Long & Foster’s Kathy Opperman Wins Good Neighbor Awards

NAR honors Opperman with grants for her charity, Pillars of Light and Love

Long & Foster Real Estate congratulates Kathy Opperman for being recognized by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for making a difference in her community and founding Pillars of Light and Love.

Opperman, who is the branch manager of Long & Foster’s Collegeville, Pennsylvania office was honored with a $2,500 grant in the Good Neighbor Award honorable mention category for Pillars of Light and Love. The charity offers hundreds of free workshops and support groups to build self-esteem and resilience in adults and children.

In addition, Opperman was the recipient of the $2,500 Web Choice Award, which was supported by NAR sponsor Realtor.com as well as the Center for REALTOR Development. For this award, the public was invited to vote for their favorite 10 finalists. The top three vote-getters received additional donations for their charities.

“I am delighted and humbled that I won both the Web Choice Favorite Good Neighbor Award in addition to the honorable mention,” said Opperman. “I truly appreciate everyone’s votes and support of me and Pillars of Light and Love.”

In a few weeks, Opperman, along with dozens of community supporters will be opening the So Much to Give Inclusive Café. The restaurant will welcome people with special needs as both workers and customers. Opperman commented that they’ve hired over 30 employees with the majority having a diagnosed disability.

“Long & Foster is proud that Kathy has been recognized by the NAR for her many accomplishments and commitment to her community,” said Larry “Boomer” Foster, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “Kathy is a true professional in the real estate industry as a dynamic branch manager, salesperson and productivity coach while also being dedicated to making a difference in her community.”

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster Names Gregory J. Cross as Chief Financial Officer

The Long & Foster Companies, parent company of Long & Foster Real Estate, has named Gregory J. Cross as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Cross takes the lead on evaluating business development opportunities and determining the best financial strategies for current and future initiatives.

With more than 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, Cross is an expert at using data and metrics to chart paths to the best possible outcomes.

“We welcome Greg to Long & Foster,” said Jeffrey S. Detwiler, CEO of The Long & Foster Companies. “Greg recognizes Long & Foster’s entrepreneurial culture is one of our greatest strengths, and his vision plays a key role in keeping our companies at the forefront in the ever-changing real estate marketplace.”

Prior to joining Long & Foster, Cross served in numerous leadership positions with the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). He rose within that organization to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Operations & Technology, and held other positions with responsibility for business strategy, accounting operations and financial management. Cross also has worked as an assistant chief accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He started his accounting career with Deloitte & Touche.

Cross holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Virginia Tech and is a native of Virginia. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A resident of Ashburn, Virginia, he and his wife have two children.

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster Opens New Vienna Location

No. 1 Real Estate Firm Brings Together Leading Teams in Tysons, Vienna

Long & Foster Real Estate, the nation’s No. 1 real estate firm*, has merged its top-ranking Vienna and Tysons offices at a brand-new facility in the Town of Vienna. The company, which was founded in Fairfax County, has merged the two teams under the leadership of award-winning real estate broker Fetneh Schacht.

Agents and employees gathered at the grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the office on October 12. Guests included Linda J Colbert, mayor of Vienna, Virginia and Gerry Connolly, congressman of Virginia’s 11^th District. Also in attendance were members of Long & Foster’s leadership team, Jeffrey Detwiler, CEO of The Long & Foster Companies, Larry “Boomer” Foster, president of Long & Foster Real Estate, and Karen Kidwell, senior vice president and regional manager for Long & Foster’s Northern Virginia and West Virginia regions.

“Long & Foster has a long history of success in Fairfax County, where we opened our first office over five decades ago,” said Larry “Boomer” Foster, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “I’m confident we’ll build on these results, even better supporting local buyers, sellers and renters, with our powerhouse teams in Vienna and Tysons, now working as one.”

Schacht has been part of Long & Foster for more than three decades, and she brings expansive knowledge of the industry and the local market. She manages a diverse group of top-rated Realtors, and she leverages her career expertise, plus her degrees in marketing and international relations, to help the agents in her office to succeed. Schacht teaches many advanced training courses for her sales associates and is a Certified Real Estate Broker (CRB) and a Buffini mentor. She is licensed in Virginia, Maryland and DC, and she continually evaluates and implements new ways to support her agents in advancing their careers.

