Kathleen Wilks Named 2025 Inman Marketing All-Star

Long & Foster’s CMO honored for innovative contributions to real estate industry

Kathleen Wilks, chief marketing officer of The Long & Foster Companies, has been named a 2025 Inman Marketing All-Star. This prestigious honor recognizes Wilks for her significant role in driving positive change within the real estate industry through innovative marketing strategies.

“I’m honored to be recognized by Inman. It’s a confirmation of the hard work and dedication our Long & Foster marketing team has had to bring our agents tremendous resources to grow their careers and to innovate and take our industry to the next level,” said Wilks.

Under Wilks’ leadership, Long & Foster has launched several initiatives that have transformed the way real estate is marketed and experienced. Key among these is the All-Inclusive Real Estate Experience, which seamlessly integrates all the resources and support needed to buy, sell, rent or own a home. This comprehensive approach is encapsulated in the brokerage’s It’s the One campaign, which emphasizes the value that both the agents and Long & Foster bring to clients.

Wilks has been instrumental in providing the firm’s agents with invaluable marketing resources that enhance their ability to connect with clients and showcase the benefits of the all-inclusive approach. Her vision and dedication have not only elevated the Long & Foster brand but have also set a new standard for marketing excellence in the real estate sector.

This recognition marks Wilks’ second time being named to the Inman Marketing All-Star list, a testament to her hard work and innovative thinking. As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, Wilks remains committed to leading the charge in creating marketing strategies that resonate with consumers and drive success for agents.

Long & Foster Appoints New Branch Manager in Lake Monticello

Diane Miller, an accomplished real estate professional, has been promoted to Branch Manager at Long & Foster Real Estate’s Lake Monticello, Virginia, office. Miller, who most recently served as the Sales Leader in Lake Monticello, has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to the office and team, earning her this new opportunity.

“I’m honored to take on this new role at our Lake Monticello office,” said Miller. “Long & Foster provides our associates with tremendous resources, including our All-Inclusive Real Estate Experience, and that enables us to attract the best sales associates in the business. It’s my privilege to help our exceptional team members to grow their own careers with Long & Foster and even better support consumers in Lake Monticello and throughout Fluvanna County.”

Miller’s experience and expertise have proven to be invaluable assets to the office, agents and real estate community. She joined Long & Foster in 2017 as the branch administrator in Lake Monticello, where she supported the office’s then-manager. Miller took the reins of the office as its Sales Leader in January 2023. Since then, she worked closely with Tom Pace, who co-manages Long & Foster’s Charlottesville office, and benefited from his mentorship in sales leadership and people development.

“I’m thrilled for Diane and her new leadership role at Long & Foster,” said Dawn Bradley, senior vice president and regional manager for Long & Foster in Richmond and Charlottesville. “She’s passionate about the business and helping both our sales associates and our company to reach new heights, and I’m excited to see all that she’ll deliver for Lake Monticello and beyond.”

Under Miller’s leadership, the Lake Monticello office has seen significant growth in results through active recruiting, business development and training initiatives. Her exemplary performance in leading her agents has set a high standard for success within the office. In addition to her professional achievements, Miller is committed to giving back to the real estate and local community. Her involvement reflects her belief in the importance of community engagement and support.

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

Long & Foster’s Traci Hopkins Recognized for Event Planning Excellence

Traci Hopkins, Long & Foster Real Estate’s director of corporate programs and events, has been honored with the Smart Women in Meetings Award by Smart Meetings. This recognition highlights her exceptional expertise and innovative contributions to the event planning industry.

Hopkins, a seasoned event planner, was named a Visionary by the awards organization, a title reserved for those who not only excel in their field but also lead the industry into the future. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to create memorable experiences have set her apart in the event planning community.

The Smart Women in Meetings Awards celebrate women who have made significant impacts in the meetings and events industry. By recognizing individuals like Hopkins, Smart Meetings aims to inspire the next generation of event professionals and showcase the vital role women play in shaping the future of the industry.

For more information about Hopkins and her recognition, read more at Smart Meetings. To learn more about Long & Foster, visit Longandfoster.com.

In the News: Long & Foster’s Athena Petersen Talks Annapolis Real Estate

What to know about buying and selling homes in Annapolis

Read the latest insights on the real estate market from Athena Petersen, Long & Foster Real Estate’s senior vice president and regional manager, who shared her thoughts in a recent interview with the Capital Gazette. With over two decades of experience in real estate, Petersen provides valuable predictions and strategies for consumers navigating the local market in 2025.

In this article, she discusses the projected trends for Annapolis, including its status as a competitive market with rising property values, the demand for second homes, and why working with an experienced professional like those at Long & Foster is key to success. As we approach the busy spring real estate season, Petersen’s expert advice is essential for anyone looking to buy or sell in the dynamic local market. We’re proud of her leadership and excited to share her vision for the year ahead.

Read the full article in the Capital Gazette.

