A Fort Lauderdale real estate firm in which Dan Marino is an equity partner is in Canada this week promoting the perks and benefits of South Florida real estate.

By Peter Ricci

Miami Dolphins great Dan Marino is trading the pigskin for real estate in what is surely among the most creative attempts to stoke foreign interest in Miami’s surging real estate market.

MMD Realty, a Fort Lauderdale-based firm that Marino is an equity partner in, is hosting seminars that highlight the strengths of Miami real estate, which has been among the strongest in the nation in terms of home prices and sales – and which has been particularly attractive to Canadians.

Canadians and South Florida Real Estate

As an article by the Sun Sentinel explained, Canadians have had quite the appetite for real estate in South Florida:

• In Broward County alone, more than 18,000 Canadians own homes, which is triple the level of 2006.
• Palm Beach County has seen a similar influx, with the 7,300 home-owning Canadians representing a near-doubling of 2006.
• As we’ve reported, Canadians made up the largest percentage of foreign buyers in 2011 (one study put that number as high as 70 percent).
• Also, Canada’s presence in real estate is nationwide – of the 10 metropolitan areas with the most foreign buyers, Canadians were among the three highest foreign buyers in nine of the markets, according to DataQuick.

The Dan Marino Real Estate Touchdown

So, to capitalize on Canadian’s seemingly insatiable demand for American real estate, MMD Realty is hosting seminars in Toronto that address South Florida’s competitive home pricing, its second homes market and falling housing inventory.

“The time is right for Canadians to purchase properties in South Florida: the dollar is strong, the properties are well-priced and the rental market is strong, if the Canadian buyers choose to rent out their properties,” said MMD Principal Michelle Farber Ross.

And what’s Marino’s role in all this, you may ask? The legendary passer is not involved in the day-to-day operations of MMD, and instead focuses on boosting business and promoting the firm. And who knows, maybe Dan’s on to something! He may have never won a Super Bowl, and his acting credentials may be thin, but this could be his post-retirement calling!