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Out of the blue, I was asked the other day, what criteria defines a “good” home exchange participant. The question gave me pause for thought - not because I had any difficulty in answering, but because there are so many points that can be attributed to a good home exchanger, my response needed to be constructed wisely.

In the end I concluded that I could best answer by offering a list of ten features usually possessed by a home exchanger whom I would adjudge as being “good”.

1. They check their emails regularly (at least once daily) and respond promptly to every inquiry they receive.
2. They keep their home exchange listing up to date with dates, destinations etc., and always keep their email address current.
3. They never send out “spam” inquiries. Each inquiry they send is geared to an individual listing.
4. They describe their home and its environs honestly, accurately and fairly.
5. They never ever renege on a firm home exchange agreement. This represents the worse offense possible.
6. They never spring unexpected household chores or maintenance tasks upon their guests. They discuss and agree such matters in advance.
7. They leave their own home clean and welcoming for their guests with basic groceries in the kitchen, the beds made with fresh linens and cuddly towels in the bathrooms.
8. They prepare a “Home Exchange Book” listing emergency phone numbers, local services that they use (plumbers, electricians, mechanics, etc.), appliance manuals, restaurants they recommend, etc.
9. They never bring additional people into the exchange home without prior arrangement with their exchange partners.
10. They leave their exchange home exactly as they found it - clean and fresh and welcoming for their partner’s return.

If anyone would like to add any points to this list, I’d love to hear from you!

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