A legitimate question: your house exchange is over, and it’s time to leave a review. How honest can you be if you were disappointed?
First and foremost, let’s clarify the basics: a house exchange should not be viewed the same way as a rental or a hotel room. Indeed, house exchanging is based on hospitality: another member graciously welcomes you into their home, without any exchange of money. Therefore, don’t expect any kind of service or hotel-like amenities, for example: the house should match what was advertised and be tidy. The idea is to welcome guests as you would welcome friends of friends, neither more nor less. So, it’s not about “rating” a service here, but rather about an experience, the experience of being hosted by another member. This distinction is important.
The importance of good communication before the exchange
Since HomeExchangers are all different (We're all different - and for the better!), and we all have varying expectations (some of us are more or less particular about cleaning, for example), it’s crucial to communicate well with your potential exchange partner before finalising the exchange, to ensure both parties understand each other’s expectations. The more you communicate, the lower the risk of disappointment.
Be honest in your reviews…
… while keeping in mind that these people graciously lent you their home.
HomeExchange is a community: this means that the quality of the members depends largely on each member.
If, at the end of the exchange, you realise that certain information—positive or negative—wasn’t mentioned in the listing and would be helpful for other community members to know, include it in your review. For example, the house is next to a beautiful park, or the garden has a super cool treehouse, etc. On the other hand, if the house is near a highway and the noise is disturbing, for example, you can mention that if it wasn’t in the listing. However, there’s no need to point out that you found a speck of dust under the bed: remember, it’s not about rating “services” here, but rather a general experience, the experience of being hosted for free by another member.
How reviews work
At the end of each exchange, both the guest and the host have the option to leave a comment and a rating in the form of stars (from 1 to 5).
For reliability, we’ve decided to be fully transparent about the review and publication system:
- HomeExchange does not review any of the evaluations, and therefore does not guarantee their accuracy either. However, members commit to providing only accurate information, using words that best describe their experience. Offensive or defamatory language is not tolerated.
- Reviews are published either once both partners have mutually rated each other, or after the review period has ended: 40 days.
- Comments are displayed on the profile in chronological order of when the exchanges took place.
- No published comment should involve threats, extortion, or exchange of any kind.
- You have the option to respond to a review left on your profile/listing within 30 days of its publication.
In conclusion
Should you be honest in the reviews you leave? Yes, while keeping in mind that these people graciously hosted you in their home. Be sure to share relevant (positive and negative) details for the community.
Once again, good communication before finalising the exchange, and sometimes even during the exchange, is the key to a successful exchange.