Has anyone ever participated in a house swap?
Have any of you ever swapped houses for vacations, or extended stays? Did you go through an agent? If so, who, and were you pleased?
What was the experience like, and would you do it again?
Seems like a good idea to save on lodging, plus your house isn't sitting vacant, but also seems kind of scary. I would probably just put anything personal in our office, and lock the door. I'd love to hear some first hand experiences. Thanks for sharing.
We've participated in 8 of them and have never had a problem. We've traded with people in NYC, Boston, Cape Cod, Connecticut, Florida, Colorado, and France. We use HomeExchange.com (our profile is # 107057 ) and we've also found a couple of exchanges on Craigslist. I honestly hate traveling any other way now because when we exchange houses we can cook at home, and with a family we all have our own rooms for privacy unlike a hotel. We have been trying to find an exchange in VI for a couple of years so if you know anyone that is interested I'd love to speak with them!
As far as preparing for the exchange, we take anything important to a neighbors or family member like the safe or jewelry. Our neighbors know who is coming and we leave the key with them so they can meet the people. It's really a trust thing, since we are staying at their house they are trusting us as well.
Misty
Thanks, Juanita, for raising this. I've never done a house swap either, but like you, I'd might be interested in considering it.
STT for Paris, Amsterdam, London, Barbados, Trinidad or another southward Caribbean island or ???
Best,
Islandola
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