Home Exchange: Trading (Vacation) Places

Exchange sites recommend that swappers discuss such matters ahead of time. Randle Griggs, a retired financial planner in Tempe, Ariz., who has participated in more than 20 domestic and international home exchanges since 1996, always asks swappers to fill out an agreement spelling out who shoulders which responsibilities should a problem arise. "I'm not sure if the agreement would hold up in court, but at least it gives you a little satisfaction," he said.

Generally, the biggest complaint among home exchangers has to do with different standards of cleanliness. Swappers are supposed to make sure their home is in order before they depart, but one person's idea of clean may be more, shall we say, forgiving than another's. And homeowners say that if they come back to a less-than-sparkling kitchen, well, that may be inconvenient but not sufficient to sour them on exchanges. (See pictures of Americans in their homes.)

While New York, London and San Francisco are some of the most popular destinations, swappers need not live in major metropolitan areas or palatial splendor to luck out with great swaps. Exhausted urban residents who need a break from the hubbub may be more than willing to swap their fabulous condo for a lakeside cabin in the middle of nowhere. "It may be a little bit tougher to find someone if you live in Nebraska than if you live in France," DiCaprio said. But it can be done. "Sell its virtues: kayaking, hiking over trails, trout fishing, some festival in summer. Why do you enjoy living there?"

The Price is Right
These places are all free, if the owners can find good swapping partners

Montreal Townhouse
This graystone is located in the city's trendy Plateau Mont-Royal district
Will swap for: A three-week stay in Argentina
Where it's listed: 1stHomeExchange.com, where it's free to list a home but costs $75 a year to contact members

Seaside Condo in Brazil
This multisuite condo near São Paulo has an infinity pool and a dry sauna
Will swap for: A house in Jackson Hole, Wyo., or Hawaii
Where it's listed: HomeExchange.com, a 17-year-old site whose membership (at $99.95 annually) is up 34% this year

English Country House
This five-bedroom in Derbyshire includes use of the family car
Will swap for: A house in Europe, the U.S. or the Caribbean
Where it's listed: HomeForExchange.com, which offers members (who pay $88 for two years) special cancellation insurance

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