Andy McBride to Lead Long & Foster’s Easton/St. Michaels Office

Long & Foster Real Estate has announced the appointment of Andy McBride as the new managing broker of its Easton/St. Michaels office. McBride brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the local market to his new role, having served as branch manager of Long & Foster’s Salisbury, Cambridge and Denton offices.

A lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore, McBride’s knowledge of the region’s communities positions him as an invaluable asset to agents and their clients seeking to buy or sell property in the area. His extensive background in real estate sales and management, coupled with his dedication to exceptional service, makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Easton/St. Michaels office to new heights.

Throughout his career, McBride has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, both as an agent and as a sales leader. His proficiency in real estate sales has enabled him to assist numerous clients in achieving their property goals, while his leadership skills have empowered agents under his guidance to flourish in their own careers.

“In my time with Long & Foster, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a talented team and serving clients throughout the Eastern Shore,” said McBride. “I am thrilled to take on this new challenge and lead the Easton/St. Michaels office toward continued success.”

In his expanded role, McBride will oversee the operations of the Easton/St. Michaels office while maintaining his existing responsibilities for Long & Foster’s Eastern Shore offices. His appointment reflects Long & Foster’s commitment to providing unparalleled service and expertise to clients across the region.

“We are delighted to appoint Andy McBride as the new manager of our Easton/St. Michaels office,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “His leadership, experience and dedication to client satisfaction make him the perfect fit for this role, and we look forward to seeing the office thrive under his guidance.”

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

Magnificent Old Town Alexandria Home Listed for $4M

Residence most recently owned by P. Wesley Foster, co-founder of Long & Foster

Built in 1807, this gorgeous, Federal-style home wows at every turn. Situated in one of Alexandria’s most prestigious neighborhoods, the residence is nestled in the highly sought-after Southeast quadrant of Old Town Alexandria – and is within walking distance to all of the shopping, dining, and waterfront parks that Old Town offers.

The historic property, located at 207 S. Fairfax Street is listed by Diana Foster, with the McLean office of Long & Foster Real Estate, an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties. Elegantly renovated, the nearly 5,000-square-foot home has five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, one half bathroom, and is offered for $4M.

The remarkable home was meticulously maintained by its most recent residents, Betty Foster and the late P. Wesley “Wes” Foster, co-founder of The Long & Foster Companies. Starting the company in 1968 from a 600-foot office in Fairfax, Foster successfully grew the firm by strategically acquiring competing real estate firms to increase the company’s presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.

Foster also grew the company by launching ancillary services such as mortgage, title and insurance, offering consumers everything they need to buy, sell, rent and own a home (or investment property) – creating the all-inclusive powerhouse it is today.

“Take advantage of the rare opportunity to own this historic home and be prepared to entertain in grand style – from lavish dinner parties in the dining room to cocktail parties in the garden,” said Diana Foster. “This home offers everything for people who live life to the fullest – just as Wes and Betty Foster did.”

As you approach the home, you are greeted by a picturesque façade that exudes the character and charm of this historic neighborhood. From the covered front porch, stepping into the foyer, a long center hallway provides enticing views of the first floor masterfully designed rooms with every detail carefully considered.

Original hardwood floors lead you through spacious rooms adorned with period details. The first room that welcomes you is a breathtaking double parlor with built-in cabinetry, a fireplace and large windows that flood this elegant, yet comfortable room with natural light.

For quiet time or to work from home, retreat to the study with large pocket doors that close for privacy and could also be used as a bedroom.

It will be easy to cook for a crowd or to prepare a family meal in the spacious, well-appointed kitchen with modern appliances that seamlessly integrate with classic charm. For informal dining, the kitchen has built-in seating at a large window to enjoy morning coffee or a meal overlooking the courtyard. The kitchen is open to a comfortable family room with its historic fireplace as the centerpiece of the room and a door leading to a covered porch.

Your dinner parties and family celebrations will be remembered in the large dining room. In warm weather, open the dining room’s French doors to extend your party into the gorgeous courtyard. This serene oasis, with its beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained walled gardens surround a private brick patio – providing the perfect backdrop for al fresco dining, entertaining, or simply enjoying a moment of tranquility.

