Ethical Property Management For FIFA 2010 World Cup

By Alek Jones

Property management companies are raising property prices
drastically to cater to the high demand of rentals during the
FIFA World Cup games this year, in an attempt to take advantage
of the huge number of tourists set to enter South Africa during
this time. While there is no doubt that the FIFA World Cup will
be of huge benefit to the South Africa economy as a whole, not
all property companies agree that price hikes are good for the
tourism industry.

Tarleys Trust Property Group advises property agents and
management companies against raising prices, and encourages
property companies to instead consider the disadvantages that
extreme price hikes could have on a long-term scale. Many
companies are solely focused on profits, and see the FIFA World
Cup as a potential to make increased sales and rentals. A large
majority of tourists will be entering South Africa for the first
time however, and excessive prices could prevent many from
considering rentals and sales on return visits. The price
increases also affects locals, as increased prices on any level
brings the overall value and market prices up significantly,
causing price increases across the board, for locals and
tourists alike. Commercial property rentals and residential
rentals both stand to be affected by price hikes, which could
have a huge effect on property prices in general if prices are
raised drastically during the months from April to July.

Another aspect that property companies need to consider is the
over-saturation of short-term rentals in the build up to the
World Cup events. The anticipated demand for rentals has led to
huge numbers of guesthouses, apartments, houses, villas and
other property available for rent, which more than adequately
meet the demands for accommodation – especially with a huge
increase in property renovation this year. Landlords are seeing
the chance to provide expensive but convenient property for
tourists, however with the large number of property options to
consider, tourists have more choice. This in turn may force many
property management companies to push prices down to bring in
more chance of their properties being rented out. Experts are
predicting that long-term rentals will be in higher demand, and
as many landlords are choosing short-term tourist rentals over
long-term, this is yet another factor that could affect property
rental prices during 2010.

The improved property industry growth has led to many agents
and landlords taking advantage of positive property price
growth, increased application volumes, increased approvals,
further expected relaxation of bank lending criteria, and
increased competitiveness amongst lenders. Price increases are
widespread to get the benefit from these factors, however on a
long-term scale; price increases may not offer a sustainable
solution, especially with a slow and gradual recovery from a
recession that has left a lasting mark on global economies.

The positive side of the 2010 World Cup is that the event is
set to have a huge impact on the residential property market,
showcasing the wide diversity of excellent properties across
South Africa. With reasonable prices, the lure of South African
property could be even greater, advises Tarleys Trust Property
Group MD Bradley Berman. Whether it is property sales or
residential rentals, all eyes will be on South Africa’s property
market over the next few months, which is why property companies
and landlords should ensure ethical property management as a way
to ensure that tourists return to South Africa year after year
to invest in property.


For Your Secrets To Real Estate Investing Click Yes!

About the Author: Tarleys Trust Property Group (Pty) Ltd is an
independent property management company which focuses on adding
value to clients’ property assets. http://www.tarleys.co.za

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Can an African Nation Win the FIFA World Cup?

By Kenneth Tan YH
Ever since Sepp Blatter announced his desire to bring the World Cup finals to Africa, the FIFA President has also, on numerous occasions, stated his belief that an African nation has the ability to become world champions in football one day. Blatter has since realised his dream to stage the finals in an African country (South Africa 2010), but before then, there has been no representative from the continent in the final of previous editions.

There has been no shortage of contenders. For example, Nigeria has often been considered the strongest team in African football. However, they have yet to go as far as the final in any past World Cups. Ghana and Ivory Coast are also touted as countries that will challenge the established order in world football, yet the proof is in the pudding and they have not proven anything so far.

So will there ever be a World Cup winner that is part of the African continent? We can only look as far as the next World Cup finals and assess each of the contenders that have qualified for the chance. From there, it might perhaps be possible to find out if the global footballing community can celebrate the ultimate rise of the sport in Africa.

