Long & Foster’s Jackie Thiel Featured in Washingtonian

The Face of DC’s Leading Real Estate Company

Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate has been featured in the January 2024 issue of Washingtonian as ‘The Face of DC’s Leading Real Estate Company’.

Thiel is joined by the area’s top business leaders, chosen by Washingtonian as smart entrepreneurs, moving their industries and our region forward.

The article discusses Long & Foster’s all-inclusive real estate experience of bringing together everything and everyone consumers need – real estate, mortgage, title, insurance, inspection, property management, and moving – to make it easier for people to buy and sell homes.

Washingtonian subscribers can read the full article at https://emagazines.com/Account/Washingtonian.

Athena Petersen to Lead Long & Foster’s Baltimore, Eastern Shore and Western Maryland Region

Long & Foster Real Estate has named Athena Petersen as senior vice president and regional manager for its Baltimore, Eastern Shore and Western Maryland region. Petersen brings over two decades of real estate sales and management experience to her new role.

“I’m honored to lead Long & Foster’s Baltimore, Eastern Shore and Western Maryland region, where our company continually ranks at the top of all real estate brokerages,” said Petersen. “Just as I’ve grown my career at Long & Foster, I strive to help agents and real estate professionals grow theirs with us, too – ensuring they have all the resources they need to succeed in the business, for themselves and their clients.”

Petersen most recently served as managing broker of Long & Foster’s Reston and Fairfax Centre locations—two of its top offices in Northern Virginia. She oversaw the offices’ strategic recruitment and retention, managed their daily operations and supported over 150 agents. Throughout her tenure, Petersen has developed many effective programs, including a mentoring initiative and comprehensive training on the brokerage’s tools and resources. Petersen’s focus on leveraging Long & Foster’s all-inclusive real estate experience has also proven invaluable to agents on her team.

Prior to entering real estate management, Petersen built a thriving real estate sales business. She earned her license in 2002 and joined Long & Foster as a sales associate. She quickly became a top producer in the company and earned membership in its prestigious Gold Team. Through these experiences, Petersen learned first-hand the support and resources that both agents and real estate managers need to compete and win in today’s market.

“Real estate is all about relationships, and that’s how Athena leads – with passion and connection, ensuring she supports her team and their clients, so they have everything needed to achieve their real estate dreams,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “She’s a knowledgeable professional whose endless determination and innovative approach align perfectly with our sales associates and our broader leadership.”

Petersen is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in information systems. She’s also licensed in Maryland, DC and Virginia. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Lynn Kemmerer Named Managing Broker at Long & Foster’s Reston, Fairfax Centre Offices

Long & Foster Real Estate has named Lynn Kemmerer as managing broker of its Reston and Fairfax Centre offices in Northern Virginia. Kemmerer brings two decades of real estate sales and management experience to her position, and she most recently led Long & Foster’s professional development division, overseeing agent training programs across the organization.

“The agents at Long & Foster’s Reston and Fairfax Centre offices are among the best in the business, and I’m honored to lead their top-performing teams,” said Kemmerer. “Helping agents reach their dreams is my passion and this new opportunity will enable me to make a positive, first-hand impact on so many of our exceptional real estate professionals and their clients.”

Kemmerer started her real estate career as a sales associate at Long & Foster’s Alexandria office. She later worked with the firm’s Arlington and Great Falls offices. After a brief period at a small franchise in D.C., she returned to Long & Foster as sales manager of its Reston office in 2018. There, she supported the office in training new associates and coaching agents from foundation to mastery levels. Kemmerer also mentored several associates, helping them grow their sales.

Prior to her real estate career, Kemmerer worked in training and project management with a Northern Virginia-based government contractor. During her 12-year tenure, she was responsible for a variety of training initiatives—developing and deploying courses to teach technology, creating a comprehensive training center and leading training courses for a wide range of users.

A resident of Great Falls, Kemmerer is highly involved in the community and has volunteered with local sports organizations and Fairfax County Public Schools. She is a member of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.

For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster Ranked Among World’s Top Training Companies

Brokerage honored by Training magazine for second consecutive year

Training magazine, the leading publication for learning and development professionals, has named Long & Foster Real Estate to its prestigious list of the world’s top training companies for 2024—the Training APEX Awards. Long & Foster not only ranked among some of the business world’s top companies but also is the only residential real estate brokerage honored for the second consecutive year.

