{"id":49,"date":"2026-08-28T20:13:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T20:13:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/index.php\/home-exchange-request\/"},"modified":"2026-08-28T20:13:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T20:13:13","slug":"home-exchange-request","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/home-exchange-request\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Exchange Request: 3 Blocks That Get You a Reply"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Writing a good <strong>home exchange request<\/strong> is the single highest yielding skill in the whole system. A well constructed message gets a reply roughly seven times out of ten; a generic one is almost always ignored. The good news is that the difference fits in ten lines and takes five minutes to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In this article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/home-exchange-request\/#Why_most_messages_fail\" >Why most messages fail<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/home-exchange-request\/#The_structure_of_a_home_exchange_request_that_works\" >The structure of a home exchange request that works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/home-exchange-request\/#A_real_example\" >A real example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/home-exchange-request\/#Flexibility_the_argument_that_unlocks_the_most\" >Flexibility: the argument that unlocks the most<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/home-exchange-request\/#Five_details_that_add_up\" >Five details that add up<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/home-exchange-request\/#What_to_do_when_nobody_replies\" >What to do when nobody replies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/home-exchange-request\/#When_the_yes_arrives\" >When the yes arrives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/home-exchange-request\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" >Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/home-exchange-request\/#Start_today\" >Start today<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-most-messages-fail\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_most_messages_fail\"><\/span>Why most messages fail<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The commonest error is treating the request like a booking. Hello, I would like your house from the first to the fifteenth of August, thank you. There is nothing personal in it, nothing showing you read the listing, and nothing telling the other family who will be sleeping in their bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that there is no hotel on the other side. There is somebody deciding whether to trust you with their home. That decision is emotional before it is logistical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-structure-of-a-home-exchange-request\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_structure_of_a_home_exchange_request_that_works\"><\/span>The structure of a home exchange request that works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three blocks, in this order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Why that specific home.<\/strong> Mention something real from the listing: the terrace, the neighbourhood, the proximity to something you care about. Show that you read it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Who you are.<\/strong> How many of you, ages of any children, whether you travel with a pet, what you do. Two sentences is enough.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What you offer and how flexible you are.<\/strong> Describe your home in a line, link your listing, and state clearly how much room you have on dates.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-real-example\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_real_example\"><\/span>A real example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hi Marta. We loved your flat in Malasana, especially the terrace and the fact that it is ten minutes on foot from the Reina Sofia, which is exactly what we want to see. We are a family of four with two girls aged six and nine, travelling without pets. We live in a three bedroom flat in central Valencia, fifteen minutes from Malvarrosa beach. We are looking at two weeks in July but we are flexible and could move to late June or early August if that suits you better. We would love to know if it could work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That message works because it is specific, short, honest and ends with an open question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"flexibility-the-argument-that-unlocks-th\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flexibility_the_argument_that_unlocks_the_most\"><\/span>Flexibility: the argument that unlocks the most<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there is one element that multiplies replies to a home exchange request, it is stating clearly how much you can move your dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shifting a trip by three days opens an enormous range of possibilities, because the usual obstacle is not interest but the calendar. Offering the deferred or points based format, where the platform supports it, removes the coincidence problem entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"five-details-that-add-up\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Five_details_that_add_up\"><\/span>Five details that add up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Write in their language<\/strong> if you can, even with a translator. It is always appreciated.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Send early.<\/strong> January to April for the summer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do not copy the same text<\/strong> to twenty homes. Three personalised messages perform better.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reply quickly<\/strong> when they answer. The rhythm of the conversation matters.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be clear about pets<\/strong> from the first message, in both directions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-to-do-when-nobody-replies\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_do_when_nobody_replies\"><\/span>What to do when nobody replies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not take it personally. Families with heavily requested homes receive dozens of messages and many have their summer settled by March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A single polite reminder after ten days is acceptable. More than one is not. And keep sending in the meantime: the numbers favour whoever writes five good requests a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when-the-yes-arrives\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_the_yes_arrives\"><\/span>When the yes arrives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From there the conversation turns practical: exact dates, number of people, house rules, pets, parking and key handover. It is worth putting all of it in the written exchange agreement, as we explain in the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/index.php\/home-swap-insurance\/\">home swap insurance and guarantees<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are travelling abroad, check the current entry requirements for your destination on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the official foreign travel advice<\/a> before you commit to dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How long should a home exchange request be?<\/strong> Between eight and twelve lines. Longer gets skimmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Should I attach photographs of my home?<\/strong> No need. Link your listing, which already has them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can I ask for a non simultaneous swap?<\/strong> Yes, and it is worth saying so in the first message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many requests should I send?<\/strong> Three to five a week during the searching season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"start-today\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_today\"><\/span>Start today<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick three homes you genuinely like and write each of them a different message this week. First, make sure your own listing is up to standard: we cover it in the guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/index.php\/home-exchange-listing\/\">home exchange listing<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to write a request that actually gets answered: structure, a full example, and the mistakes that leave messages ignored.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":48,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-49","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-exchange","category-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homeforswap.com\/blog_eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}