Long & Foster’s Cindy Ariosa Elected by Bright MLS as Chairman of the Board of Directors

Long & Foster Real Estate congratulates Cindy Ariosa, senior vice president, for being elected to the Bright MLS Board of Directors as Chairman of the Board for 2022.

Bright MLS is the leading multiple listing service (MLS) in the Mid-Atlantic representing nearly 100,000 real estate professionals in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia, who serve more than 20 million homeowners in its footprint.

“I am looking forward to serving Bright’s subscribers as Board Chair,” said Cindy Ariosa. “The fast pace of the industry, combined with the important issues on the national agenda, challenge us to ensure we evolve and continue to position Bright at the forefront of the industry. I am excited to collaborate with my colleagues across the Mid-Atlantic and the country through my work with the National Association of REALTORS® during this pivotal time in the industry.”

Ariosa has been with Long & Foster for 20 years and serves as senior vice president and regional manager for the Baltimore/Eastern Shore/Western Maryland regions. She has grown the company in her region from 22 to more than 40 offices. Specializing in business development, coaching, technology, recruitment and retention, Ariosa has led 2,200 sales associates to reach over $6 billion in sales.

“As an outstanding, dynamic leader, Cindy will bring her vast real estate knowledge to successfully guide Bright MLS throughout 2022,” said Larry “Boomer” Foster, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “We congratulate Cindy and are proud of her commitment to the industry and for serving in this important leadership role as Chairman of the Board.”

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 Kathleen Wilks Featured in Inman News

Wilks shares tips on making a good first impression

How do real estate agents put their best selves forward when meeting new clients and prospects? To find out, Inman, one of real estate’s top trade publications, interviewed top industry leaders from across the county, including Long & Foster’s Chief Marketing Officer Kathleen Wilks, for advice on how to make that first impression count.

Entitled “33 Milliseconds to Form an Impression: 7 Tips for Making it Count,” the Dec. 6 article shares Wilks’ invaluable insights on being prepared and dressing to impress, tips which are sure to help real estate professionals – from rookies to seasoned agents.

Here’s some of what Wilks had to say:

Be Prepared

Have a sincere attitude of respect and appreciation for the other person.
Be prepared and on time for a meeting.
Do research to understand the competitive landscape before meeting a client, so you can use data to have an objective, fact-based conversation.
Learn about the person you’ll be meeting by checking out their social media profiles. Look for things you have in common that you find interesting.

Dress Professionally

Clothing and grooming are visible and vital elements of nonverbal communication.
You’re the real estate expert, so it’s best to look like the part by dressing well.

Inman subscribers can read the full article at https://www.inman.com/2021/12/06/33-milliseconds-to-form-an-impression-7-tips-for-making-it-count/.

Spectacular Contemporary Waterfront Estate Available in Easton, Maryland

Rare Opportunity to own Kintore Point on the Eastern Shore

This contemporary masterpiece in Easton, Maryland is the perfect waterside retreat for family gatherings and entertaining. Kintore Point is not just an extraordinary estate; it is an entire peninsula. The main home is the magnificent collaboration between a prominent structural engineer and a renowned New York City architect.

The engineer is globally known for his firm’s top-of-the line works including the world’s tallest building – Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The architect, Alfred DeVido, is the award-winning creator of contemporary homes that were built for comfortable living – and are also works of art.

This talented engineer and architect worked together on many amazing projects such as the Filene Center at Wolf Trap Farm Park, in McLean, Virginia and the Mann Center for Performing Arts in Fairmont Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Then, in 2000, they collaborated to design and build this magnificent home that can now be yours.

Located at 10205 Kintore Drive in Easton, the main home includes five bedrooms, six full bathrooms, two half bathrooms and 8,000 square feet with 160,000 cubic feet of volume. This spectacular property is listed by Rob Lacaze in the Easton, Maryland office of Long & Foster, an exclusive affiliate of Forbes Global Properties for $4.995 million.

Situated less than 10 miles from downtown Easton and 13 miles from St. Michaels, the home is close to shopping and restaurants in those towns. It is also conveniently located less than 70 miles from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, 100 miles from Philadelphia and 200 miles from New York City.

“This private, 18-acre estate is comprised of two separately deeded waterfront lots, each with its own dock,” said Lacaze. “With over half a mile of shoreline, a barn, pool, tennis court and a contemporary home that’s a work of art, this property is like a resort – ideal as a primary or secondary residence or as an investment property.”

