Cheapest way to get into DVC

[tlguinn_2000]

What would be the cheapest way to get into the DVC system? We have stayed at several DVC resorts (Vero, HHI, BWV, etc) but have always rented points from members. Best way to get just a few points and see how we like it?

 

[rickandcindy23]

sellingtimeshares.net

 

[kanerf]

Purchase a resale contract. I recommend DVC Resale Market. I have purchased a number of contracts from them.

 

[Huskerpaul]

I use a compiler site to check prices. Links to the listing's sites for each listing.

listing | dvc.market DVC search engine

DVC market listing search engine

dvc.market

 

[elaine]

I’d pop over to disboards.com and study the dvc forums for a week. You’ll find a wealth of knowledge from owners, pricing, use year (UY), and other advice. We have been very happy with dvc for 15 years.

 

[oceanlane96]

Most definitely resale - but be sure to take a look at the Maintenance Fees - some of the less expensive resale resorts (ex: Hilton Head or Vero) have much higher maintenance fees per point than some of the more expensive resorts to buy into (ex: WDW Resorts). On property, Saratoga and Old Key West are typically the least expensive to purchase.

 

[TheHolleys87]

I agree with all of the above, especially with looking at member fees as well as sales price. If you want to stay at WDW, buy a home resort at WDW, not offsite like VB, HHI, or Aulani, because trading in is getting more difficult each year as the overall number of members increases but the availability at the most desired resorts (especially the near-park resorts) remains the same. My advice is to buy where you want to stay, or at least at a home resort where you won’t mind staying if nothing else is available at the 7-month window when owners can book non-home resorts.

Be aware too that each resort ownership ends on a specific date. The oldest resorts (OKW, BWV, BRV, BCV) all end on January 31, 2042, although some OKW deeds end in 2057 (long story there). Depending on how long you anticipate wanting to visit WDW (based on your age, kids, etc.), the end date may be more or less important.

Finally, you say you want a small contract. You can bank and borrow so that at most you can use three years’ worth of points on a single trip. But DVC works best if you visit every year or two years, otherwise you risk stranding points and losing them.

 

[elaine]

My advice is to buy where you want to stay, or at least at a home resort where you won’t mind staying if nothing else is available at the 7-month window when owners can book non-home resorts.

Definitely this! Do not expect to be able to get onsite WDW with HHI, VB, AL at 7 months, esp. 3+ days at the same resort. Having a reservation at your home resort with intent to stay there, and a "bonus" of later swapping to another resort is a good mindset. I've had DVC for 15 years--it is harder to swap out at 7 months now than 5-10 years ago.

 

[rickandcindy23]

You can trade a good week to get into Disney.

sellingtimeshares.net is owned by a TUGger named Seth Nock. I have yet to buy through him, but I would. A lot of great resellers out there.

I am still always hoping to trade into Disney, and if you have a good trader, you can do that through II. Everything we own trades into Disney, some trade into higher season that others. My Foxrun week 52 sees most of what is leftover right now in July-August, but it only sees one bedroom units, not the 2 bedrooms. My other weeks mostly see the two bedrooms, with a few studios only seeing one bedrooms.

 

[chriskre]

You can trade a good week to get into Disney.

sellingtimeshares.net is owned by a TUGger named Seth Nock. I have yet to buy through him, but I would. A lot of great resellers out there.

I purchased thru Set Nock a few years ago when he was focusing on HGVC and he was great.
I'm glad to see he's prospering with his own site.
I'd not hesitate to use him again.

 

[Deb & Bill]

When you buy resale, sometimes you cannot use the points for anything other than the resort you bought. Mostly the newer ones like Riviera. Resale also doesn't give you the perks that direct purchasers get. But if you just want to stay at the older resorts (most good until 2042), you'll be fine with any points.

 

[cfabar1]

Look at resale contracts - places like Fidelity and DVCResaleMarket are good places to look. DVCResaleMarket offers a trove of information, but you will pay extra for their services. Some folks say always sell through DVCRM and always buy through Fidelity - but be careful, Fidelity has issues.

Another great website is www.dvcresaleexperts.com but their inventory is more limited.

I'd buy at the cheapest property you'd feel comfortable staying at. They are all good, but some have more desirable locations (Boardwalk) than others (SSR).

Also, for better or worse, it is not forever. Each resort ends at a different time - the earliest ones end in 2042, so still many years to have some great vacations, but not forever.

Newer resorts when you buy resale (Riviera, Cabins at Ft. Wilderness, and Disneyland Hotel) mean you can only stay at that property with the points. Disney does not have a points-washing program, so tread carefully there if flexibility matters to you. My understanding is that DVC blocks exchanges out in II to other DVC properties for DVC owners, so you are truly stuck in that regard.