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TR AV E L

The Kids & Pets Issue

FU N IN TH E SU N AT SENSI RA FAM ILY RESO RT H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Kids + Pets of Potomac

August 2022 PUBLISHER

KC Cole | kc.cole@citylifestyle.com COPY EDITOR

Catherine Trifiletti | catherine.trifiletti@citylifestyle.com

As summer begins to wind down and the start of school commences, carefree days of slow morning routines and long afternoon adventures make way for busier school and sport schedules. The older we get, the more it seems the summer flies by, but the season’s simple pleasures never get old. Queue the beach! Inside this issue, we feature all-ages fun at Sensira, located in the town of Puerto Morelos, immediately south of Cancún, Mexico in the Riviera Maya. In honor of our August issue being dedicated to the cutest members of our community— kids and pets– we highlight a new practice for our fur babies in town, Veterinary Park Potomac. In our Giving Back department you’ll read about Rob Scheer who is helping youth entering the foster care system by providing them with Comfort Cases, which are backpacks filled with personal care items. Lastly, you’ll find an article all about photographers, planners and florists partnering with families to make celebrations unique and special. You’ll meet Steve Ornstein and Elise Kolle from the Edge Floral Event Designer team, and Monica Vidal, partner at Washington Talent Agency in Rockville. Although the routine of school for our children is often a welcome friend by the time August rolls around, it is generally a little bittersweet. In this issue, we also spotlight kids who are making a difference in our community. We hope you are able to take some time to relax and spend time with your precious kids and pets!

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Marie Robey Wood, Lauri Gross, Jenny Hart CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Potomac Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Potomac area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Potomac Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

AUGUST 2022

inside the issue The Kids and Pets Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 All-Age Fun at Sensira Resort & Spa

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Travel Journal

Now Open

Party Planning

Giving Back

Head to this Riviera Maya Resort for Your Next Multigenerational Family Vacation

20 Veterinary Park Potomac

T R AV EL

HEA LT H + WELLNES S LI FE + C U LT U R E

HO ME S ERV I C ES

Veterinary Park Potomac's All-Women Team Takes Good Care of Your Pets

26 Making Memories at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16 Parties and Quinceañeras Photographers, Planners and Florists Partner with

O N T H E C OV E R

Local Families to Make Each Celebration Special

Photography: Jack Hartzman

32 Providing Comfort and Dignity to Children in Need Rob Scheer and the Story of Comfort Cases

Veterinary Park Potomac owner and lead veterinarian, Dr. Katie Malehorn, with team

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S E N S I R A 14

A L L-AG E F U N AT S E N S I R A R E S ORT & S PA

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

With travel back in full swing and kids of all ages finally vaccinated, we’re seeing one of our favorite family trends skyrocket in the DMV: multigenerational travel. After being apart for so long, this summer is all about connecting and making memories with our loved ones, and what better place to do so than in a tropical paradise? Choosing a destination is easy: a 3.5 hour direct flight will deliver your brood to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the charming stretch of beach just south of Cancún. Choosing a resort, however, can be more of a challenge: you’ll want a place that will appeal to every member of the family, regardless of age. Enter Sensira Resort & Spa Riviera Maya, home to clear, sunny skies, soft, sparkling sand, and something fun for truly everyone. Potomac Lifestyle recently visited with a group as diverse as they come: families with children as young as eight through college-aged, and even some child-free adults, to boot. Here’s what we loved most about the resort:

THE LOCATION Sensira is located in the town of Puerto Morelos, immediately south of Cancún at the start of the Riviera Maya. The beachfront property is surrounded by jungle, with none of the Cancún crowds. Puerto Morelos is an under-the-radar and tranquil destination, with open space and ample lounge chairs for the picking. It’s an easy 20-minute drive from the airport, which is a better commute than most of the Hotel Zone. The resort partners with Amstar DMC to provide private and shared transfers, which will get you from baggage claim to beach in the blink of an eye.

