Long & Foster Hosts ReCharge and Top 100 Retreat for Top Producers

Annual event held on the Chesapeake Bay this year

Long & Foster Real Estate hosted their annual Top 100 and ReCharge retreat for agents from Oct. 16-19 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina in Cambridge, Maryland.

The company’s 100 highest-ranking agents by 2022 sales volume and its 100 top agents by 2022 transaction sides were invited to the retreat as well as members of Long & Foster’s Gold Team – agents who produce $5 million or more in volume in a calendar year.

“Long & Foster’s ReCharge and Top 100 event presents a fantastic opportunity for our agents to gather and learn from each other, plan for the coming year and hear from industry experts,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate.

Hundreds of agents came together for networking, business development and industry analysis.

Charles Clark, keynote motivational speaker, mindset expert and world-class athlete shared insight on how to overcome fear, unlearn bad habits and achieve goals. Phil M. Jones, author of seven best-selling business books, also spoke on the topic of “Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact”, based on his book with the same title. He has made it his life’s work to demystify the sales process, reframing what it means to “sell” and shared it with Long & Foster agents in attendance at the event.

For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster Lists New Homes and Homesites at Swann’s Inn Estates

Pam Diemer lists three gorgeous quick-delivery homes and five to-be-built homesites

Whether you’re looking for a brand new home now or prefer to build a custom home, Long & Foster’s Pam Diemer can help. Diemer has teamed with builder and developer Legacy Homes as the exclusive listing agent for three quick delivery homes and five to-be-built homesites in beautiful Swann’s Inn Estates in Goochland County, with prices starting in the $600s.

Diemer is affiliated with the Grove Avenue office of Long & Foster Real Estate, exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties.

The community of 30 half-acre lots, located in the Goochland County Courthouse Village, is a short stroll to restaurants, shops, the post office, and historic Courthouse Green, with the library and YMCA an easy bike ride away. Nearby, you’ll find wineries, breweries, and distilleries, as well as the James River, Tucker Park, and some of the region’s top-rated schools. The site has historical significance, having once housed Swann’s Inn, a 1900s lodging spot for judges and travelers and its original 1890 farmhouse has been relocated to Rassawek Vineyard.

“Take advantage of owning a new home in beautiful Goochland County – with top-rated Richmond area schools and significantly lower tax rates,” said Diemer. “Legacy Homes has been building top quality homes with the finest craftsmanship for 25 years.”

Ready for immediate occupancy, The Caroline Plan home, at 3016 Swann’s Inn Crescent has four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, one half bathroom, an attached side-load garage, and many builder upgrades. A free refrigerator, washer and dryer are currently offered for contracts accepted in 2023. Enjoy the gorgeous sunset views from the large front porch of this more than 3,000 square-foot home, which is offered for $739,950.

Currently under construction, The Summer Haven II, at 2884 Swann’s Peak Cove is a more than 2600 square foot home with four bedrooms, two full bathrooms and one-half bathroom with a two-car detached garage, private rear patio and connecting sidewalks to the garage and front sidewalk. For a limited time, some selections can be made with delivery 60 days following the buyer’s choices for this home priced at $749,950.

Another outstanding property, ready for immediate occupancy, located at 3007 Swann’s Inn Crescent has more than 2,500 square feet, with four bedrooms, three full bathrooms and one-half bathroom. It features a vaulted great room with fireplace, open foyer, dining room with panel wainscoting, light oak hardwood floors and a first-floor primary suite. Built by England Homes, Inc., this home is offered at $624,950.

Three of the five homesites back to a tree line and are some of the best lots in the community.

Homesite No. 3 is a wide lot with a large backyard that could accommodate a detached garage and/or a pool. The builder’s home plans that could go on this lot include The Caroline, Willow, Summer Haven, James River Cottage, and Four Gables.

Homesite No. 13 is a basement lot on a cul-de-sac with a rear sunset view. Rose Cottage would fit best on this lot, and it has a single-story floor plan.

Homesite No. 27 is a three-quarter acre cul-de-sac lot, which will have only one neighbor and would accommodate a detached garage and/or pool. Plans that could go on this lot are the Magnolia Cottage, Caroline, Four Gables, James River Cottage, and Meadow View Cottage.

Learn more about the current homes for sale or building a home at Swann’s Inn Estates by visiting Diemer’s website 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’s Robb Moss to Hold Open House to Showcase Art in Historic Home in Richmond’s Fan District

Public is invited to attend open house on evening of Oct. 20

Robb Moss, a top producing agent with Long & Foster Real Estate’s Westham office, is excited to announce a unique collaboration with three talented local artists. Together, they have transformed Moss’s latest home listing in the sought-after Fan District into an immersive art experience that merges the worlds of real estate and art in Richmond.

