Disney Vacation Club Resales with Shontell Crawford

Our family bought into the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) in the mid-90’s and we immediately reaped the benefits – visiting Disney World multiple times a year with our DVC points when our sons were young.  One purchase option that many don’t know about – instead of buying direct from Disney you can buy a DVC resale!  The best DVC resale expert and broker we know is Shontell Crawford from DVCbyResale.com.  We recently talked with Shontell to get the latest on DVC and the DVC resale market.

Are there advantages of buying a DVC resale compared to buying a new DVC membership from Disney?

Buying resale has one main advantage for the savvy consumer…. saving money on the purchase price! Resales offer a significantly lower initial investment than buying directly from Disney. Here are the current prices from Disney directly and then a sample of current resale property prices (resale prices are set by the individual seller and will vary)

Aulani $171 per point; 100-149 points RESALE PRICE $100 per point SAVINGS = $71 per point!
Animal Kingdom $160 per point; 100-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $87 per point SAVINGS = $73 per point!
Bay Lake $180 per point; 100-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $110 per point SAVINGS = $70 per point!
Beach Club $160 base price; 100-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $108 per point SAVINGS = $52 per point!
Boardwalk $160 base price; 100-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $100 per point SAVINGS = $60 per point!
Grand Californian $180 base price; 100-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $140 per point SAVINGS = $40 per point!
Grand Floridian $180 base price; 100-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $138 per point SAVINGS = $42 per point!
Hilton Head $110 base price; 50-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $60 per point SAVINGS = $50 per point!
Old Key West $140 base price; 50-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $74 per point SAVINGS = $66 per point!
Polynesian $171 per point; 100-149 points RESALE PRICE $140 per point SAVINGS = $31 per point!
Saratoga Springs $140 base price; 50-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $75 per point SAVINGS = $65 per point!
Vero Beach $110 base price; 50-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $50 per point SAVINGS = $60 per point!
Wilderness Lodge $160 base price; 100-point minimum purchase RESALE PRICE $82 per point SAVINGS = $78per point!

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

The Disney Vacation Club currently has 13 resorts where one can purchase a real estate interest. Currently, our inventory offers 10 of those properties and it changes daily.  All the resorts become available on the secondary market, it’s just timing as to which resort and the number of points within that ownership will become available. Simply because Saratoga Springs and Old Key West have the most number of units within the resort itself, they are often the most plentiful on the resale market.  However, they tend to be popular as well so it’s fascinating to see how quickly the inventory can change.

You were a great help to us when we sold our DVC membership – what services do you offer if someone is looking to sell their DVC points?

Thank you for the kind words, it was my pleasure! We offer full service to DVC Members needing to sell their membership. They simply fill out the initial paperwork and we handle the rest. From advertising and discussing the market value of their property, to preparing the contract, submitting it to Disney for their waiver of Right of First Refusal to coordinating with the title company to ensure everything is legally transferred and of course, receiving their final payment. We work with them from beginning to end and answer all questions along the way.  I’ve been told repeatedly that it’s the easiest real estate transaction most sellers have ever encountered.

Do you have a favorite DVC resort you like to stay at?

I love all the DVC resorts!  My favorite tends to depend on the season and my mood: Wilderness Lodge in the winter for hot cocoa by the fire, Boardwalk/Beach Club during Food & Wine, Bay Lake for the “feel” as I tend to like contemporary design, not to mention convenience to the Magic Kingdom. However, sitting on the patio of a Polynesian Villa watching fireworks is second to none.  I can’t pick just one!

Are you hearing any rumors about new DVC properties planned?

Actually, I’ve heard a LOT of rumors! From a whole new park with a DVC in the middle to the obvious add-ons to existing properties like Caribbean Beach. Based on it’s popularity and profit for the Disney company, I foresee many DVC resorts in the future.  The beauty of the program is no matter where you buy, you can stay at each and every one.

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

The simplest way to reach us and to find answers to frequently asked questions is through our website.  We are the only broker that keeps inventory in real time and allows you to buy immediately when you see a property that fits your needs!  Questions, offers or general inquiries can be emailed 24/7 at info@DVCbyResale.com and I’m available to answer questions via our toll free number: 1-800-844-4099

Thanks Shontell.  Shontell is the person to talk to if you are at all considering purchasing a DVC membership.  And for more information on DVC we run an email discussion list with over 4500 subscriberts where DVC owners share tips and answer your questions.  You can get more information on our dvctalk list and sign up for the list here.