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 or investment home 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 you deposit weeks in your property into the 3RD  HOME system. As you have given these weeks to 3RD HOME, they then cannot be used by you or rented out to others. On giving these weeks, you receive the equivalent number of Keys which you can then trade to use any other property showing availability in the program. If you see a property you like and it is showing availability for the time you want to go and provided you have enough Keys in your account, simply pay the $495 USD exchange fee and that property will be yours for that week. 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 depositing their weeks but does not receive any of the exchange fee. top
Who would be staying in my property?
Other 3RD HOME members and their guests only. All guests eligible to stay in 3RD HOME properties are themselves registered members and their second homes are part of the program. For peace of mind, members are able to communicate with each other prior to stays and members will be able to read feedback about other members. The only exceptions include occasional representatives from sponsoring real estate companies, partners and 3RD HOME's board of directors. On these limited occasions, the 3RD HOME management team would be responsible for these guests. top
How do you define "Hosting Member" and "Guest Member"?
A Hosting Member is the owner of a particular property in the program and the Guest member is the member that would be staying at the property of another member. 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, fully and privately owned second homes – i.e. for people who own the whole property and not just one week. 3RD HOME may allow a select number of very upscale luxury fractional developments to be involved in the program but we will be very selective and only associate with the top communities. top
How is 3RD HOME different from other second home exchange websites?
  • Firstly, we do not really see ourselves as a conventional exchange program. Given the club environment and exclusive nature of 3RD HOME, we are more of a reciprocal benefits program that enables our members to experience other wonderful properties in a way where they truly get out what they put in.
  • Secondly, we are very selective and only accept properties, resorts and locations that are some of the most desirable in the world.
  • Thirdly, we only allow second homes in the program and do not accept primary residences.
  • Fourthly, because many of our members are proposed by our sponsoring affiliates, we pre-screen most of our members and their properties before they are accepted into the program.
  • Fifthly, because we use the most advanced interactive technology, we offer our members the most updated, accurate information possible. This enables our members to make real-time bookings and plans without having to send speculative requests and wait for responses.
  • Overall, 3RD HOME's unique exchange program and unequalled access to the world's most luxurious vacation properties provide the very best value in the industry for discerning second home owners.
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How much does it cost to become a 3RD HOME member?
Memberships are offered by our Sponsors, or by our website www.3rdhome.com. Our two year membership fee is just $495 USD. Once a member, the only charge is an exchange fee paid to 3RD HOME by a Guest Member when they make a booking to use another property in the club. 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 is also part of our customer service team at 615-884-3610. top
How much does it cost to stay in a hosted property?
The exchange guest fee is just $495 USD 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 transferable 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 provided that the new owners honor the weeks you have deposited. If at the time of the sale the weeks you deposited have not been booked, then 3RD HOME can return those weeks to you provided you have enough Keys in your account. Or, if you wish to transfer deposited weeks to a different property this can be done too and your Key account adjusted accordingly. 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 marketplace. 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. Our feedback and rating system is closely monitored meaning that members have to maintain the highest rating possible otherwise their membership privileges may be rescinded. top
Do Keys that member earns ever expire?
All Keys have a 15-month lifespan. As soon as deposited weeks are accepted by 3RD HOME, the relevant number of Keys are then immediately available for use. 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 by depositing weeks into the system. top
How long can I stay at a member property?
Each exchange is for a one week period. If you stay for only 5 days, for example, it is still considered a week. Members can book properties for longer than a week, but the requisite number of Keys and exchange fees will be required. For example, if a member books the same property for two (2) weeks, they will pay two (2) exchange fees and the appropriate Keys for the two week period will be debited from the member's account. top
What if I have more than one vacation home and two or more are eligible for the 3RD HOME program?
No problem. You can add multiple properties that you own under a single membership account. 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
How many exchanges must I partake in a year?
3RD HOME only requires that you deposit 1 week into the system to activate your membership and then just 1 week per year to keep your membership live. top
What happens if I need to take back a week I have deposited?
If you wish to take back your deposited weeks and use them for yourself, you can do provided that you still have enough Keys in your account. Your weeks will be returned to you and the right number of Keys deposited from your account will need to be returned to the company. The only way you can do this is if a member has not yet selected your deposited week. top
As a member, can I rent out my property in the conventional manner if I wish?
Of course you can. 3RD HOME membership is designed to run alongside conventional renting. However, once deposited and accepted, those weeks are contractually bound to 3RD HOME and cannot be rented out or used by others. top
How does the feedback system work?
3RD HOME provides a robust feedback system to provide an incentive for members to maintain the quality of their transactions and assets. Both Guest and Host members will have the opportunity to provide feedback about their transaction experiences - regarding the properties and the members themselves. top
What happens to the balance of Keys in my account if I decide to close it?
If you wish to terminate your account, please contact a member of the customer service team. However, you are still required to honor the booked weeks made by other members. top
What about insurance?
All host members are required to make sure that they have appropriate Home Owners Insurance that covers others while in and around their properties. If members are at all unsure that they have this, then they need to clarify the situation before they join 3RD HOME. top