On this CBS News segment see how families in the States are looking to swap houses - recognising the difficulty of selling properties the traditional way during a recession. You can see how people are using websites to list their houses for a permanent swap; saving on realtor fees and even getting closer to the asking price.  But as the news item points out, you have to be flexible and try not to be too picky!

See how one couple in the States successfully swapped a house in Nevada with a house in Tennesee, to be closer to their family. "It was really painless and solved both our problems", comments one of the swappers. Lessons to learn?

Tips when swapping your house

• Don't be picky
• Do your homework
• Have a simultaneous closing

House swapping isn't just limited to the States either.  On this BBC TV feature, learn about how house swapping is starting to gain ground in the UK.

Learn more about the house swapping process, and the typical concerns people have - such as, does it require both the houses involved in the swap to have an equivalent value?  As you will see from the feature, this isn't the case.  Some people are looking to upsize while others simply want to downsize.

More stories of people who are looking to swap and hear about those who have successfully swapped.