[torchy]

Who wants to trade their Village home for our Branson home? We would need the trade for March 2011, but you can choose whatever month works for you since our Branson condo is a second home. Our place is located in the gorgeous gated golf community of Pointe Royale--just minutes from the strip. If interested, give me (Lori) a call at 334-432-4047. I've got lots of photos and links I can send. Thanks! BTW, we've got a small dog who travels with us. Reciprocal doggie privileges are certainly extended!

[torchy]

Bummer. I wrote my original post almost a week ago and still have not received a single response/phone call. Anyone have any suggestions for me? Maybe this isn't the right venue to advertise a vacation swap? Maybe if I offered to exchange for 2 weeks instead of 4? Maybe all you readers think Branson is just for old folks.

Not sure what I'm doing wrong, but your feedback would be much appreciated!

[wendyquat]

Sounds good to me but I'd venture to offer that it's probably the temperature difference in March between Branson and The Villages! I've never been to Branson and would love to visit but unfortunately I do not have a place in The Villages, YET! Still trying to sell the house in NC! Good luck to you!

[torchy]

Thanks Wendy. I appreciate your input. But remember...it doesn't have to be a simultaneous exchange. Our Pointe Royale condo is a 2nd home and is available any time of the year. BTW, June-August is the peak season for Branson. Actually, we've got two 2bed/2bath condos right next to each other in Pointe Royale, so its even possible to maybe work something out with a couple of couples. Lots of options.

[Pturner]

Hi Torchy,

Welcome to TOTV! I have heard nothing but good things about Branson.

I think one issue might be your desire to trade for a TV home in March. Snowbirds who rent here as often as not want to rent for Jan.-March or Feb.-March, if not longer. Taking a TV home off the market in March means the owner cannot rent it to long-term seasonal renters-- the most desirable and biggest snowbird market. For the TV owner of a rental home, it wouldn't make much sense to do a single month trade in either Jan., Feb. or March.

Hope this helps.

[torchy]

Thanks for that insight, PT, and for the warm welcome! I didn't realize the normal vacation rental market in TV was for 2+ months. My husband and I rented for the month of November in 2008, but in hindsight I guess we had an easy go of it because November doesn't interrupt the lucrative snowbird market.

What to do, what to do?

Okay, how about this option for some of you folks reading who maybe don't normally rent your homes to snowbirds: Move in with a friend for 2 weeks in March, let us take good care of your home during that period (you'd get to keep a good eye on us), and then you and your friend come to Branson in the summer--or whenever else you'd like.

Just thinking of ways to make it a win-win for everyone..