“Long & Foster is known as the brokerage that teaches new sales associates how to succeed and provides the insights and education for well-established agents and teams to build and grow their careers,” said Patrick Bain, CEO of The Long & Foster Companies, parent company of Long & Foster Real Estate. “Our training programs have always received top ratings from participants, and I’m so proud that we earned this tremendous honor again.”

Long & Foster has long focused on having the best trained and best equipped real estate agents in the business. The company provides sales associates with a wealth of marketing and technology tools, as well as a variety of business development, continuing education and other learning opportunities—many of which are offered to its agents for no cost.

“This award is a testament to the hard work our training and professional development professionals have done to create such incredible learning programs for Long & Foster and our sales associates,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “I give my deepest congratulations and thanks to our many talented team members for being honored once again.”

Lee McGinnis, senior vice president of Long & Foster’s General Brokerage Operations, added, “It’s an honor that Long & Foster has again received this recognition. We look forward to continuously developing our team of professional agents by building new and innovative training content and platforms to add value to our agents and their clients across the East Coast.”

Training magazine will recognize all the honorees of its Training APEX Awards at a ceremony in February 2024, at which point the publication will announce the final rankings. You can read more about the awards here.

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit Longandfoster.com.

Long & Foster Named Best Real Estate Brokerage for Luxury Homes by Readers of Bethesda Magazine

The Jane Fairweather Team, The Banner Team, and The Ron Sitrin Team take top honors

Long & Foster Real Estate, exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, has been named the Best Real Estate Brokerage for Luxury Homes in Bethesda, Maryland, by readers of Bethesda Magazine in its annual Best of Bethesda awards.

In addition, Long & Foster is proud to announce that the Jane Fairweather Team of the One Bethesda office was named as the Best Real Estate Team. The Banner Team of the One Bethesda office and The Ron Sitrin Team of the Chevy Chase Circle office were voted as finalists in the Best Real Estate Team category.

The Best of Bethesda awards contest invites area residents to vote for the best local businesses. Winners are based on online voting results in several categories, including dining, shopping and home—the latter of which features the Best Real Estate Brokerage for Luxury Homes and Best Real Estate agents’ competition. Voting took place last fall and readers placed votes for the best in the categories.

“A big thank you to the readers of Bethesda magazine for once again voting Long & Foster the Best Real Estate Brokerage for Luxury Homes,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “We also congratulate the Jane Fairweather Team, The Banner Team and The Ron Sitrin Team for being voted as top teams in Bethesda – demonstrating their hard work and dedication to serve their client’s real estate goals.”

With several award-winning offices in Bethesda, Long & Foster is well-positioned with many talented and professional agents who are experts in the area’s real estate market. The company takes an integrated approach to real estate offering all the services needed to buy, sell, rent, own, and invest in real estate—from mortgage and title to insurance and moving.

The results will be published in the January/February issue of Bethesda magazine. Winners will be invited to the Best of Bethesda Party in the spring of 2024.

To learn more about Long & Foster, visit longandfoster.com.

Long & Foster’s Joan Dorsey Installed as 2024 President of Richmond Association of Realtors

Long & Foster Real Estate is proud to announce that Joan Dorsey, managing broker of its Village of Midlothian office, has been installed as 2024 President of the Richmond Association of Realtors (RAR).

In her current role at Long & Foster, Dorsey oversees a team of over 90 real estate agents, providing training, support and education to make the office and its associates some of Long & Foster’s most successful.

“We congratulate Joan on becoming president of the RAR,” said Dawn Bradley, senior vice president & regional manager of Long & Foster’s Richmond and Charlottesville regions. “Joan is an exceptional leader and accomplished real estate professional with a true passion for the industry.”

Dawn Bradley, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager of Long & Foster’s Richmond & Charlottesville Regions with Joan Dorsey, Managing Broker of the Village of Midlothian office and the 2024 Richmond Association of Realtors President

Dorsey began her real estate career over two decades ago at Long & Foster. In 2007, her dedication to professional growth and expertise led her to earn her broker’s license. In 2011, driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Dorsey opened her own boutique brokerage, a venture that proved to be successful – Long & Foster acquired Dorsey’s brokerage in 2017.

“I am honored to lead the over 7,000 members of RAR as their 2024 President,” said Dorsey. “I look forward to continuing RAR’s mission of providing local agents with the resources and services to conduct ethical, professional and profitable businesses.”