Located at 2223 Grove Avenue, an open house is scheduled for Oct. 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All art enthusiasts and prospective homebuyers are welcome to attend. Moss will be available to provide tours of the property and answer questions. The three artists participating in this one-of-a-kind project are Zach Barnard, Bart Levy, and Renee Stramel.

“Robb understands the importance of creating memorable experiences for potential homebuyers and this innovative collaboration is set to do just that,” said Dawn Bradley, senior regional vice president of Long & Foster’s Richmond and Charlottesville region. “By featuring the work of three exceptional Richmond artists in this stunning property, Robb provides a fresh and exciting perspective on the home while supporting the local arts community.”

Built in 1914, this historic property has been meticulously renovated to seamlessly blend the charm of the past with modern amenities. The home has three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, one-half bathroom, over 2800 square feet and is offered at $1.25M.

Moss believes this collaboration offers potential buyers a unique and inspiring perspective on the property. “Art has the power to breathe life and personality into a home,” Moss said. “By teaming up with these incredibly talented local artists, we are not only showcasing the property but also the vibrant arts community that Richmond is known for.”

The open house will showcase the artwork throughout various rooms, creating a dynamic atmosphere that highlights both the property’s architectural features and the artistic vision of the three talented individuals. Visitors to the open house will have the opportunity to engage with the art and see firsthand how it could transform their own living spaces.

For more information, contact Moss at robb.moss@longandfoster.com or call 804-402-3504.

Long & Foster, an exclusive affiliate of Forbes Global Properties, is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America.

Visit LongandFoster.com.

Leadership Team Appointed at Long & Foster’s One Bethesda

Long & Foster Real Estate has named Jeremiah Ganeto and Bruce Lipson as managing brokers of its leading One Bethesda office. Ganeto and Lipson will lead the team of over 300+ agents, with continued support from Sue Ader and Maureen “Mo” Cappadonna.

“Bruce and Jeremiah are both exceptional real estate professionals, and their areas of expertise complement each other perfectly, bringing broad and diverse capabilities to ensure our agents and our company continue to thrive,” said Kenneth Fagan, regional manager and senior vice president for Long & Foster in Montgomery County, Southern Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Lipson joins Long & Foster from a competing local franchise, where he specialized in agent recruitment and revenue growth. He’s been in the business for almost two decades and has a proven track record of helping his associates and teams exceed their sales targets. Lipson’s collaborative workstyle helps build deep relationships with his agents and colleagues, as well as foster better engagement and strengthen company culture. He’s excited to get to know the One Bethesda team and become part of Long & Foster and its all-inclusive family of companies.

Ganeto has been part of Long & Foster since 2003, having led its Silver Spring Downtown location before joining the Bethesda Gateway office as one of its co-managers in 2019. Long & Foster merged its two leading Bethesda offices earlier this summer to form One Bethesda, and Ganeto has served as interim manager since then. His broad background in real estate sales, marketing and leadership provides him with an in-depth understanding of the business and its complexities. Ganeto also knows how to best support agents and their clients, leveraging the tools and all-inclusive business model Long & Foster provides.

“At Long & Foster, we strive to provide our associates with everything they need to succeed in the business, from our many tools and training opportunities to our highly qualified and capable leadership teams. Our One Bethesda team already leads the local market, and with their expansive new team of Bruce, Jeremiah, Mo and Sue, they’ll reach even greater heights,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate.

To learn more about Long & Foster, visit L ongandFoster.com.

Luxury French Country Estate Now Available in Manakin Sabot

Elegant home on 21 acres with estate-size heated pool

If you’re looking for a property to create a family compound or just want an abundance of privacy, this estate is for you. Offering an unparalleled combination of casual, elegant living and expansive natural beauty, this property is comprised of two parcels spanning over 21 acres – and the second 10-acre parcel is buildable.

The residence is listed by Pam Diemer at the Grove Avenue office of Long & Foster Real Estate, exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties. Located at 135 Alice Run in Manakin Sabot, Virginia, the home has five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, over 5,000 square feet and is being offered for $1.798 million.

As you travel down the property’s tree-lined driveway, approaching the home, you’ll notice its stunning French Country design in a park-like setting with well-manicured landscaping and plenty of parking.

Greet your guests in style in the light-filled two-story foyer, where arched doorways provide enticing views of the first-floor rooms. The foyer is open to a large library with built-in bookshelves, perfect for working from home or to enjoy quiet time.

The family room features a two-story wood-beamed ceiling, fireplace, bookcases, and a wall of windows, flooding the interior with natural light and views. In warm weather, open French doors from this room to enjoy the covered patio and a large saltwater heated pool surrounded by concrete pavers.

