When I watch those television shows where someone picks the best house from among several contenders I always have a different list of priorities than the home shoppers. They want frivilous things like a back yard for their dog or a short commute to work. They don't look at real estate like a home exchanger. What should you look for in a home if you plan to swap?
SECOND THOUGHTS
The best feature of any home you are considering exchanging is whether or not you will be living there year-round. Having a second home gives you much more flexibility with swap dates.
GUESTS WELCOME
If the responsibilities of a second home don't appeal to you, try to find a house with a guest cottage or in-law unit. As with a second home, the separate guests accommodations allow you to do non-simultaneous exchanges. If the swap party is too large you could even use the guest quarters yourself and allow your exchangers the run of the house.
LAYOUT
Apartment living is well-suited to home exchange. Since apartments are not going to include separate guest quarters, it's important to pay attention to the layout when shopping for an apartment.
"Railroad" or "shotgun" style apartments are a bad set-up for a swapper's apartment. Having to pass through the bedroom to access the bathroom or other rooms makes it very difficult to have more than two people who are married use the apartment at once.
Many exchangers like to bring another couple or their children with them on vacation. The layout that makes this possible even in a small one-bedroom apartment is a living room that is separated from the bedroom by a hallway.
When I started exchanging here in Manhattan I had a small one-bedroom place that was perfect for two couples or a family of four. The living room was open to the foyer but separated from the single bedroom by the kitchen and bathroom. That meant that the people sleeping in the bedroom had complete sound and visual privacy from those bunking on the sofabed in the living room.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU SHOP FOR?
Layout and guest quarters are important. So are amenities. Let's see what else to shop for next time.
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