RoofSwap Forum - How long does it take to arrange a swap?

Posted: 08:16 pm, 10/02/2009

Usually how many emails or phone conversations should I have before I finalize an exchange? I am not sure what to ask.

Posted: 09:55 am, 03/17/2010

There is no limit. I think you should communicate with your swap partner as much as you like through email or phone about preparing your home. This will increase your relief of having someone over your house.

Posted: 04:02 am, 11/21/2009

It takes as long as it takes. Different people are different. I done six swaps, all overseas, so email is very important to establish and maintain a relationship throughout the arrangement process. I also think a phone call or two to finalize things is equally as important (you can use Skype or an international phone calling card to keep the cost down). It's all about pacing, gut feelings and what both parties are comfortable with.

Posted: 03:32 am, 11/17/2009

I think important is to write things as they are. Don't tell you live in the centre if it's not like that and when you understand that the other really want to do the exchange... start sending good pictures of the house and of yourself. Step by step you'll better know the other family and maybe a nice friendship will start! :) So, good luck and enjoy your home- exchange!

Posted: 03:24 am, 11/17/2009

It depends on people, if they are fast or not, if they are really interested. Most of the time there are also people that won't replay, but don't worry and continue serching!!!

Posted: 03:26 am, 11/17/2009

Now I'm planning my next summer holiday: I' d like to go to Dubai, Jacarta, Bali and Singapore, a 3 weeks of. It's months I'm keeping in touch with several people, but you know, organising a trip in another continent, moving several times and staying a lot of days... I think it's better to know a lot of things before. So, I write and read a lot and I need more e-mails than organing a week-end in a capital near my country.

Posted: 03:23 am, 11/17/2009

Well, it depends. I went to London some moths ago and I kept in touch with several families: we wrote millions of mails, but at the end we did nothing. With the family with whom I organised the exchange I just wrote 5 or 6 mails in 2- 3 days sending links, position on google maps, pics and videos of the house and of the family.

Posted: 03:30 am, 11/17/2009

where the house is located... google maps will help you! If somebody smokes... (For ex I don't smoke and I' m not happy if someone smoke in my house... )what people can do near the house, if there's an alarm for the house, if you need an internet connection for your job you can ask if they have it, you can also ask another important thing: if the other family need a simultaneous exchange or not...

Posted: 03:28 am, 11/17/2009

You should ask: how many people will do the excange, if there are pets that you will have to feed when you'll be by them ( I don't know if you are scared of or if you suffer from allergies), if there are childres ( put out christal and glasses fournitures!)...