The farmhouse-style chef’s dream kitchen has been tastefully renovated and features Carrera marble countertops, an apron sink, a large central island, Wolf range and oven, GE Monogram dishwasher, a stainless-steel refrigerator, and refrigerator drawers. The kitchen is open to an expansive dining room with a fireplace overlooking the patio and pool area. A four-season screened-in porch with a fireplace is ideal for relaxing or serving drinks before dinner.

The first-floor owner’s suite has a fireplace, walk-in closet and spa-like luxury bath with jetted tub, separate shower, and Restoration Hardware vanity, mirrors and lighting. On the second level, you’ll find four comfortable bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a flex room, which could be used as an office. Three of the bedrooms include California Closets custom built-in cabinetry. A third-level recreation room with hardwood floors is ideal as a media room or as an art or yoga studio.

Learn more about 135 Alice Run by visiting Diemer’s website 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’s Juan Umanzor Recognized as Top Latino Agent

Award granted to agents impacting nationwide Hispanic homeownership

Juan Umanzor, a sales associate in Long & Foster’s Bethesda One office has been named to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) Top 250 Latino Agents list for 2023. The annual awards recognize top-performing agents whose commitment and hard work has impacted the rate of Hispanic homeownership in communities across the country.

Umanzor was recognized by the NAHREP in three categories, including No. 18 in Top 100 Teams, No. 21 in Top 100 Teams by Volume, and No. 17 on Buyer Side transactions by teams. Now in its twelfth year, this prestigious award honors agents and their contributions to the industry and their communities.

A top-producing Realtor for more than 20 years, Umanzor is ranked among the top 1% of agents nationwide. With a background in business administration and the restaurant industry, he came to real estate with the goal of becoming a top expert in the field and providing incomparable customer service. Over the years, he has built a successful team, Umanzor and Associates, which serves clients in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia.

As a skilled negotiator with in-depth knowledge of the D.C. metro market, Umanzor’s personality has a warmth that puts clients immediately at ease. He is adept at handling the most complicated transactions, including bank foreclosures and short sales, and freely shares his expertise with other Realtors.

“We congratulate Juan on once again being named to the NAHREP’s Top 250 Latino Agents list,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “We are very proud of Juan for his impact on the rate of Hispanic homeownership in the community and express our gratitude to him for helping to make Long & Foster a leading real estate company in the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast.”

To view the complete list of agents who were honored this year, visit NAHREP.org.

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 Holds Grand Opening at Navy Yard Office

Sleek, modern new office located in the popular and historic Navy Yard

Long & Foster Real Estate has opened a new location in D.C.’s popular Navy Yard community. The office is located at 1300 4^th St., S.E., Suite 110, in Washington, D.C.

Real estate agents, employees and members of the community gathered at the grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the office on September 9. Guests included Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate, and Kenneth Fagan, senior vice president and regional manager for Long & Foster’s Washington, D.C., Montgomery County and Southern Maryland region.

The first major residential real estate office in the neighborhood, Long & Foster’s office features a modern and light-filled design. It consists of space for agents, a training center for new Realtors and offices for other team members, including Long & Foster affiliates, Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, and RGS Title.

“Long & Foster is excited to be part of the Navy Yard community,” said Fagan. “Our new location allows us to provide best-in-class customer service to our clients in the Navy Yard, Capitol Riverfront, Anacostia, Congress Heights and Capitol Hill.”

The office is managed by Yanira Rodriguez, who was the managing broker of Long & Foster’s Capitol Hill office. Rodriguez has been a part of the Long & Foster family for more than 20 years. A native of the D.C. metro region, Rodriguez first joined Long & Foster as an administrative assistant. In that role, she learned the ins-and-outs of the business before earning her real estate license. For several years, she served as the technology trainer in the D.C. region, teaching agents how to leverage the company-provided tools to grow and develop their businesses.

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.

The Best Week to Buy a Home in 2023

If you’re planning to buy a home this fall, but high mortgage rates, high home prices and lack of homes for sale have you discouraged, we have good news for you. According to Realtor.com, the best week to buy a home in 2023 will be Oct. 1-7.

During this seven-day period, homebuyers can expect to save more than $15,000 when compared with the summer peak home buying season for a median-priced home of $445,000. Also, purchasing a home in the fall versus the summer gives you more time to deliberate your purchase since there is less competition from other buyers.

In addition to your potential savings, buyers should see nearly 19% of new listings come on the market compared with the start of the year, according to a Realtor.com analysis of historical trends. This will result in a 17% boost to the total number of homes for sale (new listings and homes that have been on the market for a while).

How was this Determined?

