Long & Foster’s Amber Thomas Accepted into Richmond Association of Realtors Leadership Development Academy Class of 2024

Long & Foster Real Estate is proud to announce that Amber Thomas an agent with the Village of Midlothian office, has been accepted into the Richmond Association of Realtors (RAR) Leadership Development Academy.

The Leadership Development Academy is designed to develop visionary, service-oriented REALTOR members for professional, civic and community leadership roles. The program, which runs from September to December of 2024, exposes a diverse cohort to a variety of topics through seminars, events and experiential learning sessions.

Working with professional leadership coaches, participants identify critical leadership skills and how to tap into their strengths as a leader – in their career and their community. The program also offers an overview of the significance of community involvement and insight into the leadership roles within a REALTOR organization.

“Long & Foster is proud that the RAR has recognized Amber’s many accomplishments and her commitment to the industry and her community,” said Dawn Bradley, senior vice president and regional manager of the Richmond and Charlottesville regions. “Amber is already an accomplished agent and being chosen to participate in this program will elevate her skills even further.”

Thomas is a dedicated Realtor with a strong commitment to both her clients and community. She is known for her exceptional professionalism and client-focused approach. Beyond her real estate career, Thomas actively engages in community service, working with organizations such as Lettuce Reduce Food Waste, Habitat for Humanity, and serving on the board of Furbish, a nonprofit focused on animal welfare. Her passion for making a positive impact drives her both professionally and personally, reflecting her deep commitment to enhancing the lives of those around her.

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster’s Mari Kotze Accepted into Richmond Association of Realtors Leadership Development Academy Class of 2024

Long & Foster Real Estate is proud to announce that Mari Kotze, associate broker and sales manager for the Cabell Childress Group, affiliated with the Midtown Richmond office, has been accepted into the Richmond Association of Realtors (RAR) Leadership Development Academy.

“We are so happy Mari was chosen for the Leadership Development Academy, “said Dawn Bradley, senior vice president and regional manager of the Richmond and Charlottesville regions. “She is extremely detail-oriented as well as patient, professional, and cares so much about her clients and the agents in her office – she’s well deserving to be selected for this prestigious program.

Kotze has been in the real estate business for 10 years and holds an associate broker license. As sales manager of the Cabell Childress Group, she leads a successful team of 23 agents. The elite team has been with Long & Foster since 2008, consistently outperforming their previous year. In 2023, their sales increased 13%, having sold 300+ homes and $142M in sales volume. So far in 2024, they have $87M under contract.

Active in her community, Kotze has volunteered, fundraised, or sponsored several organizations, including Evergreen PTA (2023-2024), Huguenot Little League (2023-2024), Big Brothers Big Sisters (2023-2024), M4K (2022-2034), St. Baldrick’s Foundation (2020-2024), Toys for Tots (2020-2024), Central VA Food Bank and Meals on Wheels (2018-2020), Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (2013-2014), Autism Speaks (2011-2013), Virginia Commonwealth University’s Domestic Violence Awareness Group (2008-2009).

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster Named a Top Workplace in Hampton Roads

Long & Foster has been named one of the Top Workplaces in the Hampton Roads area by Inside Business, The Hampton Roads Business Journal.

“We’re thrilled to be named as a top place to work in the Hampton Roads region,” said Tina Holt, senior vice president and regional manager of Long & Foster’s Hampton Roads region. “This award highlights the hard work and dedication of our team, who consistently go above and beyond to exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Long & Foster’s Tina Holt & Amber Garwood at the celebration event on Aug. 8

This list is based solely on agent and employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the agent and employee experience.

“I’m so proud of our Long & Foster family in the Hampton Roads region for earning this recognition,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “This award is a true testament to our agents and employees who work diligently to provide our clients with the best possible experience, while making Long & Foster the successful company that it is and maintaining our culture of excellence.”

Winners were celebrated at an event held at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center on Aug. 8.

You can read more and view the complete list of 2024 Top Workplaces winners in a special edition of Inside Business here. If you’re looking for a workplace to call home, visit LongandFoster.com and click on Careers.

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

For more information, visit longandfoster.com.

Get to Know Cristina Dougherty

Long & Foster Agent Featured in Northern Virginia Real Producers

Cristina Dougherty, a Realtor with Long & Foster Real Estate’s Fairfax Centre office, approaches her profession with passion and a commitment to excellence. For Cristina, real estate is more than just transactions; it’s about building lasting relationships with her clients. This philosophy shapes her approach, ensuring that every client receives personalized attention and unwavering support throughout their real estate journey. Cristina was recently featured in an article in the Northern Virginia (NOVA) Real Producers magazine.

From Educator to Real Estate Expert

Cristina’s path to real estate was anything but conventional. Born in West Africa and having lived in Canada and Spain, she eventually settled in Fairfax, Virginia, where her future began to take shape. With a background in psychology and special education, Cristina spent 12 years as a Board-Certified Special Education Teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools.

