Happy home exchanges depend on developing a good relationship between the partners. Here are CasaVersa’s top tips for getting to know your home exchange partner.
Frequent home exchangers will tell you that the number one factor in a successful home exchange is good communication.
Good communication builds trust and peace of mind that your home will be safe with your exchange partners.
Travelers from across continents can have very different cultures and customs - that’s one of the reasons why we home exchange, to experience the world! But this does mean that clear communication is important so things don’t get lost in translation.
CasaVersa helps you get to know your exchange partner in lots of ways, and here are our top tips.
How to get to know your exchange partner
1. Use our ‘icebreakers’ & ask lots of questions
Once you’ve proposed an exchange, you can use our ‘icebreakers’ - they are a list of questions that you can ask and also answer yourself that help you get to know each other. For example, you can ask “What are your interests/hobbies”.
Remember to ask lots of questions - the more questions you ask, the better you will know your exchange partner!
2. Link up on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter
We’re linked up to all the popular social networks, so you can friend your exchange partner on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn to hear what their up to. You can also check if you have mutual friends.
3. Organize a Skype date
A great way to meet your exchange partner face to face is to organize a Skype date. Use timeanddate.com to set a the perfect meeting time using their meeting planner.
4. Check their references
Read the reviews and references for your partner and ask about anything that you pick up from there.
5. Read their House Rules
Your exchange partner’s House Rules will give you an idea of what kind of expectations they have for your house swap, and you can clarify any unclear points.
Many families develop long-lasting friendships with their home exchange partners, and often do return visits to their favorite locations.
So remember - be friendly, and you will turn your home exchange partner from a stranger into a new friend.
Meet your home exchange partner on CasaVersa - it’s free to sign up!
