Home Swapping 101: Insider Tips & Stories from HomeExchange | Ep 75

This special episode of the She Hit Refresh podcast dives into the world of home swapping. Host Cepee is an avid HomeExchange user with over 60 home swaps, from Madrid to Mexico!Cepee is joined by Clémence Craig, Head of Growth for North America at HomeExchange, who provides an insider's look at how the platform works, its community-driven model, and answers to frequently asked questions. You'll also hear from two experienced Home Exchange members: Maria Nicholas, an American living in Malaga, and Shannon Acton, founder of Bargain Homes Abroad and the Armchair Expat podcast. They share their real-life experiences, favorite swap experiences, and essential tips for first-time home exchangers.We hope you enjoy this episode!  if you're ready to give home swapping a try, head to SheHitRefresh.com/homeexchange, and you'll get some free GuestPoints. See y'all back here next season!IN THIS VIDEO:The benefits of HomeExchange compared to platforms like Airbnb Debunking common misconceptions and misgivings about home swappingThe different types of exchanges, including simultaneous, non-simultaneous, and guest pointsReal-life stories and memorable swaps from experienced HomeExchange membersWatch episode 75 on YouTubeABOUT OUR GUESTSClémence Cragan leads North American growth at HomeExchange, making home exchange more accessible and better known across the U.S. and Canada. Originally from France, Clémence has spent the past 10 years in the United States. She’s also a mom of two young children, plus a dog and a horse! Her family uses HomeExchange for their travels, which has completely transformed the way they vacation. Clémence is a strong believer in the magic of home exchange, both personally and professionally.Maria is an American living in Spain for 14 years, blending her love for travel with remote work. She coaches purpose-driven women seeking deeper fulfillment in life and relationships, drawing from her background as a teacher, voiceover artist, and former Hollywood actress. As a speaker, she shares insights from her unconventional path, empowering audiences to embrace their differences as a compass for life's direction. Maria's mission is to inspire others—entrepreneurs, educators, and women in transition—to trust themselves, claim their space, and pursue life with courage and intention.Shannon is the creator of Bargain Homes Abroad, a multimedia platform that sits at the intersection of affordable European real estate and the dream of moving overseas. Through her website, podcast, newsletter, membership community, and popular Instagram account, she helps North Americans see that international living is more accessible than they think. Focused on homes with character, slow travel, and creative paths to life abroad, Shannon is planning her own move to Europe. For now, she lives in Southern California with her husband and rescue pup, Nellie.Where to find Shannon:Website:bargainhomesabroad.coInstagram: @bargainhomesabroadTHANKS TO OUR EPISODE SPONSOR, HomeExchange!HomeExchange is the global leader in home exchange vacations, offering authentic, sustainable, and affordable vacation opportunities for everyone. With over 220,000 members across more than 155 countries, HomeExchange makes vacations on a budget possible with a nominal annual membership fee, no hidden costs or cancellation fees, and 24/7 assistance. In 2021, HomeExchange Collection was created, an exclusive community for like-minded travelers to meet, share, and exchange their luxury homes.HomeExchange is a Certified B Corporation, part of a global community of businesses that meet and commit to high standards of social and environmental impact. With teams in France, Croatia, Spain, and the United States, travelers can browse their entire collection of homes and schedule their home exchange at homeexchange.com