May 2026

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Hello everyone,

Whether you’re taking advantage of a long weekend to go on an exchange this May, or simply dreaming about your next trip, welcome to the new edition of The Community Gazette!

This month, we’re sharing a few handy platform updates and a bunch of community-packed ideas: post‑exchange memos, gift inspiration, and smart home‑prep tips.

And of course, there’s room for your stories too, plus an open mic for listings near cycle routes.

Enjoy reading!

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📍 Table of contents

• What’s new on the platform?
• Community tips
• The story corner
• HomeExchange commitment
• Let's stay in touch

🤖 What’s new on the platform

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A “Share” button on listings

You can now share your listing link in one click, with a button that’s more visible than before and, above all, more convenient.

More convenient, because when you click this new “Share” button, you now have the choice to:

• copy the link to share it wherever you’d like
• share it in one click on Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, by email, or on Reddit

attachment:b1a031a8-c86b-4c13-8e52-b997d117ab5d:Enregistrement_de_lecran_2026-05-05_a_17.28.08.mov

👉 Learn more

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A clearer, more “HomeExchange” map experience!

We’re moving to Google Maps and introducing a custom-designed map aligned with the HomeExchange identity.

You’ll notice a refreshed map style (colors, readability, points of interest, etc.) in key areas like home search, listing pages, and more — while keeping the experience smooth and familiar, with no expected functional changes.

👉 Learn more

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Accessibility: where do we stand?

1. Digital audit (website and apps): completed

We carried out a full accessibility audit of our website and apps, to better meet the needs of people living with visual impairments.

Result: a list of concrete recommendations, which we’re currently prioritizing to define what we will improve in 2026 and 2027.

2. Service audit (exchange journey): in progress

In parallel, we are exploring the accessibility of the exchange experience as a whole: the real barriers, the moments in the journey that can be difficult, and the improvements that would make a real difference.

Feedback from the community: especially members living with disabilities, is at the heart of this work. The insights will directly help steer our product priorities for the coming years.

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HomeExchange stickers on Instagram

Want to spice up your stories? Head over to Instagram and type “HomeExchange” when you’re adding stickers.

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👉 To follow all new platform features, head to the forum.

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💬 Community tips

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👇 When Robin writes a special post‑exchange memo

👉 See and react to all these tips

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👇 RubenLeon shared what nobody tells you when you start on HomeExchange (and the mistakes that can cost you the most)

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👇 What home improvement members are doing because guests are coming?

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👇 Any recommendations for Jadine who just joined HE?

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👇 Issues with key handovers raised by Anja

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👇 Nathalie is looking for tips for a long-term trip

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👇 Sean wants advice about cleaning

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👇 Home prep hacks from Sarah, a first-year exchanger

https://www.instagram.com/p/DX4pV6cidhh/?img_index=1

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🎁 A small gift for your guests or hosts?

Small thank-you or welcome gifts are always a thoughtful touch that HomeExchangers really appreciate.

We’d love you to share what you usually bring for your guests or hosts in this Facebook post.

You might even find a bit of inspiration there too ;)

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Join the official private Facebook group for members!

Would you like to share your exchange tips with the rest of the community? Get other members’ opinions? Share experiences?

👉 Join the Facebook group and take part in the discussions

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📬 The story corner