Upstairs, you’ll find three comfortable bedrooms, including a large owner’s suite. The top level of the home features a large loft – ideal to use as an art studio, yoga retreat, office, or playroom.

Your out-of-town guests, au pair or live-in help will enjoy the privacy of a separate haven offering its own kitchen, living room, bedroom, and full bathroom.

A rare find in Old Town Alexandria, this home also includes off-street parking for three cars.

Learn more about 207 S. Fairfax Street here. For more information about Long & Foster, visit longandfoster.com.

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America.

Julie Frank to Lead Professional Development at Long & Foster

Real estate veteran brings a wealth of knowledge to her new position

Long & Foster Real Estate has named Julie Frank as its new vice president of professional development. In this role, Frank will oversee the company’s award-winning training programs for its sales associates, ensuring they deliver quality courses and education that support Long & Foster agents in building productive, profitable and enjoyable businesses.

“Julie built her own successful real estate sales business over her career, so she understands the industry first-hand,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “She has a real commitment to furthering our agent’s success and will be a great asset to them as she leads professional development.”

Frank started her real estate career in 2003 as a sales associate at the Springfield office before becoming an associate broker at Long & Foster’s Gainesville office on a team with her mother, Judy Tobin. During that time, the team achieved the coveted Gold Team status and Frank created and led agent mentor programs.

Later, Frank became managing broker of the firm’s Manassas office, leading and mentoring a group of 60 agents. From 2019 to 2021, she was Long & Foster’s training and operations manager for its Northern Virginia region, with responsibility for training new associates and coaching agents from foundation to mastery levels.

Since 2021, Frank has been director of Long & Foster’s Agent Services. In that role, she created tools, procedures and training for all Long & Foster agents to educate and provide them with the best resources to succeed in the business.

“It’s my passion to cultivate, empower, and support our real estate agents in their business practice and I’m honored to take on this role and do what I love,” said Frank. “Along with my knowledge, experience and understanding of the entire real estate process, I am dedicated to fostering the growth and success of Long & Foster’s agents.”

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 Patrick Bain Shares Positive Real Estate Trends with The Wall Street Journal

In a recent article titled “Getting in the Game”, published in the Wall Street Journal, Patrick Bain, president, and CEO of The Long & Foster Companies, shares his positive perspective on the future of the real estate market. According to Bain, both January and February have exceeded initial predictions, and a narrowing sales gap adds to his optimism.

“All the economic data will tell you the economy’s strong and inflation is under control,” said Bain. “I do believe we’re going to get some rate relief in terms of mortgages in the second quarter. So I think the second and third quarters will really be on the upswing.”

This positive trend, supported by statistics, is good news for buyers and sellers who have been on the sidelines. Bain notes that mortgage applications have seen a year-over-year increase in January and February, while listings on the market have also risen compared to the previous year.

Despite some buyers’ hesitancy, Bain advises against waiting to make a purchase. He encourages potential buyers to explore creative ways available today to take advantage of what he believes is still an appreciating market.

“Gone are the days where you get a 15- or 30-year mortgage and you’re in it the whole time,” said Bain. “I think there are going to be refinance opportunities, and I don’t think the current environment should be the primary factor for whether or not someone should get into the housing market as a first-time homebuyer. Now, as things start to get better, is arguably the best time.”

Importance of Working with a Team

The Long & Foster Companies, with its own mortgage company, Prosperity Home Mortgage, and an insurance agency, Long & Foster Insurance Agency, Inc., is uniquely positioned to provide convenience and a streamlined process for clients.

Bain’s positive outlook, backed by encouraging market trends and innovative approaches, paints a hopeful picture for real estate in the coming months. Buyers and sellers may find opportunities to thrive in this evolving landscape – and Long & Foster is ready to provide them with a smoother real estate experience.

For more information about Long & Foster, or to find an agent in your area, click here.

Dianna Campagna to Lead Long & Foster in Alexandria

Dianna Campagna has been named as the managing broker at Long & Foster Real Estate’s Old Town Alexandria, Alexandria/Kingstowne Centre and Kingstowne offices. Campagna most recently served as the sales manager at these locations, and she’s been an invaluable part of Long & Foster’s team for many years, supporting its agents in their careers and collaborating across the company on strategic recruitment and retention initiatives.