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of Berkshire Hathaway affiliate HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Unveiling a Crown Jewel: Exclusive Two-Level Penthouse Offered at $9M

Breathtaking views of D.C. and Maryland from this luxury property

Prepare to be amazed by this extraordinary and unparalleled residence in Chevy Chase, Maryland’s most iconic luxury building, the Somerset House. The epitome of luxury living, this sensational 9100-square-foot, two-level penthouse is now available for $9 million, making it a true one-of-a-kind gem – and the highest-priced condo currently on the market in Maryland.

Located at 5610 Wisconsin Avenue, this home is conveniently situated just a stone’s throw from the D.C. border, with convenient access to the entire metro D.C. area. This extraordinary property is listed by Zelda Heller and Jamie Coley of the Heller Coley Reed team with the Bethesda One office of Long & Foster Real Estate, exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties.

Somerset House offers resort-style living in one of the D.C. area’s most luxurious complexes. Situated on more than 17 acres, this gated community is amenity-rich with 24-hour security, lushly landscaped grounds, tennis courts, a three-story clubhouse, indoor/outdoor pools, party rooms, a state-of-the-art gym, racquetball court, billiards, ping pong, aerobics room and more. It’s an easy stroll to the Friendship Heights Metro station and nearby shopping and dining.

“Take advantage of this rare opportunity to own a home that truly has it all,” said Heller. “Larger than most homes, this two-story luxury condo is in the perfect, gated location, with commanding views, magnificent antique furniture, crystal chandeliers from the Paris train station, and in a resort-style setting – there’s nothing like it in the city.”

The quality craftsmanship of this penthouse is reflected in the no-expense-spared renovation completed in 2004, ensuring that every detail meets the highest standards of luxury and sophistication. As you enter, a gracious curved iron stairway graces the foyer, perfectly showcasing the “eye to the sky” stained glass skylight.

From the foyer, you’ll be welcomed into the rich wood-paneled library with its wall of floor-to-ceiling cabinets, leading into the elegant parlor, complete with a gas fireplace and slider access to the terrace. Take in the muraled niche before stepping up to the restaurant-worthy bar. Round the corner into the breathtaking salon with its 18+ foot wall of west-facing windows, providing ample space for a grand piano and showcasing incredible views.

A secret room houses the electronics for the entire unit in the generously sized yet cozy study. Beyond that is the sumptuous luxury hotel-worthy primary bedroom suite, featuring a sitting room area with an electric fireplace, two generous dressing room areas, and two spa-like bathrooms.

Your dinner parties and family celebrations will be remembered in the stunning banquet-sized dining room. The foodie in all of us will be amazed by the chef’s dream kitchen, featuring an enormous island/breakfast bar, professional-grade appliances, a breakfast room with a gas fireplace, large walk-in pantry, and a fully equipped and separate catering kitchen.

The upper level, with its own entrance from the common hallway, features a comfortable family room with a gas fireplace, overlooking the salon on the main level. Two guest bedroom suites, one with a separate sitting room and ensuite bath, and the second with an ensuite bath, offer plenty of space for family or guests. On this floor, you’ll also find a bright and spacious laundry room and a separate unit that would be ideal as an in-law/nanny suite or a home office with its own entrance, including a full kitchen, living room, spacious bedroom, full bathroom, and terrace access.

Four garage parking spaces and a huge storage unit are included in this extraordinary offering. The majority of furniture conveys with the sale – ensuring that you can start enjoying the luxury lifestyle immediately.

Don’t let this unique chance to own the pinnacle of luxury living slip away. All interested buyers are encouraged to visit this magnificent home to experience its beauty first hand.

For further information, contact Heller at zeldaheller@zeldaheller.com or at 202-257-1226 or Coley at jamie.coley@longandfoster.com or by calling 202-669-1331.

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Orapax: Georgian Mansion with James River Valley Views Now Available for $5.75M

The 672-acre property is the largest public hunting preserve on East Coast

Live the life you’ve always dreamed about at Orapax, an unparalleled gorgeous estate in central Goochland County, that is offered for $5.75 million.

This remarkable property encompasses a 672-acre parcel, with James River frontage and a stately Georgian mansion built in 1988, offering breathtaking views of the James River Valley.

Located at 3831 West River Road in Goochland, the property is conveniently situated just 35 miles northwest of downtown Richmond. The estate is listed by Pam Diemer with the Grove office of Long & Foster Real Estate, exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties.

“Orapax is an exceptional offering and a rare opportunity to own an estate steeped in history, natural beauty, and unparalleled recreational opportunities,” said Diemer. “The property is perfect for those who enjoy hunting, fishing, horseback riding, for an investor, developer, or as a family home with plenty of privacy and open space.”

