Frequently Asked Questions:
Why should I participate in Conscious Home Exchange International?
In addition to significantly reducing the cost of your trip, you will be participating in an international community of lilke-minded people who want to emphasize the non-commercial sharing of resources, including a comfortable home and, if you wish, an automobile, computer, telephone, bicycle, etc.
You will also be living in a neighborhood, with the opportunity to make friends. Finally, you will be supporting an ecologically responsible approach to living by staying in a home or community where thought has been given to sustainability, rather than in a for-profit hotel or other lodging.
What membership options are available?
You may either list your home at no cost, with contact information available to members only; or you may join for a yearly fee and have access to the contact information for all of the listings. Members of CHI Homexchange will also receive a free membership to CHECtravel (CHECtravel.com), offering identity and address verification of all members, criminal checks of US citizens, member misconduct reporting, interactive home and automoble forms, preparation tips for home exchangers, specialized home exchange travel insurance (coming soon), and mediation services/referrals.
Will my personal contact information be exposed on the internet?
Your email address will be available only to members whose identity has been verified by CHECtravel, a membership organization of home exchange organizations.
Is it safe to exchange my home?
Yes, for three reasons: Many sources, including insurance companies, believe that a home is better protected if it is occupied. Also, if you will be exchanging with members of this site, all of them are members of CHECtravel, which has verified their identity. Finally, you are exchanging with individuals like yourself, with similar values and interests, who will also be offering their home to you.
We recommend that you maintain regular contact with potential exchangers, share family photos, have telephone conversations, and create an ongoing relationship. You can also ask for references, and telephone them, if possble. A written agreement for the use of the home and automobile, as well as other items, signed by both parties, is also recommended. Interactive forms are available on the CHECtravel website (CHECtravel.com)
Does insurance cover this exchange?
If you have some form of homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, it will cover occupancy by exchangers, based on the coverage you are paying for. This is also true for your automobile. Please contact your insurance company for information about your coverage and to let them know that you will be exchanging.
