Tips for Your First Visit to a Swap Partner

Guide: Get the Most Out of Your First Visit to a Potential Swap Partner

The first visit to a potential swap partner is a decisive moment in the entire swap process. Here you finally get the chance to see the home with your own eyes, feel the atmosphere and mood of the place, and meet the person behind the listing face to face. A successful visit can be the difference between a perfect match and a wasted effort.

Thorough Preparation Before the Visit

Do your homework properly before you set off:

Research you should do:

• Go through the listing thoroughly again and note down all the questions that come up
• Look at the area on Google Maps and Street View — what does it look like?
• Read about the neighbourhood online (noise levels, crime statistics, planned urban development)
• Check public transport to the area from your current home
• Make a written list of the most important things you want answers to

Practical preparation:

• Set aside plenty of time for the visit — at least 30–45 minutes, ideally a full hour
• Bring a notebook and pen to write notes during the visit
• Make sure your phone is charged so you can take photos
• Seriously consider bringing your partner, a friend or a family member
• Plan to arrive 5–10 minutes before the agreed time
• Have your own listing fresh in your mind so you can answer questions

What to Systematically Look For in the Home

Be thorough and systematic when examining the home room by room:

General first impression:

• Does the size truly match what was advertised — or does it feel larger/smaller?
• How are the lighting conditions in the different rooms and at different times of day?
• Are there enough power outlets and practical installations where you need them?
• Do all doors, windows, handles and locks work as they should?
• How are the acoustics — can you hear neighbours, traffic or other sounds?
• Are there visible signs of wear, damage or neglected maintenance?

The kitchen — the heart of the home:

• What is the condition of cupboards, worktops and work surfaces?
• Do all appliances work (fridge, hob, oven, dishwasher)?
• Is there sufficient storage space for your needs?
• How is the ventilation and extraction — are there odour problems?
• Is there room for the kitchen appliances and equipment you use daily?

The bathroom — often a surprise:

• Test the water pressure in both the shower and taps — is it satisfactory?
• Look for signs of damp, mould or mildew (especially in corners and along grout lines)
• Is there adequate ventilation (window or mechanical extraction)?
• Is there enough storage for toiletries and towels?
• Do the toilet, taps and drains work correctly?

Windows and insulation:

• Are the panes genuine double-glazed or old single-glazed?
• Can you feel draughts from windows or doors?
• Listen for traffic noise and other sounds from outside — is it bothersome?
• Is there condensation on the inside of windows (a sign of poor insulation or ventilation)?
• What are the blackout options in the bedrooms?

Questions You Should Ask While You Are There

Make the most of the unique opportunity to ask about things you cannot read about:

Practical questions about daily life:

• What is the typical monthly heating cost, and how is the home heated?
• Are there noise problems from neighbours above, below or next door?
• Do wifi and mobile signal work well in all rooms?
• How is the water pressure overall — sufficient for two showers at once?
• Is there anything in the home that needs repair or is due to be replaced soon?
• Have there been problems with pests (mice, ants, etc.)?

Questions about the building and community:

• How does the shared laundry room work — is there often a queue?
• Is there a waiting list for parking spaces, and how long is it?
• How often are general meetings held, and what do communal charges cost?
• Are there planned renovations to the roof, facade, stairwell or anything else?
• How is the relationship between residents in the building generally?
• Are there any neighbours one should be particularly aware of?

Questions about the surrounding area:

• Where do you typically shop for groceries, and is it easy to get there?
• Are there noise problems at certain times (e.g. nightlife, early morning traffic)?
• What are the street parking options if you have guests?
• Does the area feel safe to walk around in during the evening and at night?
• What will you personally miss most about moving away from here?
• Is there anything about the area you wish you had known when you moved in?

Examine the Building and the Immediate Neighbourhood

The home is only part of the overall picture — also check the surroundings:

The stairwell and communal areas:

• Are the stairs and stairwell clean, tidy and well maintained?
• Do the intercom, locking system and any gate work correctly?
• Is there a proper bicycle storage room, pram room or other storage?
• What is the condition, size and reliability of the lift?
• Are there letterboxes, and where are they located?

Outdoor areas:

• See the courtyard, garden or other outdoor communal spaces
• Check whether there is functioning waste sorting and recycling facilities
• Assess the parking situation for both bicycles and cars
• Listen to the noise level from the street — is it acceptable for you?
• Is there lighting in the evening, and does it feel safe?

Take a walk around the neighbourhood:

• Go for a short walk in the area around the building
• Observe traffic volume, parked cars and the general level of activity
• Look at neighbouring buildings — is the area well maintained?
• Find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy and public transport
• Try to imagine your daily routine starting from here

Take Systematic Notes and Photos

You will probably see several homes — make sure to remember the details:

What you should note:

• Date, address and name of your potential swap partner
• The most positive impressions you had during the visit
• The negative things or concerns that arose
• Questions you still lack answers to
• Your immediate, honest gut feeling right after the visit

Photo documentation:

• Always ask for permission before photographing anything
• Take photos of things you want to remember or compare with other homes
• Document any visible faults, wear or damage
• Photograph the view from the windows and the lighting conditions
• Take photos of the neighbourhood, stairwell and communal areas

Meet Your Potential Swap Partner as a Person

The visit is not just about bricks and mortar — it is also about getting to know the person:

Observe and assess:

• Do they seem open, honest and easy to talk to?
• Do they answer your questions fully and directly?
• Do they generally feel reliable and trustworthy?
• Do you have good personal chemistry and natural conversation?

Clarify important practical matters:

• Their preferred timeline for the swap
• Any special wishes, requirements or concerns
• How flexible they are about the exact moving date
• What they envision as the next step in the process

After the Visit: What to Do

Make an effort with the follow-up — it shows commitment and respect:

The same day or the next day at the latest:

• Write down all your thoughts and impressions while they are still fresh
• Send a message thanking them for the visit and the time they spent
• Feel free to share your immediate, honest reaction to the home

In the following days:

• Systematically compare with any other visits you have had
• Discuss the impression thoroughly with your partner, family or a good friend
• Make a list of arguments for and against this specific swap
• Make a decision within a week — respect their time

Red Flags You Should React to During the Visit

Be particularly alert to these warnings:

• Rooms that are inaccessible or locked with vague explanations ("It is just old junk")
• Strong perfumes, scented candles or air fresheners that may be masking odour problems
• Clear reluctance to answer specific, concrete questions
• Pressure for you to make a decision on the spot
• Significant discrepancy between the listing and reality

Next Steps After a Successful Visit

If the visit went well and you are both interested in moving forward, it is time to plan the actual move.

Read our guide: Sådan planlægger du selve flytningen to coordinate the practical side.

The complete guide to the entire home swap process can be found here: Sådan bytter du lejlighed i Danmark.