Philadelphia Weekly

REAL ESTATE

4 tips for a worry-free home exchange

Don't be afraid to turn down business if you get a bad 'gut feeling' about a renter

By Inman News Feed

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Oct. 3, 2012

"We did a home exchange in Seattle," Miller said. "They had a dog and we had a dog ... and they left their van at the airport. We never met. She called me and said, 'OK, it's in Level B19.' They put the keys under the mat. We flew into Sea-Tac Airport, went to their van, and found the keys and drove to their home. There was their cute standard poodle. We took care of their dog and they took care of ours and everyone was happy, including the dogs!"

Such arrangements do not happen with one email or reservation. Take ample time to communicate about the number of occupants, dogs, cats and cars before you leave the keys under the mat.

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