Top 10 tips for a successful Home Exchange
Ever considered using your home as a vacation
exchange? Also known as a home swap, where
you literally swap homes even cars with a stranger. For many, this can be unnerving relinquishing
your home to someone unknown, but the reviews from veteran home exchange
travelers has been overwhelmingly
positive. “It’s an economical and interesting way to see many parts of the
world without incurring hotel fees and you get to experience the location like
a local,” says Larry Klimczyk of International Vacation Home Exchange.
With the rise in Airbnb's popularity, more and more people are becoming comfortable with the idea of opening their homes. There are endless exchange possibilities from
apartments to luxury homes, located around the world.
Exchange networks charge a small annual fee for your posting. They also offer vacation rentals for those who
do not want to exchange. While your home location can be a key to the
success of your exchange, having a nice or interesting place can be equally
attractive to your guest. To help you
decide if a home exchange is a good option for your next vacation, I have
pulled together a list of 10 things to consider
when selecting a Home Exchange Network.
1.
Before starting your exchange,
decide where you want to go and what
activities you like to do on vacation, this will help narrow down the possibilities.
2. Select a network that offers direct
exchanges – this is best if you are only house swapping with your primary
residence, i.e. you are away, and thus another party can stay at your home.
3.
If your swapping your vacation
or second home, look for a network that offers non-simultaneous exchanges, this gives you more flexibility.
4.
Wide property search criteria, including property
location map (general area, for privacy, not exact address) - makes searching
for a property easier and allows you the ability to promote your home's
location.
5.
Look for a well-established
exchange network with a good choice of up-to-date
listings in areas/countries you are interested in vacationing.
6.
Security is very important, make sure
the exchange network can offer you secure communications between members.
7.
Added benefit, is a network
that can provide vacation coordinators
to answer your questions as well as help you find activities for you to enjoy
while on holiday or vacation.
8.
Verification of Members (identification)
- helps ensure that you are dealing with the person that they say they are.
9.
Verification of Properties (utility
bill, etc.) - confirms the relationship of the member to the property.
10.
Guest Book and References of previous
exchanges - gives membership reviews amongst peers and shows you candid
feedback on the home and other members.
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