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Housing swap as a way to travel

post #1 of 26
10/12/07 at 8:07pm
Thread Starter 
I've been looking at the housing swap section on Craigslist and think it's a pretty cool and affordable way to travel. The nature of my job -- selling you pocket squares -- allows me to be anywhere in the country, so I wouldn't mind spending a week or two in places like New Orleans for kicks. Has anyone else done it? How can I be sure people won't trash my house? Many of the offers are from older couples so they're probably OK.
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post #2 of 26
10/12/07 at 8:53pm
A good friend of mine, who's retired and in his 60's, just completed a house swap with a woman in San Diego. Now West Palm Beach to San Diego might not be a monumental swap, but it worked out well for both of them. If you have any questions, PM me and I'll see if he can answer them.
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post #3 of 26
10/12/07 at 9:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rambo View Post
Now West Palm Beach to San Diego might not be a monumental swap,

Just what I was thinking. To loosely paraprhase Garrison Keillor, it's like quitting the Methodist Church to become a Lutheran. Why bother?
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post #4 of 26
10/13/07 at 12:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by lawyerdad View Post
Just what I was thinking. To loosely paraprhase Garrison Keillor, it's like quitting the Methodist Church to become a Lutheran. Why bother?
Having lived in the West Palm Area my entire life (sans college) and having visited San Diego recently, they are not the same place in terms of culture or weather. For instance, the high/low temperatures tomorrow here in West Palm are 86/76 with scattered showers (likely in the afternoon as usual). It's 65/60 and sunny in San Diego. I know where I'd rather spend the next week.
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post #5 of 26
10/13/07 at 2:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian278 View Post
Having lived in the West Palm Area my entire life (sans college) and having visited San Diego recently, they are not the same place in terms of culture or weather. For instance, the high/low temperatures tomorrow here are West Palm is 86/76 with scattered showers (likely in the afternoon as usual). It's 65/60 and sunny in San Diego. I know where I'd rather spend the next week.
Exactly what he said. He was actually depressed for the first week when he got back. Different weather, different people, different culture, very different women, etc.. The only similarities are the amount of sunshine and the obscenely high real estate prices.
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post #6 of 26
10/13/07 at 8:46am
Not sure if I'd trust Craigslist, but I do remember my father in law being a member of a club that did the same thing and they were very happy.

-spence
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post #7 of 26
10/13/07 at 11:34am
I have friends who have used a service that arranges these things (web-based, you have join) rather than Craigslist. They were very happy with their one experience that I'm aware of. They swapped their DC house with someone on Bainbridge Island (sp?), Wa.

My wife and I are looking into this also. We'd love to set up a trade through an established organization. I'm not too worried about someone else being in my place assuming there's a contract involved that specifies what happens if things get busted.

b
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post #8 of 26
10/13/07 at 12:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rdawson808 View Post
I have friends who have used a service that arranges these things (web-based, you have join) rather than Craigslist. They were very happy with their one experience that I'm aware of. They swapped their DC house with someone on Bainbridge Island (sp?), Wa.

My wife and I are looking into this also. We'd love to set up a trade through an established organization. I'm not too worried about someone else being in my place assuming there's a contract involved that specifies what happens if things get busted.

b

And a background check of both parties.
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post #9 of 26
10/15/07 at 9:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GQgeek View Post
And a background check of both parties.

For gayness?
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post #10 of 26
10/15/07 at 9:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkNWorn View Post
For gayness?

Well, since they would be staying at your house, i was thinking more along the lines of a credit check and to make sure they aren't felons. :P
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post #11 of 26
10/15/07 at 11:38pm
We should see if anyone wants to sweep here. Lots of people have beautiful places. As far as people trashing your house---- I think there are better options then Craigslist. I think there are sites that cater to established professionals, and you really don't have to worry about them trashing the spot. I think it's a great idea, because usually when I travel I am in a simple hotel or condo nothing like my home! High end rentals are way too costly to be practical for anything but special occasions. When I am out of town, my place is empty, might as well get a high end rental while someone enjoys my house. Who knows, you might make a great networking opportunity in such trades.
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post #12 of 26
10/15/07 at 11:57pm
Thread Starter 
Can anyone recommend any other services that are fairly cheap? Google lists Craigslist highly. There is also Sabbaticalhomes.com but it costs a bit too much for me. A service that could do background checks and had an eBay-style feedback system would be cool, but might still be too pricey for my needs. If anyone wants to swap for my 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom duplex 1 mile from downtown Austin, I will consider it. I'd like to swap for big cities.
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post #13 of 26
10/16/07 at 12:32am
This sounds potentially dangerous.
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post #14 of 26
10/16/07 at 1:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkNWorn View Post
For gayness?

Only if they are certain SF members

Jon.
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post #15 of 26
10/16/07 at 1:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LabelKing View Post
This sounds potentially dangerous.
It is. But so is swapping bodily fluids, and the feedback on that has been pretty good so far. My older friend met his swap-mate on Craigslist. I'd echo the advice of getting the other person thoroughly checked out though.
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