Steeped in history and named after the Native American term meaning “bountiful waters,” Orapax is renowned as one of the largest hunting preserves open to the public on the East Coast. With a storied past as a summer camp for Chief Powhatan, the property is rich in heritage and cultural significance.

This estate has direct access to the James River via a historic aqueduct at Lickinghole Creek. A conditional use permit conveys with the property for events with up to 200 guests held at the mansion, cottage, clubhouse, and barn as well as short-term rentals. Alternatively, it has an appeal to buyers who may wish to create a conservation easement and benefit from tax credits.

Distinguished as one of the busiest hunting preserves in the nation, Orapax accommodates more than 12 simultaneous upland hunts across its expansive grounds. The property showcases a sprawling 66-acre center field along with meticulously managed flat lands abundant with broom straw, creating an idyllic setting for bird-hunting enthusiasts.

Another part of the estate’s allure is an eight-acre fishing lake with a boat house, a fishing pond, and a four-acre duck pond, enhancing the property’s natural beauty and recreational offerings.

The Georgian mansion stands as an iconic venue, featuring 10-foot ceilings on the first floor, four luxurious bedroom suites – two with verandah access – an elevator, and sweeping panoramic views of the James River Valley. Its main level boasts elegantly appointed entertaining spaces, including a screened verandah overlooking a picturesque pond and sunset views.

An additional cottage with a separate driveway provides expanded living space or guest accommodations, further enhancing the estate’s versatility and allure.

For more information on this extraordinary property, please contact Diemer at pam.diemer@longandfoster.com or visit her website.

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Lamborghinis, Trophy Properties, Innovative Home Design, and More are Explored in the Latest Luxury Homes Magazine

Long & Foster Real Estate, an exclusive affiliate of Forbes Global Properties, has released its fall/winter 2023 edition of Luxury Homes magazine, the company’s prestigious luxury lifestyle publication. The award-winning magazine features a collection of exclusive editorial content on luxury living and real estate, as well as a spotlight on some of the latest high-end homes for sale with the Long & Foster team.

This issue is all about innovation. In it, you can read about the 60^th anniversary of Lamborghini’s masterful design, awe-inspiring interiors created by a design luminary, the latest in home aesthetics using the power of fabulous designer wallpapers – and more.

As always, we showcase the finest homes in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, presented to you by our agents. Once you open this magazine, it will be hard to put down. It is easy to get lost dreaming about making memories in one of these lovely properties.

Luxury Homes is distributed to The Wall Street Journal subscribers across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, with direct delivery to homeowners across key luxury markets to garner an even wider audience. The magazine is also available online.

Long & Foster Real Estate is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Magnificent “Point of Land” Now Available in St. Michaels, Maryland

Home offers amazing views of pristine Broad Creek

Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of waterfront paradise that has been cherished by the same family for nearly six decades. With panoramic views of pristine Broad Creek, this St. Michaels, Maryland home is the perfect retreat for family gatherings, recreation and relaxation. After a day of boating, fishing or shopping, you’ll enjoy coming home to this calming property.

Located at 23762 Mount Pleasant Landing Circle, this home is a short bike ride from popular downtown St. Michaels. It is also conveniently situated less than 50 miles from Annapolis and 70 miles from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., making it ideal as a primary residence or a second home. Listed by Stephany Barrett with the Easton, Maryland office of Long & Foster Real Estate, exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, the estate is offered for $2.4M.

“The property boasts an impressive 660 feet of meticulously rip-rapped shoreline along Broad Creek,” said Barrett. “With a 120-foot pier including a boat slip, providing four feet of mean low water, it’s a haven for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering unobstructed panoramic views that will leave you breathless.”

As you arrive at this nearly three-and-one-half-acre property, you are greeted by brick entry pillars. The property is in a park-like setting with meticulous landscaping including a variety of stately, tall ancestral trees. A circular driveway, with plenty of parking for family and friends, leads to the all-brick ranch home with three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a half bathroom.

Built in 1965, the home has hardwood floors throughout most of the rooms. Enjoy cozy evenings by the fire in the family room with a brick wood-burning fireplace and built-in cabinetry on each side. An enclosed breezeway with water views connects the home to the two-car garage with a work area.

With its rare and unique point of land, the property is ideal to relax and enjoy sunsets, summer breezes, wildlife, and the change of seasons. Take your boat from Broad Creek to the connecting Chesapeake Bay to experience the beauty and peacefulness it offers.

To learn more about this property, please visit Barrett’s website at marylandeasternshorehomes.com.

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.