A house which looks like the cabin suite in Royal Caribbean cruise ship ..!!
or do you arrive to this?!!
House Swaps
If you have the energy to tidy and make your home presentable in the final count down before a holiday, it can pay dividends because you can house swap.
For example, a family in Leeds paid for their holiday, usually way out of their means, by renting out their house and heading to Morocco. A family in a pretty Wiltshire village stayed in an amazing French villa, because although they didn’t have an amazing property it was near amazing places.
If you are a clutter free house in Five star hotel condition, this will be easy. How much time and effort will it take to de-clutter and bring the house into swappable condition. Several swappers with lived in family homes have said this can be highly stressful.
There are numerous companies who provide ‘House Swaps’ from the UK to …. worldwide. Families who have benefitted from these exchanges are keen to promote the view that they can afford more exotic locations beyond what they could afford by renting a villa. Some sites claim you are buying into a luxurious life style.
BUT, it is best to be realistic about your house, and what it will qualify as in the ‘millionaire mansions’ rating. Our cottage near the New Forest is charming but it three bedroom, with a cabin in the garden, and however much I want a six bedroom villa, with infinity pool overlooking the Med, it ain’t going to happen.
Dissenters point out that strangers are coming into your home and could steal or damage your possessions. (One TV programme claimed a house and car were sold, however, this is an extreme.)
You may want to consider locking away or removing your valuables. Some have “no-go” room, others use a storage unit.
If you are going to house-swap inform your insurer to clarify what is (and is not) insured in the house, garden and shed. If the ‘guests’ are staying in the house it will be difficult to claim for ‘theft’ because claims are rarely met if there is no sign of a break in.
Inventory
Most house swapping companies require an inventory and a guide to the house for the ‘guests’ to follow.
- Do you have children and pets?
- Do you want other people’s children and pets?
- How many people do you want in your home?
- Four bedrooms? 6 or more?
- Parties? Probably no.
- Smoking?
- Are there times when the guests must be quiet, considering others next door or in the building?
- Are you charging for cleaning? How much?
Sell Your Home. A-ppealing.
Is your home an A-lister?
Washing machine. Dish Washer, Fridge, microwave, WIFI, pretty much the usual.
- It is up to you to “sell” your home – and, your location, the attractions nearby and further afield.
- If you are in the suburbs? Can you access an attractive city.
- Is your home near an attraction e.g. theme park or area of outstanding natural beauty?
- If you are in a comparatively ordinary house and want to stay in an extraordinary home, present yourself in the most appealing way you can, truthfully. You can not advertise what is not included.
It maybe a ‘home away from home’ which most house swappers claim, however, it is important to establish ground rules.
I am keen to grow this site if you have any ideas or contribution to House Swap, please go to the Contact