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THE FIRST STEP
Begin by choosing several listings and writing to the members
without delay; an e-mail or duplicated letter should suffice
for this initial contact.
This 'do-it-yourself' program depends upon good communication
between members. Passive individuals, i.e. those who just
wait to hear from others, limit their own opportunities. Your
initial letters 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. Alternatively, a brief telephone call to express
interest and referring to your membership number (following
the directory/online listing) may pave the way for a quick
agreement.
If writing a letter, you could enclose a self-addressed envelope
to encourage a prompt reply. Otherwise, expect replies only
from those who are keen to explore your offer further. 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 and photographs 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. Experienced exchangers tend to confirm important
agreements in writing and to use brief telephone calls to
speed matters up. Quite often, your exchange partners will
be good friends by the time the exchange arrives. This is
the best insurance!
Using HomeLink's Exchange Agreement Form, here are some of
the features you can 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.
- Photocopy the 'Exchange
Agreement Form' (at the front of the directory,
and on 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.
If you receive an exchange offer from someone who cannot
be validated as a bona fide HomeLink member, it is best to
check their membership credentials with us if you are in any
doubt.
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
insurable 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.
EXPANDING THE OPPORTUNITIES
Our happiest members are those with flexible expectations.
Each year they approach the program with an attitude best
characterised by the expression, "Let's see what the
HomeLink listings have to offer this year!" Members with
fixed time and destination requirements can be disappointed
because exchanges can call for compromises to be made at both
ends. There is a comparatively low likelihood that a family
in the precise location you seek will prefer your area during
the only period you will consider than if you have some flexibility
to offer over destination and/or dates.
If your choices are limited to resort areas or the most popular
cities, the odds of securing an ideal exchange can grow longer.
Many resort areas clash with the spirit of this exchange concept
because they are not representative of their own cultural
settings.
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 inquiry letters 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.
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