Any house swappers / traders out there?

[bearmom]

We are toying with the idea of joining one of those home swapping things where people can swap homes with someone else anywhere in the world for a period of time. Some people swap their primary residence, or you can swap a vacation home if you have one.

We met some people in Capri that lived in Seattle and had swapped their home for a month to stay there. I guess I have trouble believing that someone living in Capri would ever want to go to Washington, but someone did. I've now talked to numerous people who have done this and gotten great advice, and have only heard great stories. Where are the horror stories?

So, we are thinking we'd like to spend several months or more per year in other countries. Have any of you tried it this way?

 

[JackieOnLine]

no, but can't wait to hear if someone has. seems like it could be well worth any risk. (and that's what your insurance is for, anyway)

Capri, OMG!!

 

[Munchkin]

Also waiting to hear how it goes! Would be a great way to travel cheap and stay longer! I bet I could do this in Vegas!

 

[newanatomy]

Also waiting to hear how it goes! Would be a great way to travel cheap and stay longer! I bet I could do this in Vegas!

You could easily do it in Vegas! Wish I could come! My hubby and I got married in Vegas 29 years ago!

I doubt I could ever do this, who wants to come to Idaho Falls?!

 

[Terri]

@newanatomy I am right there with you. Evansville, IN is not big on the tourist's list either.

 

[hilary1617]

What a great idea. I think I have to go away for a month this summer for work and have been thinking about paying a house sitter and renting a place at the destination. I wonder if someone would want to swap for a house in the Chicago suburbs!?

 

[Elizabeth N.]

*shudder* at the thought of Chicago in the summer....

 

[Munchkin]

Love Idaho Falls! Swan Valley, Heise, and the best Fair ever, Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot/Chubbuck. Close to Jackson too!

 

[newanatomy]

Love Idaho Falls! Swan Valley, Heise, and the best Fair ever, Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot/Chubbuck. Close to Jackson too!

Well, I have a big house. Come visit anytime you want!

 

[kirmy]

Tempting. It may involve dog sitting too though...and they will expect to share a bed with you.

 

[Munchkin]

Tempting. It may involve dog sitting too though...and they will expect to share a bed with you.

I have about 200lbs of dog every night!

 

[Munchkin]

Well, I have a big house. Come visit anytime you want!

Thanks! Do you go to the fair every year? The food is amazing!

 

[newanatomy]

Thanks! Do you go to the fair every year? The food is amazing!

We usually go about every other year. Yes, the food is amazing! Think I better skip this year, lol.

 

[bearmom]

Tempting. It may involve dog sitting too though...and they will expect to share a bed with you.[/QU

Apparently, many of the home swappers arrange to take care of each others pets.

Use of cars can also be on or off the table. A woman from Paris just did a two month exchange with someone in Vancouver BC, and took care of a cat. The apt in paris was tiny with a view, and the home in Vancouver was 6200 sf, on the water (with a spoiled indoor cat) and both parties were thrilled with the exchange.

I don't have a dog anymore, but would be fine with taking care of someone elses.

 

[brooklyngirl]

Apparently, many of the home swappers arrange to take care of each others pets.

Use of cars can also be on or off the table. A woman from Paris just did a two month exchange with someone in Vancouver BC, and took care of a cat. The apt in paris was tiny with a view, and the home in Vancouver was 6200 sf, on the water (with a spoiled indoor cat) and both parties were thrilled with the exchange.

I don't have a dog anymore, but would be fine with taking care of someone elses.

That sounds very cool, and I'd like to think that if you were doing a direct swap with someone that they'd take care of your place just as well as they'd want you to be taking care of their place.