THE POOLS HEAD TO THIS RIVIERA MAYA RESORT FOR YOUR NEXT MULTIGENERATIONAL FAMILY VACATION ARTICLE BY JENNY HART | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY POWELL

Sensira boasts several gorgeous pools: there’s the infinity pool, located steps from the sand, that has a swim-up bar and daily water activities like volleyball and aerobics; the family pool, which overlooks the property and has the best access to sunshine; and the CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / P OTO M AC

adults-only pool, surrounded by sultry daybeds and comes complete with a hot tub. There’s also an aqua park for kids from 4-to-12 years old to climb on and splash in. This was a favorite spot of Antonio, age 8, who loved racing his new friends down the water slides.

THE ENTERTAINMENT Beyond the sun and sand, there is plenty going on at Sensira to joyfully fill your time. While younger children will love the personalized attention they receive at the Adventure Club, kids of all ages can enjoy foosball and air hockey, a trampoline room, and an outdoor zipline and climbing wall. Ramon, 17, most enjoyed shooting hoops at the resort’s rooftop basketball court, as well as playing miniature golf with his family. Sensira’s entertainment team puts on family-friendly performances each evening; their magic show, which incorporated more than a dozen children and adults from the audience (the kids’ reaction when their parents were selected to participate was priceless) was magnificent, puzzling, and without a doubt the best performance of our stay. Afterwards, the 18+ crowd can make their way to S-Club, the on-site nightclub that spins a variety of Top 40 hits and Latin dance music. Visit sensiraresorts.com to book your family’s next getaway.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

& R E S O R T

The resort has eight restaurants and five bars, offering variety for each day of your trip. During the day, dine at the expansive buffet or have lunch fare (and drinks!) delivered to you by the pool or beach. You can also grab a beverage from the stylishly designed Lobby Bar, which has an extensive drinks menu for children. At night, your family can choose between steak, Italian, or Mexican cuisine at Sensira’s specialty restaurants – our group unanimously declared the Mexican restaurant, La Finca de Ana, our favorite on-site. Potomac Lifestyle publisher KC Cole could not stop raving about the dessert tamales! For adults, there’s also Galerie Des Sens, a reservation-only French restaurant designed to look like the Louvre that serves an exquisite tasting menu by renowned Mexican chef, John Bertrand. After your meal, head to Englandinspired The Knights Pub for a nightcap; top shelf liquor, refreshing A/C and billiards tables await. Elena, 14, had no problem letting her parents have a night to themselves, as that meant she could stay in and order room service – the 24-hour amenity was a highlight of her stay!

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NOW OP E N | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S

Looking for an animal hospital that offers an extra dose of TLC so you and your fur babies will instantly feel at home? Then consider going to Veterinary Park Potomac for a visit! The practitioners at Veterinary Park Potomac place an emphasis on personal care and comfort for your dog or cat. The ten full-time and part-time employees, all women, opened the new facility in Park Potomac in September of 2021. They are available to clients in person, via Zoom visits and by email. They offer a full spectrum of medical, behavioral and wellness care including preventative care, sick visits, all life stage counseling, drop offs, puppy socialization, behavioral consults, general medical procedures (such as spaying and neutering), ultrasounds and dental cleanings. Owner and lead veterinarian Katie Malehorn grew up on a farm in South Dakota. Before studying to be a veterinarian she worked in shelters and served as an animal control officer. After graduating from The University of Georgia Veterinary School of Medicine in 2015 she moved to the DC area and worked in several area veterinary hospitals, in both Primary Care and Emergency Medicine. After those experiences she decided the time was right to open her own hospital. According to Dr. Katie, “It was really important to us to keep our facility small and offer a community feeling but still have an in-house laboratory, with all of the radiology capabilities so we can get the results of comprehensive tests back to our clients quickly.” One of her goals in designing the practice was making it almost spa-like, with rooms painted in calm colors, allowing the animals to feel more comfortable. She notes that “Most of our patients’ owners like it here because we work hard to make their visits free of fear including offering treats during exams and, when possible, examining pets on the floor so the animals don’t get nervous.”