Traveling down a mile-long driveway, the first sight of this home is breathtaking, with its striking design, including 300 windows. There is ample parking for visitors on the custom paved area in the front of the home. Greet your guests in style in the foyer, where they’ll see enticing views of the first-floor rooms. Walking into the living room, guests will be amazed by its massive volume with solid maple architectural details including beams, built-in furniture, bookcases and a bar – all glowing in natural sunlight from its three stories of windows. Just like Wolf Trap, this room’s acoustics are fantastic and can seat 100 people in folding chairs for concerts.

It will be easy to prepare a family meal or have your catering team cook for a crowd in the spacious kitchen with plenty of cabinets and counter space including a two-level center island. Your dinner parties and family celebrations will be remembered in the dining room, which overlooks and is open to the living room. Meal preparation can be hidden from your guests by closing sliding doors featuring rice paper between two panes of heavy glass, separating the kitchen from the dining room.

In warm weather, open the first floor’s multiple glass doors to extend your party to the brick terrace and take a dip in the bi-level in-ground pool and spa or enjoy a set of tennis on the tennis court.

The first-floor owner’s suite is spacious and luxurious with a fireplace, wet bar, two bathrooms and two walk-in closets. Open doors from the owner’s suite to enjoy morning yoga or coffee on the terrace. On this level, there is also an office opening to a patio, a library/den with built-in cabinetry, a sunroom with wet bar, a laundry room, garage and storage.

Upstairs, you’ll find four comfortable ensuite bedrooms with a family room featuring a kitchenette with a stove, refrigerator and sink, a deck and separate outdoor entrance. An upper hall is open on both sides overlooking the first-floor rooms and also captures natural light and amazing views from the home’s many windows. On the opposite wing of the second floor, there is a large room with plenty of natural sunlight – ideal as a billiard room or as an art, craft or sewing studio.

The other parcel features a two-story barn styled after the main house. It includes a garage, two horse stalls and a wash stall. The garage is fully convertible to more stalls and the stalls can be converted for other uses. There is also a large paddock and a turn out shed. Your overnight guests will enjoy the two-bedroom, one bathroom apartment on the barn’s second floor.

A few of the other features of this outstanding home include an alarm system that detects broken glass and three wood-burning fireplaces. Solar panels and plenty of natural sunlight make this home very energy efficient, with low monthly heating costs.

Learn more about 10205 Kintore Drive by contacting Rob Lacaze at 410-310-7835 or lacazerob@gmail.com.

For more information about Long & Foster, visit LongandFoster.com.

Covington House in Easton, Maryland Hits the Market

Historic home with pool, separate office and art studio located in old town Easton

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to own Covington House, a stunning property in beautiful and sought-after historic Easton, Maryland.

Located at 211 S. Harrison Street, this home is 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. The residence is listed by Martha Witte Suss and Annie Witte Raymond with Long & Foster’s Easton, Maryland office and is offered for $2.895M.

“If location is important, there’s no better place than this word-class masterpiece in the heart of old town Easton, Maryland,” said Martha Witte Suss. “Covington House, nestled between South Harrison Street and Tyler Lane, is a gorgeous home with private gardens, a pool, a poolside gazebo and much more.”

Built in 1911, this historic home has been lovingly maintained and updated with every modern convenience. Arriving at the property, you are met with a regal circular driveway. A first glimpse of the home is breathtaking, with its Federalist style and welcoming porch with built-in bench seating leading to a stately wooden front door.

Greet your guests in style in the elegant, spacious foyer with French doors providing enticing views of the first-floor rooms. This level provides cozy spaces, including a den, for reading, relaxing, and visiting with family and friends.

On one side of the foyer, you’ll find a 30-foot-long grand living room with a fireplace – a perfect place to serve drinks before dinner. This room opens to a 25-foot-long sunroom and with windows on three sides, it is flooded with natural sunlight.

In warm weather, open doors from the sunroom to extend your party to the private outdoor space. There, you’ll find a series of well-manicured gardens and an artfully designed circular, heated pool with fountains, doubling as a calming reflecting pool. Escape from the sun and relax with a cold lemonade on a warm summer day in the idyllic poolside gazebo.

Your dinner parties and family celebrations will be remembered in the elegant dining room with a built-in cabinet to showcase your finest china and crystal. It will be easy to cook a meal for family or for a crowd in the kitchen equipped with double ovens, six-burner Viking range and long center island with seating. The secondary kitchen/butler’s pantry has plenty of cabinets, two sinks, and a wine and beverage chiller for you or your catering team to prepare and serve food and drinks at your next cocktail party.

