Jefferson Properties’ founders return to brokerage where they started their careers
Long & Foster Real Estate is growing again in Richmond, and this time, the region’s No. 1 brokerage is acquiring Jefferson Properties, an award-winning boutique real estate firm in Midlothian, Virginia. As of today, Jefferson Properties and its nearly 30 agents, including its founders Joan Dorsey and Lisa Kunz, join the Long & Foster team in its Bellgrade office in Midlothian. The Long & Foster Bellgrade office continues in its long tradition as a dominant presence in the Midlothian market, totaling nearly 90 real estate agents.
Dorsey and Kunz met when they both started their careers in the Midlothian office of Long & Foster, and within a decade they partnered together to open Jefferson Properties. They built their brokerage into one of Richmond’s fastest growing companies, earning a spot on Richmond BizSense’s RVA 25. The RVA 25 recognizes companies that have significantly increased their revenues from 2014 to 2016 and Jefferson Properties, under Dorsey’s and Kunz’s leadership, grew its annual revenues by an impressive 87 percent.
“Long & Foster has been focused on building our already dominant position in the Richmond market, and as we looked for partners and Realtors to grow with us into the future, Jefferson Properties stood out,” said Brian Haug, senior vice president and regional manager for Long & Foster in Richmond. Haug had worked with Dorsey and Kunz at Long & Foster’s Midlothian office, and he recognized their leadership and sales talent.
Dorsey and Kunz trusted that Long & Foster’s vast resources, unparalleled market share and unrivaled national network paired naturally with Jefferson Properties’ dedication to offering a full suite of real estate services. Likewise, involvement in the local community is of high importance to Dorsey and Kunz, as it is the team at Long & Foster.
“Coupling Jefferson Properties with Long & Foster will allow our agents the opportunity to rise to the next level of success,” shared Dorsey. “In addition, we look forward to sharing the knowledge and expertise we’ve gained in running a successful boutique brokerage to benefit the team at Long & Foster as well.”
Dorsey will join Long & Foster as its new branch manager of its Bellgrade office. She succeeds Donna Procise, who has served as the office’s branch manager for many years and is taking on a new role as Long & Foster’s manager at its Westham office in Richmond. Kunz becomes the Business Development Director for Long & Foster’s Bellgrade office.
“Our roots are not only in this community, but in this office,” Kunz added. “Returning to where we started our careers and working with the individuals who shaped our potential is a true privilege.”
Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate, shared similar sentiments as Dorsey and Kunz. “Like Long & Foster, Joan and Lisa have an agent-first mentality, supporting each member of their Jefferson Properties team as individuals and providing them with excellent resources,” Scott said. “We’re thrilled to welcome them back to our family at Long & Foster. We look forward to working together to build on the superior service they are already known for so we can help more Richmond- area buyers, sellers and investors succeed.”
Jefferson Properties is joining Long & Foster at an exciting time in its history. Last month, Long & Foster announced that it had been acquired by HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and earlier this year, it welcomed Haug and other new leaders to its greater Richmond region, bringing fresh ideas and expertise to the team. In addition, Long & Foster is approaching its 20th year of doing business in Richmond and its 50th anniversary in 2018, and as it looks to celebrate the anniversaries, the brokerage is just as focused on its present team of successful Realtors and its future as the dominant brokerage in the Richmond region.
For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.