I recently had the privilege of taking a 28-day trip to Africa – on safari for most of that time – experiencing the animal, cultural and gorgeous scenery of five different nations. As a Realtor selling residential property in Miami for the past 30-plus years, on each and every trip I take (and traveling the world is my passion!), I often feel like a positive ambassador for the U.S. in general, and for Miami in particular.

I have been to Africa before, and can always find something that surprises me. On this special adventure, my biggest surprise was the extraordinary number of people in the African bush who cared about – and knew a LOT about – our little corner of the Eastern Hemisphere!

From the Masai Marai of Kenya, to the Serengeti of Tanzania, to Rwanda’s gorilla-laden Volcanoes Park, to the far reaches of Botswana (including the desert of the Pan), to Capetown, South Africa and its wine region, Miami is recognized the world over and is on the “bucket list” of everyone with any travel plans whatsoever. Our little secret is out!

All the world wants to see Miami and anyone who is able wants to own a place here. And here’s the extra-surprising part: it’s NOT just the Canadians, or the Latin and South Americans, or the sun-seeking English, or investors from other European nations – in Africa, EVERYONE with whom I spoke wanted to get as much information as possible about the Miami we call home.

Of course, there were repeated references to South Beach (even some to “Miami Vice”!) but the Miami Heat and the evolving metropolitan nature of our city was of significantly more interest than just the flashing photos and Hollywood references.

Because of our sunshine and beaches, Miami has always been a hot vacation spot, and I believe it always will be. But I continue to see a rising number of people who, though they only wanted to vacation here in the past, now want to have a home here, at least for a portion of each year.

Why? Because we are no longer just a quiet beach community, but a vibrant, world-class city. They come to experience our multi-national and multi-cultural music and arts scenes, cutting-edge architecture, new museums, championship sports teams and easy access to the whole world – and, of course, the sunshine and beaches.

Here are a few handy tips for the traveling Miami Realtor when abroad:

1) Bring business cards wherever you go and hand them out generously. Of course, certain situations may call for discretion, but generally you can give them out without concern.

2) Inform yourself about U.S. politics, as well as any new or globally-oriented happenings in Miami (i.e. soccer teams that might be here, current airport and port developments, all Miami current events, especially sports). Also, make sure that you are very well informed about the countries you are visiting by reading fiction and/or non-fiction accounts about your destinations. For example, I had read extensively about the Nairobi airport fire and subsequent destruction, and found it an easy segue to conversation with many Kenyans. Citizens of your destination will appreciate the interest you show in their countries, and will want to reciprocate it with interest in yours; I had also read about a government ruling that disallowed polygamy in Kenya, and boy did that knowledge open conversational doors!

3) Talk Miami up to whomever, wherever and whenever.

The accuracy and authenticity of the information in this article has not been verified by the Master Brokers Forum or Miami Agent, is subject to change, is provided “as is” and is not guaranteed. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Master Brokers Forum or Miami Agent. The Master Brokers Forum and Miami Agent make no representations or warranties of any nature with regard to the information contained in this article.

The Master Brokers Forum is a network of South Florida’s elite real estate professionals. Membership is by invitation only and based on outstanding production, as well as ethical and professional behavior. For more information, visit www.MasterBrokersForum.com

MBF Advisory Board Member Hazel Goldman has sold more Pinecrest homes than any other Realtor, and she is also extremely knowledgeable regarding surrounding areas, including Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Palmetto Bay. Her professionalism, as well as her appreciation and understanding of her clients’ needs, have resulted in more than $1 billion in sales over 35 years.

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