They earn points by hosting other members and can use those to stay at different homes.

[5] Ed Kushins first came up with the idea of starting a home exchange service back in 1992, after he and his family made their first home exchange from Hermosa Beach, California, to Washington D.C. On this trip, he learned that staying in a home, as opposed to a hotel, was not only more comfortable but offered a more enriching "living like a local" experience and was a lot more affordable.

The HomeExchange club would later be launched that same year and was able to be navigated using a mail-ordered, printed directory.

[7] In 2006, HomeExchange.com was featured and promoted in the romantic comedy "The Holiday", produced and directed by Nancy Meyers.

[8] In March 2023, HomeExchange.com purchased its competitor, Love Home Swap.