Best Home Exchange Website? My review of HomeExchange

Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce your living expenses to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home?

That’s what housing change promises.

Housing swaps have been around for decades. It was the theme of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became very angry but were quickly covered by sites like Airbnb.

But with travel prices skyrocketing post-COVID, many people have turned to home exchange as a way to save money while traveling while still getting local experiences (but without the hassle of Airbnb).

Housing swaps are exactly what they sound like. You register, list your home, and exchange with someone in another city. They live in your place and you live in theirs.

The largest and most popular exchange platform is HomeExchange.

And, in this post, I’ll discuss everything you need to know to get started with a home exchange and help you decide if HomeExchange is right for you.

What is HomeExchange?

Founded in 1992, HomeExchange is a network that helps to exchange homes with another person or family. The company actually started as a mail-order print directory before moving online. Today, there are over 200,000 members in over 155 countries. The largest and most popular house flipping platform.

Currently, it costs $220 USD per year for unlimited exchanges.

It’s easy to use too. You just have to create a free account, fill out your profile (including plenty of photos and detailed descriptions of your home), verify your identity, and pay the fee.

Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to start looking for exchange opportunities.

You can find home exchange opportunities by simply browsing the website (there’s a handy map function to see where the opportunities are) or by narrowing down your search using the website’s filters. You can sort by number of bedrooms, pet-friendly, accessibility, and amenities (such as swimming pools).

When you find a home you’re interested in, all you have to do is reach out through HomeExchange’s secure messaging system, express your interest, and get the conversation going.

There are two types of exchange: what HomeExchange calls “Classic Exchange” and “Exchange with GuestPoints”.

Classic Exchange
The Classic Exchange is probably what you think of when you think of a home exchange: you live in someone’s home, and in exchange, they live in yours. This can be at the same time or at different times, but the main point is that it is consistent.

But what if you want to stay at someone’s house and they are not interested in coming to yours? This is where GuestPoints (GP) come in.

What are GuestPoints?
GuestPoints (GP) is HomeExchange’s points program. You will get 500 when you sign up and earn more by hosting members in your home.

If you want to live in a place that does not want to do the old exchange, you can give them a GP to live in their home. They can use those points to stay at someone else’s home.

The amount of points required varies per stay, but is usually between 100-320 GP per night. That means with your bonus welcome points you will be able to try out the platform immediately!

Is HomeExchange Safe?

Living in a stranger’s house can feel strange. I get it. But using HomeExchange is very safe. Like sites like Airbnb, users must verify their identity and submit proof of address and create a profile, so you can see photos of where you’re staying before you go.

Additionally, you must pay a deposit of $500 USD when you reserve the home. That means if you accidentally break something in your rental home, the landlord can use that money to reimburse the cost. HomeExchange also includes damage coverage up to $1,000,000 USD, which means you really don’t need to worry about damage to your home.

In addition, HomeExchange has a Guarantee of Compliance that if the accommodation does not meet the original description of the home, they will provide an alternative solution.

In addition, if your exchange is canceled at the last minute, HomeExchange will provide you with compensation of up to $840 USD/week if you are unable to find a replacement.

But perhaps most importantly, every guest on HomeExchange is also a host. That fills the system with mutual respect and trust. Members manage their homes the way they want their own homes to be managed, which ensures that the community is always respectful and considerate.

So, in short, it’s a safe platform that you can use with confidence. They also have 24/7 support if you have any questions or experience a problem or emergency.

What I Liked About HomeExchange

For me, the main draw of using HomeExchange is that it allows you to live like a local. It’s like a mix between Airbnb and Couchsurfing. Hosts can share their favorite things to see and do, give you personalized suggestions on where to eat, and much more. You get all kinds of insider tips and advice that you wouldn’t get otherwise, and I think that’s important to get off the beaten path and deepen your journey.

Another great benefit is their private Facebook group. Another great way to connect with fellow travelers and get travel tips and advice you won’t find anywhere else. I’m a big fan of travel Facebook groups as you can get a ton of great tips and information from them.

Plus, if you don’t get a replacement in your first year, HomeExchange waives the fee for the second year. That’s a nice bonus and one that I think new members who don’t travel a ton will really appreciate.

Also, I also like that homes are available in 155 different countries and there are over 200,000 members so you get more options. There is 24/7 customer support and they will help you financially if your exchange is canceled so you are not left stranded and living in a new city!

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Exchanges

Can I change the home if I rent (not own) my property?
Yes! You just need to confirm the guest policy in your rental/rental agreement. If in doubt, let your landlord know so there are no surprises.

Can I change homes if I have pets?
Yes! Just be sure to list your pets and their needs in your profile. If you have pets that will be staying at the home, be sure to provide information about their needs and communicate clearly with the member who may be staying there. If you live with pets but they travel with you, you’ll still want to account for their presence in case of allergies. If you want to go somewhere and stay at another member’s home with your pet, you also need to be clear about this when planning a potential exchange.

Can I host people in my spare room as an exchange?
Yes. Be sure to indicate that this is the condition in your listing by selecting “private room” rather than “entire unit.” Also, communicate clearly when planning the exchange so everyone knows what they’re signing up for!

Is there a minimum number of nights required for the exchange?
There is no minimum accommodation minimum night, although you will find that many hosts set their own minimum (usually 3-7 days). If you’re going to exchange though, you’ll probably find you’ll want to stay at least that long!

HomeExchange is a great platform for people looking for the benefits and convenience of a private home in your area but on a budget. Additionally, this is a great way to bond with family. I think sharing a home creates a sense of closeness and you might even make friends over it. It’s like Couchsurfing for adults and I made a lot of friends using that.

A cool platform that can help you have a unique, affordable trip while connecting you with interesting locals who can share their insider tips and advice.

Click here to learn more and sign up today!