There is a new trend emerging during the summer season called House Swapping where families can swap homes for a discounted price instead of paying high rental fees or renting a resort style vacation homes. We will look into the pros and cons of swapping your house. The first question many individuals ask is "is this safe?", as it can be nerve racking and fearful to give your house over to a stranger. But it is very safe, of course you should get references and be in communication with your house swapping partner weeks or months before the transaction. Also look at it as you both have mutual ransom, you have their house and they have yours.

You can swap houses with those who live nationally and internationally for a weekend or 1 to 2 weeks. There have never been any reports of theft or damages. And many folks are much more careful with their surroundings when they know the person who owns it as oppose to staying at a hotel or resort. The savings can be very significant with house swapping with not having to pay high hotel or resort costs. There are many websites where you can post your house swap such as ExclusiveExchanges.com and CouchSurfing.com.

Here are some tips for posting and planning your house swap on:

• Post Multiple Photos - People shop with their eyes, the more quality photos you have the more inquiries you will get.

• Start Early & Be Flexible - Be open to the possibility that you can travel anywhere in the world and afford it.
• Be Clear About Expectations - Be clear about details for you have a happy swap, can they use the computer, car, etc..
• Tell A Neighbor - Tell you neighbor that you are house swapping, so they don't call the police as your new guests are moving in.
• Inform Your Insurance Agent - Alert your insurance agent in the event something goes wrong.