Amy Nakos | Real Estate Expert Summit County Colorado | What You Need to Know About House Swapping

STR restrictions have put a damper on the nightly rental of many properties in Summit County. However, owners can consider using their property in an exchange pool where they can allow people to use their home and in exchange vacation in other people’s homes. Here is what you need to know about Home Swapping! (by Amy Nakos with the help of Chat GPT!)

Home exchanges, also known as house swaps, are a fantastic way to experience new cultures without the hefty cost of accommodations. Here are some reputable companies and websites that facilitate home exchanges:

HomeExchange.com: This platform connects homeowners who want to swap houses for an agreed-upon period. It’s secure and offers both short-term and long-term exchanges. You’ll essentially trade homes with another family, allowing you to live like a local during your travels. The registration fee is reasonable, and it’s a great way to save on lodging costs. (Source)
HomeLink: Although not as new, and established in 1953, HomeLink remains a reliable choice for home exchanges. It has a large network of homeowners worldwide, making it easier to find suitable matches for swapping homes³.
Intervac: Intervac is another well-established home exchange network. It connects homeowners globally, allowing you to explore different destinations while staying in someone else’s home. Like HomeLink, Intervac has been around for a while and has a loyal user base.
LuxuryHomeExchange.com: This platform focuses on luxury vacation properties worldwide. It allows you to trade unused time in your second home for stays in other luxurious residences, villas, and resorts
ThirdHome is a global home exchange service specializing in luxury properties. The company caters exclusively to owners of second homes who seek unique and luxurious travel experiences. It boasts 13,000 properties across 95 countries and has more than 25,000 members worldwide.

Is Your Home Suitable for House Swapping? What Should You Consider?

There are several factors to consider when considering putting your home into a house-swapping program:

Location and Desirability: Is your home located in an appealing area? Consider proximity to tourist attractions, public transportation, and amenities. Most homes in Summit County, if in good condition, would be desirable for house swapping!
Home Condition and Cleanliness:
Ensure your home is well-maintained, clean, and tidy. Fix any minor repairs or issues before listing it for a swap. Look at listing it in an exchange the same as you would if you were going to sell.
Accurate Description:
Provide an honest and detailed description of your home. Include information about the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and any special amenities (e.g., pool, garden, balcony). Mention any restrictions (e.g., pet-friendly, non-smoking) to avoid surprises for your swap partners. Years ago we arranged a home swap in the middle of winter with a family in Arizona. Our kids were little and we chose the home because it had a pool. A week before the swap, the owners informed us that the pool is not heated and that we couldn’t use it! They suggested we drive 10 miles to the local rec center. We canceled the swap. Details like this are important to renters.
Photos:
High-quality photos are essential. Capture each room, exterior, and any unique features. You will want to hire a professional real estate photographer for this. Professional photos are highly superior to iPhone photos.
House Rules and Expectations:
Clearly communicate your expectations. Are there specific rules regarding pets, smoking, or noise? Be open about any limitations (e.g., no access to certain rooms).
Availability and Flexibility:
Be realistic about when your home is available for swapping. Consider flexibility in dates to accommodate other swappers’ schedules. Obviously this works much better with a second home than a primary home.
Communication and Trust:
Engage in open communication with potential swap partners. Build trust by sharing information about yourself, your family, and your home. Use the platform’s vetting and insurance systems to protect yourself and your home.

More About Third Home’s Program

If you are interested in home swapping and have a luxury property, Third Home is an interesting option. New members must apply and will undergo a vetting process. There are standards for location, condition and appointed features. Once approved, members gain access to thousands of luxury residences, villas, and even yachts! Beyond home exchanges, ThirdHome provides exclusive access and pricing on lifestyle offerings such as curated small-group travel, art, home renovation consultation services, and other travel-related services.

So, if you’re a second homeowner looking for extraordinary travel experiences, ThirdHome might be the perfect platform for you!