Save Money by Swapping Houses

Save Money by Swapping Houses

Wouldn't it be nice to take the family to Europe for a few weeks, see the sights, and not have a concern over the cost of your accommodations? Specifically because said accommodations didn't cost you a dime? Some may think that making this happen is an industry secret, but in reality it's just an example of what's possible by taking advantage of the growing trend of house swapping.

The premise is as simple as its namesake. After connecting with another person or family living in your destination that just so happens to be planning a trip to your hometown, the two of you arrange to swap living arrangements for the duration of the trip. There are a host of websites, HomeExchange.com being the most popular, that facilitate these message boards and home listings. All that is really required of you is an open mind and sense of adventure.

Isn't safety a concern? It's an understandable one for sure. Yet, according to the FAQ section on HomeExchange.com, "In 14 years and tens of thousands of exchanges, we've never had a report of a theft, malicious vandalism, or a case of someone getting to their exchange home and finding a vacant lot." It's encouraged to secure more valuable items, but only to protect them from potential accidents or children that aren't your own.

With the pitfalls at a bare minimum, the upside of this arrangement seems all the brighter. Saving thousands of dollars on your accommodations can save you the money most importantly, but also precious time by having all the amenities of a functioning home. Not all will come with food ready for your use or a car at your disposal, however, the vast majority of them do. Also, most find that one of the greatest benefits is the chance to experience an area like a local, not a tourist, and having the comfort of being in a home rather than a cramped hotel room.

Other good home swapping sites include HomeForExchange.com and Digsville.com. Local bulletin boards such as craigslist also feature house swapping sections, but one must exercise the utmost of caution to avoid scams and less-than-trustworthy swappers.