ARTICLE BY MARIE ROBEY WOOD

CONTINUED >

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK HARTZMAN AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / P OTO M AC

“We have put so much time into developing a team that really reflects what our goals are in building this practice, which is being there for every step of the patient’s health and well-being and being available to our clients.” -DR. KATIE MALEHORN

Another distinction of the Veterinary Park Potomac team, is their emphasis on making your pet’s wellbeing a team effort. Dr. Katie explains, “We tell clients that we can be your eyes and ears here once or twice a year but you have to be the eyes at ears at home. We have to make sure we stay in communication or things can get missed.” According to Dr. Katie, “We have put so much time into developing a team that really reflects what our goals are in building this practice, which is being there for every step of the patient’s health and well-being and being available to our clients.” Her team includes Jessie Terrell, the hospital’s practice manager, her veterinary assistants Kathy, Val, Rachel, Marine and Megan and receptionists Rain and Lilly. Jessie, Val and Kathy have all worked with Dr. Katie for more than five years, sharing her dream of providing Gold Standard Care to every pet that walks through their door.

NOW OP E N | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S

Jessie Terrell describes her job as “managing the hospital to ensure our team has everything they need to appropriately do their jobs, providing high level training for every staff member, and running the HR side of things.” She adds, “We strive to spend more time with our patients and clients than they’ve been used to with past experiences. Here you will see the doctor 90 percent of the visit. This allows our clients to have time to discuss their concerns and for us to address their questions.” Cases the hospital’s employees handle on a day-to-day basis can vary depending on the time of year – now the majority of appointments are dermatology-related i.e. skin infections and ear infections. They also see many gastrointestinal problems, along with internal medicine cases such as diabetes, and quite a bit of cancer cases. A high percentage of patients are senior dogs and cats so the

office advises owners to “keep their pets moving, make them comfortable and give them a high quality of life.” From Dr. Katie’s experience as an emergency room doctor she has seen it all, which provides her with a unique background for her clients. She is able to treat cases that others may refer to a specialist, allowing her clients to save time, money and allow the pets to receive full care under one roof. Dr. Katie also developed close relationships with a wide variety of specialists in our area, so when necessary she can refer clients to the right veterinarian and be confident they will receive the best care possible. Dr. Katie has plans to continue growing the hospital into a multi-veterinarian practice, with at least three more fulltime veterinarians. They are open Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 6:00pm. Visit veterinaryparkpotomac.com or call 240-728-2550 for more information.

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PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | L IFE + CULTURE

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“A Quinceañera (translation: “15 years”) is the traditional celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday, and her transition to adulthood. With roots in Mexico, the occasion is celebrated throughout parts of Latin America and in some Latin American communities elsewhere.” While it may take a village to raise a child, it takes a team to make a big coming-of-age event a reality. None of these celebrations occur spontaneously. And yet, it’s often the spontaneous moments that arise in the ebb and flow of the day that become especially meaningful. Usually unnoticed, photographers and florists are key to the most memorable parts of any event. At his Bar Mitzvah, the celebrant glances at his mom as she delivers a heartfelt speech. A girl marking her quinceañera twirls shyly before a mirror. Surrounded by friends at a Sweet 16 party, the guest of honor is lost in a sea of hugs. The guests in attendance may not even notice these moments. The honorees themselves may not recall the details. But the photographer didn’t miss a thing, capturing these and countless other glances, expressions and emotions, in a space brought to life by the spirit of the day but also made more magical with special touches, starting with flowers. Steve Ornstein, owner of Edge Floral Event Designers in Gaithersburg says, “When people walk in, flowers set the mood. It’s when the tone is set. It’s like a canvas and you are part of that painting.” Elise Kolle, director of marketing and retail at Edge Floral says that clients are getting more creative. “I love when clients want to be who they are and not who their friends want them to be,” she says, adding that these coming-of-age celebrations are “their moment and they get to express themselves. So, we sit down and we design something that is impactful.” Besides flowers, Edge Floral offers many additional ways to enhance and personalize the atmosphere at any event. When talking with a family about bat mitzvah plans, Elise recalls, “I heard the child say she loves (the game) Tetris so I designed their cubby in a Tetris shape,” referring to the space where guests could

