Has Anybody Experienced a Home Exchange?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores personal experiences and opinions regarding home exchanges, where individuals swap residences for a period of time. Participants share their thoughts on the concept, recount experiences of others, and express varying levels of comfort and interest in such arrangements.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, is seeking a home exchange for a trip to New York City and asks for others' experiences.
  • Another participant expresses that the idea of home exchange would be frightening for them.
  • Several users mention they have not personally done a home exchange but have heard of others who have, often through friends.
  • One participant shares that their in-laws have successfully engaged in home exchanges for years without issues, even swapping cars.
  • Another participant notes concerns about security and the potential for clutter in their home, which makes them hesitant to participate.
  • Some participants discuss the idea of hiring a house cleaner or having neighbors check in during the exchange for added peace of mind.
  • One participant recalls a home exchange concept featured on a television show, which influenced their perception of the practice.
  • Several users express enthusiasm for the idea of exchanging homes, particularly for travel opportunities, while others remain skeptical.
  • One participant mentions the potential financial benefits of renting out a home during events like the Kentucky Derby.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ significantly among participants regarding the comfort level and feasibility of home exchanges. Some express enthusiasm and positive experiences, while others voice concerns and a lack of interest.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a mix of personal anecdotes and secondhand experiences, reflecting a range of feelings about the safety and practicality of home exchanges.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering home exchanges for travel or those curious about the experiences of others in the community may find this discussion relevant.

JAE
JAE
Messages
4,739
Has anyone ever done a home exchange? You let people come to stay in your home for a weekend or week or longer and you go stay in their home. I just listed my home, looking for a place in New York City for next summer. Anyone ever done this or know someone who has?
 
That would TOTALLY freak me out.
Have you done this before??
 
Nope! And Nope. I would never. But best of luck!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
No, I've never done it, but it was on the Today show around the time the movie came out with Jude Law and Cameron Diaz and others. The two ladies did a home exchange from Los Angelas and somewhere in England. Cute movie. Anyway, I figured if they could trust me then I could trust them. I was thinking I'd hire a house cleaner for the week to come and clean but to actually be checking out the guests. I would also have my next door neighbor stop by a few times, too.
 
My in-laws have done this for years. They have swapped houses with people all over the world and have never had a problem. Not only do they swap houses, they also swap cars. They really like to do this. Personally, I would never do it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
I think if we were to do this we would not swap cars because ours are not nice. Also, our basement isn't finished so we could put stuff down there that we don't want the people using and lock the door. I want to go to NY so bad with my family that I'm willing to go for it.
 
I know people that have done it before, but I think they knew the people through friends... it is a great idea, just a little bit of a worry in this day and age.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
I'm not very worried. Whatever someone would do to us, they must know we could do to them.
 
Did you go through an agency? I wonder, do they do some sort of checks on the people before they can list?

Sometimes I think I would worry about doing it and other times I would think it would be great. I just can't do it because I have allowed clutter to get out of hand and I am too embarassed to even those I know.
 
I know this may not be the same but when the Superbowl was in Houston, I heard you could have gotten a huge amount to rent your house. I didn't do it but had the same reservations. It could have made some good money but everything comes with a risk.
 
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  • #11
Anyone else ever done a home exchange or know someone personally who has done one?
 
They did this in Salt Lake during the 2002 Olympics alot of people liked the idea!!
 
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  • #13
The site I am trying is http://www.exchangehomesoia.com
There was another one on google, but I had to pay to see any homes available for exchange. That's why I chose this site.
 
Can't think why anyone would WANT to exchange my home for theirs......but with your home and where it is situated, I bet you get a good response! I'd trade houses with you.....ummm, but I don't think you'd want to spend a week in Jenison, would you?:D ;) :rolleyes:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
ChefBeckyD said:
Can't think why anyone would WANT to exchange my home for theirs......but with your home and where it is situated, I bet you get a good response! I'd trade houses with you.....ummm, but I don't think you'd want to spend a week in Jenison, would you?:D ;) :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Uhhh...No:)
 
Hey JAE.....I will switch houses with you for sometime in June of 2011.....my oldest son lives in Holland with his mom (yes....I am his other mother!) and will be graduating! But I don't know where I will be living at the time....maybe Hawaii or California or Japan or Guam. Any of those interest you? LOL!!


By the way..it does sound very interesting. Let us know how it goes....
 
Hey JAE.....I will switch houses with you for sometime in June of 2011.....my oldest son lives in Holland with his mom (yes....I am his other mother!) and will be graduating! But I don't know where I will be living at the time....maybe Hawaii or California or Japan or Guam. Any of those interest you? LOL!!


