With the addition of ThirdHome Rentals and Adventures, the ThirdHome brand has been updated to reflect our evolution as a travel brand.
Logo Evolution since 2009
Since 2009, the definition of “ThirdHome Luxury Property & Travel Club” revolved around home exchanges and basic travel concierge services. In 2018, ThirdHome evolved into a Luxury Property & Travel Club that offers Exchange, Rentals and Adventures.
ThirdHome Exchange invites second home owners to join an exclusive community of like-minded members to trade time in their home for stays in spectacular destinations. ThirdHome Rentals empowers owners to list their home with confidence and allows travelers to book without compromise. ThirdHome Adventures elevates travel experiences with uniquely crafted journeys around the globe.
To communicate the differences between our offerings, the ThirdHome logo has been color coordinated to match specific services.
ThirdHome Master Brand: Platinum
Anything having to do with the overarching ThirdHome brand will include a touch of platinum. Platinum is a color associated with prestige, wealth, sophistication and modernity. It evokes the shiny chrome of a technologically advanced future while also calling back to traditional elegance. As the color of the master brand, platinum is meant to illuminate the way ahead as we continue to disrupt and innovate the travel space.
ThirdHome Exchange: Blue
The color of the sky and seas, considered strong and stable, blue embodies the trust and stability ThirdHome Exchange Club members expect. Exchanging your second home online requires a great deal of trust, from the Exchange and the accompanying members. Blue represents the health and vitality of our Exchange club membership while also reminding members of ThirdHome Exchange’s integrity as an intermediary for cherished and privately-owned properties.
ThirdHome Rentals: Gold
Gold is a charismatic color showing wealth, extravagance and prestige, while also illuminating the colors around it. That’s how we see ThirdHome Rentals, a spotlight illuminating luxurious properties for other members to enjoy. Gold also reflects the quality of said properties, each one as eye-catching and brilliant as the last.
ThirdHome Adventures: Orange
No other color could capture the vitality and enthusiasm of Adventures quite like orange. A color of energy and happiness, orange reflects the extroversion and excitement that the ThirdHome Adventures brand offers with its trips and tours. ThirdHome Adventures include small group and custom tours that are meant to change perspectives and open hearts. The refreshing glow of orange invites open-minds to gather around the ember of ThirdHome Adventures.
These logo and ThirdHome brand updates were made to more accurately reflect our mission to disrupt the luxury travel industry and become the premier private travel club in the world. By building a uniquely curated collection of luxury Exchange, Rentals and Adventures, ThirdHome will inspire members at all levels to explore the world like never before -in style, with confidence, comfort and camaraderie.
New logos and colors may seem like small details in the grand scheme of The Club, but it’s an important step towards defining the special relationship between Club and Member.
Being a great guest for a home exchange or rental means treating the host’s home like your own.
The Golden Rule, do unto other’s homes as you would have them do unto your own, is the foundation of being a gracious guest. But as we discussed in our accompanying post, How to be the Perfect Home Exchange or Rental Host, it’s the small things that really leave an impression. Be sure to consider the following before, during and after your next ThirdHome stay:
- Host Guest Manual: Did the host leave a house manual with a detailed description of amenities, contacts and procedures? If they did, follow this document to the tee. If it’s absent, reach out to your host to make sure you have a clear understanding of the property during your stay.
- Feedback: Did you leave an account of your experience in their guest book? Did you review your host’s property page? Delivering positive or constructive feedback to your host is key to making sure that the ThirdHome experience remains consistent for both guests and hosts.
But being a perfect guest doesn’t end there. Keep reading to see how each stage of your trip should be approached as a guest.
Below we’ve outlined some of the most important things to consider when preparing for your stay at a host member’s property.
Before Booking your Stay
- Read the property page to see if you need to ask additional questions about the home
- Check for any additional fees before making a reservation
Directly After Booking your Stay
- After receiving your confirmation email reach out to your host to confirm arrival and departure details
- Make sure you know how to locate the home and have instructions for entry upon your arrival
During your Stay
- Treat the home as you would (or better than!) your own
- Upon arrival, if you see anything that is broken/damaged, be sure to let your host know right away
- Should anything be damaged during your stay, notify the owner so compensation can be discussed
Before Departing your Stay
- Tidy up after yourself
- Load the dishwasher and wipe off kitchen counters if dirty
- Collect and dispose of trash
- Follow any departure instructions left by the host (such as stripping beds, taking out trash, etc.)
