I can’t resist sharing this great advice from our member Lau @lamyli
She gives some handy tips on how best to write your exchange proposals, and also how to get a better understanding of the HomeExchange spirit.
"Sometimes it’s all about the way you make your requests.
Sending an exchange request is not just about asking if the house is available. I always personalise my requests and never send mass messages (I’ve never needed to, since I’ve always found exchanges easily).
I start by introducing myself and the people who will be accompanying me, as well as explaining the connections we share (family, friends, etc.).
Then I explain why we want to visit the region and why I specifically chose this particular house. I show that I’ve carefully read the description, and I often add a “like you” to find common ground (for example: “Like you, we love hiking, or discovering local specialties…”, “Like you, I’m passionate about houseplants, or I pay particular attention to the decoration of my home…”). Of course, I’m always sincere.
If I’m worried about a refusal (for example if the dates weren’t explicitly available, or I’m making a request for just a few days, or at the last minute…), but I’m really interested in the exchange, I explain where I can be flexible. For example I may offer date flexibility, the possibility of bringing our own bedding if we come by car, or even postponing the exchange to a more convenient period for them. There’s also always the option of offering a non-simultaneous exchange if a reciprocal exchange doesn’t work for them.
I also take the opportunity to highlight 2 or 3 features of our house that could interest them, based on their profile (no need to mention the baby cot or toys for a couple without children, for example).
I always thank them for taking the time to read my message, and I make sure I reply in a timely manner. You never know what may come in the future. For example a young couple who weren’t able to host us on one occasion, but with whom we had very friendly exchanges, came to stay with us later on for 2 nights. Another woman who had asked for a reciprocal exchange in early January when we weren’t available, has just proposed a new period for the spring, and we’ll be able to finalise a simultaneous reciprocal exchange for April.
There is also the Facebook Group and the Forum! You can post a message (or respond to members’ messages) on these platforms too.
Don’t despair, be flexible, seize the opportunities, explain well what you’re looking for and why, and most importantly, keep the exchanges cordial and friendly — the rest will follow…
I should mention that I live in a small village in a less touristy area, but that’s never been a problem for exchanges. The key is knowing how to highlight the advantages: the proximity to a big city, or on the other hand, the calm of the countryside, the garden for enjoying the outdoors and the vegetable patch, or the terrace or balcony, the view, the huge bay window and natural light, the décor, the houseplants, the equipment and comfort (bed linens, cozy chairs, blankets, fireplace, books, games, etc.).
In any case, for me, this is my magic formula, and it works.
Lau
#2251725
Happy reading, and thank you to Lou for these insightful words!
P.s. For anyone who would like to see the original post you can click here: Heeeelp, Homeexchange c'est pas si facile :) - #25 by Lamyli - 🤔 Q&A : Posez vos questions à la communauté - Forum HomeExchange