Home exchange offers great opportunities, and it is quite a simple deal: you agree to exchange your home with someone and you both expect to find everything as you left it when you return. However simple, home exchange is a serious deal. You shouldn’t take it lightly. There are important things that need to be considered because it is a system based on trust and you need to know the other party on a certain level to trust them with your home (even if it is your second home). Communication and understanding are the key to succeed at swapping.

Compare the places you have stayed during your previous vacations to your own home, you’ll probably arrive at the conclusion that your home is far better equipped than any place you’ve ever stayed in during your vacations, so what would you be willing to do to get this extra comfort with no cost at all? Wouldn’t you be willing to take some time to get to know the people you’ll be sharing your house with and let them know you too?

Communicate, take time to learn about your possible swap partner’s preferences and see if they match yours. Start with the information they share in HomeForHome, but dig deeper. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to set some ground rules about things that can and can’t be done at your house during the swap. Eventually, you will find a partner that makes you feel comfortable with them staying at your home. Be patient. Until that moment comes, don’t feel pressured to agree on an exchange that doesn’t satisfy you. Chances are you will have to pass on some offers, so be polite and say no gently until you find your match.