A few tips

• A good exchange is to be prepared a few months earlier.
• Describe your house and the environment in the best way possible. It must be attractive but honest. Tell people where it’s best to go, museums, restaurants...
• Introduce your family via photos and videos. A good presentation will increase your chances to succeed and the trust other members will place in you.
• Free some space, so that the arriving family can unpack their things without disturbing yours.
• The house has to be clean and tidy when you leave it to others and has to be that way when you get back.
• If you can, leave a little user’s guide concerning the kitchen apparel, television set... as well as the number of someone who should be contacted in case of emergency.
• If you can, please leave a meal for the first day, the arriving members don’t always know the neighborhood or the close area.
• But especially, so as to avoid bad surprises, sign a contract that sets the conditions in which your exchange (dates, number of participants, person who should be called in case of emergency...) will take place and possibly a contract for car rental.
• Last but not least, even if you are reassured because the exchange is considered as a « loan », warn your insurer by mail.

Files

Home Exchange Agreement: provides basic reference information and outlines the parameters of the trade. (from Know Your Trade, the best independent home exchange advisor website).
Download here

Automobile Exchange Agreement: provides written permission for automobile use and offers a useful information base for authorities. (from Know Your Trade, the best independent home exchange advisor website).
Download here