- If your stay included staff or housekeeping, be sure to leave an appropriate tip for their services
Other Suggestions
- Bring a “thank you” gift for your host (bottle of wine, a souvenir from where you live, etc.)
- Leave a note thanking your host for opening their home to you!
- Leave a property review for other members! You will receive email/dashboard review prompts after your stay.
Ready to be the most gracious host in ThirdHome history?
Click here to browse ThirdHome Exchange availability.
Click here to browse ThirdHome Rental listings.
Did you know you can reserve these properties without using any Keys? Check out these Keyless properties, available now!
Keyless stays are last-minute trips that start within a 60-day window from the time of booking. These weeks can be reserved without Keys. Members only need to pay the exchange fee.
Members are eligible to book Keyless stays so long as they are deposit and dues-compliant.
Save your Keys and stay at Kapalua Villa on Maui Island. This 3-bedroom property sits on Kapalua Bay Golf Course and features owner rates to play at Kapalua Bay and Plantation courses. You’re also just a short walk away from some of Maui’s greatest beaches. If you’re looking for a tropical getaway with a bit of golf thrown in the mix, this property is perfect for you.
Take a short trip to the north and explore the art, culture and food of Old Montreal. There’s no better launching point for a trip like this. The 6-bedroom designer home features an expansive pool, billiards, a gourmet kitchen and space for the entire family. Besides exploring all that Montreal has to offer, you’re also a short distance from Quebec and the Laurentian mountains.
This staffed private retreat will leave you feeling like royalty. Enjoy sweeping views of the South Pacific from the property’s infinity pool or get a closer view from the private beach. Explore Taveuni Island’s rainforest and accompanying wildlife during your trip or snorkel along the world-renowned Rainbow Reef. If you’re looking for paradise you’re sure to find it at this 3-bedroom tropical retreat.
Love the outdoors? Experience Park City’s wide variety of summer offerings with a Keyless trip to the Rockies. This 3-bedroom residence is located at The Residences at Chateaux, a luxurious resort within the Deer Valley ski area. Explore the rugged terrain by hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly-fishing and much more! Take advantage of The Residence at Chateaux’s concierge service to plan the perfect Keyless summer getaway.
Want a unique safari getaway beneath the gaze of Mt. Kenya? Discover the Great Rift Valley of Africa with this spacious villa. Spot elephants, giraffes, zebras and other exotic wildlife in Laikipia. Explore Mt. Kenya National Park’s glaciers, lakes, wilderness, mineral springs and endemic wildlife, if you’re up for a mountain climb. This 5-bedroom home is the perfect start to your next adventure.
Want to learn more about Keyless travel? Click here.
What is Keyless travel?
Keyless travel is the ability to book a ThirdHome Exchange property for only the nominal exchange fee and ZERO Keys. Plenty of members are already taking advantage of Keyless travel.
“I plan a year in advance watching properties that I really want, or, if I have a free month I always take advantage of the Keyless properties.”
– ThirdHome member, Mary Jo.
How do I find Keyless stays?
Stays turn Keyless when the stay has a start date that is 60 days out. Keyless travel is perfect for a spontaneous getaway or last-minute weekend trip. Read below to learn how to find Keyless stays.
1) Log into your account and click the “Browse” tab, then select the filters icon next to the “Where To?” search bar:
2) Scroll down and check the “Available Keyless” box and click “View.”
3) This will then repopulate the screen with Keyless stays currently available for booking.
Keyless stays are available now!
Click here to browse availability and reserve a Keyless stay!
“We’re willing to waive the initiation fee, right now, for everyone in Australia.”- Wade Shealy
Wade Shealy, Founder and CEO of ThirdHome, and Bridget Ramey, of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty Austin, were featured on a Sky News real estate segment to discuss ThirdHome’s focus on expansion in Australia.
