How to Exchange Your Home for Free Vacation Accommodation
Search on the Internet for reputable, established home exchange agencies with large pools of members in countries that interest you., Narrow the list of agencies., Join the agency which seems to best suit your needs several weeks (or even months)...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Search on the Internet for reputable
Some offer private, members only services, others are "open" systems which allow non-members to search or contact listings.
Open systems offer the opportunity for more offers from non-members, but non-members will not have supplied the exchange club with a credit card number to pay for membership.
Search on phrases such as: home exchange, home swap, house swap, house exchange, and vacation home exchange, or get a reliable translation of these phrases into the language of the country that interests you to find sites based in these countries. -
Step 2: established home exchange agencies with large pools of members in countries that interest you.
This can be done in a number of ways.
Look at the numbers of home exchange offers in countries you are interested in and the numbers in your own country.
This will give you many choices of places to stay while narrowing your competition to help ensure you get the exchange you want.
Consider how up-to-date the listings are (whether you can see when a member joined/their listing expires).
Decide on a website that is easy to use.
If the website is easy, you need only focus on finding the right place for you.
It also helps to make sure you can contact the agency by phone in case you have additional questions.
Consider the features of the home exchange programs.
Some offer simple listing services, while others help members arrange their home exchange.
Some offer only mutual home swaps, while at least one program also offers non-mutual home swaps, which may better suit those whose vacation timing requires flexibility. ,, It is best to include photos with your message or direct potential exchange partners to your listing on the home exchange program's website. ,, Decide whether you will complete a written exchange agreement. ,, doctor, dentist, taxis, garage) and local information (e.g. restaurants, amusements and recreation, bus and train timetables).
Differences in cleaning standards are the top reason for dis-satisfaction among exchangers, so hire a cleaner if needed.,, Make sure you leave it at least as clean, if not more so, than when you got there. -
Step 3: Narrow the list of agencies.
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Step 4: Join the agency which seems to best suit your needs several weeks (or even months) before the dates you want to exchange homes.
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Step 5: Compile an enticing exchange offer message and personalise it before sending it to several members whose offers are of interest.
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Step 6: Keep checking the website for new listings and contact new members right away before they have had time to agree to other exchange offers.
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Step 7: Once you find a suitable home swap partner
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Step 8: exchange more detailed information on your home and local area
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Step 9: asking for (and offering to provide) references.
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Step 10: Clean and tidy your home before your exchange
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Step 11: leaving space in wardrobes and cupboards for your exchange guests to store their things.
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Step 12: Leave a folder with information on using your appliances
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Step 13: useful contact numbers (e.g.
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Step 14: Enjoy your exchange home!
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Step 15: Make the beds and wash all dirty dishes before you return home.
Detailed Guide
Some offer private, members only services, others are "open" systems which allow non-members to search or contact listings.
Open systems offer the opportunity for more offers from non-members, but non-members will not have supplied the exchange club with a credit card number to pay for membership.
Search on phrases such as: home exchange, home swap, house swap, house exchange, and vacation home exchange, or get a reliable translation of these phrases into the language of the country that interests you to find sites based in these countries.
This can be done in a number of ways.
Look at the numbers of home exchange offers in countries you are interested in and the numbers in your own country.
This will give you many choices of places to stay while narrowing your competition to help ensure you get the exchange you want.
Consider how up-to-date the listings are (whether you can see when a member joined/their listing expires).
Decide on a website that is easy to use.
If the website is easy, you need only focus on finding the right place for you.
It also helps to make sure you can contact the agency by phone in case you have additional questions.
Consider the features of the home exchange programs.
Some offer simple listing services, while others help members arrange their home exchange.
Some offer only mutual home swaps, while at least one program also offers non-mutual home swaps, which may better suit those whose vacation timing requires flexibility. ,, It is best to include photos with your message or direct potential exchange partners to your listing on the home exchange program's website. ,, Decide whether you will complete a written exchange agreement. ,, doctor, dentist, taxis, garage) and local information (e.g. restaurants, amusements and recreation, bus and train timetables).
Differences in cleaning standards are the top reason for dis-satisfaction among exchangers, so hire a cleaner if needed.,, Make sure you leave it at least as clean, if not more so, than when you got there.
About the Author
Samuel Diaz
Brings years of experience writing about lifestyle and related subjects.
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