… and about platforms like Booking and others. Welcome to the (wonderful) world of home exchange!
If you are discovering home exchange for the first time, some aspects might surprise you or raise questions. That’s completely normal: home exchange is based on unique codes and values.
For practical aspects, feel free to check out the Q&A section of this forum or the FAQ on the platform. But here, we will focus on what is at the heart of HomeExchange: its core principles and values.
Finding the right exchange and the right partners
It’s often said: communication is the key to a successful exchange. Finding the ideal home using the search filters is just the first step. Home exchange is also, and above all, a meeting between members. Before finalising or even pre-approving an exchange, take the time to talk to your potential partner. This conversation will help you ensure that you’re on the same page.
Some expectations should be clarified in advance: preferences regarding cleaning, key management, or specific house rules. If you have specific needs (a firm mattress to avoid back pain, a coffee machine for your daily caffeine fix, or blackout curtains for better sleep), don’t hesitate to ask your questions. The more you communicate, the less likely you are to face any unpleasant surprises.
Your home, your rules
If you’re about to host members in your home, take the time to share your recommendations and instructions. In addition to your tips for discovering the area, be clear about your expectations:
- Should a full cleaning be done at the end of the stay?
- What to do with the bed sheets and towels?
- Are there any areas off-limits?
Express yourself freely: transparency fosters a harmonious experience for everyone.
Be open to surprises
The best experiences often arise when we step outside our comfort zone. Be open to unexpected destinations.
Your dream is to visit New York? Why not explore the surroundings and consider a house nearby? You might discover authentic places and experience something more local.
Short on inspiration? Take a tour of the platform. Start a general search (France, Europe, etc.) and apply filters like “Recent availability” or “New homes”. Let yourself be guided by the unexpected and open yourself to new possibilities.
Trust and hospitality
The pillars of HomeExchange are trust and hospitality.
Trust means lending your most precious possession—your home—to strangers. But at HomeExchange, this trust is built and strengthened with each exchange, for over 35 years.
Hospitality is the joy of receiving. Preparing your home so guests feel comfortable, offering a warm welcome, and sometimes even getting to know each other over coffee or a glass of wine. Hosting through home exchange is a bit like welcoming friends of friends.
So, are you ready to experience HomeExchange?