“ThirdHome has become my travel agent and travel guru.”- Bridget Ramey
As ThirdHome continues to grow and develop its relationships in Australia, more properties are sure to emerge for members. If you’ve ever been interested in a trip to Australia, now is a great time to be a ThirdHome member. Keep track of the latest properties Down Under by clicking on the link below!
Click here to see all available ThirdHome properties in Australia.
ThirdHome analyzed over 300,000 words from member property reviews to determine the recipe for the 5-star review
Longtime members most likely know the feeling; that sense of pride when your property has been given the 5-star review, it’s almost intoxicating. It speaks to your style, decor, hospitality, and adds vital context to your own perception of that second home. It’s a validation in many ways and a shout of approval from your peers. Longtime members have probably also felt slighted by impetuous 4-star reviews with little suggestion for improvement- the kind that leaves you thinking, “Where did I go wrong?”
New members, on the other hand, may not have a firm grasp on the features that make for a 5-star review. It was a question of interest to the ThirdHome team as well.
“What are the ingredients for a 5-star review?” we would ask, staring longingly into a database filled with thousands of rows of member feedback.
By analyzing 4,000+ rows of 5-star reviews left since March of 2010 and ending in July 2017 we were able to arrive at some semblance of an answer. Some words may not surprise you, but others may change the way you think about your property.
300,000+ words were run through textual analysis to determine frequency. Stop words (common words: the, about, it) were filtered out. Only lexical items are included. Frequencies range from 0.05% to 0.25%.
Here are the Top 20 Words found in 5-star ThirdHome property reviews:
20. Activities
Many reviews revolve around the activities that the guest participated in during their trip. Having access to unique local activities is a must for a top review. Some of the most popular are skiing, fishing, tennis and boating.
19. Stunning
Everyone wants a stunning and photogenic property. If you’re lucky, you have a beautiful view from your second home. But if the vistas leave something to be desired, maybe focus on the exterior design of the house itself. Guests want to be blown away as soon as they see the property.
18. Accommodating
Top reviews usually talk about the accommodations of the host. Was the host friendly? Was he/she helpful and knowledgeable of the area and property? As a host, go above and beyond to make sure that guests make the most of their time at your property. That extra human touch will definitely be remembered by your guest. You can learn more about being an outstanding host here.
17. Beaches
This one is tough to control. Obviously, you can’t lift your property up from Montana and bring it to the coast. But water assets always draw higher praise as a rule. If you’re near a beach, fantastic. If not, focus on a local lake or river asset that might have some recreational use for your guest.
16. Gorgeous
Do your best to show off your home’s personal style and aesthetic. Landscaping is especially important. Feature flora on your property that guests might not be familiar with, and that compliments the style of the property. Gorgeous natural assets are a great accent to any home and will make a lot of distance towards that 5-star review.
15. Bedrooms
Let’s face it, there’s certainly a positive correlation between guest experience and number of bedrooms. We all value privacy in our stays, and the more room the better. There’s probably a point of diminishing returns (think the Biltmore Estate), but as a general rule more is better. The quality of bedroom is also huge. En-suite bathrooms, bedroom views, Jacuzzis and other in-room amenities add a certain distinction to your property. Make sure that your guests wake up each morning in a bedroom that screams pure satisfaction. They will surely thank you.
14. RITZ
We’re proud to be partnered with the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club™. With a name that’s synonymous with high-quality customer service, it’s easy to see why the name would be featured frequently in reviews. As an individual property owner, you should strive to be the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club™ of your neighborhood. Aspiring to their gold standards of service will make you a shoo-in for a 5-star review.
13. Decorated
Designer, Juan Montoya, once said that a room, “-should never allow the eye to settle in one place. It should smile at you and create fantasy.” Your second-home is a new canvas for your interior design and decor. Your decor should be uninhibitedly creative and unapologetically you. When you project that sense of self into your property, guests are sure to respond. Think about what the decor in your second home communicates. Does it smile back at you?
12. Kids
Your second home could be the backdrop for a summer full of childhood memories. Ensuring that those memories are positive ones depends on how family-friendly your property and location are. See if there are any places of interest for children in your area such as an aquarium, water park or beach. Considering the experience of junior members can go a long way towards ensuring a great guest experience.
