How to Plan a Home Exchange – saving money during these tough economic times by planning a home swap.

A home exchange is a great way to enjoy a cost-effective vacation in these tough economic times. Except for the airfare and a several additional expenses the cost of your vacation is little more than staying at home.

A house exchange is nothing more than two parties trading homes for an agreed upon period of time. The houses do not need to be identical in any way. You trade your little grass shack in Hawaii for someone else’s villa on the French Riviera.

The goal of your home swap is to trade with someone who lives in a place that you would like to visit.

House exchanges are based upon trust between you and the other party. It is understandable that you might have some concern about trading your house, remember that the other party likely has the same concerns that you do.

How do you alleviate any reservation that you might have? You do this by negotiating with your counterpart. You both agree on the terms of your exchange.

Some terms might include:

• Using each other’s car.

• Caring for the other’s pet.

• Collect the mail.

• Watering house plants.

• Using memberships to golf courses, museums etc.

• Any other things that you agree to.

Advantages of a Home Exchange

• You live in the other party’s home rent free.

• Savings on food and transportation.

• You can live like a local in a foreign country.

• Cultural immersion.

• Great for seniors and families with children.


Disadvantages of a Home Exchange

• It takes time to negotiate a house exchange.

• Your temporary home base may limit your mobility to see more distant sights.

• Most house swapping organizations do not accept responsibility for any damage incurred because of the exchange.





Tips for Planning a House Exchange

• Join a reputable home exchange organizaton. You will likely pay a membership fee however.

• Give yourself plenty of time to plan an exchange.

• Minimize risks through proper screening and negotiation.

• Do your research. Obtain as many pictures and descriptions of each room of the other party’s house as required to satisfy yourself.

• Do your due diligence. Outline in writing everything that you and the other party have agreed on.

• To prevent anyone backing out of the exchange agreement, agree to purchase airline tickets at the same time. Then provide proof to each other of the purchase. In case of other unforeseen problems that may force a cancellation of the exchange, consider purchasing travel insurance.

• Check that your homeowners insurance will remain valid when your house is occupied by a non-paying guest. Do the same for your automobile insurance if it is part of the home swap agreement.

• Safely lock away any valuables from your guests.

• Have a friend provide your guest with the keys to the house and car.

• Have a friend or neighbor act as an emergency contact for your guests.

• Leave instructions for your guests on how to use your appliances or equipment.

• Leave your house clean for your guests and leave their house in the same condition that you found it in.

• Provide the other party with distances to the airport, neighboring cities and attractions.

• Leave information and directions to the airport, neighboring cities, amenities. Include tourist information, bus/train schedules, grocery stores, banks etc.

• Leave clean linen, plenty of toilet paper and some fresh food in order to help your guests get settled.

• Provide plenty of drawer and closet space for your guests.

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