NewsBytes : For 30 ^th  December 2024

Happy New Year to our HomeLink Canada Family!
As we welcome a brand-new year, we want to express our deepest gratitude to you, our valued members, for your trust, support and exemplary presence in our global community. Your dedication and passion for travel, connection, and shared experiences is what makes HomeLink truly extraordinary. 
May 2025 bring you joy, fulfillment, and exciting new exchange opportunities. We’re excited to continue supporting your adventures and creating meaningful memories together in the year ahead.
Here’s to a wonderful year of discovery and connection!
With warm regards, Leanne and Jack, The HomeLink Canada Team
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There has never been a better time to join HomeLink, the benchmark in home exchange since 1953! This year, HomeLink celebrates its 72nd anniversary and continues to do everything possible to provide you with the best online service, combined with legendary personalization that supports you every step of the way. Finding the exchange that suits you has never been easier – and home exchange possibilities are endless
Renewed and new listings are being added daily, so now is the time to start planning your next exchange adventure. Whether it’s a local weekend swap or a few weeks abroad, you can sort your search results by HOTLIST: newly added or amended listings and/or SHORT NOTICE: for swaps starting within 8weeks.
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WHY CHOOSE HOMELINK?!! Tradition, Community, Trust
HomeLink International distinguishes itself from other home exchange companies in several key ways, focusing on its heritage, community-driven aspirations, and specific operational features.  HomeLink International appeals to those who value tradition, community, and trust in their travel experiences.  Here’s how we stand out:

1. Longstanding History and Reputation

• Established in 1953, HomeLink is one of the pioneers of home exchange, boasting over 70 years of experience. This makes it one of the most trusted and experienced players in the industry. Our International network was created by home exchangers for home exchangers.
• Its legacy has helped build a strong, loyal community of exchangers who value the traditional, trust-based approach to home swapping.
• HomeLink prioritizes trust by ensuring its members are verified and committed to maintaining the integrity of the exchange process. This enhances safety and reliability for all participants.

2. Community and Personal Connection

• HomeLink emphasizes building a strong, global community of like-minded individuals. It values personal interactions, encouraging members to communicate directly with one another to arrange exchanges which establishes mutual trust, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
• Regional representatives offer personalized support and guidance, something that larger, more automated platforms may lack. This human touch appeals to those seeking a more curated experience. HomeLink Canada offers personalized guidance to its Canadian members which helps address specific needs and cultural preferences.

3. Trust-Based Model

• Unlike some newer platforms that focus on financial transactions, HomeLink is rooted in the idea of reciprocal trust and goodwill. Members engage with the shared understanding of mutual respect and responsibility. HomeLink maintains transparent pricing with no hidden fees and receive comprehensive services at a flat rate, which underscores their commitment to fairness.
• HomeLink does not charge extra for exchanges and avoids commercializing the experience, contrasting with platforms that integrate rental or point-based systems.

4. Membership Model

• HomeLink operates on an annual membership fee, which gives members unlimited access to the platform and its resources without additional per-exchange costs.
• This is in contrast to some other services that use commission-based or tiered pricing models, which can feel transactional

5. Global Presence with Local Support

• The company maintains local representatives in over 27 countries, providing regional expertise and personalized assistance to members.
• This network ensures a smoother experience, particularly for first-time users who might need extra support navigating the process. While HomeLink operates internationally, it retains a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. This dual focus allows members to connect across cultures while enjoying personalized, friendly service.

6. Flexible Exchange Options:

• HomeLink supports a variety of exchange types, such as simultaneous, non-simultaneous, and hospitality exchanges. This flexibility allows members to tailor exchanges to suit their schedules and preferences. As well, many of our members have multiple properties to allow travel arrangements and dates that suit their wishes and availability.

7. Focus on Authentic Experiences

• HomeLink emphasizes authentic travel experiences and cultural immersion over profit. It appeals to travelers who value the non-commercial, community-oriented nature of the exchange.
• Members tend to be more invested in the spirit of home exchange, sharing not just their homes but also insights into their local communities.

8. Simpler Approach Compared to Points-Based Platforms

• Unlike other organizations which offers a points-based system, HomeLink focuses on 1-to-1, reciprocal exchanges between partners, which our members find more straightforward and rewarding.

Examples of Good Home Exchange Behavior
Home exchange, aka house swapping, is a great way to save money on vacation and experience new cultures. By following these good house swapping behaviors, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable home exchange experience for both you and your exchange partners.

1. Communication: Communication is the key to any successful home exchange. It’s important to stay in touch with your partner and communicate your needs and expectations clearly.
2. Cleanliness: Leave the house in a clean and tidy condition. Wash the dishes, make the beds and tidy up the house before leaving. This will make your exchange partner feel welcomed and appreciated.
3. Respect: Treat your exchange partner’s home as you would like them to treat yours. Be respectful of their property, furniture, and personal belongings.
4. Honesty: Be honest about any issues or problems that arise during the exchange. If something breaks or doesn’t work, let your swap partner know as soon as possible.
5. Follow the rules: Follow any rules that your exchange partner has set for their home, such as no pets or no smoking. This will show that you respect their wishes and will make the swap run more smoothly.
6. Welcome pack: Leave a welcome pack for your exchange partner. This could include information about the local area, instructions on how to use household appliances, and emergency contact details.
7. Feedback: Once the exchange is complete, provide feedback to your partner. Let them know what you enjoyed about their home and if there were any issues that they should be aware of.