11. Equipped
In it’s most frequent context, equipped could usually be substituted for stocked. Most references are geared towards food and supplies that might be useful in relation to the property. Having a full pantry, cleaning supplies, toiletries and sundry items will make your property feel like an all-inclusive resort. These ready-to-go properties tend to have excellent ratings.
10. Relaxing
Such a broad and ambiguous term- how are you supposed to make sure your guest is relaxed? You probably purchased your second-home partially because you thought it was relaxing. What aspects were relaxing to you; the pool, sauna, on-call masseuse or the beach? Be sure to communicate all the aspects that you found relaxing about your second home, and make sure your guest has full access to them.
9. Stayed
Well, we should hope that your guests stayed! In all honesty, this word ranks high in frequency because most reviews begin with, “We stayed in X property.” If the phrase, “we shouldn’t have stayed” shows up in your review, you might be far from the coveted 5-stars.
8. Amenities
People love household and external amenities that they can’t access back home. So make sure that your listed amenities are ready for use upon a guest’s arrival. This should be thought of in the same sense as the ready-to-go house. Make sure the pool is clean and that all electronic features work hassle-free. Provide detailed instruction to any amenities that prove to be complicated to newcomers.
7. Fabulous
Fabulous…Gorgeous…Stunning. I’m sure you’re catching on to the pattern here. Make sure your property is as fabulous as it is gorgeous and stunning.
6. Spacious
Guests love an open concept home. Space for entertaining, dining and socializing is imperative to any successful stay. If your space is limited within your second-home, explore options for creating outdoor spaces for congregating. Spacious bedrooms and added privacy are also mentioned frequently in conjunction with this word. Don’t cramp your guests or their style!
5. Location
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Is your home accessible to natural assets, scenic views, entertainment and shopping? Is there public transit available and is the neighborhood economically sustainable? These are all questions you must ask yourself when listing your property for exchange. Focus on the strengths of your property’s location, and communicate how your property’s location is desirable to guests. Guests will appreciate the frame-of-reference and will use it to maximize the value of their trip. Leave maps, visitor bureau brochures and other informative materials for guest use.
4. Condo
The frequency of the word condo suggests a few things. One, that guests enjoy luxury condominiums just as much as they can enjoy standalone properties, and two, that guests have a great value for location. Highly rated condos tend to be in large metropolitan areas, and have immediate access to city amenities that more remote properties may not have.
3. Restaurants
It is no surprise that most ThirdHome members are huge foodies. Members want access to unique dishes, talented chefs and full-service gastronomic experiences. Your property can play to almost all of the sense except for taste. Make sure your guests leave with a taste of their adventure at one of your favorite local restaurants. Leave a list of your favorites along with the visitor information at your property.
2. Villa
The condo may be popular in many contexts, but villa has a universal linguistic appeal. Once used to describe the country estates of Rome’s upper class, Villa now characterizes a number of home styles. They are generally very spacious, have gardens, water features, terraces, a gorgeous view and elegant furnishings. These properties tend to be in lower population density areas and offer luxury accommodations. Guests go nuts for a villa.
1. Enjoyed
Here’s the key to it all- enjoyment. Make sure your guests enjoy the property as much as you do, it’s as easy as that! With a bit of attention to detail, compassion, and hospitality you’re sure to get 5-star reviews every time you host. Because after all, enjoying yourself is what this club is all about, not stars. Although, the stars are nice.
Listen to Wade Shealy chat with Jason Hartman on The JetSetter Podcast.
Jason Hartman talks with Founder, CEO and Chairman of ThirdHome, Wade Shealy. The two discuss how people with second homes can loan out their vacation spot while getting access to thousands of properties in desirable areas for as little as $495 for a week.
So if you’re tired of going to the same destination year after year, maybe it’s time to visit somewhere new and stay at someone else’s home for a change. Click below to listen!
As a reciprocal home exchange club, ThirdHome Exchange relies on a community of members to both graciously host guests in their homes but also be great guests when traveling. Here’s what ThirdHome Exchange host members are saying about their experiences with guest members while participating in luxury home exchanges:
“Maureen and her friend were wonderful guests. Maureen is a delightful person and so easy to talk to about arrangements. As a plus, she and her friend left the house totally immaculate. It was a delight to have them both and I would welcome them back without reservation at any time.”
