Home swapping | Toronto Sun

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Could your home be key to economical vacations?

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Dionne Orrange is a college instructor who loves to travel and has discovered the many benefits of home swapping. What began as an “economical way to travel” has blossomed into so much more.

“The thought of staying in someone’s home, with a full kitchen, places to relax and all the amenities you would need sounded like a great idea,” the Vancouver, B.C. resident says of her decision to become a HomeExchange member in 2013.

She became “hooked” after her first exchange to Washington, where she made a memorable connection with the owner over a jigsaw puzzle her family completed while there.

“It truly encapsulates what HomeExchange is all about – you’re not just swapping homes; you’re connecting with people, even if you never meet them,” Orrange says.

She now has more than 50 exchanges under her belt, with more planned for this year. “I’ve stayed in a variety of homes – from huge waterfront properties with theatres, spas, gyms and saunas to cozy apartments, especially in Europe,” Orrange says.

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READ REVIEWS

“I always read the reviews to ensure that the pictures I am seeing are representative of the home and also that there are positive reviews. I am also usually less interested in the size of the home or apartment and more the location as now when I travel it is often alone, with a partner or with friends and I want to be close to all the great sights there are to see.”

Orrange is proud of the reviews she has received and has formed “lasting connections” with some of the people with whom she has exchanged homes. “It’s common to stay in touch with people during the exchange, whether it’s for small things like how to use the remote or simply to chat about plans,” she says.

“I’ve had tea and lunch with some exchange partners and I’ve yet to meet anyone I didn’t like. I truly believe that HomeExchange attracts a special kind of person – one who is open to sharing their home and creating genuine connections with others.”

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EXPLORE COMMUNITIES

HomeExchange is primarily focused on travel and vacation home swapping. “However, the platform’s flexibility allows users to explore different communities and neighbourhoods, which could serve as a ‘test drive’ for individuals considering a move to a new area,” says Jessica Poillucci, public relations manager for UCAN (& UK) Markets.

“In addition to just travel, HomeExchange offers the opportunity to connect with like-minded travellers across the globe. Many members say they are still friends with past exchange partners years later, some even doing yearly vacations together, truly building a lifelong friendship,” she says.

“Lastly, many people like to have someone watch over their space or even pets while they’re away and swapping homes allows for that. While it should always be discussed ahead of finalizing an exchange, members will sometimes take care of one another’s pets, water the plants and overall keep an eye on the home, eliminating the need for a house-sitter.”

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Here’s how it works: interested individuals register for HomeExchange via the platform’s website at www.homeexchange.com or mobile app. Create a profile of your home (including photos and details) and pay the annual membership fee of $230. Search for homes to exchange with others.

VARIETY OF HOMES

“HomeExchange accepts a wide variety of homes, from apartments and houses to unique accommodations like castles, docked boats and fixed mobile homes, as long as they meet basic standards of comfort, safety and quality. Homes should include essential amenities, such as a bed, kitchen and bathroom, to ensure a positive exchange experience for both parties,” says Poillucci.

“As a tenant, it’s your responsibility to verify the terms of your rental contract and determine whether you need to notify your landlord before inviting HomeExchange members into your home. If you’re unsure, it’s best to notify your landlord in advance, as HomeExchange cannot be held responsible for any violations of rental contract terms. “

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Additionally, HomeExchange allows you to exchange your home while you’re away or host guests in your guest rooms or independent living spaces while you’re present – just be sure to notify your guests before finalizing the exchange.”

There are two main ways to exchange: the reciprocal exchange where you swap homes with someone either at the same time or different dates and the GuestPoint exchange where you use points to go to someone else’s home and they then use those points to go elsewhere.

‘SPECIAL MEMORIES’

Orrange currently lives in a two-bedroom apartment in a vibrant area of Vancouver, with easy access to all the city has to offer. Many of her early exchanges were in Canada and the northern U.S.

“I then started travelling further and went to San Diego, San Francisco, Colorado, Paris, Nice, Bainbridge Island, New York, all over Portugal,” she says. “One memorable exchange was staying in a beautiful brownstone in Brooklyn. We would never have been able to afford a place like that otherwise.”

Admittedly, she doesn’t have a favourite exchange. “Travelling to me is about experiencing the local culture and immersing yourself in that and every HomeExchange, whether I was alone, with a partner or my kids or friends, has special memories that are unique.”

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