Real LI: Posts from our daily blog
REAL REAL ESTATE STORIES ON TV
Long Island native Michael Lorber, director of business development for Douglas Elliman Worldwide Consulting, made his debut this week in Bravo's new series "Million Dollar Listing New York."
Lorber, who grew up in Hewlett Harbor, is the son of New York real estate giant Howard Lorber. His interest in real estate began at an early age, when he attended open houses with his father.
He has never sold real estate on Long Island. "Having grown up on the South Shore and having a weekend family home in Southampton, I'm familiar with what the area has to offer," says Lorber, 32. "Long Island is a wonderful place to grow up . . . and spend time away from the busy life in the city."
Lorber got the part after answering a Bravo casting call for the show, which is on at 10 p.m. Wednesdays. "The L.A. version of 'Million Dollar Listing' was actually the only reality show I had ever watched besides Donald Trump's 'Apprentice,' which my father was on during season three," says Lorber. "I learned that a few others from my firm were trying out as well, so I went on the casting call and got the job."
Viewers will get an inside look at the New York City real estate world, he promises, and how "buying real estate is both emotional and equally cutthroat at times." -- MARY BETH FOLEY
HOME ON THE RANGE
While golf course communities have gained popularity around the country, here's a local one that will really let you get your game on. The Hamlet Golf and Country Club in Commack -- where this renovated eight-room Colonial is on the market for $889,000 -- is now owned by Club Corp., a Dallas-based company that owns or operates a network of more than 150 golf and country clubs around the country as well as overseas.
What this means to members is endless rounds of golf at participating clubs, though membership; cart fees and restrictions apply. Hamlet residents are required to join either the country club or the golf club, but receive a discount with fees starting at $8,500 a year. Nonresidents can join for $11,900 a year.
Club Corp., which also manages the Hamlet Wind Watch in Hauppauge and Willow Creek in Mount Sinai, took over the Hamlet in June. The company is investing $2 million into this property, says regional membership director Karen Ruth. So far the main lobby of the clubhouse has been renovated. The fitness center will be expanded and a wine-tasting room will be added. Other improvements include landscaping, a golf cart path and irrigation repairs.
The house -- listed by Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty's Linda Petralia -- features a two-story entranceway, wood floors, detailed moldings and recessed lighting. The layout includes a living room with a fireplace that is open to the formal dining room. The eat-in kitchen has a marble floor, granite countertops and new appliances. There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms. -- LISA DOLL BRUNO
