Video Call 101: How to Have a Successful Home Swap Conversation

If you're a remote worker or digital nomad, you know that finding the perfect place to work from can be a challenge. That's where home swapping comes in. With Swaphouse, you can exchange homes with other remote workers and digital nomads, giving you the opportunity to work from a new location while also saving money on accommodation costs.

But before you decide to swap homes with someone, it's important to have a successful video call with them to make sure that it's a good fit. Here are some tips for having a successful home swap conversation over video call:

• Test your video and audio settings before the call

Nothing is more frustrating than having a call with poor audio or video quality. Make sure to test your settings before the call to ensure that everything is working properly.

• Use a quiet, well-lit space

Choose a location that is quiet and well-lit for your video call. This will make it easier for your home swap partner to hear and see you, which will help facilitate a more productive conversation.

• Set an agenda for the call

Before the call, think about what you want to discuss with your home swap partner. Some important topics to cover include the length of the home swap, any rules or expectations for the home, and any details about the location and amenities.

• Ask essential questions

There are a few essential questions you should ask your home swap partner before exchanging homes. In this article, you will find the most important questions to ask.

• Be open and honest

Be open and honest with your home swap partner about your needs and expectations. This will help ensure that the home swap is a success for both parties.

Essential home swap questions

Here are some essential questions to ask your home swap partner before exchanging homes:

1. What are the house rules?

Nothing is more frustrating than having a call with poor audio or video quality. Make sure to test your settings before the call to ensure that everything is working properly.

• Are there any specific areas of the house that are off-limits?
• Are there any noise restrictions?
• Can I bring my dog?
• Is there a preferred check-in and check-out time?
2. What amenities are available?

It's always helpful to know what amenities are available in the home you'll be staying in. Some questions to ask include:

• Is there a fully-equipped kitchen?
• Is there a coffee / tea maker that we can use?
• Do you have a hair dryer or shall I bring my own?
• Are there any laundry facilities available?
• Is there a TV and what channels are available?

If you're planning to work from your home swap partner's home, it's important to ask specific questions related to working from home. These may include:

• What is the average internet speed?
• Can we do two Zoom video calls at the same time?
• How many workspaces are there?
• Is there a designated area for working?
• Is there a comfortable and ergonomic chair available for use?
3. How do you handle emergency situations?

It's important to have a plan in place in case of any emergency situations that may arise during your home swap. Some questions to consider asking include:

• Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
• Is there a first aid kit available in the house?
• Are there any specific evacuation procedures in place?
4. What is the neighborhood like?

Knowing a little bit about the neighborhood you'll be staying in can help you better prepare for your home swap. Some questions to ask include:

• Is the neighborhood safe?
• Are there any local attractions or landmarks worth visiting?
• Is there public transportation available?
• What is your favorite (laptop-friendly) coffee bar?
5. How do you prefer to communicate?

It's important to establish clear communication with your home swap partner to ensure a smooth and successful exchange. Some questions to consider asking include:

• How do you prefer to be contacted (e.g. email, whatsapp, text)?
• What is the best way to get in touch with you during the home swap?



By following these tips, you can have a successful home swap conversation over video call and feel confident about exchanging homes with your partner. With Swaphouse, you can easily connect with other remote workers and digital nomads to find the perfect home swap arrangement. So why not give it a try and see where it takes you?

Happy swapping!