The cost-cutting benefits of home exchanges are obvious, but veteran home exchangers cite other benefits, too, like staying in one place for a while and being in a home instead of a hotel. Having a home base can be especially appealing to families with young children, allowing them to blend busy sightseeing with relaxing days off. Added conveniences, like television, toys, games, bikes, and more, are at their fingertips.
Also, many exchangers report that being able to step into someone else’s life is one of the best parts of home swapping. Often, exchangers are invited to meals and guided around the area by their host’s neighbors and friends; they’re able to see a new area through the eyes of a resident, not a tourist.
Still, home exchanges are not for everyone. They require a fair amount of work and advance planning. Here are some tips.
Plan Ahead and Be Flexible for a Successful House Swap
Start early on making arrangements, at least six months to a year in advance.
Stay open to location and time, to increase the chances of negotiating a successful exchange. Home exchangers, for example, who narrow their search to a small town on a particular date, should talk to a travel agent. But exchangers who are happy going to the south of France for a few weeks in the summer, will likely find something. Flexibility is the key.
Join a House Swap Club
Established clubs can put vacationers in touch with thousands of potential exchangers and provide additional tips and strategies for organizing an exchange. Homelink International is one of the largest home exchange clubs in the world, with an average of more than 13,000 listings each year. INTERVAC is one of the pioneers of home exchange; an average of 10,000 listings are posted each year. International Home Exchange Network has been conducting home exchanges since 1995.
Be Proactive and Pay Attention to the Details When House Swapping
Prepare an introductory letter (one page is usually enough) describing the home, location, ages and interests of family members, and activities in the area. Mail or email the letters to at least 20 prospective exchangers.
When considering potential properties, pay attention to the details. Are there steep stairs in the home? Are there smokers? Will a car be available? Who will be driving the vehicle? Will exchangers be in charge of pets, plants, yard or garden care? Who is responsible for paying home repairs and long distance phone calls? Agree on the exact arrival and departure dates. One home exchange was a near disaster when the owners misread the exchange dates. They thought 8/10/08 meant the house was available August 10 instead of October 8, as their European exchangers had intended. What if an emergency arises and one party cannot exchange as promised? Veteran exchangers suggest that exchangers have contingency plans in place.
Once all parties agree on the details, put them in writing, and have both parties sign the agreement. Many exchange clubs offer sample contracts for members to use.
Other Details of a Home Exchange
Arrange for a family member or neighbor to meet guests and show them around the house. Leave detailed instructions on how to operate electronics, appliances, and equipment. Be sure to post local emergency numbers, repair services, the name and number of a person who could help out in a bind. It’s always nice to leave brochures of area attractions, maps, recommendations for favorite restaurants, stores, and shops, and suggestions day trips and things to do. Consider placing certain valuables in a locked closet or room.
Home exchanges require time and effort but allow vacationers to take trips, see places, and have travel experiences that they never could have otherwise.
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