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Switching Houses: How to find
a home exchange partner
You have decided to try a home swap, now what do you do to find an
exchange?
List your own home - A listing is an advertisement. You are
telling others that you are interested in receiving home exchange
offers. You interest others and attract responses by what you say about
your community, your accommodation and by including photos. Then
describe some of the tourist and community interests in your area
followed by a little about your home and family. You can share more
information directly with those who respond. Please also keep in mind
that with a Global Home Exchange listing you may be contacted to
arrange an exchange from other Global members.
Actively contact other members. Besides listing your home, send
out heaps of contact emails to others wanting home exchanges. You are
inquiring about the other members interest in an exchange with you. Be
positive and tell then a bit about your home, your family and community.
You don't need to say too much but definitely don't be negative or say
too little. We exchange homes as well. Here's a helpful suggestion that
we have successfully used. After you decide on an area that you might
like to travel, contact every member that has listed their home
regardless of their desired destinations. Why? It is true that some
members have definite dates and destinations set that can not be easily
changed. However it is also true that several members have listed
desired destinations, but would also consider offers from other
locations. They just didn't say that in their listing. By emailing
members in a chosen area you can open up exchange opportunities that
weren't stated. We have arranged some wonderful exchanges where members
have listed desired destinations as Mexico or Europe. (We live on the
Vancouver Island Canada). By sending out mass emails we have also had
members pass on our request for an exchange to others who hadn't listed
their home but were open to swap homes. Twice we have had members
explain that they had made other non exchange travel arrangements but
were open to letting us stay in their home.
Creating the initial "sell" letter
The first letter you send to potential exchangers should express your
tentative interest, pending further correspondence.
Introduce your family, the ages of your children, careers, hobbies and
special interests. Especially when teens and kids are involved,
including a family photo is a good idea.
Outline the advantages of your home–i.e., its proximity to tourist
attractions, shopping, safe and quiet neighborhood, climate.
Provide a detailed description of the interior and exterior of your
home, listing features like working fireplace, oriental carpets,
antiques, childproofing, barbecue and outside eating area
If offering a car, give the make, year and condition. An automatic makes
driving on an unaccustomed side of the road much easier.
List your preferred dates and length of exchange. The more flexible you
are, the better your chances.
Be honest. Your abode may be humbler than that villa in France
where you’re hoping to go, but if the time and the place are right,
your potential exchange partners would probably prefer your home to a
hotel.
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