If you are tired of the typical hotel vacations a home exchange might be for you. Basically house swapping entails two individuals or families agreeing to trade homes for as little as 1 week to more long term trips of 3 months.
I recommend using a reputable site such as HomeExchange.com, Homelink.ca or Homeswapper.co.uk. These sites usually charge a yearly fee of about $100 and allow you to list your home as well as communicate with potential exchanging partners.
Whether or not swapping is for you really depends on your comfort zone, keeping an open mind and luck. Of course there have been horror stories, such as swappers leaving their homes disastrously messy, parties thrown and even accidental fires started.
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Renting, loaning or swapping a home works best if house rules are spelled out long before any keys or cash are exchanged.
For example it is important to say what you will be doing as far as cleaning before the swappers arrive and that you expect that they do the same for you. Also, make sure you understand exactly what items in the home are available for use. For example can you use the pool and the computer?
If you’re the one renting a home or swapping with another person, don’t be shy about requesting and checking references and you will want to research the neighborhood to see exactly where you are.
Checking your insurance coverage is also vital. While homeowners’ insurance usually covers guests when you’re not at home, this is not always the case when you’ve received cash and are renting your space. Some insurance companies may require further coverage as they may consider home exchanging a form of renting.
Finally, be sure to create a contract. It doesn’t have to be too formal or require a notarized signature, but it should outline the financial responsibility of the guests and mention the restrictions that you are putting on the use of your home.
Overall home exchanging can be a wonderful option for traveling…usually the reputable swapping sites allow you to browse listings without becoming a member. Take a look! Home exchanges might be for you.
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