House Swaps

[CharmingSoutherngal]

Has anyone ever heard of anyone having any success with house swaps? I would love to do something like this but can't find much information on it or anyone who has done it successfully. Does anyone have any information on those who have done it successfully?

[ccorrente]

I did it myself 8 years ago, but it was just shear luck. I listed my house for sale and Some buyers came through and wanted to buy it and then we realized that the house they were selling was just what we wanted to buy, so we bought theirs and they bought ours! Worked out great but just got lucky.

[Maria Lee]

I used to watch a TV program on house swaps, and people got to try out living in each other's houses for a while. It was great, and everyone seemed very happy trying out another house, and no-one had any problems. I recommend it.

[Dugsmom]

A realtor I used to work with successfully swapped a condo for a house. The condo was completely remodeled and beautiful but it was a hard sell because of the market here AND it's harder for people to qualify for condos (especially for this one because association fees were between 300-400 a month depending on size of condo). The owner was looking to move on the opposite side of town to be closer to work but couldn't move until he sold the condo.
There was somebody else on the opposite side of town who wanted to move near the university (where condo was located) because his son was going to school.
The owner who lived on the other side of town was looking around at the condos near the school when he came across this one...so he made an offer (swap) and it was accepted and it worked out very well. I don't know about commission though. Not sure the agents got paid anything but swaps do work. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable doing that though...just because there are so many things that could go wrong.

[Terese Ciaccio]

I like the idea of testing the waters before making a commitment.

[rosstaylor2440]

This is the great idea like time sharing industries, this might gives the feeling of going for vacation or holidays, there should be community for this. i m also researching on this as soon as i get idea ill post it, Well thanks for revoking this idea.

[Travis01]

There are many advantages to house swapping as opposed to conventional holidays, here's just a few!

- Live like a local
- Experience different countries and their cultures
- Know your house is being looked after while you're away
- Save on expensive hotel bills
- No need for expensive restaurant meals every night
- Make lifelong friends
- SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!

[ccole]

Successful Home Exchange

1. Communicate Early and Often

Finding a suitable swap comes down to good communication. You'll want to feel comfortable about the place you'll be taking—and the people coming into yours while you're away. Be clear and honest about what you're looking for, and about what you're offering in return. If you’re allergic to pets, find out if any have been in the house; if you have children, ask if there's a stroller you can use (to save you from having to pack one). Email makes all of this very convenient, but Bergstein cautions, "don’t be afraid to pick up the phone either, especially if you’re about to buy airline tickets. Make sure everyone is on the same page."

2. Prepare Your Home for Guests

While your house certainly doesn’t have to be as pristine as a hotel room, your guests will appreciate having closet space and a dresser drawer or two in which to store their belongings. In the bathroom, put your personal items out of sight. As for the kitchen, most exchangers make their staples and condiments available to their guests, so be sure to restock in advance. "You don’t want to have to go out and buy olive oil," Bergstein says. Your guests shouldn't have to, either.

3. Make a List of Household Do's and Don'ts

Leave a cheat sheet to help your guests feel more confident about being in, and using, your space. Bergstein recommends covering items that can affect the house and its belongings, such as what can be put down the sink, whether shoes should be taken off, if smoking is allowed indoors, and how the fireplace works. She also suggests leaving out operating instructions for the television, washing machine, and Internet access.

4. Create a Guide to Your Neighborhood or Town

Help your visitors feel like locals: Collect menus from restaurants, provide details on the time and place of a nearby farmers’ market, where the local wine store is, and recommend any upcoming events like a concert in the park. "People love to do this," says Bergstein. "They become tour guides in their own town and get to show it from their own point of view."

5. Tell Your Neighbors

Let your neighbors know your home-exchange plans before you go. "The last thing you want is to have your neighbors look out the window and see a strange family coming in your house and getting into a situation where everyone is uncomfortable," says Bergstein. "And if the neighbors know, maybe they’ll come over and say hello." Bergstein reports having experienced this many times herself. "We've often been invited to parties, even a wedding once." Indeed, Bergstein says that one of the best side benefits of home exchanges is the lasting friendships created along the way.