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HOW TO ARRANGE AN EXCHANGE HomeLink International Associates publish and distribute worldwide directories of subscribers who seek holiday home exchanges and related services. These same subscribers' listings are also posted on our website. Our directories provide the basis through which members may make contact with each other in order to arrange a variety of transactions. We cannot be held responsible for the listed homes, the actions of individual members or the accuracy of the listings. Valuable Ten Step guidelines are displayed on the inside back cover of each directory. Although we do not make personal exchange arrangements for members, we are always available to offer advice by telephone, fax or e-mail. We do not limit the number of exchanges members may arrange through these directories during the subscription year. UNDERSTANDING THE LISTINGS A 'How to Read The Listings' guide can be found in the front of the directories - keep it handy as you go through the listings. You will find that decoding becomes quite easy after just a few minutes. Our listings use trans-lingual abbreviations for two reasons. Firstly, all subscribers receive a translation of the codes in their own language; the abbreviations can, therefore, be understood by members in more than 50 countries covered by our network. Secondly, the use of codes and the fixed format of each listing make it easier for members to ascertain the essential features of each listing, enabling them to quickly find their requirements from the many thousands of choices. THE FIRST STEP Begin by choosing several listings and writing to the subscribers without delay; an e-mail or duplicated letter should suffice for this initial contact. This 'do-it-yourself' program depends upon good communication between the members. Passive subscribers - those who wait to hear from others - severely limit their own opportunities. Your initial letters do not commit you to an agreement - they simply express interest in an exchange, and it is understood that further correspondence will be necessary before an agreement can be made. Alternatively, a brief telephone call to express interest and referring to your membership number (following the directory listing) may pave the way for a quick agreement. To encourage a prompt reply you should enclose a self-addressed envelope. Otherwise, expect replies only from those who are keen to explore your offer further. Your first communications should express tentative interest pending the outcome of additional correspondence. Emphasize the advantages of your own home as a holiday or touring base. |
Every area has recreational and cultural resources as well as features of unique interest. Describe these without overstating them. If an exchange agreement seems likely, swap further detailed information and photographs about your home and local attractions. Describe your home honestly - you want your guests to be pleasantly surprised when they arrive, not disappointed. You should : * Describe interiors, rooms, grounds, storage areas, shopping and recreation facilities. * Explain presence of child/relative who may remain in the home. And never hide the existence of pets. . * Give references if available, especially those from former exchange partners. * Swap local area maps, travel folders and guide books. These are usually available free from local tourist offices. If your first efforts do not bring favourable replies select other listings and repeat the process. THE SECOND STEP As the field narrows down, you will ask and answer detailed questions. Do not be shy about this. It is wise to avoid misunderstanding by clarifying as much as possible at this stage. Some experienced exchangers confirm important agreements in writing. Again, a brief telephone call can speed matters up considerably. Ideally, by the time the exchange is ready for launching, your exchange partners will be good friends. This is the best insurance! Using HomeLink's Exchange Agreement Form, here are some of the features you can include: * Specific number of people in the exchange group with ages of children/teens. * Is the use of gas/oil/electricity included or should meters be read by both parties and settlement be made later? * Arrangements for use of telephone; reimbursement for any long distance calls. * Arrangements for laundering used linen on completion of exchange. * If you intend to swap cars, use HomeLink Canada's sample 'Automobile Exchange Agreement' to design your own form for completion by both parties. * Arrangements for meeting guests on arrival, and for collecting house and car keys. Members report that, in most cases, their new neighbours or a friend welcomed them, helped them to settle in and assisted wherever they could. * Photocopy the 'Exchange Agreement Form' (at the front of the directory, and on our website). After completing the form with your exchange partner, send a copy to HomeLink Canada |