Take the stairs or elevator to the second level to find the spacious owner’s suite including a full bathroom with tub and oversized shower. This suite continues with a half bathroom leading to a dressing room with a center island and cabinetry to store all of your clothing and accessories. On this level, you’ll also find two comfortable bedrooms, a full bathroom and a laundry center.

Overnight guests will enjoy the privacy of the sumptuous third floor ensuite bedroom with a window seat and several areas to lounge and read.

The lower level features a laundry center, built-in desk with cabinets, a gym area, half bathroom and storage, all climate-controlled to safely store furniture, clothing and decorations.

The buildings at the back of this gorgeous property include a two-car garage, artist studio and an expansive suite featuring a stunning office and conference room with built-in cabinets and coffered ceilings. Set apart from the main home, this office suite, with dedicated high-speed internet, is ideal for working remotely or meeting with clients. It also includes a powder room, coffee bar and access to a large private, brick courtyard, overlooking the lawn.

Learn more about 211 S. Harrison Street by clicking here. For more information about Long & Foster, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster | Christie’s Luxury Homes Magazine Wins Award

Long & Foster | Christie’s International Real Estate’s Luxury Homes Magazine is the winner of the Best Luxury Lifestyle Magazine in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, as announced by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

Long & Foster’s in-house marketing department produces the luxury lifestyle magazine several times a year. It is distributed with The Wall Street Journal to more than 120,000 home delivery subscribers in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

In collaboration with Long & Foster’s luxury agents, the magazine targets sophisticated clientele. In addition to being delighted and entertained, high-end property connoisseurs can stay abreast of trends and developments in this exclusive market. They can also find their dream home among the elegant display of the finest international properties and locate a Long & Foster agent, while reading the luxury coffee table style magazine.

Luxury Lifestyle Awards is a global award company that selects, recognizes, celebrates and promotes the finest luxury goods and services all over the world – connecting people with the best of luxury. The organization has evaluated more than 10,000 goods and services in 400 categories from 60 countries and analyzed the results to provide a list of the best in the world.

For more information about Long & Foster, visit LongandFoster.com.

Waterfront Retreat Now Available in Pasadena, Maryland

Home offers amazing views of the Chesapeake Bay

With panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay from every level, this Pasadena, Maryland home is the perfect waterside retreat for family gatherings, recreation and relaxation. After a day of boating, fishing or shopping, you’ll enjoy coming home to this calming retreat that’s on the market for $1.150M.

Located at 8261 Bayside Drive, this home is conveniently situated 20 miles from Annapolis, 30 miles from Baltimore, and less than 50 miles from Washington, D.C., making it perfect as a primary residence, second home or as an investment property. The residence is listed by Donna Deter with Long & Foster’s Eastport Annapolis, Maryland office.

“This home has a million-dollar view – and you get the house too,” said Deter. “It’s the ideal place to center yourself. The owner enjoys seeing the calming lights across the bay at night.”

The original home was built in the 1920s as a waterfront cottage. At that time, Pasadena was “the” place for Baltimore residents to go on the weekends. They’d take a steamboat from the Baltimore pier to this bay-side town to enjoy fishing, crabbing, big bands and dancing in large octagonal waterfront pavilions.

Arriving at the property, this residence stands out with its grey coastal exterior, punctuated by a bright red door – with the picturesque Chesapeake Bay as its backdrop. The front door opens to the second floor of this three-level home. Here, you’ll find an updated kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom and full bathroom. A large year-round sunroom off the waterfront side of the home is the ideal place to serve drinks before dinner to friends and family while taking in the commanding bay views as cargo and cruise ships pass by.

Upstairs, there are two comfortable bedrooms and a full bathroom. Open glass doors from the primary bedroom to enjoy morning coffee or yoga facing the magnificent sunrise while connecting with nature on the large balcony overlooking the bay, where there are often sightings of bald eagles and ospreys. Evening entertainment or relaxation on the balcony features amazing views of the full moon rising across the bay on the eastern horizon. In the fall, you’ll marvel at the migration of thousands of rare Canvasback ducks, who cover the water in the bay.

The lower level is fully equipped with a beautiful second kitchen, sitting area with large windows, bedroom, bathroom and large closets, creating a perfect space for a guest suite or for rental income. Open doors from this level onto the patio to enjoy the waterfront view or step onto the 90-foot dock to lower your boat from the lift and take it out onto the bay. The property also has a 20-foot fishing pier strategically located over the rocks, where fish hang out.