“I’m honored to lead the talented real estate professionals at Long & Foster’s Old Town Alexandria, Alexandria/Kingstowne Centre and Kingstowne offices,” said Campagna. “Long & Foster’s commitment to its agents and their success aligns with my personal focus on helping agents achieve their best for themselves and their clients, and I’m excited for all we can achieve in the years to come.”

Campagna has had a lifelong love of real estate, first entering the business when she was in high school in Alexandria. She joined Long & Foster in the early 1990s as its assistant manager. A competitive franchise recruited her away to their team, which she led as its principal broker and manager before leaving to work in real estate coaching, training and recruiting nationwide.

Campagna returned to Long & Foster as sales manager at its Old Town Alexandria office in 2011, adding responsibilities for its Kingstowne Centre location in 2019. Since then, she has built effective coaching and mentoring programs for sales associates in those offices, working with agents at every level to create effective strategies to build their businesses. She also reviews all buyer, listing and rental agreements—a critical process to ensure successful and safe transactions.

Prior to her management roles, Campagna built a notable sales business—even representing a Supreme Court Justice in purchasing their first home. Additionally, she brings nearly 20 years of political expertise to her role, having worked in the administrations of four Presidents, as well as at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and with the 9/11 Commission. Through those unique experiences, she became adept at managing complex procedures and relationship-building—both key skills in real estate as well. Campagna also held clearances at the very highest level in government, a testament to her character and trustworthiness.

She is licensed as a broker in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. She works collaboratively across Long & Foster’s greater DC market to understand trends and industry developments, all of which she readily shares with our teams. Campagna also grew up in Alexandria, and her breadth of knowledge about the city, its properties and history provide immense value to Long & Foster and its agents in this competitive market.

“Dianna’s a consummate professional whose dedication to our team – both our individual agents and our offices – as well as our success is immeasurable,” said Karen Kidwell, senior vice president and regional manager in Long & Foster’s Northern Virginia and West Virginia region. “I look forward to seeing all that she will help our company and sales associates achieve in her role leading these exceptional offices and agents.”

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

Long & Foster Insurance Expands Nationwide

Long & Foster Insurance recently announced a significant milestone in its journey, with the expansion of services nationwide. The company has successfully joined forces with HomeServices Insurance, marking a strategic move to broaden its reach and enhance its customer experience on a national scale.

The decision was driven by a commitment to providing unparalleled insurance services to clients across the country. Long & Foster Insurance, already part of the HomeServices of America network, is set to seamlessly integrate its operations into the national HomeServices Insurance, allowing it to extend services without impacting its local and field operations.

“By joining forces with HomeServices Insurance, we are taking a crucial step toward achieving our vision of delivering exceptional insurance services nationwide,” said Patrick Bain, president and CEO of The Long & Foster Companies. “Long & Foster Insurance remains grateful for the continued dedication and support of its agents, employees, and clients as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.”

Now under the leadership of Chris Rosati, president and CEO of HomeServices Insurance, Long & Foster Insurance continues to operate with the same dedication and expertise that has defined its services since its founding in 1973. Rosati brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the combined entity, ensuring a seamless integration that will enhance the collective efforts of both organizations.

This nationwide expansion is seen as a pivotal moment in the company’s journey, as it opens up new avenues for business growth and success.

Leisa Hart Takes Leadership Role at Long & Foster

Accomplished Realtor to serve as sales manager at Brookland, Chevy Chase and Navy Yard offices

Long & Foster Real Estate has named Leisa Hart as its newest sales manager in Washington, D.C. Hart will work with the many talented Realtors at the leading brokerage’s Brookland, Chevy Chase and Navy Yard offices.

“It brings me joy to empower others by imparting knowledge and strategies that have contributed to my success in real estate, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on so many of my fellow real estate professionals, now as a sales manager with Long & Foster,” said Hart.

Hart has worked in real estate for more than two decades. She first started in real estate investing while in school at the University of Maryland. She soon after took the leap and earned her real estate license, joining Long & Foster’s College Park office in 1999. Through her tenure, she built an impressive sales business, earning membership in Long & Foster’s elite Gold Team, a prestigious group of top-producing agents.

