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WEB ONLY: Swap Tips From a Five-Timer

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BY MARTIN ROSENBAUM

We've always used Intervac, and have either found what we've wanted or it's found us. We tend to start off with a particular country in mind, but remain open to new possibilities. E-mail is the most time-efficient method of contact. Often, the hardest part is deciding whether to accept an offer that looks okay, or to wait for the better one you hope will come along. It's up to you how close to the wire you're willing to take it. Sometimes we settle on a swap months in advance, but one year everything was arranged at three weeks' notice. Most agencies don't screen members, so consider asking for references (such as from a prior swap partner).

BEFORE SEALING A DEAL, CONSIDER:
LOCATION How close is the house or apartment to shops and restaurants? Public transportation? The activities that matter to your family? For many swappers, location is more important than the size and description of the house itself.

THE AGES OF YOUR KIDS AND THEIRS You want, of course, a family with the right sorts of entertainments, and, if babies are involved, high chairs and household safety features.

CARS Swapping these, too, can save a fortune—as long as your insurance covers your guests and vice versa. Check with your broker; house swappers fall under the category of friends. We, ourselves, have always traded cars, and even cell phones and computers, without any problems.

HOUSEKEEPING The fastidious should make sure they haven't matched with slobs. And to smooth the reentry, consider agreeing to hire each other a cleaning person at the end of the stay.

PETS Be clear about whether you're happy to look after theirs (we squeamishly opted out of caring for a snake). And, just as important, whether you will entrust yours to them. If anyone in the family has allergies, don't forget to ask about who and what's been living in the house.

BEFORE YOU GO:
GET YOUR HOUSE READY It doesn't have to be immaculate, but it does have to be reasonably clean and well-organized. Put some basics in the fridge, and consider leaving a welcoming gift, such as a bottle of wine. Provide instructions on how your appliances work, and detail your house's and car's eccentricities.

INTRODUCE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Put out maps, guidebooks, and plenty of information on where you live: the nearest supermarket, your favorite restaurants, the local emergency numbers.

ALERT THE NEIGHBORS Otherwise they may think something rather strange is going on. Even better, encourage friends to pop in on your guests.

FOR PEACE OF MIND Remember that while they're living it up in your quarters, so are you in theirs.

Copyright © 2008, American Express Publishing. All rights reserved.