The author listed some good points regarding locating and arranging an exchange, but I believe she placed way too much emphasis upon advising her readers to insist upon references and a formal contract. References probably serve little purpose other than to satisfy the requesting party that they can be produced, and in reality what does that prove? What do the references document? That the exchange party is good at his job? That his neighbor thinks he’s a good guy? How do either of these statements equate with him being a good home exchanger who will look after your home?

If references are important to you, then the only ones that will really carry any weight will come from previous exchange partners. But where does that leave first time home swappers?

A lot of home exchangers genuinely are placed in a comfort zone when their likely partners provide them with references and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I strongly believe that in the end, gut feelings are what should be relied upon. A gut feeling that can only be achieved after a period of time involving lots of communications, questions, answers, reviews, chats on the phone, photographs, videos and finalized agreements.

Similarly, formal contracts mean absolutely nothing. ExchangeHomes.com encourages all members to exchange written agreements covering all points have have been discussed – we publish guidelines and a sample copy on the website. These should be read carefully both both home exchange parties and only considered final when everything each considers to be important has been agreed upon. But they cannot be viewed arbitrarily as legal documents. No-one should enter into a home exchange with the intention of suing their exchange partner if they put 200 more miles on the car that was agreed.

1. Home Exchange Agreements / Contracts
2. Successful Home Exchanging – Finalizing Your Exchange
3. Do We Run Checks On Our Home Exchange Members?