Accessible Homes for People With Reduced Mobility
December 3rd each year is observed globally as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  This awareness along with a recent positive testimonial from a member with reduced mobility draws our attention to the importance of making holidays accessible for everyone.  Advertising your home as suitable to accommodate those with reduced mobility will increase the chances of attracting potential exchangers who may have specific accessibility needs. Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate this:

Create a Detailed Property Description outlining the accessibility features:

• Highlight features such as entry points, ramps, wide doorways, step-free entrances, and accessible bathrooms.
• Indicate sufficient space to move or rotate a wheelchair or scooter without any problems, elevators as well.
• Easily accessible for charging the device.
• Use Keywords in your listing that are commonly searched by individuals with reduced mobility, such as “wheelchair accessible”, “step-free entry,” and “accessible bathroom”, “home suitable for people with reduced mobility”, etc
• Include quality photos of the main rooms from different perspectives  and showcase accessibility features :  ramps, widened doorways and any other modifications. Specify upgrades like grab bars, lower countertops, or accessible kitchen appliances.
• Provide Floor Plans that highlight the layout of the home and accessible features, entry points.
• Highlight nearby amenities and activities such as accessible parks, public transit, medical facilities, restaurants, shops, tourist attractions.

Search Criteria: Expand More Filters to select your preferences by checking the boxes where applicable.

Category: Affinities & Affiliations:
-People with reduced mobility
“People with reduced mobility” only selects adapted accommodations. Based on these criteria, you can easily check whether your home is also suitable.
Category: Home For Exchange: Amenities
-Access for the disabled
-Bathroom / toilet wheelchair accessible
-Elevator Access
-Wheelchair accessible

SPOTLIGHT
We are proud of the values and people that have made up our international home exchange network for 70 years. HomeLink Presents Spotlight, a monthly opportunity to honour an exemplary HomeLink member, with a portrait of their experiences and enthusiasm for home exchange. You can read these wonderful mémoires on our BLOG

How about a CANADA exchange this year?
A Canadian exchange could be a great opportunity to explore another part of our beautiful country. To do this, members need to add Canada (or specific locations/provinces/cities within Canada) to the Dates & Destinations section of your listing.

Many of our members have succeeded in making arrangements and swapping within Canada for years. To make it easier for these members to find each other, we have posted a CANADA Exchange List in the “HOMELINK NEWS“, Special Registries section of our international website.

As a Canadian member you can notify us if you want your name included on this list.
Please CONTACT US with your full name/s as listed, plus your membership ID and location of your exchange home.

STAYCATION SUCCESS!  Here’s what our members are saying…
Victoria<->Whistler…an absolute pleasure to exchange, fantastic location
Québec City<->Austin…exemplary, warm, welcoming hosts
Austin<->Québec…Fantastic week, we’ll do the experience again every summer!
Sechelt<->Whistler Creekside Condo…great location spending time with our grandchildren
Vancouver<->Sechelt…Escaped from Vancouver for much needed rest & relaxation
Whistler<->Black Creek…beautiful & relaxing beachhome, listening to the ocean
Black Creek<->Whistler…relaxing getaway, walk to everything!
Saanich<->Nanaimo… perfect exploration of our own central Vancouver Island
Burlington<->Charltottetown…excellent exchange to see the East Coast
Vancouver<->Sechelt…loved our stay, welcome break from the city
Vancouver<->Cowichan Bay…Luxurious, comfortable, incredible views, so many attractions
Toronto<->Courtenay…lovely country setting, enjoyed day trips and visiting family
Courtenay<->Toronto & Sauble Beach…enjoyed our family gathering and homes away from home
Ottawa<->Campbell River…immaculate home, paradise for outdoor enthusiasts
Québec<->Toronto…large home, upscale area, easy access to city centre & many sites
Toronto<->Québec…immediately felt at home, excellent hosts & homeswappers
London<->Montreal…We enjoyed exploring Centre-Ville and sites. Fall colours were an additional bonus
Whistler<->Duncan…ideally suited to enjoy all the exciting day trips

Vacation in your home – but not in your own
Enjoying the best weeks of the year in other people’s homes and at the same time providing your own living space for the same purpose – that is the idea behind HomeLink, a non-profit association that offers a platform to all those willing to exchange for a membership fee.

The idea originated in New York in 1953, today the network is spread over 60,000 exchange offers in over 70 countries. Around 10 million exchanges have been organized so far. A 12-month membership costs about 150 Canadian Dollars, there are no additional costs if the living space is swapped. There is hardly any cheaper vacation.

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Membership RENEWAL advisory issued to all current HomeLink members within 7 and 30 days of their membership term expiration.
Your current HomeLink membership will expire in 7 (or 30) days. Renew before your membership expiry date and benefit from our special renewal offers! Learn more by  clicking on RENEW.
Renewals
Please note that our Renewal reminder emails are sent to members automatically prior to the expiry date of your membership, so we hope you are not offended at receiving them at this time.  They are sent to ensure that you are aware of the reduced renewal rate available to our valued members and to give you the option to renew.

Questions?

If you have any questions relating to your exchanges please do contact us at members@homelink.ca or telephone us at 604-987-3262 and we will do our best to assist.

Best wishes,

Leanne and Jack “Dad” Graber
Your HomeLink Team Canada

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Welcome to the wonderful world of home exchange!
Welcome to HomeLink … we’ll be thrilled to have you stay with us!

Leanne Graber
Owner, HomeLink.ca™
1707 Platt Crescent, North Vancouver BC V7J 1X9
Tel : 604-987-3262
Email

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