Even in the worst storms, the home never had water in it, but as a precaution, the current owner has completely waterproofed it. The home’s floor was raised 30 inches and on the bay side, the yard was re-graded to a higher elevation and high-tech gravity fed French drains were installed around the foundation. In addition, the dock was rebuilt and raised to accommodate higher water levels. The elevated dock has survived the worst storms, while neighboring docks have not. The home is not in a flood plain and flood insurance is not required.

The spectacular view will not be hindered as the adjacent property is set back and not directly in the line of view. This adjacent property is also in reserve, preventing development to take place on the property, allowing the new owner to see as far as the Bay Bridge. The community has a private, pedestrian entrance to Downs Park, offering hundreds of acres of trails and a dog beach for your furry family members to run, splash and also enjoy living on the bay.

A few of the other features of this outstanding home include original wooden beams and doors, a security system on the home and detached shed, a remotely accessible video surveillance system, gas stoves in both kitchens, fresh paint throughout, a custom military grade computer router to prevent intrusion and a home warranty.

Learn more about 8261 Bayside Drive by clicking here. For more information about Long & Foster, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster Real Estate Opens Mechanicsville, Virginia Office

Long & Foster Real Estate is pleased to announce that it has opened a new office in Mechanicsville, Virginia. A grand opening celebration date will be announced soon.

“Opening this new office aligns with Long & Foster’s plan to expand our ability to provide unparalleled customer service to our buyers and sellers,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “We have no doubt that the new Rutland Commons office will be the go-to resource when consumers in this area of Virginia are looking to make confident, well-informed buying and selling decisions.”

The new office is located at 9200 Center Oak Court in Mechanicsville and will be known as Long & Foster’s Rutland Commons office. Chuck Jenkins and Brandon Jenkins will lead the new office, which will be managed by David Gragnani, who is also the managing broker of Long & Foster’s Innsbrook Glen Allen office.

“Long & Foster is committed to growing our presence in Mechanicsville and the opening of this new office allows us to increase our footprint and better serve home buyers and sellers throughout the area,” said Dawn Bradley, senior vice president & regional manager of Long & Foster. “Additionally, having leadership like Chuck and Brandon provides us with a unique understanding of the local market and the needs of its residents.”

The Rutland Commons office is a direct result of Long & Foster’s Elite Entrepreneur Platform, which allows agents to build their own business while aligning with the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America.

“Our brand-new facility is located in Rutland Commons just north of I-295, adjacent to the Kroger shopping center. The all-brick office condo spans nearly 3,500 square feet and will house The Jenkins Real Estate Group, additional Long & Foster agents and Prosperity Home Mortgage,” said Brandon Jenkins. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to expand one of the largest brands in real estate with a focus on serving our clients with the best customer service experience.”

For more information about the Long & Foster at Rutland Commons location, contact Brandon Jenkins at 804.238.4704 or info@jenkinsrealestategroup.com.

For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Pleasant Prospect Farm on the Market for $15.485M in Eastville, Virginia

Grand waterside historic estate on 170 acres with 1.5 miles of shoreline

Pleasant Prospect Farm, one of Virginia’s greatest historic estates, has come to market, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a new owner. Built circa 1750, 26 years before the founding of our country and nearly 40 years before George Washington became president, this property, has been lovingly maintained and beautifully updated while retaining its fine architectural details and grandeur.

Located at 2186 Pleasant Prospect Lane in Eastville, Virginia, the 170-acre country estate, is on its own peninsula on an inlet of the Chesapeake Bay, less than 250 miles from Washington, D.C., 135 miles from Richmond and 50 miles from Virginia Beach. The property is listed by Melissa Dooley with Long & Foster’s Kitty Hawk-Outer Banks, North Carolina office and is being offered for $15.485 million.

The estate includes a nearly 3400 square foot manor home with an 800-bottle wine cellar, two guest houses -one with a pizza kitchen, two garages accommodating nine vehicles, a full woodworking shop, gym, sauna, massage room and a pool house featuring a luxurious Roman style bath with water views. Enjoy spectacular water views from several outdoor spaces including a large brick patio and firepit – ideal for family gatherings or large-scale events.

“This is a rare opportunity to own an historic waterfront estate with substantial acreage, offering the utmost in privacy, close to D.C., Richmond, and Virginia Beach,” said Dooley. “In addition to the incredible residence and setting, there is an extensive additional space for grand scale indoor and outdoor entertaining, which also has great potential for other uses.”

