Nicolette Pomije | Patterson-Schwartz Blog

Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day: Our Commitment to Military Families

As Veterans Day approaches, we take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with unwavering dedication and sacrifice. At Patterson-Schwartz, we hold a deep appreciation for our veterans and their families. We not only acknowledge Veterans Day, but also highlight the dedication of our real estate agents who have obtained special designations to assist military members and their families with their housing needs. Additionally, we share a heartfelt remembrance from one of our own veterans.

Honoring Those Who Served

Veterans Day is a time to express our gratitude to all the veterans who have defended our freedom. It’s a day to remember their bravery and the sacrifices they’ve made for our nation. We extend our sincerest thanks to all veterans, including those within our PSA family.

Our Agents’ Commitment to Military Families

At Patterson-Schwartz, we are proud to have a team of real estate agents across our market area who has obtained special designations specific to assisting military members and their families. These designations reflect their commitment to providing exceptional service to those who have served our country.

Jacob Levering – Rehoboth Beach
My Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification is valuable to my business because it allows me to better serve both active-duty military and veterans. Being a veteran myself, I know the difficulties that come with moving around so often and transitioning out of the military. It can be a very stressful experience, so I’d like to help in any way I can to ease some of my clients concerns. This certificate gives me the knowledge I need in order to provide the best results for my military clients. It is truly a blessing to be able to give back to those who serve our country.

Lydia Ragonese – Dover
I value my MilRES® designation because it combines my personal experience as a military spouse with specialized training, enabling me to effectively address the unique home purchase and sales needs of military members.

Kathy Maupin – Dover
I chose to obtain the Military Residential Specialist (MilRES®) designation to honor my husband, stepfather, father, and brother who all served in the United States Air Force and my grandfather who served in the Royal Air Force. It was through a sense of duty that I felt I needed to continue to serve all military members – whether active-duty or veterans – with their housing needs.

Shana Delcollo & Diane Salvatore, Delcollo & Salvatore Team – Hockessin
Supporting military families holds a special place in our hearts, as we have family members who have proudly served or are currently serving our country.

In 2016, we earned our Military Residential Specialist (MilRES®) designations, enabling us to provide expert guidance to military personnel clients as they pursue their housing and budgeting objectives. Our dedicated team remains actively engaged in the community, organizing fundraisers for Delaware Stockings for Soldiers and volunteering with Wreaths Across America to honor our veterans.

Vicki Feeney – Middletown
I pursued my MRP designation because, coming from a military family, I appreciate their sacrifices on a whole different level. I cannot think of a better way to show my gratitude for veterans and service members more than to become an advocate for them.

Additional PSA Agents with military certificates or designations:

Celeste Beaupré, CMRS – Rehoboth Beach	Carolyn Doughten, MRP – Middletown
Betsi Carey, MRP – Greenville	Kathy Hoffman, MRP – Middletown
Michael Donnelly (The Welsh & Donnelly Group), MRP – Hockessin	Chris McAleer – MRP – Newark
Julie Cicone, MRP – Middletown

A Veteran’s Remembrance

In the spirit of honoring Veterans Day, we’d like to share a touching remembrance from one of our own veterans, Lee Heck of our Hockessin office.

I am a veteran of the US Navy, having served from 1966-1970. Being a veteran to me is both a matter of great pride and also sorrow.

PRIDE: Like all veterans, who chose to put service to our country first instead of thinking about our own self-interest. For those who have not served, they should recognize all veterans for the huge commitment that is made from the first day we all raised our right hand to take the oath to defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic and became members of the military. In doing so, each of us wrote a blank check to our country offering not only our time, but also acknowledging that we may die in service to our country. I am proud to have raised my hand to do my part to protect the county and the way of life that we all enjoy.

SORROW: For those veterans be they soldiers, sailors, airman, or marines from the beginning this country’s history who made the ultimate sacrifice for their generation and those in the generations that would follow. For my generation, a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which was built to honor those who served but, more importantly, those 58,000 who died in that war. The sorrow of knowing that each name on the wall is someone’s son, brother, husband, father, uncle or, in a few cases, a sister, mom, aunt, or wife who did not return home to their family. Reading the individual names makes their sacrifice personal and all the more meaningful.

