How to Negotiate a House Swap Contract

House swapping makes a lot of financial sense when you think about the fact that your house is sitting empty while you are away on vacation. However, swapping your home with another family also requires that you put your trust in a complete stranger. Therefore it is important to have a signed contract before the swap.

Instructions

1. Call the person that you will be swapping your house with; do not rely on only email for contact. Talk to them and see if there is anything about the person or the situation that makes you uncomfortable. If you feel uncomfortable do not go through with the swap.

2. Discuss the dates of the house swap including time of day that the houses will be available and time of day that each family is expected to depart. Be sure that both parties are clear on the dates and times.

3. Consider any extras involved in the swap. Will you be swapping only your house or do you intend to swap vehicles also. Does anyone have any pets that they intend to leave behind to be cared for by the other family? Are there any other extra responsibilities involved such as house plants or outdoor gardens that will need care?

4. Work out the details. Typically each family continues to pay the utilities on their own home while the other family is staying there. Decide who will be responsible for the cost of any emergency repairs that might be required on the house or the vehicle while the other family has use of it. Are there any restrictions on use of the house or the car, such as number of guests allowed or limits on mileage driven?

5. Put everything that you agreed on into the written contract. Sign two copies of the contract and mail them to the other family. Have them sign both copies and mail one back to you.

6. Consider having an attorney review the contract to see if there is anything you overlooked.