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | L IFE + CULTURE

stow their shoes and bags. She adds, “My suggestion for parents is to let the child have input. Let the kid be who they are.” Other enhancements from Edge Floral include up-lighting and displaying the child’s name in a vinyl decal adhered to the dance floor. To create just the right lounge area for each event, Elise and her team have a warehouse full of furniture, from a hot-pink couch to custom-built farmhouse-style tables. Monica Vidal, partner at Washington Talent Agency in Rockville, and one of the photographers there, talks about getting to know the people she plans to photograph. “You have to have a connection with your subject,” she says. “It starts with the family. We get to know them and what they are looking for.” At bar and bat mitzvahs, Monica explains that there are usually formal, posed family photos as well as more casual, candid shots during the reception. “I also get to know a little about the child and what they like and what are they all about,” she says. “Some love big parties and some are more low-key. The more of a bond I create, the better the photos will be.” Monica adds that, at Sweet 16 parties, there are not typically family portraits. “These would be more like a pool party or some other kind of big celebration,” she explains. Quinceañeras, she says, “are a little more ceremonial. There are dances that the kids will do and a dance with the girl and her father and the changing of flat shoes to heels,” she adds, referring to another traditional element of a quinceañera. When an event is over, Elise said she gets “Lots of hugs and lots of tears. They are blown away.” She laughs, adding that during the weeks prior to the event, clients might be nervous about how it’s all going to turn out. “But,” she says, “We promise them. We’ve got you.” CONTINUED >

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SPECIALIZING IN

Implants, Crowns, Veneers, TMJ, Invisalign and Teeth Whitening A Washingtonian Top Dentist, Dr. Markogiannakis is providing new and existing patients the highest quality of comprehensive dental care with the safest environment possible during these uncertain times. She is continuously at the forefront of infection control and has incorporated the highest level of PPE, which includes:

As a Washingtonian Top Dentist and The Face of Smile Makeover, • Thorough prescreening of each patient prior to and after entering our office • Single use items and disposables for our patient (everything from Dr. Markogiannakis and her practice, of Chevy Chase, is eyewearSmiles to pens) • Continuous and thorough disinfection of ALL surfaces in the office known to be the most innovative• practice in ofthe area providing Temperature checks all patients (including staff) checked daily upon arrival Advanced General and Implant Dentistry to the world through As we begin this new phase in patient care, rest assured that providing the highest quality of care in the safest setting remains our number one priority. technology, experience and artistic skill. W E L O O K F O R WA R D T O S E E I N G Y O U S O O N ! • Extra oral evacuation units in each treatment room removing aerosols to the 0.3 micron • Surgical clean air system: certified to filter over 95% of all particles in the air • Certified N95 masks will be worn by all team members at all times. Masks are also required to be worn by all patients into the office • Limited number of patients in the office at a time

301.652.0656

Being at the leading edge of digital dentistry allows her to complete smile makeovers and full mouth reconstructions seamlessly while guiding you through the process towards an optimal result. In as little as two weeks, the years of hiding your smile because of misalignment, discoloration, and decay could be taken away and the confidence 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 835, Chevy Chase, 20815 FACES youMDdeserve regained. OF

SMILESOFCHEVYCHASE.COM | Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @SMILESOFCHEVYCHASE

WASHINGTON ★

From technology guided dental procedures for crowns and fillings, to sophisticated implant and cosmetic treatments, the Smiles of Chevy Chase experience is unmatched. Just as technology is always changing, so are they; always pushing beyond the extra mile by using their minds and bodies to think outside the box and lead the way.