I am proud of my service and have no regrets. As most veterans, if asked, will tell you, they would do it again if the situation was the same.

To all the active duty service members now serving throughout the world especially those directly in harm’s way: May God bless you and protect you. To my fellow Navy shipmates: May you always have “fair winds and following seas.”

Serving Those Who Serve

Serving those who serve is at the heart of our company’s values because it embodies our unwavering commitment to community service. By supporting military members and their families, we not only assist in their housing needs, but also contribute to making our service area a better place to live and work. It’s our way of giving back to the heroes who have dedicated their lives to our nation. We salute all veterans for their service and sacrifice, and we are proud to have agents with specialized designations to assist them in their housing needs.

On this Veterans Day, let us remember and honor those who have given so much for our nation. Thank you for your service.

About Us

Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate is Delaware’s largest independent real estate brokerage and offers a full range of services that include residential home sales, purchase and rental, relocation services, and property management. We’ve been guiding home buyers and sellers since 1961, and invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

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Golden Opportunities: Reflecting on 50 Years with Charlie Schwartz

As a child accompanying his father on Saturday tours to a leader offering words of encouragement to up-and-coming agents, Charlie Schwartz, II, has made a lifetime study of real estate service with a personal touch. His stories are legendary, his wisdom unmatched, and his phone calls cherished.

To celebrate Charlie Schwartz’s remarkable 50-year milestone anniversary at Patterson-Schwartz, we sat down with him to learn the secrets to the company’s longevity and success and discover the anecdotes and lessons that have shaped his illustrious career. This Q&A session offers a golden opportunity to gain insights from one of our company’s true legends, who has not only witnessed the profound changes in the field, but has played a pivotal role in steering our company through these transformative years.

What do you believe sets the company apart in the real estate market, and how has it maintained its reputation over the years?

I think the key here is that we live in the markets that we serve and we serve the markets in which we live. Again, it goes back to the whole LOCAL theme. It’s not just an advertising slogan, we live it every day. You don’t have to go very far to talk to one of the owners of Patterson-Schwartz. It always tickles me when Chris Patterson and I are together and someone says, “There’s Patterson-Schwartz.” Well it may be Mr. Patterson and Mr. Schwartz; Patterson-Schwartz is a whole lot more. I want every one of us – our associates and our staff, from the most seasoned to the greenest – to think of themselves as Mr. or Ms. Patterson-Schwartz. That is the family aspect of the company.

How has your father’s legacy influenced your approach to business, and what principles have you carried forward from him?

Not a day goes by that I don’t use one of his expressions or recall one of his parables! There’s a statement attributed to Winston Churchill about the USA: “America always does the right thing, usually after trying everything else first.” Dad and Bill Patterson’s philosophy was invariably to do the right thing first, even if it hurt to do so. The examples of this are legion and I’m sure that any of the industry veterans who worked with them could relate a story or two. The company stood behind buyers when a builder-client made off with the escrow money they were holding. PSA funded the deposits of those who wanted them and I acted as general contractor to finish the homes for those who chose that option.

Another illustration I’ll share in more detail. PSA was one of the first companies to offer a home warranty program for the purchasers of our sellers’ homes. The program was called Palace Guard. Palace Guard was new and its concepts were largely untested from an actuarial standpoint. For example, it asked for no deductible, nor a pre-inspection – the absence of one or the other are prescriptions for disaster in warranty business as we know it today.

Dad and Bill Patterson’s philosophy was invariably to do the right thing first, even if it hurt to do so.

PSA sold about 1,500 of these policies, which offered coverage for one year after the settlement date on certain appliances and systems. There were perhaps 900 still active when the Palace Guard insurance company went belly-up. PSA made the decision to back the remaining policies until they expired. I can remember my dad coming into the old Milltown office in the mornings and asking the lead secretary how many policies were still active as of that day and if there were any new claims that had come in. Standing behind the promises that our people had made proved to be very expensive, but it was the right thing to do.

