FAQ
What is Homespun Hospitality?
Homespun Hospitality is a unique site combining the benefits (FREE accommodations) of a traditional home exchange while adding the additional benefits of a hospitality exchange and vacation rentals all in one site. Home exchange allows homeowners to contact other homeowners and swap homes, either simultaneously or non-simultaneously, at any point in the year.
What is Hospitality Exchange?
Hospitality exchange is one of our family's favorite ways to travel.
Many people don’t feel comfortable with the idea of exchanging homes,
but they are more than willing to host travelers during their stay and
in turn are hosted at a different time by that family in their home. By
staying with a host family you really get the a feel for the culture of
that region or country. They know the places to go that can't be found
in any guide book. Opening your home will also create incredible
lifelong friendships!
How does it work?
Although it could appear complex, home exchange is very easy and
extremely popular. Every year the number of people who are starting to
exchange is growing--especially in a tight economic environment. It
basically consists of searching for the area you are interested in,
looking at the choices, and then contacting those listings that fit your
needs best directly via email. Then, you make arrangements, either by
exchanging your home for the home of someone else in any part of the
world or your same country, or by providing and/or accepting a
hospitality exchange for a period of time that you both agree on.
Does Homespun Hospitality have any rules for home exchange?
There are only two rules: 1) Leave the house or the apartment/flat
exactly as it was when you arrived. Just as you'd wish for the other
family who will be in your house, it is necessary that you treat their
accommodation as if it were your own. 2) Get to know the people you are
exchanging with prior to the exchange. They can be a wealth of
information.
Can I upload my second home?
YES! In fact, it is very common to find people who only exchange or
even rent their second home. In At Homespun Hospitality there are no
limits and many choices; you can upload as many houses as you have, and
you will thereby increase your options and chances of receiving
proposals to exchange homes from every corner of the world.
Can I trust it?
Just imagine a family finding themselves in your house while you are
in theirs. There will always be a strong feeling of obligation to treat
the exchange home in the way that you would like yours to be treated. We
have yet to hear of a complaint wherein someone has found their house
in a condition any different from how they left it. (Once we heard that a
simple everyday use glass was broken and the exchange family left what
would have been 20X the amount of the replacement cost.) People
appreciate the kindness of you opening your home to them and respect it
in return.
Does the Exchange have to be simultaneous?
While most exchanges are simultaneous, there is no rule for this.
There are many people who exchange their houses at different times. Most
of the time these are second homes which are not occupied, or a future
vacation is planned for a time when the home would normally be left
empty. It all depends on the preferences at the time you negotiate the
exchange.
Are cars also exchanged?
Many home exchangers also exchange the cars. In this way they can
save additional money on renting a vehicle, if a car is needed.
Everything depends on whether there are long distances to drive in the
area, and what other modes of transportation are available.
What happens with pets?
This needs to be part of your discussion with the exchange family.
Most include this option in their listing, but you should always
clarify. Additionally, an exchange family may need you to feed a cat or
dog they leave behind at the house, although most make other
arrangements. Again, talk with the exchange listing party and see what
is available if you bring your pet, and what, if anything, is required
if they have pets.
Who would be interested in my house?
This was my big question when we first heard of home exchange. Of
course, if you have a house on the beach, or in an area of high demand,
you´re going to receive more requests for an exchange. But that does not
mean that having a simple, small apartment/flat in a non-touristic area
means that you won´t be a viable option or receive requests. We often
overlook our own backyard. Look around to adjacent day trips from your
location. Once you do you just might find some exciting things you
haven’t done. You may even find you want to exchange with yourself! Home
exchange is very exciting because anybody can propose an exchange with
all types of accommodations. In fact, there are many people with
mansions, villas, luxury flats in big cities, who are only looking for
someplace different where they can relax. In this way a house that is
low in value can receive exchange proposals from houses that are high in
value.
How much does it cost?
During our initial start up we are offering the use of this site for
free. Rental listings will have a higher fee and that cost will begin
sooner than for home or hospitality exchange. Our goal really is to lead
the sector in providing options for accommodations around the world,
through the Internet, and because of this we believe that right now, the
best thing to do is to charge nothing so that people from every walk of
life can taste and enjoy this great offer of home exchange. After a
time we will have a membership fee of $26.95 per year for home and
hospitality exchange. (See pricing for rental listings.)
Am I going to save much money on my vacation?
Thousands! For large families the saving can be thousands of dollars. Keep in mind that the only expense will be the travel, food, and fun. With the availability of a kitchen the cost of food is nearly the same as if you were at home. Many people, however, don't exchange to save money alone, but rather to have a more immersed experience--to have fun, create adventures, and to get to know new people… But who doesn’t also love to save money on a trip? It's one of the many advantages of home exchange.
Can you do an exchange within the same country?
Of course. At Homespun Hospitality you will find infinite options in a
variety of locations. There are no limits. That is what we are all
about--options!
I´m only a renter. Can I still exchange my accommodation?
Because it does not involve any monetary or financial transaction,
the exchange should not be thought of as a sub-letting. It´s no
different than if you were to invite some friends or family to your
house, which every tenant should have the right to do. But for the sake
of courtesy, it´s best to ask the owner of the home or apartment, and
check your contract. You don’t want to cause problems with your
landlord. If you can’t, the option of a vacation rental may be your best
choice and we offer that, too.
Does any type of contract exist between the exchanging parties?
As involves Homespun Hospitality, no. In most cases people don`t enter into a formal contract in order to exchange their homes, as good faith, trust and the verbally agreed conditions are often more than enough. However, if you feel it is needed, you can arrange that directly with the other party.
