Greetings. I’ve been a part of HomeExchange for about five months and in that time I’ve hosted many people. I am only now starting to apply for stays. So far I’ve been accepted for a stay in Seattle Washington, but when it comes to trying to get accepted in other countries, I keep getting turned down. This is for homes that are showing that they’re available my dates. I’m concerned that I’m being turned down because I’m an American. Thing is I do not support this current administration, but it wouldn’t surprise me if other nations are concerned about us. Has anyone else experienced this?
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I doubt that you are being turned down because you’re an American. Being a new member, you may not be aware that it frequently requires dozens of exchange requests before you are accepted somewhere, especially if you are offering Guestpoints. A certain percentage of the Home Exchange membership has a prejudice against using or accepting guestpoints, and will only do reciprocal exchanges. There are oher reasons that a calendar shows “available” but your requests are denied, the most common reason for reciprocal exchanges is that you are simply not located in a place where the other member wishes to visit, or your home lacks one or more ammenities that the other member wants. When sending reciprocal exchange requests, it is wise to first check the other member’s “wishlist” to see whether they are interested in visiting your location. Also, you can also utilize the “reverse search” option in the Search function… it will search for and display those members who have your location (country, state, city/town) on their wishlist.
Other reasons include that some members are reluctant to accept requests from new members until they have established a record of successful exchanges via good reviews. Yes, I know this isn’t really fair, and members who think this way are relying on other members to take a “gamble” on new members to keep the community alive and growing. But it’s a reality. We are happy to accept requests from new members and don’t find any significant difference between their sense of responsibility during exchanges as compared to more experienced members.
We are Canadians and we love the people, culture, and natural scenery of the USA; but we will not visit the USA during the reign of the current fascist dictatorship. However, we are happy to accept guestpoints visits from citizens of the USA. When and if sanity returns to the government of the USA, and the current regime has not triggered World War 3, we will be happy to resume visiting the USA on guestpoints or reciprocal exchanges.
Keep trying, I am sure there are many thousands of hosts out there who will be happy to accept you as their guests.
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Welcome on the forum donnakirk76
Even if HE admited there is a slight decrease of exchanges between USA and the rest of the world, it is not big deal.
In addition of the good advices of Canuck , you may try to use the reverse search.
It allows to know all the listings in the world from host who put your area in the favorite destinations to do a simultaneous or non simultaneous exchange.
I always contact these members first.
On your side , keep your favorite destinations up to date even for a week-end exchange.
So members can find your listing with the reverse search.
In addition, when contacting people, i always offer to do a simultaneous, non simultaneous or GP exchange because i may not be interested by GPs but i can be interested in reciprocical exchange.
Be flexible and open minded is the secret to discover wonderful places you would have never thought of.
In this post you will find plenty of people offering their property ( me among them). Try there! 🎤 👐 Open Mic – Looking For Guests (hosting with GuestPoints)
Hello. Please read this, the calendar is just an indication ( not necessarly up to date, they might not want to host newbies, the request might be too short etc). See ✅ Did you know? A green calendar doesn't mean an automatic yes!
I understand your frustration. I’ve had that feeling a few timeswith some of the comments in the rejection notices from Europeans. After feeling that way I went back onto my profile and posted a few photos of some inclusive signs from around my neighborhood. (Rainbow flags and “all are welcome” sort of stuff) I also added the word “progressive” to my profile to give potential guests the correct impression that I do not support the current administration’s disgraceful words and actions directed toward the rest of the world. I also went back and messaged the international exchanges I have llined up and let them know that I did not support this embarrassing administration. I got some very kind and understanding replies from around the world. Good Luck.
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I’m sorry to hear that you are struggling to find a suitable exchange. As other members have already mentioned here, there are so many reasons as to why an exchange request can be rejected. For new members reviews are super important. It is great that you are hosting so much, and having these reviews will certainly help. It is also great that you have an exchange planned more locally - this is what I would recommend in order for you to get your first review as a guest. It can take quite a few requests to find your perfect exchange, please do persevere - I promise it’s worth it 
Thank you for this really helpful advice, thank you for taking the time to share this - however please do remember to follow our Forum Community Rules of respect and courtesy 📙 The Community rules Please refrain from discussing personal political views that may offend others in this community. Thank you