Home Exchange – Feature Request: Scheduled Messaging
Problem
Currently, there is no way to schedule automated messages linked to an exchange timeline. Hosts must manually send repeated instructions, which can be inconsistent and easily missed by guests.
Proposed Feature
A scheduled messaging system tied to confirmed exchanges, allowing automatic messages at key stages:
Pre-check-in (7 / 3 / 1 days before): access details, house rules, Wi-Fi, arrival info
Check-in day: welcome message + key contacts + urgent info
Post check-out: thank you, checklist reminder, feedback/review prompt
Benefits
Hosts:
Less manual effort and repetition
Consistent guest communication
Fewer last-minute questions
More professional hosting experience
Guests:
Clear instructions at the right time
Smoother arrival and departure
Less confusion and stress
Value
Improves communication, reduces friction, and creates a smoother, more reliable exchange experience for both hosts and guests.
When I read more professional hosting experience, I realize that, in my opinion, it’s absolutely not a good idea. If there’s one thing I don’t want when travelling through home exchange — or when welcoming guests into my home — it’s a more professional hosting experience. To me, HomeExchange should be the complete opposite of anything that sounds like that.
Exchanging homes used to be, and should still be, like welcoming friends, not like running an Airbnb with points. That means messages and instructions need to be different depending on who you’re hosting, tailored to each group member. Personally, I take my time to figure out what everyone in the group might enjoy, which naturally leads to giving different suggestions. And I would never even think about “professionalizing” the way I communicate with or send messages to my friends!
Absolutely the same for me than Illopart in. Seems to me like you would like a renting process, not the model of 80% members who just exchange their primary home 2-3 times per year. We don’t want automatic process and check in/check out, we want personnal connection and friendly feeling. I won’t vote for that sorry
I completely agree with illopart and Etienne. My communication is very different with every exchange. It just depends how far we are in the process when I give which information. I like to give information when it’s a good moment, not on a strict timeline. Also, what I tell differs with different guests. There are no check in or out times. And sometimes there may need to be more communication, when there are bak to back exchanges. Also, my welcoming and thank you words differ as well.
I vote for the more personal experience.
Thank you for this considered suggestion. I can see that for many this would be beneficial - saving time and energy, however I have to agree with the others i’m afraid. A key part of a successful exchange is open communication between the host and the guest, basically getting to know each other. This creates trust, which is an essential part of HomeExchange. Although automated messages are convenient, they do not help to create that trust.
