Closing on the perfect DVC point package can be tricky, no matter where you are in the buying process. First, make sure you’re comfortable with the actual cost. Then, use proven DVC resale tactics to ensure you get your ideal Disney property at the right price. Trust us, these resale tactics are worth considering.
- DVC Resale Tactic #0 – Know Your Costs Before You Search
- Tactic #1 – Target DVC Listings with Banked Points
- DVC Resale Tactic #2 – Navigate First Right of Refusal with Caution
- Tactic #3 – Balance Price per Point with Long-Term Costs
- DVC Resale Tactic #4 – Shop 8-12 Months in Advance
- Tactic #5 – Keep Calm to Get Your Magic On
- FAQs
- Fidelity Makes DVC Resale Easy
DVC Resale Tactic #0 – Know Your Costs Before You Search
You probably already have a budget in mind. However, before you make an offer, make sure your budget covers closing costs! These are usually borne by the buyer and include costs such as:
- Estoppel Certificate Fees
- Title Transfer Fees
- Administrative Fees
New in 2026 is the Contract Administration Fee. The $500 DVC Contract Administration Fee is a buyer-paid closing cost introduced by Disney Vacation Club on January 1, 2026. It applies to every resale contract signed on or after that date, regardless of resort or point size, and is separate from the existing fees paid by sellers. When considering your DVC resale tactics, make sure to account for these fees!
Tactic #1 – Target DVC Listings with Banked Points
Did you know that one of the best perks of buying a Disney Vacation Club resale is the chance to get extra points? Some of these even come with banked points. What are “banked points,” you ask? Think of them as bonus vacation points.
When a DVC property goes up for resale, the price is set based on the standard annual point allotment. As a bonus, any banked points are usually thrown in for the buyer at no extra charge. Finding listings with this added bonus is one of the most powerful DVC resale tactics in your tool kit.
With DVC, you can bank your points, meaning you can save this year’s points to use next year. You can also borrow points, which is like using next year’s points for a vacation you’re taking now. The best part? Neither of these will cost you a dime. Just make sure to bank your points within 8 months of your Use Year date. By banking and borrowing, you can combine up to three years’ worth of points for one big trip
Banked points must be used within their designated use year and cannot be banked again. As a buyer, you essentially receive a one-time points bonus along with your purchase of a standard point package. To compensate, savvy sellers might set a slightly higher price per point or ask the buyer to cover other closing costs. This isn’t a significant issue for the buyer, however. The additional points are acquired at a fraction of their retail cost.
DVC Resale Tactic #2 – Navigate First Right of Refusal with Caution
Thinking about buying a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resale? There’s one important thing you should know: Disney’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR).
Even after you’ve found the perfect DVC resale package, agreed on a price, and drafted a contract, Disney can still step in and buy the package themselves. If this happens, your deal falls through, and you have to start your search all over again.
While Disney doesn’t share all the details on how they decide which DVC resale packages to buy back, the price per point is a huge factor. If a contract is listed below the average market price, there’s a good chance Disney will swoop in and buy it for a slightly higher price.
The key is to research the current average DVC listing prices and make offers accordingly. You can try your luck with a low offer, but keep in mind that even if the seller accepts, Disney might step in and buy the property instead.
Falling victim to Disney’s Right of First Refusal isn’t the end of the world, but it can be a bummer. It usually takes about 30 days for Disney to review the sale, and if they exercise their right, you’ll have to find another listing. To avoid this delay, it’s a good idea to make your offers as competitive as possible and to chat with a licensed broker before submitting them.
Tactic #3 – Balance Price per Point with Long-Term Costs
When it comes to making an offer, a little diplomacy goes a long way. Think about the Right of First Refusal. You probably already know the price you’re willing to pay per point, but don’t forget about the other expenses. We touched on closing costs back in DVC Resale Tactic #0, but you’ll also want to consider the long-term costs.
Just like with other timeshares, Disney Vacation Club has annual maintenance fees. The cost can change depending on the resort and how many points you have. But don’t worry; at Fidelity Real Estate, we always show you the most recent annual dues so you know exactly what to expect.
While browsing DVC listings, you may notice that points at Hilton Head, Vero Beach, and Aulani tend to be less expensive than other options. These resorts are stand-alone properties, meaning they’re not connected to a theme park. Because they offer a more self-contained experience, their maintenance fees tend to be higher. The combination of higher fees and being further away from the parks really influences their price. So, before you buy points for one of these resorts, make sure you actually plan on staying there
DVC Resale Tactic #4 – Shop 8-12 Months in Advance
When it comes to DVC resale, time management is a big one. If you’re not in a rush, you’ll have an advantage when you’re looking for the right point package and negotiating the sale. If you shop well in advance, you’re less likely to settle for a package that isn’t quite right just to book a vacation. It also takes some of the pressure off when you’re dealing with Disney’s Right of First Refusal.
Disney Vacation Club members often decide to sell their points because of a major life event. This can mean they’re looking to sell quickly, but it can also mean they’re juggling a lot of other responsibilities. Giving yourself plenty of time to navigate the process allows for more flexibility and a greater chance of a smooth resale.
So, how long does it take to close on a DVC resale contract? Generally, you can expect the process to take about 60-90 days from the moment your offer is accepted. First, there’s a 30-day review period for Disney’s Right of First Refusal. After that, the title company gets everything ready for closing. Once everything is closed, it takes Disney another 6-8 weeks to transfer the membership over so you can book your first trip.
Tactic #5 – Keep Calm to Get Your Magic On
The DVC resale process might seem a little overwhelming, but just remember: you’re buying family vacation time at the most magical place on Earth! Working with an experienced, licensed real estate broker will make the whole process a breeze. Plus, you can feel good knowing you’re securing years of amazing Disney memories for your family.
FAQs
Fidelity Makes DVC Resale Easy
You don’t need to feel overwhelmed by DVC resale buying tactics with Fidelity by your side! Our team of experts can help you navigate the intricacies of the resale market, from making an offer to finally owning a piece of the magic. Need some help? Use the live chat button in the corner of your screen to talk to a real person, or call us at (407) 477-7987.
