How to House Swap for the Holidays

Wouldn't you love living in an ocean front villa for a weekend? For the cost of airfare and food you can do this. Consider house swapping- they get your house for a weekend and you get theirs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the internet for availability. There are many websites to connect you with potential swappers These include HomeLink International and Intervac Home Exchange, both of which have been around for over 40 years.

2. Post an ad because sometimes the person you want to swap with may just be browsing ads instead of posting.

3. Be flexible because this will increase your chance of finding a swap. be open to different housing sizes, locations, and vacation dates.

4. Put together an agreement, the swap firm may have a standard agreement you can use, that sets the rules and limits and that both you and the swaper sign. These will include things such as whether or not smoking is allowed in the home.

5. Put a list of potential problems and solutions together for the swapee such as how to handle a finicky TV remote control, a noisy washing machine, or a plumbing link.

6. Give the swapee a list of emergency contacts such as police, fire, plumber, and electrician numbers.

7. Lock up all valuables so the swaoee can not even be tempted to take anything.

Tips & Warnings

• To be especially nice leave a list of where to eat, shop, and local entertainment for them.

[sneedc]

on 12/22/2008 Swapping houses sounds better than spouses.