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.

Sandra Stewart to Lead Growth and Development at Long & Foster

Long & Foster Real Estate announces the appointment of Sandra Stewart as its new Director of Growth and Development in the Washington, D.C., region. In her role, Stewart will collaborate with the company’s leadership to enhance efforts in attracting new talent to the organization. With over 25 years of sales and leadership experience in the real estate industry, she’s a strong motivator for new agents and high performers alike and an exceptional addition to Long & Foster.

“I’m excited to join Long & Foster and its talented team of real estate professionals,” said Stewart. “Having grown up in the D.C. area, I’ve long known Long & Foster for its industry expertise and commitment to its agents and clients. Similarly, I consider every agent who joins our team my business partner—that relationship is so important to me—and it’s incredible to be part of a company that shares those values.”

A native Washingtonian, Stewart holds several prestigious industry certifications, including Accredited Buyer’s Representative, At Home with Diversity, Certified Residential Specialist and Graduate, Realtor Institute designations. She has been recognized as a top-performing manager and has volunteered with national and local Realtor associations over the years.

She served as a Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR) Director from 2020 to 2021 and has been an instructor with the organization for almost a decade. Stewart is currently the Vice President of a local National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) chapter, has held a leadership role with the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance’s DC Chapter, is a past President of the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) – Greater Capital Area Network, and a member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP).

“Sandra is a powerhouse real estate leader, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to our team,” said Kenneth Fagan, senior vice president and regional manager at Long & Foster in Washington, D.C., Montgomery County and Southern Maryland. “Her infectious enthusiasm for real estate and her passion for helping people succeed are invaluable and will ensure our continued success in building a dominant sales team throughout the greater D.C. market.”

Known for her positive approach and energy, Stewart even keeps a bell with her at all times—ringing it to celebrate the successes—personal or business—of any team members with whom she’s worked. She also actively supports local and national Realtor events, helping highlight the overall positive contributions of the real estate industry to the local community.

Before joining Long & Foster, she served as the designated broker for a local franchise, overseeing more than 500 associate brokers and salespersons. Prior to that opportunity, Stewart worked with other local brokerages in strategic growth and management positions.

She has a degree in Electrical Engineering from The Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and earned her real estate license in 1999. She transitioned into real estate full-time in November 2001 to gain flexibility for her family, and through the years has built an impressive career while giving back to the industry. In her spare time, Stewart enjoys traveling and attending professional sporting events with family and friends.

The Fonseca Group Ends 2024 with Record-Setting Sale

Leading Realtors Deborah and René Fonseca closed the year on a high note. The duo, who lead the Fonseca Group of Long & Foster Real Estate in McLean, Virginia, represented both the buyers and sellers of 2211 Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, D.C. The property sold for $7.25 million on Dec. 31, 2024.

The luxury property sale ranked as the 6^th highest for December and the 18^th highest for the year in the D.C. metro region. It also was the top sold listing for Long & Foster in the D.C. metro region for 2024 and the Fonseca’s top sale for the year as well—an impressive achievement for the team.

Located on the prestigious Embassy Row, the 1920s mansion has been recognized as an historic building by the National Park Service. With the guidance of the Fonsecas, the sellers—an East Coast investment firm—meticulously renovated the property, restoring its old-world elegance while incorporating modern luxury.

The Fonsecas worked in alignment with the sellers to develop an effective strategy that encompassed construction plans and design elements featuring high-end finishes. They marketed the property as both a commercial and a residential opportunity, ensuring flexibility for potential buyers, whether a foreign government or private individual. A family from the West Coast purchased the home, becoming only the second residents and fourth-ever owners.

The Fonseca Group has established a reputation for excellence in the luxury real estate market. With a commitment to providing unparalleled service and expertise, Deborah and René Fonseca consistently deliver outstanding results for their clients. This latest achievement further solidifies their status as leading real estate professionals in the area.

