East Lansing resident Jamie Majeske uses Craigslist to devise a vacation idea when traditional getaways were outside of her budget. She knew from experience that even a weekend trip to Chicago could run her over six hundred dollars in just hotel fees. “I wondered if there were any people out there who might want to do a house swap so that I could budget a vacation for just the price of travel.”

Majeske is not alone in wondering this. House-swapping has been a way to manage a cheap and interesting vacation for many years. According to Katie Costabel, Representative for HomeLink USA (a popular internet home-swapping service.) “HomeLink is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. In all of the years we’ve been in business, there’s never been a case of reported theft or vandalism. In the end, they’re staying in your home and you’re staying in theirs, so mutual trust is fundamental.”

Ms. Majeske also had her doubts, but was reassured when a she found a listing from a few MSU alumni looking to stay somewhere close to campus. These alumni told Ms. Majeske that they were tired of the Marriott and sought a home that would sleep up to ten.  In exchange there was the option to select a home in Traverse City, Birmingham, Atlanta GA or a high-rise in Chicago overlooking the yacht club. “Of course, we selected the yacht club Chicago high-rise!” Majeske exclaimed.

“The key is to do a lot of research.” Majeske said. “When I first got in contact with the alumni, I saw in her signature of her email that she was a lawyer. I decided to look her up and she had a great reputation online. I kept daily correspondence with her so that by the time she stayed in my house, she didn’t feel like a stranger anymore.” These are some of the most important aspects of house-swapping. According to USA Today. “You’ll most likely have to do your own research to ensure that your partner is reliable and responsible. Check references, find them on Facebook, and ask your home-exchange company for more information about prospective swap partners.”

Criagslist is not the only website that offers house-swapping. There are several that require a membership and background check. Some feel that this makes the process feel more, “safe.” Ms. Majeske was not daunted by this prospect. “When people gave me a curious look about letting these ‘strangers’ into my home I assured them that with what they had, they should want nothing of mine!” For a weekend of fun in the windy city for just the price of the train ticket, Majeske said that swapping houses is definitely something she would do in the future.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Majeske