Hart also served as a mentor for many new agents entering the business, sharing her knowledge and expertise to help them succeed. She is passionate about leveraging the resources and tools provided to her from Long & Foster. Hart especially enjoys teaching others how to apply these systems in real-world scenarios—much of which she has done during the past five years as a professional instructor with Long & Foster’s award-winning Professional Development and Training department.

“I’m excited to welcome Leisa to our leadership team. She’s a collaborative and motivating leader who’ll bring tremendous benefits to our offices and agents,” said Kenneth Fagan, regional manager and senior vice president for Long & Foster in D.C.

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

Long & Foster Ranks Among World’s Top Training Companies

Long & Foster is the only residential real estate brokerage honored by Training magazine in 2024

Long & Foster Real Estate has won Training Magazine’s APEX Outstanding Training Initiative Award for its New Agent Onboarding Program. In addition, Long & Foster placed No. 8 of 105 of the world’s top training companies for 2024—the Training APEX Awards. For the second consecutive year, Long & Foster not only ranked among some of the business world’s top companies but also is the only residential real estate brokerage honored in this year’s awards.

“We are thrilled that Long & Foster has been honored with one of the top awards in the global training industry,” said Patrick Bain, CEO of The Long & Foster Companies, parent company of Long & Foster Real Estate. “We’re known as the brokerage that not only teaches new sales associates how to succeed in the business, but also provides valuable insights and education for well-established agents and teams to build and grow their business – and once again this year, our robust training program has received global recognition.”

Lee McGinnis, senior vice president of Long & Foster General Brokerage Operations accepts 2024 APEX Training Awards

Training magazine recognized the 105 organizations that excelled at employee training and development in the last year with crystal awards and revealed their rankings during a black-tie gala held in Orlando, Florida.

“Congratulations and many thanks to our talented and dedicated training and development team,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “I appreciate all the hard work they’ve done to create such exceptional training programs for Long & Foster and our sales associates.”

Lee McGinnis, senior vice president of Long & Foster’s General Brokerage Operations, attended the APEX Awards gala to accept the Long & Foster awards. “It is truly an honor to once again receive this recognition, especially since Long & Foster is the only residential real estate brokerage honored in this year’s awards,” said McGinnis. “We are committed to continuously enhancing the value we offer to our sales associates so they can deliver unparalleled service to consumers across the East Coast.”

To learn more about the awards, visit https://trainingmag.com/training-magazine-ranks-the-winners-of-the-2023-training-apex-awards/.

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 Year-End Baltimore | Annapolis | Eastern Shore Region Market Report Details Real Estate Trends

Across the Baltimore | Annapolis | Eastern Shore Region, home sales declined 20% in 2023, compared to the year prior, as home buyers were challenged by higher mortgage rates and reduced inventory, according to the Long & Foster 2023 Year-End Market Report.

The sale of luxury homes (properties above $1M) saw a smaller decrease, down by only 8% year-over-year. At year’s end, the number of homes available for sale was down by 2% for properties of all price points and was up 27% in the luxury segment.

It is often said that the only thing constant about real estate is change. At Long & Foster, we attribute our more than 50 years of success to continuous innovation. We’ve thrived by diversifying our businesses, which now include real estate, mortgage, title, insurance, inspection, property management, and vacation rentals.

In 2023, we embarked on a comprehensive research project to enhance this all-inclusive business model, creating an even better experience for clients by streamlining the home-buying and selling process.

Despite the challenges often associated with the current real estate landscape, we see it as an exciting time full of opportunities. “In 2024, we’re committed to transforming the way real estate is done with a focus on serving our consumers,” said Jackie Thiel, president of Long & Foster Real Estate.” Stay tuned as we continue to shape the future of real estate.”

Working with our team, you’ll experience firsthand the benefits of our all-inclusive model — so that when it comes time for you to buy, sell, rent or own a home, we’ll help make your dreams big and your worries small.

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 Year-End Richmond Region Market Report Details Real Estate Trends

Across the Richmond Region, home sales declined 17% in 2023, compared to the year prior, as home buyers were challenged by higher mortgage interest rates and reduced inventory, according to the Long & Foster 2023 Year-End Richmond Region Report.

In contrast, the sale of luxury homes (properties above $1M) increased by 9%, year-over-year. At year’s end, inventory was down 6% for properties of all price points and up 26% in the luxury segment.

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 h ere.

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