However, an unsatisfactory experience while buying and selling her own home led Cristina to real estate. Determined to make a difference, she obtained her real estate license and quickly found that she was captivated by the industry. Over two decades later, she has become a standout agent, achieving impressive sales and earning multiple accolades, including being named a Long & Foster Top 100 Agent and receiving recognition from Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine.

Balancing Career and Family

Despite her busy real estate career, Cristina places great importance on her family. She and her husband, Dan, have been married for over 20 years and have three children: Kylie, Mason, and Skylar. The family enjoys spending time together, whether it’s traveling to the beach or cheering on their children at sports events. Their household also includes Nugget, a mini-golden doodle who serves as the “Chief Canine Officer” in Cristina’s real estate world, and Scarlet, a gentle horse that Cristina rides for exercise and relaxation.

Looking Ahead

For Cristina, success is about more than just achievements; it’s about being true to oneself and making a positive impact. She lives by the principle of being of value rather than just seeking success, a philosophy she plans to carry into the future.

As Cristina looks ahead, she envisions remaining a prominent figure in Northern Virginia real estate for another decade before retiring to South Carolina. Her goals include guiding her children through their college years and continuing to inspire those around her with integrity, authenticity, and kindness. For Cristina, success is a journey marked by personal growth and the lasting relationships she builds along the way.

Maribeth Dunlap to Lead Long & Foster’s Chesapeake and Kempsville Offices

Long & Foster Real Estate has announced Maribeth Dunlap has been named as the new leader of its Chesapeake and Kempsville sales offices. Licensed in Virginia and Florida, Dunlap has been an agent for nearly 10 years and joins Long & Foster from a competing broker in Virginia Beach.

“Maribeth has a track record of leadership – from being an entrepreneur and an operations manager for a real estate team to a successful sales agent with a strong client base and market share,” said Tina Holt, Long & Foster’s senior vice president and regional manager for the Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina regions. “Her skillset equips her well to help the agents in the Chesapeake and Kempsville offices navigate the ever-changing real estate landscape.”

Dunlap has been in sales and operations for nearly three decades in both the real estate and automotive industries. Her diverse background includes nonprofit and event management. She also operated her own successful business for many years—an experience that lends itself well to supporting agents in growing their businesses and even better assisting their clients.

“I’m excited to be joining Long & Foster,” said Dunlap. “I look forward to training and developing the talented agents at the Chesapeake and Kempsville offices to exceed their sales goals and provide exceptional customer service.”

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

For more information, visit longandfoster.com.

Loretta Gray Joins Leadership Team in Long & Foster’s Alexandria Offices

Long & Foster Real Estate has appointed Loretta Gray as the sales manager for its Alexandria Old Town, Kingstowne and Kingstowne Centre offices in Alexandria, Virginia. In her new role, Gray will work closely with Dianna Campagna, the managing broker in those locations, to provide support and guidance to the company’s agents as they develop and grow their real estate careers.

“Loretta’s been an invaluable resource since joining our team – supporting our agents in learning about all aspects of the business, from the foundations to complex real estate investing,” said Karen Kidwell, senior vice president and regional manager of Long & Foster in Northern Virginia. I’m excited to welcome her to our leadership team and am confident that with her and Dianna leading our offices in Alexandria, we’ll continue to deliver consumers with the best service and support.”

With nearly a decade of experience in the real estate industry, Gray brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new position. She is licensed in Virginia, Maryland, DC, and Florida, allowing her to serve clients across multiple markets. Gray has established herself as a top-performing agent, consistently achieving an impressive average of $9 million in annual sales.

In addition to her success as a real estate professional, Gray is a state-certified Real Estate Principles & Practices instructor. She frequently shares her knowledge by teaching courses on various topics, including real estate investing and fair housing. Gray’s commitment to education and professional development will be invaluable in helping Long & Foster’s agents stay ahead in a competitive market.

Before entering the real estate industry, Gray gained valuable experience in restaurant and hospitality management and operations. This background instilled in her the importance of delivering exceptional service to clients. Gray’s dedication to providing outstanding customer service will undoubtedly benefit both the company’s agents and their clients.

“We are thrilled to have Loretta join our leadership team in Northern Virginia,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “Her extensive experience, industry knowledge, and passion for teaching will be instrumental in supporting our agents as they grow their businesses. Loretta’s commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our company’s values, and we are confident that she will make a significant impact in her new role.”

Long & Foster is one of the leading real estate companies in the United States, as part of Berkshire Hathaway affiliate HomeServices of America. With a strong focus on agent support and professional development, the company is committed to helping its agents achieve their goals and provide exceptional service to their clients, arming them with their competitive All-Inclusive Real Estate Experience. This model brings together everything and everyone needed in a real estate transaction, making the process simpler and easier for consumers.

For more information about Long & Foster and its services, please visit LongandFoster.com.

Long & Foster’s Mid-Year Baltimore | Annapolis | Eastern Shore Region Market Report Details Real Estate Trends

Across the Baltimore | Annapolis | Eastern Shore Region, home sales declined 3% in the first half of 2024, as home buyers were challenged by higher mortgage rates and reduced inventory. The sale of luxury homes (properties above $1M) saw a 16% increase year-over-year. Inventory increased by 4% for properties of all price-points, while Inventory for the luxury segment increased by nearly 10%, according to the Long & Foster 2024 Mid-Year Market Report.

