House Swappers Trade Homes

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Ralph Castillo and his wife Lilly are both hopeless romantics and hopeful entrepreneurs. That’s why they started this online dating website: to help people find their perfect match. It’s a popular idea for people seeking people, and maybe people seeking houses.

As homes in some areas languish on the market, some sellers are becoming swappers, offering to trade the equity in their home for someone else’s.

And looking to hook up on sites like,, or They’re kind of like dating sites for homeowners.

“When you log in for the first time they ask you all the personal information on the house. How many bedrooms you have… bathrooms how many car garage… square footage. At the same time they ask you to upload pictures, and you have the whole information of the house… just exactly like online dating.”
-Ralph Castillo, House Swapper

The Castillos, for example, want to to swap their Florida home for one in California. And they found a match, but not the perfect one.

“I did get one response: actually a house near to the beach, with actually the room and square footage I was looking for, but the value was way higher.”
-Ralph Castillo, House Swapper

So no swap yet. But as with anyone seeking that special someone, hope springs eternal.

Bottom line? Trying things like online house trading is a great idea, especially if you live in a slow-moving market, and it doesn’t cost that much. But like searching for that perfect mate, don’t expect miracles.
