Members Bulletin

Special events & services
Helpful hints for obtaining an exchange


Special Events & Services

* Year 2010-2011 RENEWALS
for past members are welcomed either online or through the regular mail.
See the Renew-Online link in the MEMBERS ONLY section for instructions.

* If you create a personal web-page or mini-site to describe your home and environment, give us the URL and we'll place a hyperlink in your online listing.
A free service. All we request is that you install a link in your own website,
back to HomeLink's homepage.


* For more refined searching of our database
use the Find A Listing and Search facilities.
Example: you can enter the ID#, or part of a name,
to view any listing worldwide, including your own.

* If you receive an exchange offer from an individual who does not give a HomeLink Membership ID#, and appears to be not a registered member of HomeLink, you can easily verify. First, you can use the Advanced Search, enter the individual's name and country to view their listing. If no listing appears online, then contact us at HomeLink Canada.

* When you have arranged an exchange, kindly go to Members Section.
To indicate that you no longer invite offers, ask to insert *HAVE EXCHANGE* in your listing, and prevent frustrations for other members who are still searching.

* Exchange Agreement Form is available on our website for download or printing. See Member Area, in left-frame menu <click> "Downloads & Forms". Use your browser's File:Print-frame function. Click on details

* Exchange Evaluation Form is available on our website for download or printing. See Member Area, in left-frame menu <click> "Downloads & Forms". Use your browser's File:Print-frame function. Click on details

* Auto Exchange Agreement Forms are available in our website Member Area.
In left-frame menu <click> "Downloads & Forms".
Click on details

* Members enrolled in our Exchange Cancellation Insurance should note: we need your
Exchange Agreement Form signed by both parties.
Other members may join this plan
immediately after arranging an exchange: send the $25 premium along with your signed Agreement form. See details

* To TRANSLATE and/or send e-mail in another language, here are two good online services that offer computerized translation. Click on these links
translate.google.com or www.freetranslation.com
and copy/paste your text into the appropriate window.

* If you change e-mail address, notify us so we can revise our database
and/or edit your online listing yourself.

* Some members have reported difficulties accessing our website via search engines (e.g., Yahoo, AltaVista). It is not necessary and not recommended to use a search engine. Simply type our URL http://www.homelink.ca into the Locator band near the top of your browser screen.
And record this URL in "Bookmarks" or "Favorites" for future use.

* Can you think of any other newsworthy items that we could broadcast to our members? NOTE If you have any questions, do not hesitate to e-mail us at any time throughout the year. As promptly as possible, you will receive a reply from Colleen, Leanne or myself.
Remember to INCLUDE your USER ID# in ALL your messages.

Wishing you all the best in your quest,

Sincerely,
Jack Graber

Director, HomeLink.ca International
1707 Platt Crescent, North Vancouver BC V7J 1X9 Canada
Tel 604-987-3262, Fax 604-987-3209
members@homelink.ca
HL CDN Website: http://www.homelink.ca
Canada's premier home-exchange service since 1986

Helpful Hints for Members
having difficulty getting exchanges

* In general, be as flexible as possible regarding dates and destinations.

* Maintain an adventursome attitude; consider expanding your options.

* If you are truly flexible regarding destinations or dates, edit your online listing: say "Open*, or add other options.

* If you are truly restricted regarding destinations or dates, edit your online listing:
delete any unwanted options.

* Visit our website database regularly; listings are being added almost daily.

* In MEMBERS AREA http://www.homelink.ca/MemEn.htm
Click on VIEW ALL LISTINGS
"Add my listing to the Hot Lists"

* In MEMBERS AREA http://www.homelink.ca/MemEn.htm
Click on DISCUSSION FORUM
Enter your message in "Special Exchange Requests"

* Email a one-page urgent request to the relevant HomeLink organizer;
ask them to place it in their Offer Bank.
You can find all national website contact details at:
HomeLink International www.homelink.org
Be sure to include your full identity: ID#, name, address, tel/fax/email.

* Personalize your emails, using the members' names, rather than broadcasting
generalized form letters.

* If you include an attachment document, be sure to outline its contents in your message. Most people are rather cautious these days about opening attachments.

* Copy your own listing from our site & paste it into your email offer.
Copy your photo and attach it to your email offer: <right-click> on image.jpg & save.

* 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.

* ADVICE FROM A HOMELINK MEMBER :
"Yes, persevere. I think the HomeLink service has managed to bring together
the "right sort" who understand mutual courtesy and
the practicalities that attitude affords for future use of the service.
Your particular exchange may not be as marketable as others.
That must be considered if you are to avoid disappointment.
Be as flexible as possible in what you seek and as generous as you can in what you offer or what you will do to make your exchange an inviting one."

Wishing you every success,
Jack Graber
Director, HomeLink Canada