[Ohiogirl]

There are some articles you can look up about this - also info on the websites themselves. You are not exchanging any money. As long as someone is there with your permission, and not paying you, they are considered your guests. I guess one can worry about this if they want, but do you never have guests over at your house for fear someone may trip on something and sue you? I don't.

Keep in mind also, that when you are doing a non-simultaneous exchange, that the dates are not always the same, and the number of days not always the same. After having done this a few times, seems to me that the majority of the home-exchangers are pretty easy-going and adventurous - want an extra couple of days? Why not? Can't come in June after all, but want to come in August? Most people accommodate, as much as they can.

It was wonderful in Chicago and Boston to come back to a fully-equipped condo, even though we mostly ate out every night and were out sightseeing at lunchtime. Was great to have coffee and breakfast on the balcony in the a.m. and ease into our days. Also nice to come back and watch TV at night. Everyone shares favorite local restaurants and watering holes, and other quirky things about their neighborhoods.

We have looked for walkability and easy access to public transportation for city trips, but have one coming up in upstate New York that we will be driving to, and except for a couple of bike days, driving to most everything else that we want to see.