At the entrance to the estate, you’ll know ‘you’ve arrived’ as you’re met by a regal brick entrance marker with “Pleasant Prospect Farm” on it. Traveling down the long private driveway, you’ll be amazed by the property’s park-like setting with fields, woods, a variety of fruit trees, and gardens for cut flowers, herbs and vegetables. A first glimpse of the main home is breathtaking, set against the backdrop of the Cherrystone Inlet on the Chesapeake Bay.

Greet your guests in style in the grand foyer with its original molding and ceiling beams, which are found throughout many of the first-floor formal rooms. The foyer is open to the spacious dining room, where your dinner parties will be remembered. The living room is the perfect place to gather to watch the game or a movie with friends and family or to enjoy a good book.

It will be easy to prepare a family meal or cook for a crowd in the spacious kitchen with a Wolfe double oven, range and griddle, two sinks, two dishwashers and plenty of cabinetry for dishes and cookware. The kitchen is an architectural statement in itself with a wooden cathedral ceiling and a large arched window, bathing the room in natural sunlight.

On this level, you’ll also find the owner’s suite with outstanding water views. Open the door from the suite to enjoy morning coffee or yoga on the porch, while connecting with nature and listening to the many migrating songbirds on the property. The spa-like bathroom has double sinks, a large shower and beautiful tile craftmanship.

Upstairs, there are two comfortable bedrooms with beamed ceilings, original hardwood flooring and a bathroom with a blue nautical theme. There are also two second floor balconies on the front and back of the home, offering relaxing water views.

A few of the other features of this outstanding property include geo-thermal HVAC system in the main home, a generator in each house, a dock, several clam beds and a mile and a half of shoreline.

Learn more about 2186 Pleasant Prospect Lane by clicking here. For more information about Long & Foster, visit LongandFoster.com.

Rachel Foster Named Managing Broker of Long & Foster’s McLean, Great Falls and McLean Elm Sales Offices

Long & Foster Real Estate has announced Rachel Foster will become the managing broker of its McLean, Great Falls and McLean Elm sales offices. Foster most recently served as managing broker for the Charlottesville-Old Ivy, Charlottesville-West and Staunton/Waynesboro offices. Prior to joining the Charlottesville area leadership team, Foster served as sales manager for the McLean, Virginia sales office.

“I look forward to returning to Northern Virginia to lead the talented team of real estate professionals there to help them build their real estate careers, while they assist buyers and sellers to achieve their homeownership dreams,” said Foster.

As a real estate leader, Foster leverages the expertise from her nearly 20-year education career, as well as her experiences selling, to craft invaluable business development and mentoring programs for Long & Foster sales associates.

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

For more information, visit longandfoster.com.

Long & Foster Announces Leadership Changes in Charlottesville and Staunton/Waynesboro Offices

Long & Foster Real Estate has announced office leadership changes in their Charlottesville and Staunton/Waynesboro offices.

Rachel Foster will be transferring to Northern Virginia to become managing broker of Long & Foster’s McLean, Great Falls and McLean Elm Sales offices. Foster most recently served as managing broker for the Charlottesville-Old Ivy, Charlottesville-West and Staunton/Waynesboro offices. Prior to joining the Charlottesville area leadership team, Foster served as sales manager for the McLean, Virginia sales office.

Kevin Wilberger has been promoted to branch manager for Long & Foster’s Charlottesville Old Ivy, Charlottesville West and Staunton/Waynesboro offices. Most recently, Wilberger was the sales manager in those offices.

“I’m excited and looking forward to my new role as branch manager and am committed to continuing support to all of the agents in those offices for their success,” said Wilberger.

Wilberger is the recipient of several awards, including Long & Foster’s Rising Star Award and the 2020 Outstanding Service Award. A Charlottesville native, Wilberger and his wife, Suzanne, continue to live there and enjoy all the area has to offer. Wilberger is well respected in the Charlottesville real estate community and is involved in various philanthropic endeavors in Tanzania and Honduras.

“We congratulate Rachel and Kevin on their new opportunities,” said Dawn Bradley, Long & Foster’s senior regional vice president of the Richmond, Hampton Roads and Charlottesville regions. “Both of their positive and proactive approaches have benefitted our agents and will continue to do so.”

“Rachel and Kevin have a track record of successful leadership of three productive offices,” said Larry “Boomer” Foster, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “They will both continue to leverage their leadership, mentoring skills and enthusiasm to serve the offices they’ll lead in their new roles.”

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

For more information, visit longandfoster.com.