Users find financial, cultural advantages to home swaps through the Internet

By Suzanne Connolly,

Those looking to cut vacation costs in a down economy have come up with a new trend in travel - their homes.

Although swapping homes has been going on for decades, expense-minded voyagers are opting for trading places in increasing numbers. The emergence of the Internet has sparked this trend, creating a clearing house for thousands of swappers who have put security and anxiety issues aside for a rent-free vacation.

Surprisingly though, the bottom line for a majority of these home swappers is the “depth” of the experience; the cultural exchange. “When in Rome” is the mantra of the home exchanger. This is opposed to the typical American tourist going to Paris, following the guide book and never once connecting with a single Frenchman.

“My CEO’s father-in-law had done 17 exchanges and swore by it, so we figured we’d give it a try,” said one Palo Alto swapper. “Our experience was simply magical: we swapped our home with an Italian-American writer who owned a 300-year-old, 79-acre estate in Italy. She picked us up at the airport, stayed for two days to make sure we were comfortable and even invited us for dinner at her neighbors who owned a winery.

“Of course, at first, I was a bit timid about the thought of a stranger staying in our primary residence,” she said. “However, once we exchanged e-mails and spoke on the phone, we were like old friends. This year we are swapping our second home in Bangalore (Silicon Valley of India), with an American family living in China, for their vacation home in France. And - we’ve invited our Italian host to come along!”

The resident found her connection through an Internet swapping service, HomeExchange.com, one of several emerging online swapping businesses.

According to another HomeExchange member, Los Altos resident Michael Sanderson, “There’s a spirit of generosity among travelers, home exchangers in particular.” There’s a code of honor,” Sanderson said. “One feels like a personal ambassador of sorts.”

Home exchanges have evolved so much that special interest home exchange sites are popping up everywhere. There are sites for green, kosher, gay and lesbian, smokers, pet lovers, and even musicians (one can request a home with a piano). Most sites host children, and in fact, most house exchangers with kids will leave toys, arrange baby-sitters and even set up play dates.

Perks are incredible and although some appear too good to be true, they are more common than not: many throw in use of their second home, a golf or gym membership, use of their home office (quite common), introduce you to their neighbors, even use of a boat.

As a direct result of the economy, September 11 and the Internet, several trends have emerged. “With unemployment so high, we’re seeing a big surge in apartment and hospitality exchanges (hosting people in your home) and Gen-Xer’s as opposed to families,” said Helen Bergstein, CEO of another online swap service, Digsville.com. “Younger travelers don’t care if they sleep on a couch and are used to sharing living conditions, therefore, hospitality exchanges are a popular choice.”

Seniors, too, are a growing demographic, although their purpose is slightly different - they are looking for companionship. HomeExchange co-president Ed Kushins has seen another trend emerge. “As a result of September 11, many more people are traveling domestically and are taking shorter vacations,” he said. “Instead of the classic 1-month European vacation, travelers are opting for 6-8 weekend trips, utilizing second homes that are sitting empty.”

One of the most popular exchanges is between Los Angeles and San Francisco. According to Kushins, Californians have a huge advantage as home exchangers.

“California is one of the top vacation spots in the world,” he said. “International exchangers adore San Francisco and the Napa Valley, and therefore Bay Area residents have a plethora of choices as home exchangers.”

People also are using home exchanges for more practical reasons. Weddings, job scouting, anniversaries and graduations (many parents are looking to visit their children at Stanford or attend reunions).”One of the most heart-felt examples I’ve seen was a woman whose nephew was undergoing a liver transplant,” Kushins said. “Within hours, people were offering their homes for free (no exchange in return).”

Another feature on many of the swapping sites is the ability to search for exactly what you want: beach or mountain location? Use of a car? Some have even swapped their homes for a yacht.

“Surprisingly, equality isn’t the top concern for most,” Bergstein said. “I’ve got a large, 4-bedroom home outside of Manhattan and just recently exchanged with two young men who have a two-bedroom apartment in San Francisco. For my husband and I, it was about being right in the heart of the city.”

Both HomeExchange and Digsville representatives said they’ve never had problems with the anonymous aspect of home swapping. Security doesn’t seem to be a problem - swappers realize both have each other’s homes as collateral. On top of this, homeowner’s insurance typically covers any damage for short-term guests.

Furthermore, according to law enforcement officials, homes that are occupied are significantly safer than those that remain empty. Although standards of cleaning can be potentially problematic. Digsville requires members to rate their cleanliness habits, ranging from “hurry up and clean, guests are coming!” to “clean enough to eat off of the floor.” “Oscar will not be swapping with Felix,” Bergstein said.

The key to a successful home exchange? Get to know your house-swapping partners well before you sign on the dotted line. It’s akin to online dating: typically one is drawn to people who have similar interests, and the home and partner profiles are very specific, so you have a pretty good sense of who these folks are.

“Honestly, it’s my favorite part of the process,” the Palo Alto swapper said.