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TEN ADVICES FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOME EXCHANGE

1 - Describe your home honestly in your listing and in all correspondence. You want your exchange partner to be pleasantly surprised when he arrives, not disappointed. Never hide the existence of pets!

2 - Each exchange is unique; a relationship of trust should develop as you get to know your exchange partners through e-mail and phone calls.

3 - Leave your home clean. Standards of cleanliness vary so make sure that floors are vacuumed and mopped, refrigerator emptied, stove and oven grease-free, bath and shower free of mold and grime, windows see-through, and surfaces dust-free

4 - Clear away enough of your personal belongings to leave space on shelves and in closets and drawers so that your guests can empty their suitcases, arrange their things in bedrooms, bathrooms, and entry halls, and feel at home.

5 - Leave at least two sets of clean sheets and towels per bed/per person.

6 - Compile a clear, useful "Guide to Your Home and Surroundings" which includes local tourist information and household notices about the use of electrical appliances, pool maintenance, pet and plant care, when the trash goes out, etc. Phone numbers of a recommended doctor, dentist, babysitter, good restaurants, and helpful friends are always welcome too.

7 - Prepare a written agreement to avoid all misunderstandings and clarify who pays what in terms of telephone, electric bills, gas consumption, insurance franchise in case of accidents, and staple foods.

8 - Whenever possible, arrange for a family member, neighbor or friend to come by and welcome your exchange partners when they arrive. They will certainly have questions, and such a welcome will be much appreciated.

9 -  Leave the makings of a first meal. Nothing fancy, but your guests will be tired and hungry when they arrive.

10 - At the end of your stay, before leaving your exchange residence, don't forget to put things back where you found them and leave the house organized and clean - a welcome sight to your partners when they come home!