| HAZARDS OF HOME EXCHANGE It would be dishonest for us to claim that there are no risks whatsoever. However, on average, only 1 in 500 exchangers experience some problem or other, and these disappointments usually result from mismatched housekeeping standards. It is possible that a subscriber may withdraw from an apparently firm commitment. We believe this is a serious transgression because it causes frustration, expense and inconvenience for the thwarted family which may even have made advance purchase of airfares. Please report such lapses to us. We investigate fully all such reports and, when necessary, we exclude offenders from future participation. However, if you receive an exchange offer from someone who is not listed in the current year's directory/website it is best to check their membership credentials with us if you are in any doubt. These hazards can be limited if all subscribers are guided by a spirit of goodwill. Exchange relationships are personal, not commercial. Good exchangers care as much about the comforts provided to their partners as they do about their own. Be candid in assessing your housekeeping talents. If illness or unavoidable events make it necessary to cancel, try to find another family to take your place. Never withdraw from an agreement to accept a later offer which may seem more appealing. INSURANCE Always notify your home and automobile insurance agencies about your exchange plans and verify your coverage. This is generally not a problem area as most insurance companies are more than pleased to hear that your home will be occupied rather than left empty during the holiday. It is likely that your policy covers your home whether it is occupied by friends, relations or exchange partners. However, do be aware that not all automobile policies cover guest drivers without documentation regarding the guest's driver certification. Exchange Cancellation Insurance is available in case your partner is forced to cancel, but you have purchased airfare and plan to travel to your intended destination regardless. You will be reimbursed for much of your commercial accommodation expenses. If you have not already enrolled, you may do so as soon as you have arranged an exchange by sending your premium with completed Exchange Agreement Form to HomeLink Canada. For further details contact us. EXPANDING THE OPPORTUNITIES Our happiest subscribers are those with flexible expectations. Each year they approach the program with an attitude best characterized by the expression, "Let's see what the HomeLink listings have to offer this year!" Members with rigid time and destination requirements will be disappointed because each exchange calls for dovetailed wishes at both ends. The likelihood that a family in the precise location you seek will prefer your area during the only period you will consider is almost nil. | If your choices are limited to resort areas or the most popular cities, odds grow even longer. Many resort areas clash with the spirit of this exchange concept because they are not representative of their own cultural settings. If you cannot be flexible, return to conventional 'package-deal' holidays. BEFORE LEAVING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY * Consider locking away fragile or valuable ornaments and private papers. * Leave adequate fridge, cupboard, wardrobe and drawer space for your guests. * Leave some basic items of food so that your guests can begin their stay in comfort. * Leave a housebook/folder with: locations of essentials; appliance operating instructions; garbage collection dates; telephone numbers for helpful neighbours, doctors, babysitters, etc.; recommended shops, restaurants, area attractions; maps, public transportation schedules and tourist brochures. FINAL ADVICE Remember that making a successful home exchange requires some effort on your part. Most of this effort - composing initial inquiry letters, writing notes on the use of domestic appliances and other chores - will be necessary for your first exchange only. For subsequent exchanges you will be able to use the same format for initial letters and general information notes. Experienced exchangers know that making holiday arrangements becomes a very simple routine. Now, just relax and prepare to have a good time - with your home in good hands. HELP US TO IMPROVE THE PROGRAM Upon your return home we would very much appreciate your 'Exchange Evaluation' (in the front of the directory). In particular, we would welcome suggestions on ways to improve our service to you. Thank you, in advance, from... * * * Jack Graber, Director HomeLink International Canada 1707 Platt Crescent North Vancouver BC V7J 1X9 Tel : (604) 987-3262 Fax : available on request Courriel : Contactez nous Website: www.homelink.ca Copyright 1999 - HomeLink International Canada |
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Helpful hints for those members experiencing problems getting exchanges * In general, be as flexible as possible regarding dates and destinations. * Maintain an adventurous attitude; consider expanding your options. *
If you are truly flexible regarding destinations or dates, edit your online listing:
say "Open*, * If you are truly restricted regarding destinations or dates, edit your online listing: delete any unwanted options. * Visit our website regularly; listings are being added almost daily. * Place your listing on our 30-day HotList: * Email
a one-page *urgent* request to the relevant HomeLink organizer; * Personalize your emails, using the members' names, rather than broadcasting form messages. * Copy your own listing from our site & paste it into
your email offer. * Follow-up your email offer with a telephone call, to ask if they're still available. * Contact other CDN members in your vicinity to ask if they've received *extra* offers that they cannot utilize. * Be patient and persevere. Wishing you every success, Jack Graber Director, HomeLink International Canada |