Update on Disney Vacation Club with Shontell Crawford

 

Our ownership in the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) gave us many fun family vacations.  We started our email discussion dvctalk in 1998 – a list that has grown to over 4,000 subscribers.  We recently caught up with our dvctalk list sponsor and DVC Resale broker, Shontell Crawford, to get the latest on the resale market and DVC.

 FamilyTravelGurus: With the downturn of the economy do you see prices of DVC resales affected?  Are resales selling on average for less now than they were a few months ago?

Resales prices have been slightly affected by the economy and are averaging a little less than they were 6 months ago but not as significantly as one might expect.  Thanks to Disney’s right of first refusal, the value remains in each property.  The properties that expire in 2042 are beginning to drop slightly as their time of expiration nears, yet supply and demand still prevail.  Beach Club Villas continues to sell in the high $80s (per point) while Saratoga Springs is now selling in the high to mid 70s.  I believe the size of the resorts continues to dictate the value of these properties as much as anything.  Wilderness and Beach Club have fewer units while Saratoga and OKW have the most units and will therefore be more readily available, leading to less demand and lower cost.

FamilyTravelGurus: For what DVC resorts do you have resales currently available?  What resort(s) have the most number of resales available?

We currently have all the DVC resorts available with the exception of the yet to open but much anticipated, Bay Lake Towers.  We have a few Animal Kingdom Villas and Beach Club Villas, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, Vero Beach, Hilton Head and quite a few Old Key West and Saratoga Springs.
 

FamilyTravelGurus: What do you hear about the new DVC properties planned? 
 
From what I understand, they have broken ground on the Hawaii property but have yet to begin sales.  The Hawaiian culture is very particular about the way the islands are developed and I don’t expect things to happen overnight on that project.   Bay Lake Towers first sales began on the DVC cruise last October and are going very well from what I understand.  They actually implemented a price increase last week.  I was told reservations will be taken in March of this year and occupancy will begin in September.  

The other additions will be the California DVC which all my West Coast friends are anxious to own and the Saratoga Springs Treehouses.  The previous treehouses were loved by so many that I wouldn’t be surprised if the demand for those is quite high!
 
FamilyTravelGurus: Anything else new with DVC?

Yes!  As of January 1, 2009 Interval International is no longer the exchange company through which DVC is conducting their exchanges.  In it’s place, veteran RCI (Resort Condominiums International) is now the exchange company.  There are many unofficial rumors as to why the change took place, namely the fact that RCI is better equipped to support daily or short weekend exchanges than its predecessor.  I’m still learning the details as to how the change will affect future exchange opportunities. It is exciting!

FamilyTravelGurus: What’s the best way for people to get in touch with you if they are interested in DVC Resales?

I’m available anytime through the “contact us” link on my website  For detailed questions it is probably best to give me a call at 1-800-844-4099 Ext 1.  I’ll be happy to answer any questions about the resale process, how the DVC works or questions on our current listings.

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