“We are thrilled to end the year with such a significant sale—truly only a few properties in D.C. boast such a remarkable story and rich background as 2211 Massachusetts Avenue,” said Deborah Fonseca. “It reflects not only the strength of D.C.’s luxury market, but also the trust our clients place in us to navigate these high-stakes transactions.”

René Fonseca added, “Closing this sale on the last day of the year is a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work. We’re grateful for the opportunity to represent both the buyers and sellers in this transaction.”

The Fonseca Group’s success is a result of their strategic marketing, extensive network, and deep understanding of the local market dynamics. Their ability to connect buyers with exceptional properties has made them a sought-after team for luxury real estate transactions. As they look to 2025, they remain committed to providing exceptional service and achieving outstanding results for their clients.

Long & Foster Names New Leadership Team in Ocean City

Long & Foster Real Estate has named Andy McBride as managing broker for its Ocean City office. McBride has led the office on an interim basis for the past few weeks and is excited to take on the role permanently. In addition to his responsibilities as managing broker, McBride will oversee Long & Foster Vacation Rentals in Ocean City, further strengthening the connection between the brokerage’s sales and rentals teams.

McBride brings a wealth of experience in both real estate sales and management. As an agent, he has successfully guided countless clients through the buying and selling process, leveraging his extensive real estate expertise. More recently, as managing broker at Long & Foster’s Eastern Shore locations, McBride has focused on helping agents build their own businesses while delivering exceptional service through Long & Foster’s all-inclusive real estate experience.

Supporting McBride in this new leadership structure is Donna Jupitz, who has been appointed as the sales manager for Long & Foster’s Denton, Cambridge, Easton/St. Michaels, Salisbury and Ocean City offices—all of which McBride oversees as managing broker. Jupitz brings decades of real estate sales and leadership experience to her new role. She joined Long & Foster in 2007 as an Associate Broker in the Easton office and has since taken on additional responsibilities as an instructor with the Long & Foster Institute of Real Estate. Her unique teaching style has made her a favorite among licensees and new students alike.

Before joining Long & Foster, Jupitz served as managing broker for a local real estate franchise, which she helped grow along the Eastern Shore. Additionally, her background as a registered nurse instilled in her the value of exceptional customer service and the ability to balance multiple priorities while addressing unexpected challenges—all abilities that have helped her and the associates she’s supported in real estate.

“These appointments bring together our Eastern Shore offices under a unified leadership team, and it will present new opportunities for our agents to learn and build their businesses with Long & Foster,” said Athena Petersen, senior vice president and regional manager of Long & Foster Real Estate. “With Andy and Donna’s combined skillsets and talent, as well as the many resources of Long & Foster, our agents will deliver even greater results for their buyers, sellers, and renters.”

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

Robin Wilson to Lead Long & Foster in Frederick

Long & Foster Real Estate has appointed Robin Wilson as the managing broker of its Frederick, Maryland, office. In her new role, Wilson will also oversee the brokerage’s Braddock Heights, Cumberland, Frederick/North Market, Hagerstown, and Thurmont locations.

With nearly two decades of experience at Long & Foster, Wilson has established herself as a leading sales associate in the Cattail Creek (Ellicott City) location. Her extensive background in real estate is complemented by a personal passion for the industry, which she inherited from her mother, a successful agent in her own right. Born and raised in Maryland, Wilson has gained a deep understanding of the local market and its unique charm.

Her commitment to the community is further demonstrated by her family’s involvement in local education. This connection to the community enhances her ability to serve agents and their clients, as she understands their needs and aspirations beyond the physical aspects of a home.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Wilson is an avid reader and enthusiastic traveler. These interests enrich her personal life and contribute to her ability to connect with clients on a deeper level.

“Robin is an engaging leader whose decades of experience enable her to guide both new and experienced associates to success,” said Athena Petersen, senior vice president and regional manager for Long & Foster Real Estate’s Baltimore, Western Maryland and Eastern Shore region. “I’m thrilled to welcome her to the team and am confident our office will achieve great results with her leadership and the many resources of Long & Foster, including our all-inclusive real estate experience.”

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