Talk about timing. I just did a house exchange, and it worked out great on both sides. Didn't pay for hotel, was able to make food in the house, stayed in a neighborhood rather than a hotel district. I was wondering if there are sites any readers have used (besides craigslist), for this purpose, that are reputable and perhaps have a way of verifying users are who they say they are. My experience worked out well, but I can easily imagine a situation where that wouldn't be the case.

I did it a few times for aparmtents in Paris when I lived in London. Try:

www.vrbo.com

They tend to be the cheapest because they cut out the middle man. However, some of the places are amazing. I'm sure you could easily be ripped off, but I never have been.

A friend of mine rents out huge chateaus and invites all his buddies around for summer vacation. The places are really beautiful but it works out to be very affordable since there are so many people.

yeah, these mostly look like rentals. I'm looking for a site that does exchanges.

Have you heard of the Hospitality Club? I have lost the website for now.. google will find it i'm sure.