“They were a pleasure to meet and are most welcome to return to our home at any stage. As they were our first guests since recently joining ThirdHome they have set the bar very high for our next guests who we are expecting shortly. Any small requests we made in terms of arrival, departure and property management issues were followed to the letter. We think they enjoyed their stay as they very generously left a bottle of Irish for the next occupants of the Cottage!”
“We were very pleased to have such a lovely family visit our ThirdHome property. Their enthusiasm to take in what Cape Cod has to offer was fantastic. They were here for a short time but seemed to pack in horseback riding on the beach, a seal tour, beach time and in addition sample the restaurants! They left the house in beautiful shape. I would welcome them back at any time. It was as if good friends were staying at the house. The emails and discussions with Jackie to plan her family’s get away was fun and now I feel as though I have some new friends!”
What leads to an outstanding guest review like above? Here is a list of the top ways to impress when staying at a fellow ThirdHome Exchange member’s property:
- Participate in timely communication: Communication is very important during the home swapping process. Always confirm arrival and departure times with the host member to ensure a smooth transition for using the home during your trip.
- Respect the property as if it was your own: As a luxury homeowner, you already take pride in keeping your home nicely kept. Extend that same respect to your host member’s property, by treating it as if it was your own property.
- Tell the host member if there are any issues: If there are any issues while staying at the property, kindly bring it to the host member’s attention. They may have no idea it is an issue to begin with and will appreciate knowing!
- Do not bring a pet without prior permission: Always ask before you bring a pet along on your vacation with you, as some are sensitive to having pets in their house due to allergies or decor considerations.
- Be polite to all staff at the property: When a property has staff on-site, treat them with kindness and be sure to adequately tip them for their service.
- Leave a review about your home exchange experience: Hosts love to hear feedback about their home and stories of what you did in the area!
Following through with these few tips will leave the owners wanting to swap with you again! Ready to book your stay and be a great home exchange guest? Click here to view weeks available to book with a ThirdHome membership. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
As a reciprocal home exchange club, we rely on our community of members to both graciously host guests in their homes and also receive great treatment when they decide to travel. Here’s what our members are saying about their experiences with host members while participating in home exchanges:
“Jerry was superb in providing the requested information and his recommendations for restaurants were spot on! ” – Tom Q.
“We enjoyed our communications with the owner, Claudio, very much. Not only was he helpful, providing many suggestions for eating out, but we feel we have a new friend in NM. I highly recommend a stay here!!” – Sally R.
“Thank you so much for your amazing hospitality! As soon as we booked our trip, Helen went above and beyond to send ample suggestions of things to do and see during our stay with a great selection of local favorites.” – Phillip L.
“Charlotte provided very clear arrival, check-in and high-tech security lock instructions, and gave some great restaurant recommendations.” – Matthew M.
What leads to an outstanding host review like the above? Here is a list of the top ways to impress when hosting a fellow ThirdHome Exchange member:
Be available and timely with your communications:
Answer all questions a guest member asks to the best of your ability and within a short timeframe. If you are having trouble communicating, try scheduling a time to talk ahead of time that works for both of you. Additionally, if you don’t have time to answer their questions immediately, send off a quick email letting them know you received their questions and will respond as soon as you get a free moment.
Leave a welcome letter or instructional booklet:
Each home has particular quirks for operation. Simple things that you know inside and out can be confusing to a new guest, like operating your kitchen appliances, electronics, and security systems. To make the transition easier, leave a welcome letter or instructional booklet easily accessible in your home. Alternatively, you can email the packet to the guest member ahead of time if you would rather keep a digital file.
Help your guests feel like they are one of the locals:
One of the best advantages to participating in a house swap instead of staying in a hotel is being able to fully immerse yourself into the culture by feeling like a local. As a host, take it a step further and assist your guest by offering helpful suggestions. These can include a list of your favorite restaurants or chef, must-see local attractions, and area excursions.
Following through with these few tips will help enhance the experience of your guests greatly during the home exchange process!
Interested in a home exchange? Click here to learn more!
Home exchanges are a great option for cost effective family vacations. Expenses are nominal and you are saving thousands of dollars versus hotel rates. They come with lots of added amenities and offer lots of vacation options —from resort-style villas to ski condos, and swanky city lofts. It did not surprise me when RCI took notice and launched programs similar to a traditional home exchange.