A variety of housing metrics were examined by Realtor.com including list prices, inventory levels, new listings, days on the market, homebuyer demand, and price reductions in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and year-to-date 2023 (2020 was excluded due to the COVID-19 pandemic anomalies).

Buy Mortgage Payment, Not Interest Rate

Although rates have risen from 3% to 7%, buyers normally don’t buy rates, they buy the mortgage payment. Buyers cannot control rates, but they can control their mortgage payment. A few ways to minimize your mortgage payment is by purchasing a lower-priced home or making a larger down payment to decrease your loan. A good mortgage consultant such as those at Prosperity Home Mortgage can get you prequalified and provide details on how much mortgage payment you can afford.

Less Competition in October

Whether it’s higher interest rates or the season, in general, agents are reporting that homes are not getting multiple offers, nor offers that are dramatically over asking price – making this October a great time to buy.

Long & Foster to Host Open House Weekend

Long & Foster Real Estate will host a company-wide open house weekend on Oct. 7 and 8. The event will provide an opportunity for homebuyers across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region to explore numerous properties that are available for sale in their communities. 

Find open houses at LongandFoster.com/openhouses.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, a Long & Foster agent can help guide you through the process. To find a Long & Foster agent in your area, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster Named Best Residential & Commercial Real Estate Firm by Readers of the Richmond Times-Dispatch

Erin Hungerford, Erin & Company and The Yeatman Group also took top honors

Long & Foster Real Estate has been named Best Residential and Commercial Real Estate firm in Richmond by the readers of the Richmond Times-Dispatch in the publication’s annual Best of Richmond awards.

This past spring, readers of the Richmond Times-Dispatch nominated their favorite local businesses in over 100 categories. Those with the most nominations made it to the online voting round, which took place over the summer. The winners of this year’s The Best of Richmond awards were announced at Best Fest on Sept. 21 at the historic Altria Theatre in downtown Richmond.

At the ceremony, Long & Foster’s Erin Hungerford of the Innsbrook Glen Allen office was awarded The Best Real Estate Agent and her team, Erin & Company, was awarded The Best Real Estate Team. The Yeatman Group, led by Kyle Yeatman, of the Centerpointe Midlothian office was awarded second runner-up for The Best Real Estate Team.

“We couldn’t be more honored to have been chosen as best real estate company by readers of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, but also for being voted as having the best agent and two of the best teams in Richmond,” said Dawn Bradley, senior vice president & regional manager of Long & Foster’s Richmond and Charlottesville regions. “Congratulations to Erin Hungerford, Kyle Yeatman and their teams, as well as all members of Long & Foster’s Richmond region for being voted as the best.”

Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate, added, “It’s because of the dedication of our Long & Foster agents that we were able to earn these honors, and we’re proud of each and every one of them for their hard work and service. For more than 50 years, Long & Foster’s reputation of honesty, integrity and best-in-class customer service has made us a leader in the real estate industry.”

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America.

To learn more about Long & Foster Real Estate, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster’s Beth Dalton Wins Realtor of the Year Award

Real estate professional granted award by Virginia REALTORS

Long & Foster Real Estate is proud to announce that Beth Dalton, managing broker of the Grove and Tuckahoe/Centerpointe offices, has received the Realtor of the Year award from Virginia REALTORS.

The Realtor of the Year award is the association’s most prestigious honor, which is decided by a group of previously award-winning professional colleagues. The award is presented to professionals who have made proven contributions to the real estate industry through both personal and professional achievement and outstanding volunteerism.

“Long & Foster is proud that Virginia REALTORS has recognized Beth’s many accomplishments and her commitment to the industry,” said Dawn Bradley, senior vice president & regional manager of Long & Foster’s Richmond and Charlottesville regions. “Beth is a true real estate professional and her dedication to her agents is a testament to her passion for the real estate industry.”

Dalton began her real estate career working at a large settlement company before earning her real estate license almost two decades ago. She was with a competing broker before joining Long & Foster in 2010 as the branch manager of its Blacksburg office. There, she provided training, support and education to make the office and its agents some of Long & Foster’s most successful.

In 2019, she was named managing broker at Long & Foster’s Tuckahoe and Centerpointe offices, relocating to the Richmond area. In 2021, she became managing broker of the Grove and Stony Point offices, before becoming broker of the Grove and Tuckahoe/Centerpointe offices. She has led each of these offices to tremendous success, helping her agents earn numerous honors all while exceeding client expectations.

Dalton has served the REALTOR organization at the local, state, and national levels. After numerous years of service on committees, she joined the Virginia REALTORS Board of Directors in 2016 and served as the association’s President in 2021. Dalton is a member of the Virginia REALTORS® Honors Society and, in 2015, she was selected as Virginia’s Manager of the Year.

The association held its annual awards ceremony in downtown Richmond on September 20.

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.