Dr. Markogiannakis and her team look forward to welcoming you into their dental family! Follow @smilesofchevychase to see how Dr. Markogiannakis inspires patients to change the world with their smile, every day! 301.652.0656

| 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 835, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 SMILESOFCHEVYCHASE.COM Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @SMILESOFCHEVYCHASE

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / P OTO M AC

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | L IFE + CULTURE

“The Bar and Bat Mitzvah (for boys and girls, respectively) is a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for 13-yearolds that combines a religious ceremony and a celebration, while a Sweet 16 party symbolizes a move toward more freedom and responsibility.” For Monica, the best compliment, “is when clients tell me they didn’t even realize I was there.” She describes a mom who initially didn’t want a photo album from her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. “The mom told me her daughter wasn’t that interested in photos of herself,” Monica recalls. “However, once it was over and the mom saw the photos, she was elated and ready to make an album.” Monica adds that, typically, it’s the photos of the child with grandparents that become most treasured. “Families often tell me how much these photos mean to them,” she explains. Reach Washington Talent Agency at Photos@WashingtonTalent.com or at 301.762.1800. Also, visit Washington Talent.com. In addition to photography, the agency provides DJs, MCs, karaoke set-ups, casino tables, confetti canons and much more. Reach Edge Floral Event Designers at Info@EdgeFlowers.com, or at 301. 330.5232. Also visit EdgeFlowers.com and check them out on Instagram and Facebook.

Stephanie K. Candland, Esq. Associate Attorney Licensed in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia

Why Every Young Family Needs an Estate Plan Young people often believe they do not need a Will because they have not yet acquired a certain level of assets, but every young family should have a basic estate plan in place. Through a Will, a person can provide for the disposition of their property upon their death, and more importantly, they can appoint a guardian for their minor child(ren). If you fail to appoint a Guardian, the Court will intervene upon your death and decide who the Guardian will be. In addition, if you leave behind minor children, you may want their share of your estate to be held in a trust for their benefit until they reach a certain age. Since minor individuals cannot inherit property under the law, without this provision, any assets left to a minor will be subject to another Court proceeding by which a Guardian is appointed for your child(ren)’s property until the child attains the age of majority. For these reasons alone, it is important to have an estate plan. Estate Planning | Estate & Trust Administration Wealth Planning & Preservation Marital Agreements | Business Succession 301.652.8600 | orammoss.com 1101 Wootton Pkwy, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20852 AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / P OTO M AC

Rob Scheer and family: Back left to right: Alex, Greyson, Reece, Rob and Tristan. Front: Amaya and Makai.

Providing Comfort and Dignity to Children in Need ARTICLE BY MARIE ROBEY WOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Rob Scheer and the Story of Comfort Cases Comfort case for a young boy

G IV IN G BAC K | HOM E SERVI CE S

Rob Scheer Photo by: Elizabeth Chomas

As we head into Fall many of us have fond memories of purchasing school supplies and backpacks to ready ourselves for the new school year. Not every kid is so lucky, though. Lack of money and other resources might make these preparations non-existent for some. Plastic trash bags can sadly be substituted, not only for a new school backpack but for another even sadder situation – transporting a child’s prized possessions as he enters into foster care. Enter Rob Scheer, who clearly demonstrates the incredible impact for good just one person can make in children’s lives. Growing up in the DMV he knows first-hand what a deprived childhood means. He himself was born into a family of ten children with parents who were alcoholics and drug addicts, unable to care for their offspring. He entered into foster care at age twelve with his few possessions in a black trash bag. When the state no longer paid for foster care, he found himself at 18 homeless and living on the street, again with his belongings in a trash bag. Somehow Scheer had the inner strength to find purpose by first enlisting in the Navy and then working as a successful banker for a number of years. After marrying Reece they both decided to adopt from the foster care system. And, in an astonishing display of history repeating itself, forty years later his four new family members would arrive at their doorstep with their torn and tattered clothes in plastic trash bags! Determined to rectify this sad situation, Rob and Reece decided to organize a group of friends and neighbors to assemble backpacks for children about to enter foster homes filled with comfort and personal care items. The concept of helping young children grew and before long Comfort Cases was born as an official 501(c)3 in 2013.

