HOW YOU CAN DO SUCCESSFUL HOME EXCHANGE?

Tips for a successful home exchange

1 While most home-exchange websites charge members a yearly fee, home-exchanges themselves are free. The parties involved in an exchange can get a contract or agreement signed. The agreement could include dates and length of the exchange, how and when keys are to exchanged, details on the use of cars (mileage permitted, who pays for repairs), use of recreational equipment, agreement on how expenses such as telephone and electricity are handled, entry and exit cleaning and so on. Home-swaps and exchanges are essentially based on trust. So if you are really unsure about exchanging your house, it is best not to participate in a swap. 2 Once you are ready for a home-exchange, make sure that you get to know the other party really well: exchange emails, talk on the phone or Skype, share recent photographs of the house. Ask for referrals about prior exchanges and try to meet the family before the exchange. As Origet du Cluzeau from HomeExchange.com puts it, good communication minimises misplaced expectations. 3 Only agree to an exchange once you 100% comfortable with the other family. Check whether your mutual travel plans correspond. Send an email to the other party reconfirming dates, before purchasing air tickets. You can also fax a copy of the ticket to them. 4 Before you leave for your vacation, hide your valuables. In the case of an accident, like a broken glass, the responsibility ideally lies with whoever caused the damage to replace, repair or reimburse the cost of the damaged item. 5 One prime concern is the differing standards of housekeeping. Home-exchangers suggest arranging a house cleaning service prior to their guests arriving and upon their guests leaving.