Home swapping is a good option for many people who are interested to save money while traveling. Apart from that, there are also several benefits of home swapping that can transform your traveling into a memorable experience. So, let’s discuss those benefits and learn how to swap a home successfully.
Benefits of swapping houses
Before having any further discussion about home swapping benefits, it’s better to know what a home swapping process is all about.
‘Home swapping’ or ‘Home exchange’ is an alternative option for travelers who encounter difficulties to find a good accommodation. In this process, two parties (may be located in a different state or country) negotiate and agree to exchange their homes (primary home, vacation house, RV’s or yacht) for a certain period of time. It must be notable that no monetary transaction will take place between these two parties.
In today's world, home exchange is getting quite popular due to below-given benefits:
1. It’s a low-cost option
You don’t have to pay towards your lodging at the time you swap homes. The initial cost included with house swapping process is only a membership fee that you'll pay for the online listing service. The membership fee is $100 or more per annum, which is much cheaper than the average charges for one night in a hotel. For this reason, swapping home is quite popular among the travelers and businessmen.
You’ll get a ready-made kitchen along with the house. So, if you can cook for yourself, you can also save a good amount on your food cost. Furthermore, you can also negotiate with your host to swap cars.
2. Live a local life
Staying in a house rather than a hotel is quite comfortable and cozy. You can have books, movies and music to entertain you if you’re getting bored. Your kids may also enjoy the living with toys, music and other stuff. If you’re a health freak, you can opt for in-house gym or swimming pool.
You’re likely to get to know the neighborhood in a much better way because you’re living in that locality instead of a hotel.
3. Utilization of your vacation home
Home swapping is beneficial especially if you own a 2nd house or a vacation house. You may not use that house for more than 6 months every year. So, the best would be making the home available for travelers and other people who are interested in home swapping.
4. Exchange home with other options
Home swapping sometimes involves someone’s yacht or may be RV’s. By this way, you can tour in different areas.
How to initiate house swapping
1. Search for a listing service and enroll your listing
Your first step will be listing your home online. There are many popular websites where you can do this. Once you’ve picked a website, you should log in and create a listing for your home. It is advisable that you should add more details along with your listing. For getting the best result, you should include vivid pictures of your home. Also, include a clear description of your home’s location and neighborhood.
You must mention in your listing about the number of people participating in the exchange. If you’re planning to travel with kids, you should mention it clearly. It is because there might be some valuable artifacts lying down at the house where you’re planning to visit. If somehow your kids break any expensive thing over there, you may need to pay the penalty.
2. Find the right person to exchange with
Once your listing is completed, you’ll need to find a perfect person. This process can take time. However, you’ll need to know everything about the family you’re swapping the home with. Check closely the pictures they’ve sent to you and if possible ask for references from their past swaps.
3. Consult with your insurance company
Your homeowner’s insurance will protect your personal things (like furniture), your personal assets, as well as your entire home from different damages that may occur during that period. It should also protect you from the costs if someone gets injured in your home and require medical attention. It’ll even save you if the victim decides to file a case upon you.
You may call your insurance agent and review your policy details and limits. Also, you need to make sure that the person(s) with whom you are swapping homes can get all the coverage. In addition, you may also increase your coverage after consulting with the insurance company if required.
If you’re also swapping cars, make sure to follow the similar review and policy coverage on your car insurance. After all, your car insurance must cover any damages done by a different driver as well.
4. Leave proper instructions for your guests
If your guests are coming from a different part of the world, you must leave proper printed instructions to them on how to use your appliances. If Internet access is given, you must share the login password with them. Notify them about the important phone numbers (the fire department, medical helpline or the police, etc) which they can use at the time of any emergency.
5. Clarify phone usage rules
Plan ahead about possible phone charges for your guests. Most of the travelers do carry their own cell phones with them. But, if they want to use your phone, make sure you notify them about the money you’ll charge for it.