Declining a home swap offer

One of the most common complaints I hear is that many people don't respond to their home swap offers. Sometimes, a message will go astray. Other times, people will be rude. But, most of the time, people don't like saying no.

So, here's an example of what to write in response to a home exchange offer you don't want to accept:

Hi Jan and Lillemor,

Thanks very much for your offer. Your house looks lovely and we would love to swap with you another time. But, this trip we're hoping for something in Southern Sweden or Copenhagen. So, we have to decline your generous offer this time. I wish you lots of luck finding something good.

Best Regards,

Josh and Jessica

There were a few reasons we declined the offer. For one, we'd prefer to be in the city while the home was 20 kilometers north of Stockholm.  But, the main reason was in fact the geographical one.

The point is that I complimented the prospective house swap partner and declined their offer in the most polite way I could think of. That way, it makes it clear they should move on to someone else, but they won't be dispirited.  And if you can't think of anything nice to write, a simple no thanks is better than no reply at all.

Comments

[Kathlyn Gadd]

I usually write something along the lines of 'if we don't hear from you in the next two weeks we will assume you are not interested in our offer'. At least that way there is a closure point. TBH that is one of the downsides of home exchange - you can't go click, click, click...booked - job done!

Kathie

[Kate Culley]

Grrrr, non- answers. I receive regular offers (some from people who really haven't read the dates that we are looking for!) but I always reply nicely. Keep it short and then people that you are saying no to can move on. Otherwise you may delay making further offers as you feel there are too many on the table already. Are the French particularly bad at non answers even when I write in French? Perhaps a standard no thank you, not this time button could be available for people who don't want to personalise replies especially if there is a language problem.