The Latest in Luxury Resort & Real Estate News

---

Miami Brokerage Firm Toni & Techrin Closes 2 Star Island Homes

(MIAMI, FL) -- Despite a challenging market, Toni Schrager and Techrin Hijazi of the Miami luxury waterfront realtor duo Toni & Techrin are spinning quite a success story in the residential real estate market of South Florida.  In the past two months, Techrin has closed two significant deals, including a $7.25 million dollar property on the celebrity spotted Star Island.  Preparing for an excellent 2010, Toni & Techrin are excited for what's to come.

Techrin has recently closed a Star Island listing within a month of it being on the market. The property, 44 Star Island Drive, boasts 220 feet of prime waterfront property in a private access community home to many celebrities including Gloria Estefan, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Phil Frost, and 44 Star's neighbor, Rosie O'Donnell.  This closing marks the second time in less than three years Techrin has made a sale on Star Island, a sale of the same property nonetheless.  In 2008, Techrin closed 44 Star Island Drive on behalf of the seller.  Then in January 2010, the former owner, Dr. Cem Kinay, came to his longtime realtor, Techrin, to relist the property.  In little more than 30 days, Techrin has brought both seller, Dr. Kinay, and buyer, Shay Kostiner, together in a $7.25M deal.

To make a sale on Star Island in the current market and in such a short time is an extraordinary accomplishment.

"Techrin is this force of nature, with so much drive and determination, she's done just an amazing job bringing the right buyer and seller together," said partner, Toni Schrager.

In another remarkable deal, Techrin sold within the first week of the New Year, an ocean-view condo at the famed Santa Maria located at 1643Brickell Avenue, on behalf of seller Patricia Conrad.  The residence sold for $2.7 million.

According to the most recent sales report from the Southeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing, Techrin ranks fifth in All Residential Sales by Dollar Volume in Miami-Dade County for the month of January without counting this latest sale of Star Island.  Up next, Toni and Techrin are just steps away from closing 7270 West Lago Drive in the highly sought after area of Cocoplum in Coral Gables.  Working with the seller, Sergio Pino, Toni and Techrin have Pino's waterfront estate under contract, pending a close in the next two weeks.  

---

Troon Golf to Manage Historic  A.W. Tillinghast-Designed Golf Course

(SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ) -- Troon Golf of Scottsdale, Ariz., the world's largest golf course operator, added March 3 the historic Shackamaxon Golf & Country Club to its management portfolio.

Originally designed by renowned golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast, the member-owned private country club is a hidden gem in northern New Jersey. When the course was first constructed in 1916, it was known as one of the longest courses in the country - measuring 6,615 yards from the championship tees. Its signature ninth hole was one of Tillinghast's first "island" greens and has been rated by the Metropolitan Golf Association as the toughest ninth hole in the area. Providing an exceptional golf experience while preserving and enhancing the original concepts of this classic golf course has long been a major part of the Shackamaxon culture.

"We are pleased to be involved with Shackamaxon Golf & Country Club," said John Easterbrook, Troon's executive vice president of operations. "The club has always been known for its first-class reputation and we are confident our management practices will contribute positively to the club's overall experience."

For nearly 100 years Shackamaxon has been committed to providing the ultimate family-oriented environment and is dedicated to maintaining an excellent golf course in the tradition of A.W. Tillinghast. The club strives to provide high-quality cuisine with friendly and efficient service, while cultivating social interaction to create unparalleled experiences for its members.

"We are proud to have Troon Golf manage Shackamaxon Golf & Country Club," said club president Jerry Sherman. "Troon Golf is known as the leading management company for premier golf clubs and we are confident their experience will deliver results and provide tremendous benefits for the club."

Shackamaxon's club amenities include a talented PGA Professional teaching staff, caddies to encourage walking, one of the largest outdoor pools in the state of New Jersey, kids' summer camp, and beautiful clubhouse facilities spanning over 40,000 square feet.

Troon oversees operations at golf course facilities located in 31 states and 26 countries. Among its courses are Oneida Golf and Country Club, in Green Bay, Wisc.; Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.; The Golf Club at Equinox, Manchester Village, Vt.; Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; One&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island, Bahamas; and The Grove, London, England.

---