Do you know the artist David Schor?

If it seems too good to be true...I'd want cash.

I agree with Heather. If you cannot find much information on him on the internet, then definitely cash.

What size is the oil painting he's offering? Has he emailed or texted you a photo of it? Would you like an oil painting by him? Personally I like a barter system but must be very careful that what you barter is of equal value. Absolutely must get the 'how long' from him so you can see if the cost of your rental is equivalent to what he's offering. Lots to consider.

Run, don't walk, away

Google his name and you will find lots of his own self-promotion ( very poorly written). And a discussion on Fodor's 19 years ago of his spamming activities:

https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/schor-spam-83132/

My word, Lola! What a thread you linked to!

Yes, I'd run fast, run far and then block his emails.

I read part of the link also. Has he been doing this for 19 years, or did he just finish a long prison sentence and is back to his old tricks.

I just searched him and found this link from 2011 from someone seeking a valuation on a David Schor painting: https://www.justanswer.com/antiques/5v6es-david-schor-acrylic-painting-done-1993.html. The important thing to note is that there isn't a secondary market for his art. So if you don't like his artwork you're out of luck.

I wouldn't let him near my condo if I were you!

kclyons, a very interesting link as well. Apparently the person who wanted the appraisal thought it far more valuable than the professional appraiser. I'd go with the professional in this instance.

Yeah, sounds like a scam. I wouldn't go near it.

On the other hand I make a mean artisanal mocha cheesecake...can we make a deal? Curated just for you. 6 cheesecakes for 3 nights? :)

I suppose it depends a bit on your expectations or motivations.

From the information you provided, he has not suggested anything out of line, just a simple transaction..."I stay at your place, I pay you in the form of a painting".

You can certainly make the assessment if the transaction is fair, he can certainly be free to value his painting as he sees fit.

Now if you assume that the painting is worth much more than the value of the stay (and really what is that, if the other option is an empty rental) and your intent is to sell the painting and profit, but find no market...then you are as much a part of a "scam" as he is.

I wouldn't pay tuppence for one of his paintings. I think this is supposed to be a sail boat:

https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/disp/182c9d43612351.5607514a50e2d.jpg

Looks more like the berry trifle my Aunt Nerys used to make for special occasions, usually flushed down the toilet the following day.