Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can become a member?
2. How much does it cost to join?
3. What does TopMarks HomeSwap membership offer me?
4. Can I contact others without putting my own home on the website?
5. Am I limited to the amount of HomeSwaps I can do?
6. What are the benefits of homeswapping.
7. A stranger in my home?
8. We live in a normal suburban home, why would anyone want to come here?
9. How do I contact Top Marks Home Swap?
10. Why should I become a member?
11. Do I have to respond to all enquiries?
12. Will I have help in arranging my swap?

 

 

 

 

1. Who can become a member?  

Any registered teacher with a home. If your home is rented, please check with your landlord. We too are teachers and we started this business for teachers as we understand about only being able to go away during school holidays.

Retired Teachers and Teacher Aides are welcome to join also. As you don't have a Teacher's Registration Number, just contact helen@topmarkshomeswap.com.au to discuss a username for membership.

2. How much does it cost to join?  

There is a special “Early Bird” rate for the first 10 people in each state of $20 for their first year of membership, then people 11 – 20 in each state will pay only $40 for their first year of membership, everyone after that number pays the regular annual fee of only $75.00. If you want to list a second property at any time, it is only $30.00 for 1 year.

3. What does TopMarks HomeSwap membership offer me?  

Access to detailed information about the homes of fellow teachers who wish “to see Australia while enjoying the comforts of home”.

• Free listing of your home and photo on the website.
• Update your listing whenever you want 24/7.
• Access to Customer service assistance on ph/fax 07 3801 5125.
• Easy to read and informative listings.
• More listings every week.
• Email access to TopMarks HomeSwap 24/7.
• Email access to other members 24/7.
• Secure members area.
• Your contact information and email address are always kept private.
• Assistance with successful swap hints and tips.
• Watching your email fill up with offers of swaps is a bonus!
• Exchanging your home only with a fellow teacher.

4. Can I contact others without putting my own home on the website?  

No.

5. Am I limited to the number of HomeSwaps I can do?  

Never, no, not at all. The reason we started this business was so we could show our kids as much of Australia as possible, while still “enjoying the comforts of home”. So if you want to go to a different corner of Australia every school holiday, go for it. You only need to pay one annual membership fee.

6. What are the benefits of homeswapping?  

The list could be endless, as my friends think it’s a great way to see Australia while being at home.

• No accommodation costs.
• Sometimes no car hire costs.
• Less money spent!!
• A home to relax in every day.
• New toys for the kids to play with while you are there.
• New supply of movies for you all to watch while on holidays.
• The opportunity to stay longer than on ‘package holidays’.
• No need to buy food that you won’t completely use.
• All the comforts of home in a different location.
• Knowing your home is safely occupied by a fellow teacher.
• Knowing someone is looking after your pet (sometimes).
• Seeing Australia while enjoying the comforts of home, need we say more.

7. A stranger in my home?  

As you will correspond via email, this person or family who is swapping into your home should not still be a stranger. They will be a teacher like you (so you have that in common) and they will be looking for a more economical way to see Australia while being at home - like you. While you are conducting your negotiations, rely on your gut instinct too.

8. We live in a normal suburban home,
          why would anyone want to come here?  

Mainly because it is just that, a home. People who like to holiday using HomeSwaps, like to be at home at the end of each day, or on a ‘rest day’ between attractions. They prefer the comforts of home to a motel room! It will be ‘new’ to them, just as their home will feel new to you. Location may be important to some people, but most HomeSwappers are ready for an extended holiday (just compare a 5 day package in paid accommodation to a 10 day stay in a home) and are happy to take their time over things. They don’t feel they have to be at the centre of the action, as they are usually spending a longer more leisurely time there.

9. How do I contact Top Marks Home Swap?  

Email us at helen@topmarkshomeswap.com.au or click on those underlined blue words now and the link to email will occur.
Phone or fax us on 07 3801 5125
Write to us at TopMarks HomeSwap, PO Box 3943, Loganholme, Qld, 4129.

10. Why should I become a member?  

To increase your opportunity of being able to see Australia while staying at home. Also to take advantage of the Early Bird rate for 2007 as explained in question 1 above.

11. Do I have to respond to all enquiries?  

It is polite to respond to enquiries within a few days. The other member will be checking their email box every day to see if the holiday homeswap they want to go to is a possible goer. So it is nice to respond to all your offers, even just a short note.

12. Will I have help in arranging my swap?  

Absolutely. 24/7 access to our email and phone/fax. That is what we are here for, advice & service. The better we do our job, the better your swap is, the more people you will tell, the more people will join, the more opportunities for swapping ad infinitum = success.