Recognition honors individuals driving industry innovation and leadership
Ava Marvastian and Morgan Willemsen of Long & Foster Real Estate have been named to Inman’s 2026 Future Leaders in Real Estate list. Now in its third year, this annual recognition celebrates the most promising under-40 real estate professionals who are helping shape the industry’s future through leadership and innovation. Willemsen and Marvastian were selected through a multi-month public nomination process and joined a class of more than 80 honorees nationwide.
“Morgan and Ava represent the next generation of real estate leadership,” said Patrick Bain, CEO and President of The Long & Foster Companies, parent company of Long & Foster Real Estate. “They each bring professionalism, innovation and an unwavering commitment to putting people first in every interaction. Their success reflects the values and culture that continue to define Long & Foster and our All-Inclusive Real Estate Experience.”
A military spouse who relocated around the world before settling in the D.C. metro area, Willemsen built her business around responsiveness, trust and long-term relationships after struggling to find an agent who would return her calls during her own move from Okinawa to the United States. Morgan worked 42 open houses in her first year and helped 16 buyers purchase homes, laying the foundation for a referral-based business that now averages about $14 million in annual sales volume.
Today, Willemsen is known for her relationship-driven approach and honest guidance, building a business fueled by repeat and referral clients rather than paid advertising. Her experience as a real estate investor has also shaped her work with clients and fellow agents, helping others understand how real estate can create long-term wealth. Through client events like her annual Gratitude Gathering and her work mentoring others through investment education, Willemsen has built a reputation as both a trusted advisor and a strong advocate for a more personal approach to real estate.
With a professional background spanning architecture, construction project management and property sales, Marvastian brings a multidimensional perspective that blends design expertise with a highly personalized client experience. Inspired by her family’s involvement in large-scale development projects, Marvastian studied architecture and developed a deep understanding of construction, design and long-term property value that now informs her work with buyers, sellers and developers alike.
Known for helping clients envision a property’s full potential and strategically positioning homes in the marketplace, Marvastian has become a trusted resource in the new construction space and among international buyers. After building her business with rental clients, Marvastian quickly earned Rookie of the Year recognition and has since ranked among the top solo agents by gross commission income in Montgomery County, as well as a top-producing agent by sales volume within her office. Fluent in Farsi, she also plays an important role in supporting international clients.
Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.