Can you be a home trader?
I pose the title as a question. Why? Because not everyone has the disposition to be a home trader. Would you allow a stranger into your home, without you? Does that thought of being a home trader send you into a panic? Stop reading and skip to the section on Guest Hosting. Not surprisingly, home trading is not a “one size fits all!” If, on the other hand, this idea intrigues you, read on.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please assume that every single link on SeniorswithLatitude.com is an affiliate link, and that if you click on it and buy something, we’ll possibly make a small commission from it, at no additional cost to you. Here is our complete affiliate disclosure.
Home trader for travel.
Home trader platforms.
Recently, we were unable to find reasonable lodging at a preferred destination. The solution? We became a home trader! Home trader, house swapper, home swapping, home exchange: it’s known by many names. Collectively, what they amount to is FREE LODGING!
There are many home trading platforms. A few are free but most charge an annual fee of anywhere from @ $55 -$150. With a membership, unlimited trades are allowed! Some of the more popular platforms are HomeLink.Org, HomeExchange.com, and LoveHomeSwap.com.
Join HomeExchange.com using this link and you receive 100 guest points. Also, we receive 25 points.. Plus, you will receive your own link and can invite friends to earn more points. (Max 1250 points.) One of the newer sites is PeopleLikeUs.world. This site is still growing and is FREE!
HomeLink has a 30-day free trial. Afterward, you can sign up for USA swaps for $55 or for international for $99 yr. HomeExchange is $150 yr or you can sign up for their “essential plan” for $15 night. LoveHomeSwap has a 2-week trial period, then, their membership fee is $11-$19 a month.
Creating a home trader profile.
Much like pet-sitting, home trading requires a profile. First, create your home exchange listing on the platform by filling in basic home information along with photos. Then, provide details, pointing out all the fun things to do in the area. Next, create your family profile so your exchange partner can learn a bit about YOU!. Include your preferred destinations, family interests and hobbies. Don’t worry, only other members can see this information.
Finding a home trade.
Once you have the profiles, the fun begins. Choose your destination and start searching. Check out the pictures and read the home profiles. To see if the homeowner (HO) might be a good match, read their family profile. Find exchange partners who share your interests.
Once you have found a possibility, email the HO and inquire about an exchange. All platforms have a secure email function. This way, you do not reveal your personal email.
Agree on the home trade.
First, discuss dates and details with your potential exchange partner. Next, complete the online agreement form when you are ready to confirm your home swap. Not all platforms have this. However, all have guidelines for arranging a swap. In addition, most platforms also have guidelines for preparing your home and what to expect. Thankfully, the process is organized to make it stress-free and simple for you.
If you have questions, help is readily available. For example, HomeLink.Org has representatives in 20 different countries to help before, during and after a swap. All the sites mentioned either have email/phone and/or chat support. It really couldn’t be easier! All that’s left to do is, prep your house, pack and GO!
Types of homes available to trade.
What if you don’t own your home? No problem! With the landlord’s ok, you too can exchange. Also, it doesn’t have to be a single-family home. Condos, apartments, duplexes, vacation rentals, second homes: all are suitable for home trading. If you are living in it, it can probably be an exchange property.
Not much going on in your neighborhood? Concerned that no one would want to come? Don’t be. Maybe your exchange family just wants peace and quiet or a change of scenery. Have plants to water or pets to feed? You can search for similar exchange partners and “trade” pets and plants too! Additionally, some exchanges include a car swap. It’s a win/win for all.
Types of home trades available.
Simply put, there are three types of trades. First is the simultaneous trade where you and your exchange partner trade properties at the same time. I go to your house and you come to mine. Second, is the non-simultaneous swap. As the name implies, you and your exchange partner trade homes, but not at the same time. For example, we went to our exchange partner’s home while they were at their second home. They, in turn, came to our property while we were traveling elsewhere.
The “guest points system” is the third option. Both HomeExchange.com and LoveHomeSwap.com offer a guest points system but HomeLink.Org does not. You earn points by signing up, guest-hosting (see below) and/or trading your house. Guest points offer a bit more flexibility and create a greater scope of travel. For example, if you find a home to exchange into, but the HO does not wish to trade into your location, you can offer them guest points. Afterward, they can use the points to go elsewhere.
Guest points are calculated and set by the platform based on beds, location, and amenities. Personally, we do not use guest points. We found the point total inadequate given our location and amenities and instead only do direct trades. This is totally a personal choice and all options have their benefits and drawbacks.
Guest Hosting
What is guest hosting?
Not quite sure about house trading but still curious? Well, here’s another option for you. “Guest hosting” is when an exchange member opens up part of their home and welcomes other members. This is an excellent way to earn points and experience having people in your home. Additionally, it is a great way to learn about the home exchange and hosting lifestyle.
In some cases, the “hosting” may occur in a separate area, like a studio while in other cases, you may find yourself with a private bedroom/bath but sharing the rest of the house. If you like to meet new people, hosting might be right for you plus you’ll earn travel points. Or, if you prefer to have a local guide for your next trip, you may want to be “hosted.” Either way, hosting may be perfect for you and is another win/win for all.
Summary
House swapping, house trading, trade my home – whatever you call it, it’s here to stay. Today, there are so many travel accommodations options in addition to exchanging like house and pet sitting, AirBnB and guest hosting, to name a few. As a result, lodging costs should not be a deterrent to your travel lifestyle because if you have the desire, there is a way to make travel a reality.
In summary, we hope you found this information useful. Our goal is to provide inspiration, information and creative ideas for your future travels. Of course, there are MANY more home exchange platforms but it just isn’t possible to mention every single one. Have fun searching for other sites on the web. We’re sure you’ll find one or two that suite you perfectly and get you on your way.
If you like this post, we invite you to subscribe. That way, you will receive email notification of all new posts. But, don’t worry. Your privacy is valuable and we will never share or sell your email! Between house and pet sitting and swapping, we are traveling the world. If you have questions or a story to tell, please comment below. We’d love to hear from you.
1 Comment