What is the Disney Vacation Club Resale timeline from start to finish?

HELPFUL LINKS:
CURRENT DVC RESALE PRICING
HISTORICAL RESALE PRICING

The DVC resale transaction process is lengthy and can take up to three months from when you identify the property you want until the deed is in your hands. The flow is reasonably common for most resale contracts, and your resale agent most likely has done dozens of these transactions. Stuck in the middle of the timeline is the ability for Disney to come in and gobble up your contract through ROFR (right of first refusal). If this happens, then you start the process all over again. Here's a typical resale timeline.

Decide on which resale contract is suitable for you and make an offer.

Using the DVC Field Guide, you should have a good idea of what property works best for you. If you have decided that you want an Old Key West Contract with a December use year, then go to one of the DVC resale websites and begin a search for the best contract that fits your needs. If you are financing your transaction, then set it up at this time. Look on line for any properties you are interested in and make an offer using the on line forms, or you can call the reseller to make the offer.

The contract offer is made and accepted by the seller.

This process is facilitated by the resale agent, who will contact the seller. Unlike DVC direct purchases, prices can be negotiated between parties. Be aware, though, if the price is too low, Disney may step in during ROFR and buy the property, and you'll start the process all over again. Your resale agent should be able to guide you on the price point or particulars about the contract to minimize the likelihood of this happening.

The contract is written up and formally approved by the buyer/seller.

Both parties sign the offer to accept it officially. At this time, the buyer will remit a deposit of 10% payable by a credit card or a check. A title company is selected and will hold the deposit in escrow during this process. In the end, this company will do all the research to make sure that you have a clear title on this property.

The contract is sent to Disney for ROFR review.

The resale agent will send the contract to Disney for review. Disney has the right to buy any DVC contract first on the open market. If Disney buys the contract, the seller gets what the buyer and seller agreed upon, and the buyer receives nothing but a return of their escrow deposit. The entire process starts all over again for the buyer. Disney will usually take 30 days or even longer to decide if they want the contract. This is the most gut-wrenching time for resale buyers as they patiently wait on this process to unfold.

Disney provides estoppel to the title company.

During this time, Disney and the title company will be communicating to verify proper ownership. The estoppel letter or certificate will outline the exact status of the timeshare property. Disney will inform the title company of the ownership information and any debts on the property. It also gives the status of the contract points.

Title company draws up final contracts.

The title company draws up the contract information and sends it to the buyer and seller with specific instructions on completion. Some documents will have to be notarized when signing, so make sure that you follow particular guidelines. The remaining funds will now need to be sent by certified check along with your completed forms.

The title company forwards the final documents to Disney.

After all the due diligence, the title company will set up a closing meeting and send the completed forms to Disney to transfer ownership to the buyer.

Disney records the membership.

Congratulations! Disney will register the new membership and set the buyer up to start using their vacation points.