Villa Exchange - A How To….

Posted by admin on October 7th, 2008 at 07:48am

The global economic crisis will have many people wondering how they will manage their holiday plans for next year.  The sharp rises in fuel costs, coupled with the uncertainty in financial markets and inflationary pressures will mean people look to make cost savings where they can. 
One area where people will want to make savings but without missing out altogether is on their holidays. A great way of reducing costs is home or villa exchange, where you swap homes or villas with another party.  This cost effective holiday reduces obvious costs such as hotels and accommodation, whilst some parties may even be able to offer car swaps etc. 
More and more people have also invested in second homes overseas and this scheme allows you to get even more value from these second properties by using them to see the world.
So how do you start:

Join an Exchange Scheme:
Firstly join an exchange scheme such as Select Exchange.  Schemes vary in cost but $20-$50 would be fair.  I would recommend joining more than one as it will give you increased opportunities.

List Your Property including photos:
When you have joined a scheme ensure that you list your property in as much detail as possible – people like information, the more you give the easier it will be for them to decide.  Put on as many photos as you can – it may be a cliché but it is true “a picture paints a thousand words”.

Be Proactive:
Don’t just sit there – get out and contact owners.  When you have joined a scheme don’t just sit there, go out and contact owners yourself letting people know you are interested in visiting their property.  Remember though be polite and be friendly in your emails.

Think Ahead
A home exchange can take time plan ahead at least 6-9 months to give yourself the best opportunity to find what you want.

Be Flexible
A home or villa exchange can require you to be more flexible – do not confine your self with very restrictive dates – you have more chance of getting an exchange if you say you want something for July than saying you need something in the first week of July.

Offer Additional Benefits
If you have a car for example offer to include that (make sure it is adequately insured though).  It you can offer discounted golf or golf access, include that as well.   The same applies of ski passes etc.

Supply lots of relevant Local Information
Sell the benefits of your area.  Identify the local attractions as well as the local shops and restaurants.  Holiday makers want a full experience so the more you can offer them the happier they will be, and the more likely they are to want to exchange.
And finally the most important point is “Honesty is the Best Policy”.  Keep this important point in mind in when villa exchanging.

Tags: holiday home swap, vacation home exchange, Villa Exchange Destinations, villa swap, villa vacation swap

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