RoofSwap Forum - Home exchange deposit?

Posted: 08:10 pm, 10/02/2009

We are considering agreeing to our first home exchange but the woman wants a deposit. Is this normal?

Posted: 07:07 pm, 02/11/2010

We agreed to a swap. Just before we were supposed to drive up to Montreal the swapper said she wanted a deposit, and that in return we would get her "deluxe welcome package". Uh, no thanks.

Posted: 05:26 am, 06/20/2010

Absolutely! As a former home exchanger of 10+ swaps I would say yes, definitely.

Posted: 05:26 am, 06/20/2010

And, yes, we did communicate well before hand - and, no, there was nothing, even looking retrospectively, that should have put us on alert. The rapid expansion of home exchange seems to have introduced a new breed of home exchange - one who is only in it for the 'cheap deal'.

Posted: 05:28 am, 06/20/2010

Just to clarify - it's not normal to ask for a deposit but IMHO it would be a damn good idea.

Posted: 04:11 am, 12/19/2009

Not on your life!