Pugatch Realty merges with Laffey to extend reach across Long Island

Woodmere-based Pugatch Realty has merged with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty, according to a press release. The combination gives Laffey, which handles luxury real estate on the North Shore, access to the South Shore and Five Towns marketplaces. Barry and Susan Pugatch of their eponymous company have joined a Laffey executive team that includes Emmett Laffey, Gregory Berkowitz and John Schoonmaker. The Pugatchs will bring to the company 30 agents and a devoted group of clients. “The [Pugatch] brokerage is highly respected in the South Shore marketplace and is known for great service and extensive market expertise,” said Laffey, his company’s president and CEO. “Strategically, our union extends Laffey International Realty’s reach on Long Island.” As for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, which has grown quickly in New York over the last two years, Warren Buffett’s residential brokerage teamed up last month with a London-based firm to expand its presence in Dubai, Milan and Vienna. [Business Wire]