Sample of an Initial
Contact Letter

After both parties have decided to explore the possibilities of an exchange, you enter into the negotiation phase. Then it is critical to discuss in advance as much as you can. At that point, take a look at the sample contracts listed under About Our House and About Our Car to help you think of points you should discuss.

Consider including the following in your initial letter:
• Your name and little about yourselves
• Where your home is located
• Your Uthomex listing number and their Uthomex listing number
• When or what time of year you would like to exchange, and for how long
• Information about your local area
• Your contact information, and how they can reply to you

If your initial contact is by e-mail, be sure to put in the subject box something like “Proposed Home Exchange” or “Home Exchange in (name your city).” That way, they are more likely to open and read your e-mail, instead of deleting it because they don’t know who you are.

Today’s date, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. ____________________________,

My wife and I saw your home in California listed on www.uthomex.com (ID # 203777) and think it might be the perfect place for our next exchange.

Janna has taught school, and I am an architect. We are in our mid-50’s, and would be traveling with our two adult children.

Our home in Salt Lake City is a comfortable rambler about three miles from Temple Square. It has a large yard with big trees, is near the University, and would sleep eight. You can see photos on the Utah! Home Exchange website, listing # 801842.

We were thinking of an exchange sometime next winter, perhaps two or three weeks in February? Winter is wonderful in Utah, with skiing and snowboarding at ten major resorts, all within one hour’s drive from our home.

You can contact us by e-mail at: joeandjanna@someprovider.net or write to:
Joe and Janna Exchanger
1234 East 4567 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84999

We have two phone numbers: 801-377-XXXX (home) and 801-456-XXXX (cell.).

Please reply as soon as possible,

Joe and Janna