Profit From the 2010 Soccer World Cup Hype

Do It from the Comfort of Your Own Home

One method of getting your slice of the pie lies in the opportunity that is certain to arise from the demand for 2010 World Cup accommodation in the cities where matches are to be played and in those in the near vicinity. Individuals and families with homes in these areas would do well to plan in advance so that they can, when the time comes, benefit from the influx of visitors to their cities.

Take in a House Guest or Two

There are a couple of ways to let your home profitably during the 2010 World Cup period. Some of these may involve effort on your part, and others do not. Temporarily turning your home into a Bed & Breakfast is one such alternative. This is one of the more effort-intensive methods, but depending on the size of your home, it may also be the most profitable, while also allowing you to remain in your home and keep an eye on things. This will necessitate a basic revamp of the décor to make it comfortable for your guests. It will also require you to provide something in the way of breakfast for your patrons over this period. This option may require some formal accreditation from the tourism authorities, so do your homework in this regard before you decide to go ahead.

Go the ‘Self-Catering’ Route

Self-catering accommodation is another option. While it requires homeowners to sweep the cobwebs from the corners, you could also buy some fresh linen and give shabby rooms a superficial makeover. However, this method of renting out the rooms in your home or the unused granny-flat in your garden will require less input from you, and may be preferable for people with permanent jobs looking for a hassle-free alternative. The downside of this option is that you will have to share your kitchen and personal space with your lodgers, albeit for a short period of time.

Vacate the Premises

A final suggestion involves you letting your home in its entirety, as a self-catering holiday destination for another family. This would involve you and your family vacating the premises for the duration of the lease and escaping to your own holiday home, to friends or to relatives. This is preferable in many ways to sharing your space, and many South Africans who don’t follow soccer are not planning to hang around for the hustle and bustle of the tournament, but are intending to use the opportunity for a getaway. If this is your plan, why not profit from it a little?

Bear this in Mind

There are, however, some things that you should bear in mind if you are planning to let out your house during this period:

• Lock away all your valuables and personal effects. 
• Insist on a 50% deposit upon reservation of your premises, and make sure the outstanding amount is paid in full on arrival. 
• Indemnify yourself against loss due to fire theft or any other damage to your guests and/or their belongings. A damages deposit that is refundable at the end of the reservation period can also help to protect your belongings against theft or damage. 
• Specify whether you do or do not allow smoking in your home in advance.
• Make arrangements to put your animals into kennels or leave them with a friend if you are renting out your home to another family.
• Make sure to verify the personal details of your prospective guests, including the companies for whom they work. Google them to ensure that they are not notorious for anything fraudulent or dangerous.