8 Key Home Exchange Tips

A Great Way to Live Abroad

By Ruth Marvin Webster

Home exchanges are possible in farmhouses across Europe.

1. Some web-based home exchange organizations inflate their databases and may even duplicate listings . Look for companies that constantly update their listings; look for fresh listings by noting each member's registration date.
   
2. Test the level of customer or trade service each company provides. Determine whether there is someone to answer specific questions or has representatives in different countries. Bigger may not always be better.
   
   
3. Don't be dissuaded by companies that require a reasonable membership fee (from $30 to $100). A fee may indicate genuine interest on the part of the members.
   
   
4. Check to see how long the company has been in business. Sometimes brand-new companies will use other companies' listings to start a directory or database.
   
   
5. Check for references from your exchange partner (if they have exchanged before) and satisfied customer testimonials from the company. It is always a good idea to correspond or talk directly with your exchange partners. Clearly agree on travel dates, the location of house keys, and whether cars and pets are to be exchanged as well.
   
   
6. Be certain your home and auto insurance policies cover house exchanging. Most do, but always read the fine print.
   
   
7. Put away anything in your home that you couldn't bear to see used or broken. Some people exchanging their homes will put away some of their valuable or sentimental furniture, plates, china, cooking pans and utensils, etc.
   
   
8. Leave a list of "how to's" for complicated appliances, security systems, sprinklers, etc. Leave a phone number of a neighbor or friend who your partner can contact, your international cell phone number if you have one, as well as an email address and Skype ID to facilitate contact. A list of recommendations for shopping, nearby markets, eating, sightseeing, and emergency numbers will also be appreciated by any guests.

RUTH MARVIN WEBSTER, a former attorney in California, publishes widely. See the author's account in Transitions Abroad of her own home exchange experiences in, "Summers Home Exchanges in Europe."