THE FIRST STEP

Begin by drawing up a short list of properties that you are interested in.  You can then send them a message via their web listing.

Passive individuals, i.e. those who just wait to hear from others, limit their own opportunities. Your initial messages do not commit you to an agreement, they simply express interest in an exchange and it is understood that further correspondence will be necessary before an agreement can be made.

Your first communications should express tentative interest pending the outcome of additional correspondence. Emphasise the advantages of your own home as a holiday or touring base.

Every area has recreational and cultural resources as well as features of unique interest. Describe these without overstating them. If an exchange agreement seems likely, swap further detailed information about your home and local attractions. Describe your home honestly - you want your guests to be pleasantly surprised when they arrive, not disappointed. You should:

• Describe interiors, rooms, grounds, storage areas, shopping and recreation facilities.
• Explain presence of child/relative who may remain in the home. And never hide the existence of pets.
• If available, offer references from former exchange partners.
• Swap local area maps, travel folders and guide books. These are usually available free from local tourist offices.

If your first efforts do not bring favourable replies, select other listings and repeat the process.

THE SECOND STEP

As the field narrows down, you will ask and answer detailed questions. Don’t be shy about this as it is wise to avoid misunderstanding by clarifying as much as possible at this stage. Once agreement has been reached both parties should complete an Exchange Agreement Form and once this is signed you can then commit to travel costs.  There is usually much correspondence ahead of an exchange and quite often, your exchange partners will be good friends by the time the exchange arrives.

Using HomeLink's Exchange Agreement Form, here are some of the features you should include:

• Specific number of people in the exchange group with ages of children/teens.
• Is the use of gas/electricity included or should meters be read by both parties for later settlement?
• Arrangements for use of telephone; reimbursement for any long distance calls.
• Arrangements for laundering used linen on completion of exchange.
• If you intend to swap cars, use HomeLink UK's sample 'Car Exchange Agreement' to design your own form for completion by both parties.
• Arrangements for meeting guests on arrival, and for collecting house and car keys. Members report that, in most cases, their new neighbours or a friend welcomed them, helped them to settle in and assisted wherever they could.
• Download a copy of the 'Exchange Agreement Form' from our website. After completing the form with your exchange partner, send a copy to HomeLink UK.

HAZARDS OF HOME EXCHANGE

Few things in life are risk-free and it would be dishonest for us to claim that there are no home exchange risks whatsoever. On average, only 1 in 500 exchangers report experiencing some problem or other, and these disappointments usually result from mismatched housekeeping standards.

It is possible that a member may withdraw from an apparently firm commitment. Whilst there can be mitigating circumstances (e.g. sudden illness), we believe this is a serious transgression because it causes frustration, expense and inconvenience for the thwarted family which may even have purchased airfares. Please report such lapses to us as we investigate all such reports and, when necessary, exclude offenders from future participation.  On the very rare occasions when this happens we are usually able to work with our fellow organisers to find alternative accomodation.

These hazards can be limited if all members are guided by a spirit of goodwill. Exchange relationships are personal, not commercial. Good exchangers care as much about the comforts provided to their partners as they do about their own. Be candid in assessing your housekeeping talents. If illness or unavoidable events make it necessary to cancel, try to find another family to take your place. Never withdraw from an agreement to accept a later offer which may seem more appealing.

INSURANCE

Always notify your home insurer about your exchange plans and verify your coverage. This is generally not a problem area as most insurance companies are more than pleased to hear that your home will be occupied rather than left empty during your holiday. It is likely that your policy covers your home whether it is occupied by friends, relations or exchange partners.

If you intend to exchange cars as well as homes, you should contact your insurer to establish if and how third parties can be added to your existing policy on a temporary basis.

There is an exchanger-friendly travel insurance company whose cancellation terms cover the policy holder and their exchange partner. Under these terms, the policy holder can be covered for cancellation that arose from their partners having to withdraw due to circumstances such as illness and bereavement.

BEFORE LEAVING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY

• Consider locking away fragile or valuable ornaments and private papers.
• Leave adequate fridge, cupboard, wardrobe and drawer space for your guests.
• Leave some basic items of food so that your guests can begin their stay in comfort.
• Leave a house book/folder with: locations of essentials; appliance operating instructions; garbage collection dates; telephone numbers for helpful neighbours, doctors, babysitters, etc.; recommended shops, restaurants and area attractions; maps, public transportation schedules and tourist brochures.

FINAL ADVICE

Remember that making a successful home exchange requires some effort on your part. Most of this effort - e.g. composing initial enquiry messages and writing notes on the use of domestic appliances - will be necessary for your first exchange only. For subsequent exchanges you will be able to use the same format for initial letters and general information notes.

Experienced exchangers know that making holiday arrangements becomes a very simple routine. Now, just relax and prepare to have a good time - with your home in good hands.

HELP US TO IMPROVE HOMELINK

Upon your return home, we would very much appreciate you taking your time to complete an 'Exchange Evaluation' either on-line or by hand. This form can be found in the front of the directory and on this website.

Also, we would particularly welcome suggestions on ways in which we can improve our service to you, the home exchange community.

Thank you, in advance, from...

Caroline Connolly, Director
HomeLink International UK
7 St Nicholas Rise
Headbourne Worthy
Winchester
SO23 7SY
Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1962 886882
Email: info@homelink.org.uk
Website: www.homelink.org.uk

Copyright 1999 - 2005 HomeLink International UK

NOTE: HomeLink UK cannot be held responsible for the condition of listed homes, the actions of individual members or the accuracy of the listings.