Charlie Schwartz (R) with his dad, PSA’s co-founder, Charlie Schwartz, Sr.

Can you share a memorable experience or anecdote from your early years in real estate that shaped your career or taught you an important lesson?

There are many, some of which are unprintable. But let me start by saying that there are seven or so words (depending on how you treat contractions) that are critical to remember to use frequently in almost any profession setting I can think of, but most importantly in real estate: “I don’t know but I’ll find out.”

I’ll give you an illustration from early in my career. I was showing a newer split-level house in North Star to a Dupont engineering type when the subject of insulated glass came up as we were approaching the family room sliding glass door. Now I knew nothing about the R-value of insulated glass since it was just coming on the residential scene. As I slid open the door to step onto the patio beyond, the buyer asked, “How much heat loss is there through that door?”

What should I have said? You got it.

What did I say? “Do you mean when it is closed or when it is open?”

To paraphrase an old saying, it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than speak and confirm that supposition.

A Commitment to Excellence

Charlie’s 50-year journey with Patterson-Schwartz is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of relationships. From humble beginnings with one office and a handful of agents, we’ve grown into a regional powerhouse with a footprint that stretches across Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and Maryland’s eastern shore.

Our legacy of values, handed down by mentors, is a testament to the enduring spirit of PSA—a family built on cherished values and a commitment to excellence in all that we do. Charlie’s memorable anecdote about responding with “I don’t know but I’ll find out” exemplifies a profound lesson in humility and the value of continuous learning—an ethos that continues to drive PSA forward. As we celebrate Charlie’s remarkable 50-year milestone, we’re reminded that success in real estate, like any other field, hinges on a willingness to adapt and a commitment to excellence.

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Beyond Sales: How Juan Fuentes, Jr., Found Purpose at PSA

Meet Juan Fuentes, Jr., an unstoppable force at PSA. Since launching his career in 2015 from the buzzing Greenville office, Juan has blazed his own trail, swiftly pivoting from sales to leadership. Bolstered by an arsenal of over a decade’s managerial experience, he’s not just leading; he’s redefining support, constantly staying a beat ahead of market trends. You can often find him showing new agents the ropes in our Successful Start program, serving up hot topics at office round table discussions, and greeting attendees at the door of our latest Mid-Month Mixer event. Explore Juan’s exhilarating journey at PSA, unravel the principles that fuel his momentum, and get a front-row seat to the spirited, family-centric culture he fervently champions.

How long have you been at PSA? How did you grow with the company?

I joined PSA in March of 2015 as a full-time salesperson. I am “born and raised” in the Greenville office and have really enjoyed my time here. After about two and a half years of building my business as an independent agent, an opportunity to join the leadership team presented itself. Having over 13 years of managerial experience from my previous career helped to make that an easy decision. Being able to support agents in the same way that I had been supported just made so much sense to me. I’ve continued to work in sales while a manager, which helps keep me entrenched in market trends. This, in turn, allows me to serve our agents from a first-hand perspective.

What keeps you here?

100% the people. Our agents, our support staff, the entire team. The vibe, our culture, is family-based. We’re big enough to deliver, yet small enough to care.

Do you have a motto that you follow for your business, real estate, or in general?

In general, I believe in doing good by people. Doing what’s right even when it’s not the popular choice is a conscious decision. It’s always served me well in every single aspect of my life. Adversely, and because I’m imperfect, straying from this principal has never ended well for me.

What are your greatest strengths?

Knowing my weaknesses and knowing them well. I always know where I can improve so I try hard not to pretend or overcompensate in those areas. I just own it until I’m better. You get a more genuine me as a result!

How do you like to spend a relaxing day?

I really do enjoy playing golf whenever I can, but if that’s not possible, I like working with my hands. Home projects, and there are always plenty, are like therapy for me.

Ready to grow with us?