“Helping Realtors succeed in their careers is my passion—it not only brings success in their lives, but also helps the community, by helping people find their places to call home,” said Schacht. “I’m excited to now support even more real estate agents grow their businesses and support their clients whether they’re buying, selling or renting in Fairfax County and beyond.”

“With our new office and combined teams, we’re building a powerhouse location and leadership team for real estate agents in Fairfax County, with a state-of-the-art facility that creates tremendous opportunities for Realtors, from collaboration and business development to training and education,” said Karen Kidwell, senior vice president of Long & Foster Real Estate’s Northern Virginia and West Virginia regions. “Additionally, our office’s prime location in the Town of Vienna near Tysons makes it easy for agents and their clients to meet and connect with each other, all in one of the hottest markets in the country.”

Combined, the two teams sold over $650 million in real estate in 2021 and rank among Long & Foster’s top 10 locations companywide.

For more details on Long & Foster’s new office or how to join the team there, contact Schacht at 703-938-4200 (office) or fetneh@lnf.com.

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Historic Riggs-Wilcoxen House Hits the Market in Montgomery County

Built in the late 1700s this home is on two picturesque acres close to shopping and dining

Take advantage of a rare opportunity to own this historic estate home in a beautiful park-like setting with a 2,000-square-foot metal barn, a silo, gazebo and a milk house with recently installed heating and air conditioning.

Located at 8820 Huntmaster Road in Gaithersburg, Maryland, this over 2600 square foot home on two acres is conveniently situated to dining, shopping and major commuter routes. The three-bedroom residence with two full bathrooms and two half bathrooms is listed with Susan Verner in Long & Foster Real Estate’s Park Potomac office in Maryland and is offered for $895,000.

The property backs to Goshen Branch Stream Valley Park, a 129-acre, undeveloped park with a fully maintained trail that connects with Seneca Creek trail, which leads to all of the main trails in Montgomery County from Damascus to the C&O Canal.

“This estate home is such a great combination of history and charm, with the privacy and serenity of being in the country, but with all the modern conveniences, said Verner. “With close proximity to the D.C. and Baltimore metro areas, it’s ideal as a weekend getaway or a primary residence.”

Built in the late 1700s, the home has been lovingly maintained and updated with every modern convenience. As you arrive at the property, you’ll first notice its extensive landscaping including 100+ year-old boxwoods, a massive magnolia tree, a redwood tree, incense cedar trees, hydrangeas and much more. A regal circular driveway welcomes you to this beautiful red brick home punctuated with a blue door.

Greet your guests into the living room, which is open to an adjoining sitting room, both with fireplaces, crown molding and original wide-plank heart pine floors. The modern kitchen will appeal to the foodie in everyone with its solid cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, and beverage cooler. Enjoy morning coffee or a family meal in the dining area with glass doors overlooking the garden.

Upstairs, the owner’s suite has an exposed brick wall and is flooded with natural sunlight from its many windows. A dressing area with a window seat leads to the updated bathroom. On this floor, you’ll also find another room with beamed ceilings and fireplace, ideal for working from home or to use as a bedroom.

The spacious top-level bedroom has high ceilings, skylights and historic elements incorporated including exposed brick walls and original beams.

The lower-level family room is unique with its original stone walls, fireplace and brick floor meticulously maintained. Glass doors lead from this level to a bluestone patio – ideal for al fresco dining overlooking the pristine and peaceful garden.

A few of the many other features of this outstanding property include a standing seam solid copper roof, gutters and down spouting. The barn is separately metered with a thick concrete floor, large barn doors, outlets, and a full stage, which can be used for a business, rental, garage, or parties.

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster’s Tina Holt Featured in Hampton Roads Real Producers Magazine

Tina Holt, senior regional vice president of Long & Foster Real Estate’s Hampton Roads and Northeastern Carolina region, has been featured in the October 2022 issue of Hampton Roads Real Producers magazine. In the article, Holt talks about her two-time battle – and victory – with breast cancer.

