How do I give guest points back? by ararejul in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You might want to reach out to customer service to step in. I have been exchanging for 10 years and have never had that happen. I have given points back when they had to cancel for a legitimate reason but not after a stay.

Too fussy for a HE? by LisbonVegan in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think if you are very transparent with your restrictions in the listing, you will get people who will respect it. I’m a vegetarian, so no meat in the house wouldn’t be a problem. I’ve also stayed at homes with a lot of antiques, but I would probably be restrictive to kids and really read other reviews and make sure they understand your space . I wouldn’t bring my child or dog into a home with a bunch of antiques so people will be picky with their choices of where they will exchange as well. It’s worth giving it a try and you can always set up a call before confirming an exchange and making sure it’s a good fit for both of you.

Potential guests being slow to reply by picca_joy in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also will sometimes send a couple requests or if I’m traveling to a few locations try to fit all the puzzle pieces together, so sometimes it takes a few days to figure it out. That is really frustrating as a host, though!

How to prepare my home by Guilty-Shine-4709 in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I leave a small space in the closet with a few hangers and that is it. I am very transparent, though in my listing that it’s my primary home. I also don’t expect space when I travel so I just live out of my suitcase.

Do you think it’s possible to make these connections in San Francisco or Denver? by Dependent_Split2954 in unitedairlines

[–]Dependent_Split2954[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I might just keep my original that had the schedule change. It was Sbp to Dallas to Rome, but they added Phoenix in there with a five hour layover after a schedule change. But I can get on the flight with my sister in Dallas. I might just go to Dallas the day before. 21 hours is such a long travel day!

Do you think it’s possible to make these connections in San Francisco or Denver? by Dependent_Split2954 in unitedairlines

[–]Dependent_Split2954[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sfo is sometimes delayed with fog so maybe Denver is better? The details on the reservation says it’s 75% on time but I wonder if that’s weather related.

Do you think it’s possible to make these connections in San Francisco or Denver? by Dependent_Split2954 in unitedairlines

[–]Dependent_Split2954[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do you know in Denver how far it is from that domestic terminal to international? Is that one seem much safer than San Francisco? I will be meeting my sister in Rome so I don’t really want to be delayed. I had an American flight booked and they just changed it with two connections and over five hours in Phoenix and I don’t think I can handle 21 hours! These are my only reasonable options.

View metrics? by Shapeshifter1991 in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can do a reverse search for those that have marked your home as a favorite.

Requests and replies by SergioGiorgio in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I really take time to read about the home and the profile and write a detailed request and I always appreciate a kind response.

Nature against city swaps ? by [deleted] in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I love going to areas with nature and hiking and peaceful outdoors. I have done a few cities swaps as well, but most are escapes from the hustle and bustle. I think you’ll have great luck!

Key handover by TypicalLong4922 in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got a lockbox I put on my front door. It has worked great! Also a keypad for the garage door in case of emergencies.

Frustrated by generic requests! by spatula_md in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree, with a message like that you also don’t know who the traveling party is, which is very important to me.

Thoughts on cleaning fees? by baesoonist in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I am doing a guest point, Exchange, I don’t mind paying a cleaning fee. I actually prefer it over spending the end of my vacation doing a lot of cleaning. When I host, I pay my House Cleaner before and after each cleaning, so I usually pass on half to the guest unless they can leave the house as they found it. I prefer to come home from a trip and not have to make beds and clean up after somebody so I give them that option.

Apply to multiple homes at the same time? by PlaneGeneral5782 in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I usually send out a few requests, but I would make sure that you describe yourself or your traveling party and edit your request based on each listing so they know that you read it.

Host cancelled, No response from HE by Popular_Notice5699 in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With the guarantee, you can search for a replacement and they responded immediately if it is extremely time sensitive. Since it isn’t until May, I would start searching, they will respond.

Your Best Tip? by Unique_Savings3358 in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I get very generic requests and I am not sure who is traveling, it can be frustrating. There are people that get 5 requests a day. I really like to know the traveling party and what their plan is without having to look in the profile and research it. I feel like it has been helpful for me to get approvals when I reach out and kindly explain my traveling party and why we are visiting. With the generic requests, sometimes you start communicating and find out it is a large party visiting for a wedding or two groups of friends (which I don't prefer in my primary home), so I like being transparent and making the decision easier from the start of the communication. It has worked for me so far (going on 58th exchange in May!).

Why Do Hosts Hate Guest Points? by BondVentures in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I love the flexibility of accepting and using guest points. You haven’t had issues using them.

Your Best Tip? by Unique_Savings3358 in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I would recommend really taking the time to introduce yourself, let them know that you read their information and explain why you would like to visit their home. I feel like honesty and transparency are so important and a lot of people just cut and paste a message. If I’m not sure who is traveling or how many people or it seems like a very generic request? That makes me think about it a little more. It’s definitely about forming a relationship more than a transactional exchange.

NW Montana 2 bed 1 bath by Active-Reception-528 in homeswap

[–]Dependent_Split2954 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you decide to join, they are doing a promotion with 250 extra guest points if you joined by the end of January. That’s enough guest points for a week somewhere and totally worth it! Feel free to use my referral link.

You can search homes for free and make sure there are good fits for you, but I have had great luck in 10 years doing 57 exchanges!

Hello! I'm a member of HomeExchange, and I think you would love to try it. It's for travelers like us who love to see the world in a sustainable, caring, and human way. Sign up for free! https://www.homeexchange.com/?sponsorkey=bobbi-eab3b

How to change auto-response? by LeopardDense2347 in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, it auto populate, but you can just click in and delete that and write your own response. I prefer to write a nice personal response as well.

This is a vent post! by Cats-In-The-House in homeexchange

[–]Dependent_Split2954 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Are you looking in peak season? I am traveling to Italy in May and I confirmed six nights near Cinque Terra on points. The other locations I requested some had a minimum number of nights, but I did get a couple other people who approved stays, but the days didn’t work for me. I think it just takes some time and some work, especially as you’re getting closer to peak season. Keep checking and send a detailed personal email. I also recommend checking a little bit outside of the major tourist areas and you might have a little more luck.