Wyndham Vacation Rentals, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, launched Wyndham Home Exchange; a program that would allow “homeowners of vacation rental properties to trade weeks at their rental property for access to accommodations at more than 4,000 RCI affiliated resorts around the world.”
Wyndham clearly sees the growth of this segment and wants to be a part. Similar to our company ThirdHome, the new Wyndham program administered by RCI, the world’s largest vacation exchange company, gives “Wyndham Vacation Rentals homeowners access to additional vacation options by allowing them to deposit unused weeks of their choosing at their rental property.”
It’s a way for owners of vacation homes to see the world and get added utility. That being said, I do believe that Wyndham will attract a different customer than ThirdHome. They will appeal to vacation homeowners that perceive going to a timeshare as a good option for them. But, that is not necessarily the case for all second homeowners.
In short, Wyndham will attract a mass audience, probably not the luxury second homeowner, who wants to visit properties of the same caliber as their own, as well as host like-minded individuals.
All told, the fact that Wyndham is allowing vacation homeowners to exchange into RCI is further evidence of the value and growth of home exchange to second homeowners.
Wade Shealy
Founder, CEO, and Chairman
If you thought airline fees were a nuisance, think again.
A recent USA TODAY article outlined the top five trends to watch out for in travel this year. It got me thinking about all those extra fees we now accept so openly when we fly—baggage fees, reservation changes, even the food.
Reports from that article indicate that airlines collected more than $900 million in baggage fees in the third quarter of 2012. They made another $600 million straight from fees to reservation changes.
Now, it is forecasted that hotels plan on following a similar pattern. We should expect hotels and other service industries like rental car companies and even cruise agencies to adopt “airline strategies” that will end up costing travelers more money. Plan ahead when you book your next vacation because some hotels have guests pay extra for re-stocking mini-bars, luggage storage, and room safes. If you think about it this starts to add up.
Home exchange programs save vacationers as much as several thousand dollars per trip. ThirdHome, has saved its members more than $10 million in rental fees in just the past 2 years alone. There are no hidden or add-on fees. And nominal fees overall.
With 1325 properties in 67 countries with an average value of over $2.25 million, ThirdHome properties are some of the most beautiful in the world rivaling any travel alternative for luxury second homeowners. You can learn more by visiting ThirdHome.
Steve Zacks, CMO, ThirdHome
A tumultuous ride over the past 5 years got me thinking about the future of vacation home ownership. Things seem to be settling down. However, they are settling down at a snails pace compared to what we saw from the late 90’s to 2007. Was it a false surge in resort real estate? Absolutely! People were not buying for personal use but for financial gain. After all, prices were rising at record rates, and people were flipping contracts without closing and making big profits. And the bottom line was not views, or family enjoyment, but simply profits. How much and how quick.
I watched buyers line up at our launches and buy up to 28 units each. They did not care about the views, floor plans, and amenities. They only cared about how quick they could flip it and for how much profit. Financing? They never expected to have to close. A contract could be flipped a week later for a $100,000 profit.
Who do we blame? We could say the sales people for selling the wrong values. But can we really blame them since they were being paid commissions? Or maybe the mortgage lenders, who, with 5% down and easy to qualify programs, made buying multiple units achievable for people who really could not afford them. Or was it the buyer for being greedy? Remember the old game we all played as kids called Musical chairs? In 2007 the music stopped and the nine people standing had one chair to find. Maybe one out of nine of these flipping investors found a safe chair. The rest? Well, they probably gave it all back.
So, what is the future for second homeownership? Many of these owners now feel “stuck” with ownership and the expenses that come with it. In the past people could sell and buy a different second home every 5 years, however, in today’s economy most people who bought more than 5 years ago could not sell it for anywhere close to what they paid for it. So, owners are looking for more value. More benefits to turn an under-utilized asset into something that is more acceptable financially. Many have turned to short-term rentals or obtained travel benefits by joining luxury exchange or reciprocity clubs like ThirdHome. And what was first driven by the economy will no doubt become the standard.
Wade Shealy
Founder, CEO, and Chairman