Long & Foster’s Training Program Ranked #13 Globally

Real estate brokerage earns honors from Training Magazine for third consecutive year

Long & Foster Real Estate has once again earned Training Magazine’s APEX award for its exceptional training programs. The leading residential real estate firm ranked as No. 13 on Training Magazine’s list. This prestigious honor highlights the quality of Long & Foster’s learning programs, as well as its dedication to providing both its sales associates and leaders with invaluable learning opportunities. Long & Foster was the highest-ranking residential real estate brokerage honored among the top 95 companies.

“At Long & Foster, we believe that investing in our team’s development not only enhances individual careers, but also drives our collective success,” said Patrick Bain, CEO and president of The Long & Foster Companies, parent company of Long & Foster Real Estate. “This accolade is a testament to our dedication to continuous learning and the importance we place on equipping our team—both our sales associates and our leadership—with the best resources available.”

Training magazine recognized the 95 organizations that excelled at employee training and development in the last year during a black-tie gala in Orlando, Florida. The awards honor organizations that demonstrate excellence in employee training and development. Being ranked among the top training programs highlights Long & Foster’s commitment to fostering an environment where team members can thrive and reach their full potential. Notably, Long & Foster’s programs are designed for both its sales and leadership teams—building strong management that can best support an even stronger salesforce.

“As we celebrate this achievement, we invite our team and prospective members to explore the amazing training opportunities available at Long & Foster,” said Lee McGinnis, senior vice president of general brokerage sales operations at Long & Foster. “Our courses provide invaluable insights and strategies that empower both our real estate agents and leadership teams to excel in their careers. I encourage all our associates – from the new agent to the established branch manager – to take charge of their success, leveraging the many exceptional training and tools we offer to grow their businesses to the highest levels.”

To learn more about the awards, visit https://trainingmag.com/training-magazine-ranks-the-winners-of-the-2025-training-apex-awards/.

For more information about Long & Foster and our training programs, visit LongandFoster.com or find a Long & Foster office near you.

Announcing The Christopher-Levy Group

Two of the most trusted names in the industry, R.T. Christopher and Judy Levy, have come together to form a powerful new real estate team: The Christopher-Levy Group of Long & Foster Real Estate. This newly formed group is committed to bringing clients the best in real estate knowledge, personalized service, and unparalleled expertise.

Both Christopher and Levy have dedicated decades to helping consumers navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. With their combined wealth of experience, the group is set to elevate the standard of real estate service in the region.

Christopher also brings more than a decade of award-winning real estate management expertise. He led Long & Foster’s Greenville, Delaware, office, along with its more than 150 agents to exceptional results—earning the prestigious titles of the brokerage’s top-selling office in Delaware and its No. 2 sales location overall. Christopher not only helped build the Greenville office, joining Long & Foster when the company first began its Delaware operations, but also grew Long & Foster’s reputation as a trusted broker throughout the state.

Under his leadership, the Greenville office attracted numerous top real estate agents and teams—including his now partner, Levy. Similarly, the talented leadership team Christopher brought together in Greenville helped his agents to build and grow their careers, leveraging the many resources provided to them through Long & Foster. Christopher will lean into these experiences as he helps lead the Christopher-Levy Group.

While the team has a new name, its members are not new to the business or each other. Christopher has been part of the team since 2023, and he and Levy are excited for what the future has to offer. Comprising 16 talented real estate professionals, the group consistently ranks as one of the region’s leading teams. They earned the honor of the No. 1 team for sales at Long & Foster’s Greenville office for 2024. Last year, the Christopher-Levy Group closed over $64 million in total volume and assisted 120 clients in buying or selling their homes.

The group is poised for even greater success in 2025, welcoming new team members like Cathleen Christopher-Wilder. One of Delaware’s top-selling agents, Christopher-Wilder brings a client-focused mentality that’s shared by the group and is a key driver to their ability to deliver a personalized experience to all their customers.

The new logo, branding, and all digital and written materials reflect the strength of the partnership. Their award-winning team will continue serve clients with the utmost care, ensuring each individual receives dedicated attention in today’s ever-changing market. The group’s collective experience and dedication set them apart as the go-to resource for anyone looking to navigate the real estate market in the tri-state region.

“By combining our strengths and expertise, The Christopher-Levy Group is poised to offer clients a level of service that is second to none,” said Christopher. “We are committed to providing exceptional real estate experiences tailored to the unique needs of every client.”

To learn more about the team, visit www.christopherlevygroup.com or call 302-351-1500. To learn more about Long & Foster, visit www.Long a ndfoster.com.

Shattering Records in The Wildwoods

Long & Foster’s Colleen Johnston Makes Two Record-Setting Sales in 2024

If 2024 is any indication, then Colleen Johnston, a leading real estate agent with The Beach Homes Team at Long & Foster Real Estate, is primed for an exceptional 2025. Last year, Johnston broke two records in The Wildwoods. She sold the highest-priced townhouse in North Wildwood and represented the buyer of the most expensive penthouse in Wildwood Crest. These were not only the biggest records for 2024, but for all-time, according to the Cape May County MLS records.

“The Wildwoods have been transformed in recent years with new development surging throughout our community. It’s brought renewed interested in Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood and Wildwood, and as it’s growing in popularity, we’ve seen a rise in sales prices, especially among prestigious properties with ocean and bayfront views,” said Johnston.