Holt is pictured on the cover of the magazine along with Alan Thompson, also a cancer survivor. In the article, Holt discusses how at age 37, after receiving her first diagnosis, she returned to selling real estate a few days after surgery, then bought and flipped her first house during this difficult time.

A second diagnosis several years later was even worse as it was a completely different form of cancer, which could not be treated with radiation as it was in the same breast. Again, that did not stop her. Six years later, Holt is at the top of her game. She’s on the leadership team at Long & Foster, is a certified speaker, life and leadership coach, and is the author of Green Bananas, an Amazon International Best Seller.

“I am very happy to have been selected by Real Producers magazine for this month’s feature story about surviving and thriving after breast cancer. The first time was a battle – the second time was a war,” said Holt. “In the spirit of helping others, I hope to inspire people to reach for their highest potential.”

When not engaging with clients, managing offices, and helping others with their life goals, Holt enjoys spending time with her three sons and six grandchildren.

You can read the full article including Holt’s words of wisdom to use every day here.

TinaHolt-003 Download

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

New Modern Home Listed in Richmond’s West End for $3.45M

Stunning home with a pool, waterfall, guest house and turf dog run

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to own a new, contemporary mansion in Richmond’s walkable and vibrant business district – the historic West End. Built in 2020, the home is an architectural masterpiece with a sleek design complemented by the finest quality craftsmanship to create stunning, light-filled interiors.

Located at 113 Libbie Avenue, the home has nearly 5,000 square feet of luxury space with five bedrooms, five bathrooms, two half bathrooms, and a gorgeous pool with water features. The property is listed by Pam Diemer in the Grove office of Long & Foster Real Estate, an exclusive affiliate of Forbes Global Properties, and is offered for $3.45 million.

“This home’s amazing design beautifully incorporates natural stone, wood, glass and concrete, creating a modern masterpiece not seen before in Richmond,” said Diemer.

As you approach the home, you’ll notice its walls of glass and clean geometric lines, blending the outdoors with the indoors. Connected by a walkway, both the main house and a guest apartment overlook the courtyard with verdant plantings, heated pool with fountains and a gas fire trough with benches.

Entering through the huge, stately wooden front door, a long hallway with glass overlooking the courtyard on one side and brick walls on the other side leads to the stunning great room. Here, soaring open beamed ceilings, walls of glazing and bespoke lighting create an inviting home environment that is perfect for stylish casual living.

The dream kitchen is ideally situated for entertaining in the great room and features a professional range, two refrigerators and freezers, inset cabinets and a large center island with two sinks. After walking your dog, enter through a side door leading to a drop zone, with two built-in dog crates complete with a TV to entertain your pampered dogs.

Superb design details continue into the first-floor owner’s suite. The professionally designed closet has an island. The spa-like luxury bathroom features separate shagreen leather vanities, water closets, free-standing tub and marble rain shower with body jets. Upstairs, there are three spacious bedroom suites, an office nook, an upper balcony deck, and a media room with bar, ice maker, and refrigerator drawers.

Your out-of-town guests or family will enjoy the privacy of the apartment, with elevator, full kitchen, living room with gas fireplace, bedroom, bathroom and laundry room.

A few additional features of this smart home include a three-car garage, thermal windows and surround sound.

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Winter Edition of Long & Foster’s Luxury Homes Magazine Now Available

Long & Foster Real Estate has released its winter 2022 edition of Luxury Homes magazine, the company’s award-winning luxury lifestyle publication. In it, you’ll enjoy page after page of images of the most exceptional homes on the market – from New Jersey to North Carolina.

You’ll also read about pairing spirits with cigars, from the owner of a premier bourbon distillery in upstate New York. If coffee is more your drink of choice, you’ll learn about a commercial brand that is turning coffee lovers into the ultimate home baristas. And as you prep ahead for the winter months, you’ll see what’s trending in the latest looks for your grand winter vacation.

The issue will be inserted in The Wall Street Journal on September 24 for subscribers in all of Long & Foster’s Mid-Atlantic and Northeast markets. You can read the magazine online now by clicking here.

