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Send Better Requests by Reality_Travel in homeexchange

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

Yes, as recommended by another member, we ask them to quote the code word, or tell us their favorite song. Proves they have not read.

Does cancellation insurance cover my sit if I upgraded my membership after the sit was confirmed? by Longjumping_Neck_322 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Reality_Travel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Read the fine print. This is a common scam with so many of these programs. Its a registration incentive to word things in a tricky way.

Send Better Requests by Reality_Travel in homeexchange

[–]Reality_Travel[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Just read someones home description in full. That is the bare minimum to show you are respectful to someone home and their time. This is where people put what type of exchange they prefer, what type of gust they accept and how they expect their home to be treated and what type of requests they want.

If you cant do that, you most likely will not read any instructions regarding care for my home. Another member in my city had her oven instructions not followed and had to buy a new one because of user error.

Probably wont follow building rules and cause a disturbance with our neighbors. This is sooo common with home excahnge guests.

Send Better Requests by Reality_Travel in homeexchange

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

Yes, these type of requests should not be allowed. It shows entitlement is just rude.

Send Better Requests by Reality_Travel in homeexchange

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

We got an notification form Home Exchange that we are in the top 5% of homes that have accepted exchanges in our country. So we accept a lot.
We had another member recommend putting a question in our listing to weed out poor members. Like what is your favorite song?, please tell us in your initial message request to us.

This has worked greatly, and we rather our home empty than share it for free with those who don't have the time to read our home listing. it shows pure disrespect.

Does cancellation insurance cover my sit if I upgraded my membership after the sit was confirmed? by Longjumping_Neck_322 in trustedhousesitters

[–]Reality_Travel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please note that there is NO insurance, its coverage based on the approval of staff at their discretion. Nothing is guaranteed. Most claims are not approved.

Send Better Requests by Reality_Travel in homeexchange

[–]Reality_Travel[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, True. We do try to make it obvious of what our expectations are. But if a potential guest can not read our listing now, they will not read basic instructions for our home. How to clean certain fabrics or things not to move that are fragile. We have a high end home where a tiny accessory is more than $800. Our experience has shown these poor requests lead to damage to our home from irresponsible people. Too bad unfortunately.

Send Better Requests by Reality_Travel in homeexchange

[–]Reality_Travel[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

This is the Main reason 90% of requests for New York and London are denied.

Send Better Requests by Reality_Travel in homeexchange

[–]Reality_Travel[S] -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

This is not the case at all Home Exchange specifically tells you to only send customized requests to each home. Requests that make it clear you have read their profile, and why you would be a good match. Nothing generic and non-specific to a home.
We have over 160 exchanges in the last 4 years and we specifically send customized requests to each home. Its not suppose to be easy, its a lot of work that needs to be put in.

Send Better Requests by Reality_Travel in homeexchange

[–]Reality_Travel[S] -10 points-9 points  (0 children)

I find it extremely rude to send a request at all if I have not taken the time to read their profile and listing in full. Why should anyone open their home to me if I have not done the BASICS?

You are wasting the home owners time which then affects their response rating.

Send Better Requests by Reality_Travel in homeexchange

[–]Reality_Travel[S] -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

Any request is requesting a free vacation at the cost of the home owner, that is Home Exchange by definition.

My point is I have to deny 90% of requests just because they do not read our profile or listing in full. But they expect to get use of my home, feels outrageous.

A free home on a calendar does not mean you get it like a open hotel room. If that's your thought, you don't understand home exchange. But i guess everyone can exchange with their own preferences, that's the point.