Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know my home is safe?
When doing research while building FFHE, this is the single most-asked question, in all house exchange. The simple answer is, "You don't." However, by only having professional firefighter (active and retired) as members, this should help put your mind more at ease. Research also tells us most problems are at the level of, "housekeeping standards," at the home being visited. Even in these rare situations exchangers return to find their own home just as they left it. While you are setting up your exchange you will get to know the other family. You also have the strong professional bond with fellow exchangers. Remember, your home is much safer while you are gone because it is not empty.
- Who pays the bills?
Pay your mortgage and utilities as you normally would and agree beforehand who should pay extraordinary expenses such as long distance telephone calls.
- What about insurance?
As insurance practices vary from country to country, you should discuss this with your agent. In general, your homeowner's insurance would cover intentional (criminal) damage to the home. Most home insurance policies do not cover break-and-enter and theft if the home is unoccupied over 30 days; so having a home-exchange guest is advantageous in this regard.
- Would someone want to visit my area?
All firefighters don't live in New York or on the California Coast. We all have different interests, and hobbies. This is the beauty of this membership; it gives us the opportunity to try all types of locations
- What if I want to list a second home?
For now there is only one home per paying member.
- Do I have to live in a tourist destination?
No, of course not. We are hoping for members to live throughout the countries. In big cities, rural areas, mountains, and, yes, resort areas.
- Are the homes modest or expensive?
The range of homes is large. Our members will be strictly firefighters so one would assume that all our homes would be reasonably comfortable.
- I live in an apartment. Can I exchange it?
Yes. Typically, members in large cities live in apartments. We make no distinction between condominiums, apartments, etc.
- What about car exchange?
This is at the discretion of the two parties doing the exchange. We have no direction for our members in this matter, however we do suggest that before any exchange takes place, you have an agreement between both parties. The whole purpose of the exchange is to have a safe and a positive experience.
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