House-Swapping for Vacations (or please pass the 600-count sheets)

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed)
Mar 3rd 2010 at 2:01PM

English Manor House known as Tiger Hall, an Edwardian home, with views,
on the edge of a picturesque market town in the English countryside.

Life, sometimes, comes down to learning to share the sandbox. And when it comes to sharing adult sandboxes, well, it's perhaps an idea whose recessionary time has come.

The home-swapping model has been gaining momentum -- much to the chagrin of time shares, fractional ownership and destination club industries, all of which try to fill the same need of getting away from your palace by staying in someone else's. But unlike those other industries, home swapping enjoys a less-tarnished reputation -- at least so far. Admit it, you rolled your eyes at hearing "time share" but you're still reading about "home swap."

The new kid on the block is RoofSwap.com, which donates 10% of its proceeds to Habitat for Humanity, a nice gesture and clearly a disciple of the "social-cause-is-good-for-business" school of thought.

RoofSwap has 14,000 listings of homes and apartments in 130 countries. The site doesn't get directly involved in the "is your chic Manhattan penthouse as good as my Malibu beach home?" discussion, leaving the parties to settle what's fair and equal themselves. Nicole Frank, advice columnist and industry blogger, moderates discussions on the member forums. A three-month membership costs $19.95 or a full year is $74.95.

Beautifully rebuilt Mid-Century home in Palm Springs, CA designed in the modern 1950s.
Attention to detail provides privacy, mountain views, saltwater pool and spa.

The site also has links to sample agreement forms, insurance, and a forum where members can guide each other through the experience. RoofSwap can also help arrange car-swapping. RoofSwappers are an amiable lot and take to heart the site's suggestion that homeowners be left a little token thank you gift. RoofSwap collaborates with other house exchange sites to broaden the base and create a "best of breed platform," said Ranan Lachman, founder of RoofSwap.

Without question, swapping homes makes for a less-expensive vacation. Hotel or housing rental costs are easily the most expensive component of a vacation and by eliminating them -- or paying in trade -- the price of a vacation becomes more affordable.

Some cautions to consider: If you live in a condo, your HOA may have restrictions on rentals, including short-term ones. Putting away valuables simply makes good sense -- and that includes the inexpensive but sentimental vase that Granny left you. Don't forget to lock up the computer if you don't want it used and being specific about pets coming along is a good idea.

The granddaddy of the high-end home renting services is Time and Place Homes, which functions more as a concierge service for people wanting to rent out high-end private homes. They arrange for private chefs, drivers and personalized services.

Tags: house exchange, house swapping sites, HouseExchange, HouseSwappingSites, roofswap

Filed under: Estates, Luxury Travel & Hotels

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

ogsendmarged Mar 4th 2010 10:52AM

Would your home insurance cover any damage while your guest is at the house?? How do you make sure you're not swapping with someone who may use your fax or internet or phone for things that are prohibited by the law..

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Weider-X-Factor-Review&id=3860999

Joe Murray Mar 5th 2010 5:28PM

CHECtravel, a home exchanger support organization, offers trip cancelation insurance exclusively designed for home exchangers underwritten by AIG Travel Guard. This includes a $1,500.00 damage waiver covering any mishaps that may occur while vacationing at your home exchange partner’s residence. Coverage for non-refundable items like airline tickets, rental car and hotel deposits are also covered with no deductible.
As to knowing you’re not swapping homes with a criminal? That’s easy! Only trade with CHECtravel members! All members have had voluntary background checks.

homeexchanger Mar 7th 2010 1:53PM

We do a lot of home exchange. We lock anything we don't want touched in one closet. If you don't want your fax used, lock it up. If you don't want your internet used, don't give out the WEP key. If you think your swap partners will use your phone for illegal activities you either didn't screen them well enough or are too paranoid to enjoy home exchange.