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

Annual event held in Charleston, South Carolina this year

Long & Foster Real Estate hosted their annual Top 100 and ReCharge retreat for agents from Sept. 6-9 at The Charleston Place hotel in Charleston, South Carolina.

The company’s 100 highest ranking agents by 2021 sales volume and its 100 top agents by 2021 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 family of agents to gather and learn from each other, plan for the coming year and hear from industry experts,” said Larry “Boomer” Foster, president of Long & Foster Real Estate.

Nearly 500 agents came together for networking, business development and industry analysis. Engaging keynote speaker, Shawn Achor, author of “The Happiness Factor”, shared insights on how small shifts in mindset can lead to stellar performance, and other tips to help Long & Foster’s top agents remain at the peak of the industry. Other sessions were held on topics such as agent tools, technology and marketing practices.

For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster Celebrates Grand Opening of Its New Roanoke Location

Dozens of Long & Foster team members and area residents gathered together on Aug. 31 to celebrate the grand opening of Long & Foster’s new Roanoke office. Located at 5324 Fallowater Lane, Suite 100, in Roanoke, the office is conveniently situated near downtown Roanoke, the Hotel Roanoke, Tanglewood Mall, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Roanoke Star.

The Roanoke Chamber of Commerce joined Long & Foster at the grand opening, helping celebrate the new location with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests enjoyed tacos, cheeseburgers and cheesesteaks from Rock & Roll Diner and cool drinks from Deb’s Frozen Lemonade. The Long & Foster team also offered tours of its new office, and its partners in mortgage, title, insurance and moving were there to celebrate as well—many offering fun giveaways to attendees.

View the photo gallery below to see more from the event.

Mid-Century Modern Waterfront Home Listed in Henrico for $2.2M

Property on over six acres, with a pool, designed by renowned architect, Bud Hyland

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to own a gorgeous mid-century modern home, designed by renowned architect Bud Hyland, an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright. Situated in a tranquil setting on Lost Lake, this beautifully renovated estate home is a private oasis with water views.

Located at 1 Raven Rock Lane in Henrico, this home, on more than six pristine acres, has over 8,000 square feet of luxury living including five bedrooms, five bathrooms, one half bathroom, and a saltwater pool. The property is listed by Pam Diemer in the Grove office of Long & Foster Real Estate, an exclusive affiliate of Forbes Global Properties, and is offered for $2.2 million.

Built in 1978, significant renovations were done on the home in 2017, which were designed by Richmond award-winning architectural firm, 3North and constructed by Mark Franko Custom Building.

“From the floor plan to the materials used, the renovations on this home were all brought together beautifully with large open spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows to bring the outdoors in,” said Diemer. “It has a wonderful flow and is perfect for entertaining, as well as for everyday comfortable living.”

Arriving at the property, you’ll notice the one-level home is framed by pristine mature trees, perched naturally in a park-like setting as if it was part of the landscape itself. Walls of glass and clean geometric lines make it strikingly modern and completely natural.

Inside, the modernist design creates a unique arrangement of rooms with soaring ceilings and large windows to enjoy the views. Signature exposed brick walls and glazed walls flood the spacious interiors with light. The great room is bright, airy and open, featuring a vaulted ceiling with wood beams, and a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace. Open the glass doors to enjoy the multi-level deck and terrace, overlooking the gardens and pool.

Your dinner parties will be remembered in the large dining room with a fireplace and a bay window – the perfect place to showcase your grand piano. It will be easy to prepare a meal in the well-equipped chef’s kitchen, which is open to the sunroom with water views. The colorful kitchen features gas cooking, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer and a large center dining island.

After a day of entertaining friends or swimming in the pool, you’ll enjoy retreating to the renovated owner’s suite with two designer closets and a sitting area with water views. Its spa-like bathroom features modern dual vanities and a luxurious large shower.

The lower-level recreation room offers something for everyone with a kitchenette, studio with a fireplace, full bathroom, flex and exercise rooms. Doors open from this level to the terrace and pool.

A few of the other features of this home include a new roof with solar panels and an outdoor winding staircase leading from the terrace level to the upper-level deck.

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.