House exchange recommended

Christabel

I have posted this sort of message before but as I come up to my first house exchange holiday of 2007 I really feel that I must once more tell people how marvellous it is. For the cost of your flights anywhere in the world you can have a holiday. All you need to feel happy about is people, who you will have already exchanged lots of emails with, staying in your house and possibly using your car.

We've done two of these exchanges already, in years gone by, and have now arranged to do three this year. The first is to Devon for a week, the second to Vancouver for 2 weeks and the third to the coast of Spain for a soak in the sun before the winter comes. I cannot wait. We would stay longer but are both still in work (roll on retirement!).

I am not promoting any particular company but do have a look at the Homelink website and see if you can whet your appetite.:j

*flutterby*

I'd be really interested in which website you use to organise your exchanges...

Thanks

Christabel

I use Homelink but there are others out there. I wouldn't want you to think that I am a Homelink 'plant'. Apparently they are the largest. Just look at their site and see where you would like to go...

richardw

Before doing this go around your home and do a list of what is most likely to be damaged and how much it would cost to repair.

What would happen if a bath overflowed with water?
What do your insurance policies say about house swapping?

Christabel

You should inform your insurers that someone is staying in your house. They are usually pleased to hear that as it cuts the risk of burglaries. We have never had any problems. The Homelink website can give you more advice about damage etc.

Christabel

richardw wrote: »

Before doing this go around your home and do a list of what is most likely to be damaged and how much it would cost to repair.

What would happen if a bath overflowed with water?
What do your insurance policies say about house swapping?

This is taken from FAQ part of Homelink:

How do I know my home will be safe?
This is the single most-asked question. The simple answer is you don't. However, your home will be much safer when occupied by exchangers than if left empty. Home insurance companies know this, as do the police. In over forty years of exchanging we have had very few instances of damage and no reports of theft. Most problems are at the level of, "housekeeping standards," at the home being visited. Even in these rare situations exchangers return to find their own home just as they left it. While you are setting up your exchange you will get to know the other family. You also know the other exchanger's profession and have a good idea of the home involved before you make your first contact.