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Frequently Asked Questions

1.)What are the chances I will actually find someone to Swap with?

The chances will get better as more and more houses are posted (see tell a friend tab). Don't forget; with the amount of money you may save on a transaction you can make the other house exactly what you want! Besides: It's just a house you make it a home!.

2.)How do I know what the other houses are looking for?

Utilize our Match Me Search Engine; or it will show what the wish list is on their extra profile page. (Personal wish lists may change)! You never know what they may be willing to do if the deal is right!

3.) How can I save money selling my house this way?

In a traditional sale you are being whittled down on price. Besides the potential for immediate gratification; Because you are buying each others house; you may both agree on your full appraisal value! You may also save on the realtor fees; but they are professionals and may keep you out of trouble; it is a good thing to use a good agent to protect your interests.

4.) How do I get a down payment or closing fees out of my house equity?

By doing a simultaneous close of escrow preferably at the same Title Company; The title company may distribute funds out of the houses equity to be used. If there are any funds left; a check will be cut to you for the difference. Keep in mind it is also wise to write in a contingency upon successful close of escrow on each house.

5.) Can I post my house on this site if I already have it listed with an agent?

Yes. You can do both at the same time. You may even use your agent to assist you with creating your Swap Your House profile as well as assisting you in your search for a Swap!

6. ) Can I post a house for Sale or Swap?

Absolutely! You may find someone who just has to have your house and you do not want theirs.. They may buy yours and swap theirs for a rental; who knows?

7.) Doesn't the house you are Swapping with need to be equal in value?

No. You are essentially buying each others house for different prices and getting new loans on each. However you can both agree to buy each others house at full appraisal value!

8.) Is this one of those cash back deals?

No. Cash out deals either border on or are bank fraud. You simply buy each other's house by getting a new loan for each house. Nothing is different other than the potential to save on fees because you both want the most out of your homes.

9.) What if I found a house I liked that was only a Bronze member? If they can not check their messages, how does that help me?

Swap your house wants to help protect non-serious members from sending unnecessary emails by attempting to solicit or promote their business. The member may be new and not upgraded just yet, so send the message. If they are serious about selling their house; they will upgrade in order to check the messages they see in their mailbox.

10.) Can I use my realtor to help me?

As long as your state allows agents and not only attorneys- then yes. When you have found a few houses that interest you- you can work it out with the other seller to let you and or your agent go take a look. They can help you in your decision, negotiation, and the writing of the contract- at what ever commission you agree to..

11.) What if the purchaser of my home fails to close escrow?

You write the purchase contingent upon the sale and closing of my current residence. A simultaneous close of escrow recommended.

12.) What if I want to buy a new build?

You can; First you can Swap by downsizing to a smaller house to use as a rental that can to obtain a positive cash flow, then get it rented and then go! You usually have some build time to make this happen. We recommend you write in a contingency upon sale and or close of escrow on your current house.

13.) If I put my house for sale will I be (bombarded) by a bunch of solicitors....

SwapYourHouse.com uses a routing system to keep communication between members only, and your personal contact information will not be shared without your consent. All communication between members is at the user's own risk.

14.) How do I know what to do once I've found a house that I would like to purchase?

Refer to the 'What's Next' tab and vendor page to help guide you the process (i.e. Title companies, Insurance companies, 1031 Exchange Companies; even Movers, ETC.) to help you along the process. You can choose from various venders that advertise on our site; or find another one that can help you on your own! Refer to Assist Your Move to find some in the location of your choice.

15.) May I use my own lender?

Yes; however you can only attain Platinum status through one of the few we have to choose from. This better protects you from people using friends to pull strings and creates more of a third party to the qualification. You can attain Platinum status this way; but then use your own lender when it is time. We do recommend you work out a deal with the other party to use the same Title Company to help with a smoother transition by a simultaneous close of escrow.

16.) What if my credit is already shot? How can I use this site?

If you downsize and you have some equity in your home; especially if you cut out fees and get full value for your house. Based on your foreknowledge of how much you will be getting back in equity ; use those funds as down payment on the new house. i.e. You have a $500,000 dollar house and you want to get a $200,000 house.. If you have bad credit and are putting $70,000 or so down on that $200,000 house you may be surprised at what a bank may be willing to do! You may also have your spouse or someone else to buy the new house.

17.) Can I work a three way trade? I found someone who wants my house on this site; but I really need to move to another city... What do I do?

You and the person who wants your house may find someone in the city you need to move to; that may want the people's house who wants yours. Structure a three way deal where it is a contingent sale upon all parties involved closing escrow. See how the title company, your attorney's, or agents may be able to work this out. Again a simultaneous close through the same Title Co. is recommended.

18.) Can I post more than one house?

Yes; but the same fees apply for each house.

19.) Can I post a house that has tenants in it?

Yes. You will have to tell the one who you are trying to Swap with as they may need somewhere to live; or work out a delayed close of escrow or move in date. To better help in this need; we will be introducing Investor Swap Soon as investors can buy each others house with or without tenants!

20.) What happens on a close in a state that require an attorney and yours does not?

The title companies and attorneys can work together to protect their clients.

21.) Can I Post Land, Commercial, or Timeshares through this site now? I see the options.

Yes; but the criteria may change for each of these. Keep checking back as the functionality in these areas will improve.. They will also function as their own site but will share info to this site as you may cross market.( i.e. land for a house..)