Juan embodies the spirited passion and dedication that set PSA apart. With his unique blend of sales expertise and leadership acumen, he consistently elevates our Greenville office, championing a culture that feels like family. If Juan’s journey of transformation and unyielding commitment to doing what’s right resonates with you, we’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz!

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Setting the Gold Standard: Top Agents Make Their Move to Patterson-Schwartz

In the bustling world of real estate, agents are constantly on the lookout for companies that offer unparalleled support, tech, and culture. It’s why we are proud to share the news that a noteworthy number of experienced agents have made the decision to join Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate. This is not only a testament to our brand, but also an indication of the trust the real estate community has in our values and systems.

The glowing sentiments of some our newest members spotlight the advantages of making PSA their professional home.

KC DiAmbrosio, team leader of the five-person Team DiAmbrosio, recently made the switch to our Hockessin office. “As I enter my 16th year in real estate… I’m thrilled to be a part of a company that lives and breathes what it means to be local,” he noted, underlining the significance of our culture and advanced tech offerings.

Gina Henry, a Greenville agent, celebrates our relationship-driven focus: “I love the community culture at Patterson-Schwartz… It’s clear to me that PSA values building and fostering relationships as much as I do.”

Anne Peoples from Hockessin was drawn by our sophisticated Intranet system. “What initially drew me to Patterson-Schwartz was their new and robust Intranet system!… PSA truly has an empathetic ‘team’ approach to success…”

Carly Simmons feels in harmony with her Greenville office, expressing, “I am so excited to be a part of the PSA family! I look forward to growing my business alongside so many wonderful people.”

Gina Cockerille, hailing from our Ocean View office, beautifully summarizes the community spirit, “Making the switch to PSA has been the highlight of my career… I love how involved in the community the brokerage is…”

Keith Seichepine joined our Greenville office and echoes the sentiment with a nod to the deep connection he shares: “I am proud to make the move to Patterson-Schwartz… This brokerage truly understands what it means to be a part of the community.”

On the infrastructure and steadfast support, Jenn Palacio from Hockessin reveals, “Joining PSA was the absolute best decision I ever made for my real estate career… Since the first day, it has been such an uplifting and motivating experience for me…”

For Sharon White, another esteemed agent from Greenville, it’s all about the unbeatable network and resources at PSA. “PSA has a great reputation and I have great working relationships with their agents. The network and resources they have in place will be a tremendous asset to all my clients.”

Rose Walker of our Ocean View office, a veteran REALTOR® and Delaware resident, cherishes the local touch and warm welcome of PSA. “As a long-time resident of the Delaware resort area… I finally found my real estate family in Patterson-Schwartz!”

Take Your Career to New Heights

If you’ve been thinking about making a change, consider joining the ranks of the many satisfied agents who’ve already made the leap. Let us elevate your career to the heights you’ve always dreamed of.

Ready to be part of a leading, local powerhouse in real estate? Contact Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate today and discover the PSA difference.

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Three Decades of Distinction: Get to Know PSA’s Sue Bass

We’d like to introduce you to Sue Bass, a cherished member of the PSA Corporate Services team. Since 1986, Sue’s journey with PSA has been marked by consistent personal and professional growth. From her beginnings in the Hockessin residential sales office to her current responsibilities spanning administration, property management, and licensing, Sue has displayed an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her dedication and adaptability have left an indelible mark on the company. Join us as we explore Sue’s impressive growth, her approach to navigating change, and how she contributes to the unique culture here at PSA.

How long have you been at PSA? How did you grow with the company?

I’ve been with PSA since 1986 and to say the least, I’ve had a LOT of personal and professional growth. My journey here began when Mary Julian, my boss at B. Gary Scott REALTORS®, brought me with her help establish and grow the newly formed residential sales office in Hockessin. I served there as an administrative assistant for 11 years, contributing significantly to its growth and development. When I first joined that office, we didn’t even have the internet! Times have changed so much since then.

