Trading Spaces: Home Sweet Swap
The first time Lauren Ragland spoke with Philippe she listened closely to everything he said for any sign of a criminal past�or even just a very messy one.
“Swapping my Brooklyn, NY apartment for Philippe’s Parisian flat was the springboard to my fabulous French vacation, the icing on my Ã?©clair!” said Ragland. “Before you can play house in your new pied-a-terre you’ll need pictures of your own home from the inside out.”
Ragland also makes these suggestions:
Begin your search at least two months prior to your planned departure.
Be flexible.
Consider not only the destination but also the full package – home amenities, bedrooms, and bathrooms, proximity to points of interest, public transportation; etc.
When listing your home describe it as one part of an entire travel experience.
Find out if public transportation is available.
Ask if there are pets?
Ask for references.
Prepare a written agreement stating that the respective homes will be left as they were found.
Request and provide access to a backup set of keys.
If you want your valuables to be off-limits, instead of roping off areas of your home, store them elsewhere.
Create an air of hospitality.
A handful of online services are targeted towards gays and lesbians who want the security of knowing their sexual orientation won’t be a problem and who simply feel more comfortable staying within the gay community.
The GFN Home Exchange Club guarantees you’ll find a home exchange partner in one year or the next year is free. They have 2,000 listings. Membership fee is one year for $44.95.
To find a gay swapping service, go to OutTraveler.com.
