r/homeexchange

What home swapping platform are you currently using? What is your favourite aspect of that platform? What is your least favourite?

Hello everyone, this is the first time I’m writing a message like this after hosting many people in my accommodation this year. I always make sure to offer my homes in the cleanest possible condition because I believe that is the bare minimum of respect.

The place I am currently staying in is supposed to have been cleaned by a housekeeper. Yet I keep discovering more and more disgusting things. The barbecue is full of pieces of meat and dried grease; it looks like it has never been cleaned. The oven is dirty. The stovetop is dirty. The toaster even had bits of bread on top, as if it had just been used. On the bedside tables, there were hairs I’m not sure what kind. For me, this is too much.

I would like your opinion. I understand that we are exchanging homes, but in my view it should still be cleaned. I could never offer someone a dirty place to stay in my home. What should I do? Is this normal on this platform?

I have to admit I’m a bit disappointed. The listing I chose had no reviews before and looked very good in the photos.

For both personal and working reasons I can't take very long holidays, so I generally travel along the year.on the spot, when I have the chance.

But I've noticed it is very hard to be accepted only for a couple of days by the other owners, especially using GP. It's somehow frustrating because right now I am hosting, when my apartment is available (even for a couple of days!), but on the other side I've been accepted only two times (and one of them I stayed 4 days, but the host asked me to pay the price for a 5 nights stay).

So my question is: is HE not worth it, for this kind of holiday?

I have a cute brand new two bedroom, two bathroom house 10 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from downtown in Wilmington, NC. I’d love to do an exchange - particularly to anywhere on the west coast (US) or just about anywhere in Europe, but my location doesn’t seem very desirable unfortunately. It’s odd because Wilmington is a huge tourist area with beautiful beaches and islands, tons of historical architecture, a stunning riverwalk overlooking the Cape Fear River, outdoor music venues, etc. Is HE basically for people who live in large metropolitan areas? I’m so disappointed so far.

We have an ADU (additional dwelling unit) on our property that due to county statutes we cannot rent out on Airbnb, etc for under 30 days. We cannot rent, however, do HE for points to use later.
My questions are for those of your with ADUs:

1. Do you find guests are willing to use points over a direct exchange?
2. Have you ever done a direct exchange utilizing your ADU and someone else’s home?

I only have one closet and I am out of room so I made a makeshift storage area in the living room with curtains. They are nice and I did disclose in the photos but I am starting to panic as a first timer:

- Do I have to empty my entryway shoe cabinet? Is it rude to put signs saying “no access”?
- Will guest go through my closet looking for more towels if they want them? I left enough for 2 people but I have a few personal ones I don’t want them to have.
- Have any guests taken things? I have a dvd collection and would be upset if someone steals one

My first exchange arrives in 2 days and I’ve been cleaning and putting clutter away but I am panicked they will find too many personal artifacts. I am a minimalist in general but I have been putting away family photos and such.

Am I worrying too much? Are signs ok?

Hi Reddit Readers,
I have a 2 bedroom, two bath condo in Rancho Mirage, CA (next to Palm Springs), at Mission Hills Country Club. 1500 Square feet.
Brand new air conditioning. Two small patios.
Fully furnished. Walk to swimming pool and hot tub. Bikes. Security gate entrance.
Surrounded by greenbelt and three golf courses. Parking available. Two hours to LA, and San Diego, and 90 minutes to beach towns. I'm interested in doing a home swap for three to four weeks in October but not impressed with the inventory on the other side including Paris and London. My husband and i just retired and are interested in trying out a swap for the first time. Please suggest the best approach.