The ABCs Of Home Exchange (part 2 of 2)

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Letters of introductions

Once you have chosen your group, write your invitation letters to prospective exchanger s. Give out a clear description of your home, your family, your place, the town attractions and facilities. Include anything you think is interesting.

E-mail your letters. Write to everyone who owns a house that fits your needs. The more letters you sent, the better the batting average of finding your prospective partner.

Once you have found a prospective partner, the communication has to be more detailed. This is to avoid later regrets. Always be precise on stuff that matters most to you: use of family car, computers and other appliances, allowing of children and/or pets, household helps, payment of utility bills, and other pertinent items.

It is not impolite to ask for references before agreeing to an exchange, including the signing of an informal written agreement outlining the terms of your arrangement. Many home exchange organizations usually have samples that can be used as a template.

Once you had concluded your agreement, it is important to leave your partner such things as contact numbers, including those of the local police and nearby hospitals or clinics, instructions on the use of appliances, places where clean linens are, insurance information in case of accidents, and others.

As a sign of goodwill, your house should be clean, and you left drawers and closet space for your guests to use. If you have valuables, store them away in a safe or maybe close off a room of the house for their storage.

On your end, leave your trading partner's home exactly as you found it. Clean the floors, refrigerators and other appliances you have used, straighten the furniture, etc. You may even leave a token gift (a bottle of wine, fruits) as some kind of a thank-you note.

The success of a home exchange agreement rests on mutual trust between the partners. The rewards can be exhilarating for both parties if things go as planned. Both trading partners save money, both enjoy the times of their lives, and most important, gain a new friend or a set of friends. That last one is priceless.