In 1997, I transferred to Administration and worked directly with the President/CEO, owners, and leadership team – and still do today. We have a fantastic leadership team with many years of real estate experience.
In 1998, Contributions Committee Coordinator was added to my list of responsibilities. I’m very proud of all the charitable organizations we support in our community!
In January 2001, I was asked if I would take on the responsibility of in-house Property Manager for Hockessin Office Park, our three-story corporate headquarters, under the direction of Charlie Schwartz. I never thought I would be a property manager of a three-story building with multiple tenants, but they had faith in me and I think it’s worked out well for everyone for the past 22+ years!
In August 2011, I was given the additional responsibilities of managing our printed supplies inventory and various duties for our Marketing and Technology Departments, one of which includes on-boarding newly licensed and experienced sales associates into all our different systems.
In February 2015, Licensing Coordinator was added to my list of responsibilities to include helping sales associates with any questions about obtaining their Pennsylvania and Maryland licenses or transferring their licenses when they join PSA. I’m also the coordinator of our referral office.

Before joining PSA, I worked for several other real estate companies: Carroll W. Griffith Real Estate (bought out by B. Gary Scott REALTORS®), Tom Livizos Real Estate (for three whole months!), and Spectrum REALTORS®. Patterson-Schwartz was and still is considered to be the best of the best and I can attest to that fact based on my experience working for those other real estate companies. I was thrilled to be hired by PSA and never thought about leaving! PSA is a company with the utmost integrity, always implementing new technologies and very much family-oriented, whose owners and managers genuinely care about their sales associates and employees like they are family.

What keeps you here?

My continued tenure at PSA is anchored by two main factors. Firstly, the sense of value that my accumulated knowledge and skills over the past 37+ years are recognized and appreciated by the team. This appreciation has come with numerous opportunities that have challenged me and fostered my professional growth.

Secondly, the genuine camaraderie and team spirit here at PSA is irreplaceable. We operate as a family unit, from leadership down to every team member. There’s a shared understanding that every individual is vital to our collective success, regardless of their role or status. The mutual respect and cooperation are a cornerstone of our culture, making every task an integrated effort.

Specific individuals, like Charlie Schwartz and Joe Pluscht, have significantly shaped my experience here. Charlie’s fantastic memory and caring nature, alongside Joe’s partner-like treatment, reaffirm the familial culture at PSA. Joe, among many other wonderful bosses I’ve been fortunate to work with, has made my time at PSA a truly enjoyable journey. Donna Greenspan embodies the essence of PSA’s culture. She’s not only hard-working and detail-oriented but also incredibly personable and fun. Her caring, understanding nature, combined with her loyalty and compassion makes working for PSA a true pleasure. The consistent presence of outstanding managers and supportive coworkers isn’t a given everywhere, making PSA a uniquely gratifying place to work.

Describe a typical day in your life.

A typical day in my life would be taking an early morning 3-mile hike at Fair Hill with our two goldendoodles, Tucker and Jackson; working a full day from my home office; and then, at the end of my work day, spending time with my horse, Tex, who lives across the street from us. After all that, I relax with my husband, Bob, who retired in 2021 after 31 years as a sales associate with PSA. On weekends, we are blessed to spend time with family consisting of four adult children, their spouses, and nine precious grandchildren.

Ready to grow with us?

Sue Bass is the embodiment of the core values that underpin PSA’s success. Since her start in 1986, she has shown an unwavering commitment to personal growth and adaptability, fostering key relationships across various areas of our company. Her consistent dedication to excellence has not only left an indelible mark on PSA but also encourages everyone around her. Inspired by Sue’s journey and want to be part of a team that fosters individual growth and values each member’s contributions? We’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz!

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Driving Growth and Forging Partnerships: PSA’s Brian Pomije

Learn more about Brian’s approach to problem-solving, plans for PSA’s future, and the unique culture that sets the company apart.

