Vacation Home Exchanges

For those of you that own a vacation home, or willing to rent out your primary home, you may want to consider a Vacation Home Exchange. This is where you allow someone to stay in your home for a week or longer, in exchange you get to stay in their place.

A number of online home exchange services now exist to help play match maker. Some services follow the direct match approach where you trade your home with the family where you will be vacationing in their home.

The other approach is where the exchange service works on a points basis or some other informal currency allowing you to trade properties across more than two owners. This approach is many times open to trading time shares and fractional home owners and feels much like trading weeks in those programs.

There are a number of benefits of the Home Exchange programs including cost savings on trade in part because you are minimizing taxes and related transaction expenses. Many times when you trade vacation homes, the homes come with special amenities like a car for local use. You also get to stay in unique and off the beaten path places.

Of course there are drawbacks. You have to be willing to trade out your vacation home or primary residence. You also have to match your schedule and needs to what is available.

Over time we expect to see these services grow and add more selection and benefits. HomeForExchange.com contains over 10,000+ listings worldwide in over 85 countries. Join now and get 6 months bonus.

Vacation Home Exchanges may not be for everyone, but if it fits your situation it could be a great way to expand your vacation horizons.