Why choose between having a resale contract or a direct one when you can have both? Many DVC Members actually own a mix of resale points and direct points. Being a hybrid DVC Member is the best of both worlds! With resale, you can save thousands on your contract, and with direct points you get the freedom to use your points at any resort, and if you meet the minimum points required (currently 150), direct points can help you qualify for DVC Membership Extras.
If you are a prospective DVC Member who would like to own a mix of resale and direct points, is it better to purchase a resale contract first or a direct contract first?
Purchase a Resale Contract First
A Resale Contract Is More Approachable
With resale contracts being up to 70% less than direct contracts, resale contracts are much more affordable. The lower cost of resale contracts makes them an easier first purchase and a good first foray into DVC before investing further into buying a more expensive direct DVC contract.
Resale contracts are also more approachable as first contracts since you could buy a small contract. For example, you could buy a 50-point or 75-point contract. When buying a direct contract as a new DVC Member, you need to purchase a minimum of 100 points.
A Resale Contract Can Help You Qualify for Incentives
Another perk of purchasing a resale contract first is that it makes you eligible for any Member incentives that can help when you later purchase a direct contract. Typically, DVC offers two different sets of incentives: one for current DVC Members and one for new Members. The rates for current DVC Members are often better deals than the ones for new Members, so this can offer you some extra savings when you purchase a direct contract after a resale one.
Additionally, if you happen to be waiting to purchase a direct contract at a brand new DVC Resort, such as the upcoming Lakeshore Lodge that is set to open in 2027, current Members get first dibs on purchasing points.
Purchase a Direct Contract First
Purchasing a Direct Contract Can Be Quicker
From start to finish, the process for purchasing a direct contract is faster than the process for resale contracts. Your points are often ready to use the same day or the next day. If you are in a hurry to use your points right away for a specific upcoming vacation, purchasing direct can be to your advantage.
For resale contracts, the full process can take up to 2 to 3 months from start to finish. That said, the timeline for the Right of First Refusal for resale contracts has shortened significantly in the last few months with the average timeframe currently at 8 days.
Purchasing a Direct Contract First Can Help Lock In Benefits
If qualifying for DVC Membership Extras is a priority for you, purchasing your direct points first can help get you those perks faster. These perks include discounts on dining and shopping, access to purchase a Sorcerer Pass even if you are not a Florida resident, and special events like Moonlight Magic.
The minimum to qualify for Membership Extras is currently 150 direct points. This minimum can go up at any time. The last time that it was increased was back in 2021. Previously, the minimums increased in:
- October 2020: 125 point minimum
- September 2019: 100 point minimum
- February 2018: 75 point minimum
There’s no single right answer for everyone when it comes to purchasing resale or direct first. It all depends on what matters most to you.
If you’re already a hybrid DVC Member, did you purchase resale or direct first?
