Trading Homes 101
Getting Comfortable with Trading Houses
Entrusting Your Home to Strangers
Trade Properties: Tips 6 - 11
6. If you cannot meet, have a family member, friend, or neighbor pick them up at the airport. This provides for a
local contact who they have already met in case something goes wrong.
7. Have the family member, friend, or neighbor drop by occasionally (once a week is acceptable) to see
how your guests are getting along. This is yet another opportunity to make sure all is well.
You can also arrange for friends to take them out one night.
8. Exchange your housekeeper, especially if this is a trusted person.
This allows you to have someone visit the entire house and ensure that all is well. It also has the added benefit of
finding your home in the same state of cleanliness that you are accustomed to.
9. If you're uncomfortable leaving fragile belongings out, place them in a closet or cabinet
that you can lock. Frequent home exchangers have learned that a note on the cupboard that says something like
Please don't use these glasses is usually good enough.
10. Use e-mail and the telephone to stay in touch while you are away.
11. If you really feel there is a need, you can draw up a contract detailing who covers damages.
But keep in mind that it may not be worth the time/effort/money to chase someone in Australia for $300 if you are living in
the US.
And don't forget, while they're staying in your house, you're staying in theirs. They
likely have the same concerns about their home as you have about yours.