Nigeria carries huge expectations on their shoulders every time they play. They are often regarded as the Brazil of Africa - playing the most sublime soccer on the continent and exporting some of the world's best footballers. It is also these qualities that raise expectations unrealistically high and the team often shows the strain of having to deal with that burden in various tournament. Too often they have flattered to deceive in previous World Cup finals and African Cup of Nations - the equivalent of the World Cup but played exclusively amongst the continent's countries. The Super Eagles are also often torn apart by internal disputes over money, disciplinary issues and an ever changing management that has disrupted many a preparation. Fans are not hoping for much this time and compared to previous squads, the Nigeria of 2010 do not quite spark everyone's imagination.

Algeria has made two previous trips to the World Cup finals and have overall made a positive impression. Known for mixing clever play with gutsy determination, the Algerians are your typical underdogs that can spring an upset when least expected, while stumbling when expectations are raised. It was again evident on their path to South Africa 2010 when they actually dumped African champions Egypt out of the qualifiers in stunning fashion. Yet, they failed horribly in the recent African Cup of Nations finals and have already been written off by most critics.

Cameroon will forever be remembered as the team that felled giants Argentina with one swift strike from legendary striker Roger Milla. Their fairy tale run in the 1990 finals will always live long in the memory of football fans worldwide. While being the most successful African team at the finals, Cameroon have not actually gone further than the quarterfinals. The current version does not have the flair nor personality of previous incarnations, but they do have a solid core and a more European management approach that might provide the discipline required to succeed on the global stage.

Ivory Coast can truly qualify to be one of the favourites to go all the way in South Africa. Boasting some of the best players in the world in every position such as striker Didier Drogba, midfielder Yaya Toure and defender Kolo Toure to name but three, they appear to have the perfect blend of skill and physical attributes that produce the best athletes in the sport. A major distraction prior to the tournament might set them back. Former coach Vahid Halilhodzic was dismissed after a poor African Cup of Nations showing and Sven Goran Ericksson was brought in to replace him. The Swede may have the reputation to carry the job, but Ericksson also previously failed on the international stage with England. He could fare better with a more talented squad at his disposal.

The host country carry the weight of expectations of their fans, but South Africa has already been written off before the start of the tournament. The Bafana Bafana are tipped to crash out in the group stage and results from friendlies over the past few years have been less than encouraging. Economically, they may be one of the strongest African countries, so much so they have the ability to stage an event as large as the World Cup finals. Football-wise though, they are less than ideal and could suffer the ignominy of being one of the few host countries in the history of the competition to not advance beyond the group phase.

Ghana are the last African representatives for the 2010 World Cup finals. They can also be considered one of the only two likeliest teams on the continent to stand a chance of lifting the Jules Rimet trophy come July. The Ghanaians are similar to Ivory Coast in terms of athletic ability but they lack the firepower that their compatriots boast of. Their game is built on a more defensive approach with a strong midfield anchoring it. Michael Essien will be their key to success and that is already being threatened prior to the tournament with the Chelsea midfield star still facing doubts over his availability due to injury. The current squad is also at an average age where most teams are considered to be at their peak.

Of the six representatives from Africa, the teams that are most likely to find themselves contesting the final showpiece would be Ivory Coast and Ghana. This is based purely on their overall quality and experience. Whether either of the two can go on to be crowned champions of the world will have to come down to a combination of factors like the ability to peak at the right time, some good fortune and no little amount of skill. In the sport of football, the only predictable outcome is an unpredictable result. The world will celebrate with Africa if they can produce a champion in an event held on their shores, but if not, football will still be the winner through their combined efforts to make the tournament a success.


To lay your hand on the FIFA 2010 World Handbook, click on South Africa 2010.

Kenneth Tan YH is a writer for [http://www.breakingfootballnews.com/]Breaking Football News, a growing football news site dedicated to bringing the latest and best football headlines to fans around the globe. For the latest [http://www.breakingfootballnews.com/category/world-cup]World Cup 2010 news, join Kenneth as he provides the latest scoops leading up to the tournament.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com