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Lansing's Advice Column

Dear IMO,

Now that my wife and I are retired, we plan to do a lot of traveling, especially in the late summer and early fall.  We have heard about a "home exchange" program, but are uncertain about this type of vacation program.  What do you know about this option? 

Sincerely,

Bob and Dot

Dear Retirees,

First, congratulations on your retirement.  The way the stock market is behaving these days, I will have to work until I am 127 years old before my retirement plan reaches maturity.

From what I know, in a home exchange program, you agree to swap homes with someone who is interested in visiting the area where you live.  While you stay in their place, say a penthouse apartment on Central Park West in New York City, they get to stay at your home in North Lansing with a view of Kingdom Farm.  No money is exchanged because it is purely a barter system.

All you and your wife need to do is list your home on an exchange website for a basic service fee.  You’ll include photos of your home with appropriate descriptions of what they can expect while they stay at your place, a list of local attractions and events, and other information that will make your home an attractive place to stay.  You might include use of the car and ask them to feed the fish while you are away.

There are some risks involved with this type of vacation swap.  You have to feel comfortable opening your home and valuables to someone you have never met face-to-face.  Also keep in mind that everyone has their own definition of “clean, neat, and acceptable behavior.” If you consider Aunt Millie’s porcelain tea service a prized possession, you might want to put it somewhere safe.   Accidents often happen and things do break so be prepared for these possibilities.

Here are some top websites that offer both US and international listings:  HomeExchange (www.homeexchange.com), HomeLink International (www.swapnow.com), and Intervac (www.intervacusa.com).  Go online and check out these sites.  Good luck. 

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