying resale versus buying through Disney. However, in 10-20-30-40-50 years, that price difference becomes less and less important, especially if you're frustrated every single year when trying to book a vacation.

Either way, best of luck with your decision! Buying DVC is soooooo exciting!!!

Buy where you want to stay the most. Most DVC Diser's will say that.
But, that being said, you do have to take into consideration the length of the contract and the ages of your family members. Buying something with 32 years left on it is not that big of a deal if you are going to be in your 80's (like we will) and the kids are going to be in their 50's (like ours will), but it may make a big difference if you are in your 20's now, and have little kids.

There's no guarantee Disney will offer extensions on BWV or BCV contracts like they did on OKW.

I wouldn't suggest buying VB or HH if you want most of your vacations to be at WDW. It's pretty easy to get HH (speaking from experience) at 7 months out (or less), outside of summer time. We've done it 3 times in ten years with no problem, and for Easter week.

I very much agree with the last statement in the above post. In 20 or 30 (even in 10) years being able to book your favorite resort at 11 months will outweigh the decision of saving some money and buying in a "second choice" resort today.

We purchased our initial contract and each add on directly through Disney. It was just easier and quicker. Our points were available by the time we received the paperwork in the mail, and all closing costs were paid by Disney. We didn't have to worry about buying stripped contracts, which in our opinion made up for the increased price per point.

Also, with Disney, for example, if you buy a December use year and you make the purchase in September, you'd get the current use year points AND the upcoming December 1st use year points. I.E., if you bought today with a December UY, you'd get 2008 points (from Dec 1st, 2008), which would be bankable, AND you'd get another set on this upcoming Dec 1st, which would be your 2009 UY points. This is barring any offer that may be available to "sell back current UY points" deals to lower the price per point.

You do have alot to think about, hope I didn't confuse you further.
Good luck with your decision.....it's one we have no regrets about!!

 

[Wendybird55]

Thank yo so much for all your valuable and useful input.

First of all, DH and I agree that though the prices are tempting, HH or Vero are not the best options for us. They are not are frist choice of resorts and the maintneance fees are much higher and the contract time available less.

We like BWV for the location, but have heard many nice things about SSR and know the quality of the resort is as good. For me, with Disney it all comes down to location, location, location....BUT, I know I can get 150 points at SSR within my budget and the maintenance fees are lower. And I know it won;t happen all the time, but I have been able to get BWV these past 2 year 7 months out. Plus I know I will want to try the other resorts and as my son gets older (he is almost 3) using the buses and such will get easier (no stroller, etc)

I looked at all 3 resalers and have taken everyone's recommendations into consideration. I spoke with one resaler laste night about a SSR property I saw. The most appealing aspect to it is that I would get all 150 2009 and then 150 2010 points so I will start with 300 points. For the vacation I want in 2010 I will need around 240 which will give me 60 to bank for 2011 and then have 210 points.

So DH and I are thiiiiis close to calling today and putting in an offer. I just need to call the bank and confirm a few things about the money, but....it's looking good.

Thanks Again!

 

[toniosmom]

Sounds like you are on the road to membership! Good luck and keep us posted so that we can soon welcome you home!

 

[Crystal_27]

So DH and I are thiiiiis close to calling today and putting in an offer. I just need to call the bank and confirm a few things about the money, but....it's looking good.

Thanks Again!

WOO-HOO - good for you!!! Here's hoping that your offer is accepted, and your buying process goes smoothly. Soon, we'll be able to welcome you home properly!!