I'm not sure I'm comfortable having a stranger stay in my home.A number of things may ease this natural concern.
First, remember that your trading partners are letting you stay in their home, and probably have some of the same concerns. Our experience tells us that members go out of their way to take special care of their exchange home.
One of the best ways to ease this concern is by perusing our listings. We think you will quickly be put at ease by the like-minded travellers which home-exchange travel attracts!
Your email correspondence while proposing and arranging details of the exchange will help you feel comfortable with your exchange partner. It is common practice to ask for and offer a reference or two especially from prior exchange partners. You need to make sure you feel absolutely comfortable with your exchange partner before agreeing on the exchange.
If you don't feel comfortable for any reason, there are lots of other members to choose from. Invented City will follow-up on any concerns or problems.
I'm Concerned about Damage to My Home and Furnishings. What Can I Do To Feel More Secure?
Remove things of particular value. Chances are your trading partner will also prefer that fragile or valuable articles are stored out of the way.
Ask a neighbor to check in. This not only allows a trusted neighbor to make sure everything is fine, but also provides your guests with a welcome local contact.
A simple pre-trade agreement can help establish responsibilities for any problems, such as who pays for utilities, breakage, plumbing problems, and other unexpected occurrences.
Most exchangers take excellent care of their exchange home, but please remember that some wear and tear occurs even while you occupy your own home.
How can I be sure my home will be safe?
This is a common question, and an honest answer is that you cannot. However, over the years we have received very few reports of damage, and never a report of theft. Remember, your prospective exchange partner will doubtless possess the same concerns about you, but in our experience, homes are invariably left exactly as they were found.
During the process of setting up your exchange you will get to know the other family pretty well. You will learn the other family's profession and will establish a good idea of their lifestyle and their home.
Can you guarantee an exchange if I join The Invented City?
Unfortunately it is impossible for us to guarantee that you will secure a swap. However, to maximize your chances of an exchange:
Join early to allow your listing to receive lots of exposure.Add a photo or two to your listing. As the saying goes, a picture is worth …..
Contact other members even if the EXACT details of the swap are not identical. Many members are open to exchanges that don't meet the exact parameters of the listing.
Be as flexible in your travel plans as possible (dates, duration, destination).
How far in advance do I need to plan an exchange?
This all depends on your destination and duration of travel. Some members plan months in advance while others are successful at making arrangements in a week or two. We receive new members daily who are looking for compatible swaps -- sometimes on short notice, sometimes well in advance.
Since your membership lasts a full year, we recommend that you join as early as possible so that you can take your time looking at listings and won't be rushed. We have members who make plans months in advance for an international swap while others a few weeks in advance. A short domestic swap (eg Palm Springs/Seattle weekend swap) might be arranged in a week or so.
Who pays the bills?
Pay all mortgage or rental and utility bills as you normally would, and agree in advance who should pay the phone bills; each exchange party normally pays for their own telephone calls. The homeowner continues to pay for any regular cleaning help, gardeners, pool service etc.
Will my homeowner's insurance remain in force?
Usually home owner's insurance remains in force to cover guests in your home, and because no financial transaction is involved, your exchange partners are your guests. (Actually, insurance companies admit that they prefer you to leave your home occupied by guests rather unoccupied - it's safer!)
Should we exchange official contracts?
Legally drawn up contracts are not necessary. However an exchange agreement can establish responsibilities, limitations, and how to deal with unexpected problems, etc. It can also be reassuring to obtain references from your potential exchange partners, and if they have exchanged before, the best references come from their previous exchange partners.
What if my exchange partner cancels at the last minute?
Once you are sure your arrangements have been finalized, book your tickets (airline, etc.). Make copies of these tickets and send them to your exchange partner. Once significant amounts of money have been invested, it is extremely unlikely that either side will cancel.
What about damage to my home or property?
The responsibility generally lies with whomever caused the damage to either pay to have it repaired, or to reimburse you.
Will my auto insurance cover my exchange partner?
Auto insurance normally remains in force for 30 days, covering anyone driving with your permission. However, check with your agent. If it makes you more comfortable, do not hesitate to set up restrictions i.e. restrict drivers to those aged 25+, indicate the maximum amount of miles to be driven during the period of the exchange, and make it clear if you do not wish your car to be driven out of state. If you live near a border, check that insurance covers cross-border travel. If it doesn't stipulate that you do not want your car driven across the border.
What about pets?
For many families, looking after their exchange partner's pets is a task they enjoy. However, never impose your pets upon a family, which doesn't want the responsibility. Many exchangers will use your home as a base for daily sightseeing trips and will not want to be tied down by pet care. You can indicate in your listing whether you are open to caring for pets, and/or if you need pet care.
If we exchange cars, how do I get from the airport to my exchange home?
A common arrangement is for both parties to arrange for a friend or another family member to meet the exchange family at the airport and drive them to the exchange address. If this is not possible, send them very clear instructions as to what public transport they should take. Then maybe a friend could pick them up from the train station or bus terminal close to your home.
My home is very modest; can I expect to get an exchange?
Yes. Be completely honest in the description of your home and its amenities. Stress all the advantages (every home has some!) You will be surprised to find that many people will be willing to exchange their much grander residence just for the privilege and convenience of not having to stay in a hotel.
How Do I Help Prevent A Mismatch?
There should be sufficient information in each listing to weed out some obvious mismatches. For example, an exchange family with four children may not be ideal for your antique-filled home. Or your family of five may not be appropriate for a trade with a small one bedroom apartment in New York City.