Brian Reed, who leads The Beach Homes Team of Long & Foster, echoed Johnston’s comments. “The Wildwoods stands out among other shore towns because we have year-round attractions—from the popular Barefoot Country Music Fest to the Wildwoods Irish Fall Festival and the many sports championships in between. Investors who are renting properties get added opportunities to grow their businesses, while residents enjoy a vibrant economy year-round.”

Views of the bay from the North Wildwood townhome

Johnston sold the North Wildwood property—a bayfront townhouse—for $2,247,777. The stunning 3,700-square-foot home features five bedrooms, four full baths and two half baths, and most importantly, five decks to enjoy breathtaking views of Beach Creek and the back bays. Plus, the property includes an oversized boat slip and is in an ideal location for an afternoon of fishing. This was the highest priced sale in The Wildwoods.

Record-setting bayfront townhome sold by Johnston

The Wildwood Crest condominium sold for an equally impressive $2.225 million, with Johnston bringing the buyers to this home. It’s the penthouse unit in the popular vacation rental building, Coastal Colors, and brought with it a rental income history of over $100K annually. It features five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, with an expansive terrace overlooking both the property’s pool and the Atlantic Ocean. This was the second highest sales in The Wildwoods.

Views from the expansive patio at the Coastal Colors penthouse (photo courtesy of Chris Henderson Realty)

To learn more about The Wildwoods, Johnston and the Beach Homes Team (which has ranked as the Best of the NJ Shore for two years running), visit https://www.beachhomesteam.com/.

Ralph DiGuiseppe III Named to Board at Bright

Ralph DiGuiseppe III, senior vice president and regional manager of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vacation Rentals for Long & Foster Real Estate, has been named to the Board of Directors for Bright MLS.

Bright provides real estate agents with access to comprehensive property data and tools to support buying, selling and managing real estate transactions across much of the Mid-Atlantic.

Board members of Bright govern the organization, ensuring alignment with its mission, bylaws and strategic plan. They ensure financial stability through due diligence and budgeting participation. Members actively support the development of future leaders. They also represent regional brokerages and Bright to advocate for subscribers’ and stakeholders’ interests.

DiGuiseppe III manages over 1,200 agents and more than 21 offices across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, driving business development and growth. A St. Joseph’s University finance graduate, DiGuiseppe III started his career in real estate as a part-time agent, which has since blossomed into over two decades in the industry. Before his current leadership position, he held management roles in Buckingham, Doylestown and Media, Pennsylvania, while regularly achieving Gold Team status within Long & Foster for his personal sales volume. Outside of work, DiGuiseppe III is the Mayor of Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, and volunteers for various charitable organizations, while living in Bristol with his daughter.

“As an outstanding, dynamic leader, Ralph will again bring his vast real estate knowledge to successfully guide Bright MLS throughout 2025,” said Patrick Bain, president and CEO of The Long & Foster Companies, parent company of Long & Foster Real Estate. “We congratulate Ralph on this appointment to the board and are proud of his commitment to the industry and for continuing to serve in this leadership role.”

For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

In the News: The New York Times Features The M Group

What do you get for $240,000? The answer varies depending on where you’re shopping, but for homebuyers in Baltimore, Maryland, you can find city living with fabulous value at 109 East Avenue.

Presented by Steve Manning and The M Group of Long & Foster Real Estate, this renovated rowhome was recently featured in The New York Times’ What You Get series. Nestled just a stone’s throw from Patterson and Library Square parks, as well as a bevy of coffee shops and eateries, the three-story, three-bedroom property is ideal for first-time buyers and savvy investors.

It was more than the price point that helped this property stand out to The New York Times. The M Group, which represented the listing and is led by Manning and Sarah McNelis, invested in proactive marketing to reach potential buyers (and reporters). The M Group leverages Zillow Showcase to spotlight many of its listings, and when the Times began its search for relevant properties, 109 East Avenue took center-stage.

“As local market and real estate experts, we invest in solutions that deliver results for our clients, and this recent feature in The New York Times is just one of the many examples of how we help exceed our customers’ real estate goals,” said Manning.

To learn more about The M Group, https://mgroupbaltimore.com/. You can read their feature in The New York Times at https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/29/realestate/240000-homes-in-massachusetts-pennsylvania-and-maryland.html.

In the News: Travel + Leisure Talks to John Mentis of Long & Foster

Arlington, Virginia, has emerged as a top destination for young adults seeking vibrant living environments, according to Travel + Leisure. The travel publication recently highlighted Arlington’s appeal, ranking it high on their list of best places to live for young people.

To delve deeper into what makes Arlington so attractive, Travel + Leisure spoke with John Mentis, a top-producing real estate agent with Long & Foster Real Estate. Mentis shared insights into the community’s unique offerings, which include a dynamic social scene, convenient access to Washington, D.C., and a variety of housing options that cater to the needs of young professionals.

In addition to Arlington, Travel + Leisure’s list features other top destinations that are gaining popularity among young adults. These locations are celebrated for their affordability, job opportunities, and vibrant cultural scenes.

For those interested in learning more about Arlington and other sought-after cities, the full article can be found here.