Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

Is the 3rd Home program just for second home owners?

Yes. Primary residences are not eligible for the program. Second homes are typically in the most prime vacation locations and we find that guests prefer staying in vacation homes as opposed to primary residences that include owner's personal items, etc. This way our members are assured of the most comfortable vacation exchange experience possible. top

Is this a direct exchange meaning that I have to go to the person's property who stayed in my second home?

No, not at all. You receive credit – or "keys" - whenever someone stays at your property. Once you have keys in your account you can go wherever and whenever you choose - using enough keys to cover the exchange. The Host Member accepts your request, and you pay a $250 exchange fee. top

Who gets the exchange fee?

The exchange fee is paid to 3rd Home for offering the program, facilitating the exchange, hosting the information and tracking the transaction. The Host Member earns keys for the exchange but does not receive any of the exchange fee. top

Who would be staying in my property?

All guests eligible to stay in 3rd Home properties are themselves registered members and their second homes are part of the program. The only exceptions include occasional representatives from sponsoring real estate companies and 3rd Home's board of directors. top

How do you define "Hosting Member" and "Guest Member?"

A Hosting Member offers his/her property to another member in the program. A Guest Member asks to stay and visits another member's property in the program. top

How is 3rd Home different from a timeshare?

Timeshare typically refers to a situation where owners have purchased a week or two in a condominium along with a number of other people. 3rd Home is designed for luxury, full ownership, second home owners - people who own the whole property and not just one week. Our group may allow a select number of very upscale luxury fractional developments; we will be very selective and only associate with the top communities. top

How is 3rd Home different from other second home exchange websites?

We are different in a number of ways!

First, we are very selective and only accept properties, resorts and locations that are the most desirable in the world.
Second, we only allow second homes in the program and do not accept primary residences.
Third, because many of our membership in 3rd Home are offered by our sponsoring affiliates, we pre-screen most of our members properties.
Fourth, because we use the most advanced interactive technology, we offer our members the most updated, accurate information possible with the fastest response time in the industry. By keeping our overhead low, we can charge a low exchange fee of only $250 per week.
Overall, 3rd Home's unique exchange program and unequalled access to the world's most luxurious vacation properties provides the very best value in the industry for discriminating second home owners.

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How much does it cost to become a 3rd Home member?

Memberships are offered by our Sponsors, Affiliate or by our website www.3rdhome.com. Our two year membership fee is just $495. Once a member, the only charge is an exchange fee paid to 3rd Home by a Guest Member once a Host Member has accepted an exchange request. top

If I am a second-home owner and want to join 3rd Home, how does it work?

To become a member in 3rd Home, you simply click here to join. top

Can I talk to someone before I join?

Yes, you can call one of our members who also handles our customer support at 404-995-4594. top

How much does it cost to stay in a hosted property?

The exchange guest fee is just $250 per week. The only other charges that may apply would be specified in the property description and may include such things as additional property staff, a cook or driver or other available services/options. If tipping of staff is suggested, the Host Member should offer that information in the description of the property as well. top

Am I responsible for cleaning the property before I leave?

No. The Host Member is responsible for having the property clean when you arrive and having the property cleaned upon your departure. We ask that Guest Members leave the property reasonably clean. This does not include washing linens, towels or cleaning floors. Guest members should treat the property as if it were their own. top

I am thinking about selling my vacation home. Is a 3rd Home membership transferrable to the next homeowner?

Yes, absolutely. Also, if you sell your property, you are also allowed to keep your membership and all keys you have earned. You may continue to use 3rd Home until all of your key credits are fully used. Having 3rd Home membership available as a perk for potential buyers of your property may also give you an advantage in the market place. top

Can I charge rent for Guest Members to use my property?

No. Charging of rent is not allowed between members. top

I am concerned about having other people I don't know stay in my home. What should I do so that guests take good care of my property?

We believe the caliber of 3rd Home members means that guests will respect each other's homes and property. Remember that each member is a Host and a Guest and the Guest member is doing the same thing with his/her property as you. All members must be in good standing to use any of their keys. Additionally, our rating system means that members strive to have and maintain the highest rating possible so when Host Members are considering their request, it helps them approve the request. top

Do keys that member earn ever expire?

No, once you earn the keys, they are yours to use whenever and wherever you want to go. top

Can I exchange my keys for cash?

No. No cash exchange is allowed by our program. Keys are used by members who earned them in the program. top

How long can I stay at a member property?

Each exchange is for a one week period. If you stay less than a week it is still considered a week. If you want to stay longer than one week, you can request your desired length of stay with the Hosting Member. The exchange fee and key credits are all based on one week increments. So if you stay in the same property for two (2) weeks, you will pay two (2) exchange fees and debit the appropriate keys for the exchange twice. top

What if I have more than one vacation home and two or more are eligible for the 3rd Home program?

You can add multiple properties that you own under one membership. top

If I am a Guest Member can I talk to the Host Member before our trip?

Yes, once the exchange has been confirmed and the exchange fee paid, 3rd Home will provide contact information to both the Guest Member and Host Member so they can contact each other to discuss any questions they may have about the property, gaining access, the area, etc. top