Home Swapping, For Keeps

One of my college roommates and sorority sister — wait, every time I say the word sorority I feel the need to break out in song:

Kappa Delta
Kappa D
We’re the BEST Sor-ror-i-ty!”

Back to my friend … she was featured on the CBS Early Show this weekend on a segment about house swapping. I’ve never heard of it, but it appears to becoming a popular option for homeowners struggling to sell his/her home. Here’s how the article describes the trend:

A swap would work with both sides agreeing on a price and cutting checks to each other. But the owners can avoid the chance of getting stuck with two mortgages as well as real estate commissions.
Real estate agents, however, note that swapping limits the choice of houses to buy. And while the homeowners may save money on commissions, they often spend money on an attorney to help close the deal.”

I’ve know people house swap for vacation time in exotic locations, but swapping for keeps is something new. If it helps people unload their homes so they can move on with their lives, it’s got to be a good thing.

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