By the way..it does sound very interesting. Let us know how it goes....
 
My in-laws actually do this about once a year and have done it at least 10 years. They have always had really good exchanges. They have even met previous exchanges at the next one. I had the opportunity to go to France with my MIL last month and it was awesome! The thing is that by the time you exchange, you are not strangers anymore because so much communication happens to get ready for it. They go through Home Exchange and Intervac. It gets so spendy to travel with two kids that this makes it really affordable. I just have to kick my mom out of my house before I can do it! :( She doesn't like to leave home! :rolleyes:
 
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  • #19
I hope someone in NY will want to exchange with me. In the summer Holland is really like a resort beach town. When we go to the beach we hear many different European foreign languages. I'm amazed at the people who come here to vacation. It isn't the east coast, but it's less expensive. And, when you're on a beach looking at a big lake, you really don't know the difference.
 
JAE said:
I hope someone in NY will want to exchange with me. In the summer Holland is really like a resort beach town. When we go to the beach we hear many different European foreign languages. I'm amazed at the people who come here to vacation. It isn't the east coast, but it's less expensive. And, when you're on a beach looking at a big lake, you really don't know the difference.
Click to expand...

I think if people know what Holland is like, they would love to exchange with you! It is a gorgeous town, with lots to do, great, clean, sandy beaches, really good bike trails, fun downtown shopping - unique little shops, not just tourist trap places.........and you are soooooo close to the beaches where you live! It's an easy bike ride to the State Park Beach, or Tunnel Park Beach - someone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of NY would LOVE Holland!
 
I live 3-4 hours from NYC.... is that close enough? ;)
 
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  • #22
I think I'll copy and paste Becky's last post and put it on the home exchange website.
And, sorry, 3-4 hours is too far:) But you're welcome to come and visit anytime.
 
erinyourpclady said:
Hey JAE.....I will switch houses with you for sometime in June of 2011.....my oldest son lives in Holland with his mom (yes....I am his other mother!) and will be graduating! But I don't know where I will be living at the time....maybe Hawaii or California or Japan or Guam. Any of those interest you? LOL!!


By the way..it does sound very interesting. Let us know how it goes....
Click to expand...


Erin,

I'm only 1-1/2 hrs from Holland. :D I think I could get my husband to any of those places you might be, except maybe Guam. They have an extreme amount of snakes there. He hates snakes. :yuck:
 
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  • #24
Erin, you'll have to get back to me in 2011. I would take any of those places except maybe Guam. I'm with Jeanine's post. NO SNAKES!
 
No, but during the Kentucky Derby there were several people that rented their house out for several thousand (7 or 8)for the week...crazy.

I wonder if anyone wants my quad level 12 miles away from the track? Then again, I'd swap a home in Hawaii if someone is willing...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #26
Chefgirl2 said:
No, but during the Kentucky Derby there were several people that rented their house out for several thousand (7 or 8)for the week...crazy.

I wonder if anyone wants my quad level 12 miles away from the track? Then again, I'd swap a home in Hawaii if someone is willing...
Click to expand...
You should try to get a taker for that time of year. I bet there are people who would be happy to stay in your home rather than pay for a hotel durning the festivities.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a home exchange?

A home exchange is a travel arrangement where two parties agree to swap homes for a specified period, allowing each to stay in the other's home while on vacation. This can provide a cost-effective way to travel, as it eliminates accommodation expenses.

How do I find someone to exchange homes with?

There are several platforms and websites dedicated to home exchanges, such as HomeExchange, Love Home Swap, and GuesttoGuest. You can create a profile, list your home, and search for potential exchange partners based on your travel preferences.

What are the benefits of a home exchange?

Home exchanges offer numerous benefits, including significant savings on accommodation costs, the opportunity to live like a local in a different area, and the chance to stay in unique homes that may not be available through traditional rental services.

Are there any risks involved in a home exchange?

While home exchanges can be rewarding, there are some risks to consider, such as potential damage to your home or belongings, differing expectations regarding cleanliness or maintenance, and the possibility of miscommunication. It's essential to establish clear agreements and communicate openly with your exchange partner.

How can I ensure a successful home exchange experience?

To ensure a successful home exchange, communicate clearly with your partner about expectations, create a detailed agreement outlining responsibilities, and consider using a reputable home exchange platform that offers support and resources. Additionally, providing a welcome guide for your home can help your exchange partner feel more comfortable.

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