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Ideas on how to get a Home Exchange

When considering home exchange offers, most people aren't necessarily seeking a home similar to their own but rather they consider the location. Is it somewhere they would like to visit? Are there places of interest easily accessible from the home?

After location, members will check the number of people the home will sleep to decide if it will be suitable and, if they have any special needs, whether these are available in the home.

• Give yourself some time. Most listers wanting an exchange begin advertising and searching for a swap from 3 to 9 months ahead of their travel time.
• List your own home - A listing is an advertisement. You are telling others that you are interested in receiving home exchange offers. You interest others and attract responses by what you say in your listing. We recommend that you include photos with your listing. Then describe some of the tourist and community interests in your area followed by a little about your home and family. You can share more information directly with those who respond.

• Answer others listings The first letter you send to potential exchangers should express your tentative interest, pending further correspondence.
• Introduce your family, the ages of your children, careers, hobbies and special interests. Especially when teens and kids are involved, including a family photo is a good idea.
• Outline the advantages of your home-i.e., its proximity to tourist attractions, shopping, safe and quiet neighborhood, climate.
• Provide a description of the interior and exterior of your home
• If offering a car, give the make, year and condition. An automatic makes driving on an unaccustomed side of the road much easier.
• Provide references if you are an experienced exchanger.
• List your preferred dates and length of exchange. The more flexible you are, the better your chances.
• Be honest.

• No need to redecorate, but leave your home spotless. Dust, mop and vacuum floors, clean out the refrigerator, scour the stove and oven, and clean the windows. Make sure bathrooms are free of mold and mildew.
• Clear away enough of your own things in drawers, closets and bathroom cupboards so your guests have room to empty their suitcases and make themselves at home.
• Leave at least two sets of linens and towels.
• Arrange for people to tend the garden and pool, as well as clean the house if you and your fellow exchangers have not agreed to do these chores yourselves.
• Write your house and car insurance companies to inform them of the exchange dates. Your home insurer is likely to consider the presence of house guests to be a plus, since an empty home is a target for burglars. (In fact, some insurance policies are nullified if the house is left empty for more than 10 days.) Let your auto insurer know the names and driver's license numbers of those who'll be operating your car. Car exchangers might want to consider increasing their automobile coverage during the exchange period by lowering the deductible and raising the third-party liability.
• Ask a friend, neighbor or family member to welcome your guests and answer questions.
• Make sure all appliances are in good working order.
• Lock away any valuables and important papers, preferably away from your home.
• Compile a guide to your home and surroundings, including recommended local restaurants and attractions, nearby public tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses, pool and garden maintenance, when trash goes out, phone numbers of doctors, dentists, plumbers, electricians, babysitters, the nearest hospital.
• Avoid misunderstandings by having a written agreement about exchange dates, the number of people involved, use of the car, and who pays what in terms of utility and long-distance bills, etc.
• Leave the makings of a simple meal and a small welcome gift-for example, a bottle of wine or a guidebook on your area.