Over the past year, 30-year mortgage rates have ranged between 6.5% and 7.5%, but rates have been slowly decreasing since May. This trend is expected to continue for the second half of the year, depending upon favorable inflationary numbers and a possible Federal Funds Rate cut by the Federal Reserve.

Today’s ever-changing market offers opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. When seeking a partner to expertly steer you through these intricate conditions, look no further than Long & Foster.

At Long & Foster, we’ve transformed the homeownership journey with an All-Inclusive Real Estate Experience centered around our clients. Our agents work closely with a team of uniquely qualified specialists to create a streamlined, stress-free client experience. From Mortgage, Insurance, and Inspection, to Title, Moving, Property Management and beyond, we do it all. We not only pioneered the concept – we’ve perfected it.

The All-Inclusive Real Estate Experience. It’s the one way we think about real estate.

In addition to highlighting major trends in the Baltimore | Annapolis | Eastern Shore region, the Long & Foster Region Market Report spotlights individual neighborhoods. It also summarizes the local luxury market by the types of homes (for example, single-family and townhomes) sold in individual neighborhoods, providing an in-depth analysis of the residential market. View the report in its entirety here.

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

Long & Foster’s Mid-Year Richmond Market Report Details Real Estate Trends

Across the Richmond Region, home sales declined 2% in the first half of 2024, as home buyers were challenged by higher mortgage rates and reduced inventory. The sale of luxury homes (properties above $1M) are 36% higher year to date than in the first half of 2023. Inventory was 5% higher for properties of all price-points. Inventory for the luxury segment increased 54%, according to the Long & Foster Mid-Year Market Report.

Today’s ever-changing market offers opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. When seeking a partner to expertly steer you through these intricate conditions, look no further than Long & Foster.

The All-Inclusive Real Estate Experience. It’s the one way we think about real estate.

In addition to highlighting major trends in the Richmond region, the Long & Foster Region Market Report spotlights individual neighborhoods. It also summarizes the local luxury market by the types of homes (for example, single-family and townhomes) sold in individual neighborhoods, providing an in-depth analysis of the residential market. View the report in its entirety here.

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

Long & Foster’s Mid-Year Capital Region Market Report Details Real Estate Trends

Across the Capital Region, home sales declined 5.4% in the first half of 2024, as home buyers were challenged by higher mortgage rates and reduced inventory. Sales of luxury homes (properties above $1.5M) increased by 18%, outpacing the market. Inventory was down 6% for properties of all price-points. In contrast, inventory for the luxury segment increased by 3%, according to the Long & Foster Mid-Year Market Report.

Today’s ever-changing market offers opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. When seeking a partner to expertly steer you through these intricate conditions, look no further than Long & Foster.

At Long & Foster, we’ve transformed the homeownership journey with an All-Inclusive Real Estate Experience centered around our clients. Our agents work closely with a team of uniquely qualified specialists to create a streamlined, stress-free client experience. From Mortgage, Insurance and Inspection, to Title, Moving, Property Management and beyond, we do it all. We not only pioneered the concept – we’ve perfected it.

The All-Inclusive Real Estate Experience. It’s the one way we think about real estate.

In addition to highlighting major trends in the D.C. region, the Long & Foster Region Market Report spotlights individual neighborhoods. It also summarizes the local luxury market by the types of homes (for example, single-family and townhomes) sold in individual neighborhoods, providing an in-depth analysis of the residential market. View the report in its entirety here.

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

Coastal Style Magazine Names Long & Foster as Best Luxury Real Estate Company

Brokerage earned prestigious honor in Sussex County

Coastal Style magazine, the lifestyle magazine of the Eastern Shore, has recognized Long & Foster Real Estate’s Bethany Beach office as the Best Luxury Real Estate Company in Sussex County. This prestigious accolade was awarded based on votes from readers in the magazine’s annual Best Of awards.

“I’m so proud of our Long & Foster family at the Bethany office for earning this recognition,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “This is a true testament to our agents and employees who work hard every day to provide our clients with the best possible experience.”

Long & Foster, a renowned brokerage firm, has consistently demonstrated excellence in the luxury real estate market. With their commitment to providing exceptional service and their extensive knowledge of the local market, it comes as no surprise that they have been recognized as the top luxury real estate company in Sussex County.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from Coastal Style magazine,” said Ralph DiGuiseppe III, regional manager and senior vice president of Long & Foster’s Delaware region. “This award highlights the hard work and dedication of our team, who consistently go above and beyond to exceed our customers’ expectations.”

The Best Of awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses and professionals in various industries. An official celebration for all the winners, including Long & Foster, will be held in November. Additionally, the winners will be featured in Coastal Style magazine this September, providing them with well-deserved recognition and exposure.

Long & Foster has been serving the Delaware community for many years, offering a wide range of traditional and luxury properties and personalized services to their discerning clientele. Their commitment to excellence, integrity and professionalism has made them a trusted name in the real estate industry.

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