The contents of the backpacks are simple and practical: soap, a tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, conditioner, new pajamas with the tags still on them, books and a blanket. The latter item was the suggestion of his son Greyson who said that a blanket was “for kids, who when they wrap themselves in a blanket, know that we love them.” Volunteers also donate such needed items as single-serving snack packages, stationery, and stuffed animals. To date, an astonishing 170,000 comfort cases and Comfort XL duffel bags have been distributed to children in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and now the United Kingdom. Comfort cases are also distributed to police to give to children who need them in emergency situations. Rob and Reece have relocated to a farm in Darnestown, Maryland, a situation they felt would be a better environment for one of their sons. They now have five children, with their son Alex joining the family at age 18. Rob is busy traveling and spreading the word about Comfort Cases. A charismatic and gifted speaker, he has appeared on numerous shows including The CBS Evening News, a Ted+ Talk, a documentary called Dads, and The Ellen Show, to name just a few. In addition, he hosts his own award-winning podcast, Fostering Change, and is the author of a book, A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time. Comfort Cases will hold their ten-year anniversary fundraiser on Saturday, October 8th, from 1 to 5 pm at the Comus Farm in Dickerson, Maryland. For more information about the fundraiser and how to help this incredible non-profit visit comfortcases.org.

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A unique full-service dental practice providing most procedures under one roof

No Insurance? No Problem! Join our VIP Membership Club and start saving today!

Do you gag easily? Don’t like impressions? We now offer Digital Camera Scanning as an alternative

Hilari Dunn, DDS

Brad Levine, DDS

Mark Taff, DDS

Janice Grossman, DDS

7811 Montrose Rd, Suite 300 Potomac, MD 20854 | 301-530-3717 | www.taffandlevine.com

We Are Compassionate, Caring & Knowledgeable. 34

Services Offered: Primary Care Preventative Care Surgery & Dentistry Drop Offs | Diagnostics Puppies & Kittens Virtual Care

Readers’ Pick, Best Dental Group Practice

Dr. Katie Malehorn Dr. Katie has been a practicing veterinarian for seven years, and has over fifteen years of industry experience, including working in shelters and serving as an animal control agent. She has practiced both General and Emergency medicine at some of the most well-respected and highly ranked hospitals in the Northeast.

Readers’ Pick, A Top Vote Getter, Best General Dentist

240.728.2550 VeterinaryParkPotomac.com 12525 Park Potomac Ave Building G- Suite E Potomac, Maryland 20854

Your home is one of a kind — your REALTOR® should be too. With the strength of Longaward & Foster and Christie’s on your side, A multiple “Top Agent” winner, Jennifer is a native you’ll only gain access to the deeply resourcesrooted and expertise to set your ofnot Montgomery Countyin the needed community, luxury home apart, you’ll benefit from the knowledge expertise ofto the understands the market landscape, and has and what it takes * #1 seller of negotiate luxury homes the Mid-Atlantic. advocate and oninbehalf of her clients.

www.LongandFoster.com Jennifer Chow

(o) 301.299.6000 (c) 301.213.5364 longandfoster.com/JenniferChow

*Based on data supplied by MRIS and its member Association(s) of REALTORS, who are not responsible for its accuracy. Does not reflect all activity in the marketplace. January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015. Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number. Information contained in this report is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, should be independently verified, and does not constitute an opinion of MRIS or Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. ©2016 All rights reserved.