Long & Foster Real Estate, the largest independent residential real estate company in the United States, welcomes Michelle Bethea to its Kempsville office, in Virginia Beach, Va. Bethea will specialize in working with homebuyers and sellers.

“We are very excited and fortunate to have Michelle join our team of highly trained professionals,” said Lisa Frates, manager of the Kempsville office. “The combination of Long & Foster and Michelle’s unique skills and knowledge will no doubt provide the highest level of service to local buyers and sellers.”

Bethea successfully completed Long & Foster’s Star Builders program, an extensive training course for newly licensed sales associates as well as associates returning to the field. The program’s curriculum covers contracts, agency, prospecting, business planning, finance and working with buyers and sellers. Bethea holds membership in the Hampton Roads Association of Realtors.

“There are so many great aspects about the company, including the brand recognition and the agent tools and extensive training offered,that drew me to launch my real estate career with Long & Foster,” Bethea said.

“The dynamics of today’s residential real estate market are constantly changing. Completing our Star Builders program has provided Michelle with the right tools to meet those changing dynamics,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “We welcome Michelle to Long & Foster, a company that has helped local buyers and sellers reach their homeownership goals for more than 45 years.”

For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.