Meet Brian Pomije, Director of Property Management and Relocation at our corporate headquarters located in the Hockessin office! Through his commitment to hard work and always doing the right thing, he has driven growth and forged crucial partnerships with the National Park Service and others during his impressive two-decade journey at PSA. Stay tuned to learn more about Brian’s approach to problem-solving, plans for PSA’s future, and the unique culture that sets the company apart.

How long have you been with PSA and how did you grow with the company?

I have been with PSA for two decades, since January 2003. I initially started as an assistant on a team, which true to the degrees of separation in Delaware, happened to be the same team that sold my parents our first home in Delaware. This experience sparked my interest in real estate and I quickly progressed from being part of a team to becoming an individual sales agent

In 2011, an exciting opportunity arose within our Property Management department, and I eagerly seized the chance to learn another side of the business. I started as property manager and an assistant manager before transitioning in 2015 into my current role as Director of Property Management and Relocation.

What is the key to your success?

Never taking the easy way. Always do the right thing for the client despite how much extra work, time, and effort is involved. Doing business the right way attracts more business. The more you treat people well and handle a transaction properly, the more opportunities come your way.

What do you bring to the Property Management and Relocation departments?

Cleaning up messes, aka problem-solving. In PM and Relocation, we’re often faced with multi-layered challenges. I enjoy breaking each into its most basic pieces, determining priorities, and creating a plan everyone can get onboard with.

Remaining level-headed when emotions are intense. When you’re dealing with highly stressful and expensive situations, it is very important to take a step back and not get swept up and work through things methodically. Our clients range from hard-working neighbors to high-level politicians and corporate heads of industry. It’s very hard to intimidate a Delawarean because we’ve seen it all. We can deal with all of those people and treat them in the exact same way. We approach $1,000/month rental with the same mindset as we would a $5,000/month rental or a complex portfolio of dozens of rentals.

What plans do you have for your departments in the next year?

Growth! Our reputation has opened doors for partnerships with the National Park Service, Brandywine Conservancy, and many more. Two summers ago, we expanded into vacation rentals in Sussex County. I’m proud of the number of clients we work with and believe focusing on providing excellent service is the best way to earn business and forge new partnerships

What sets PSA apart as a company and how would you describe the culture?

Their commitment to honesty, transparency, and hard work. With strong leadership, we achieve and maintain a stellar reputation, which drives growth and enables us to grow. Our partnership with the NPS and working with the federal government has been instrumental in our recent success.

Because of the company’s support and reputation, we’ve built solutions that you wouldn’t necessarily have at a small franchise or a large corporate brokerage beholden to stockholders. We’re big enough to have weight behind us yet small enough to be agile and adjust. We’re positioned in a great market and area with a great reputation. We can adjust our sails to the changing market.

How would you spend a relaxing day?

The Delaware way: visit one of our beaches or parks (favorites: Lewes, Brandywine Creek State Park), enjoy our restaurants, and hang out with friends and family. In the summer, you’d find me in the back yard, swinging in the hammock looking up at the trees. Maybe the grill is going. Music is playing, a beverage in hand, and our kids playing in the yard.

Ready to grow with us?

Brian exemplifies the core values that drive our company’s success. With his commitment to hard work and doing the right thing, Brian has forged crucial partnerships with organizations and across PSA during his impressive two-decade journey. If you’re inspired by his approach to problem-solving and wish to be part of a team that fosters growth and values its members, we’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz!

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Beyond the Front Desk: Get to Know PSA’s Jennifer Jamieson

Meet Jennifer Jamieson, an admin in our Greenville, Rehoboth Beach, and Ocean View offices. Jennifer joined PSA in 1986 as a receptionist at the Brandywine office and has been showcasing her strengths and experience ever since. We sat down with Jennifer to learn a little more about her and what she loves about Patterson-Schwartz, and to reminisce about how technology has evolved in 40 years.

What was the office technology like in the 1980s?

We had no voice mail, no digital phone displays. We took hand-written messages and slipped them into a cubby with the agent’s name on it; the agent called in and we read their messages to them. We worked with binders with MLS sheets in them, and rolodex cards, and an “access” machine. (The “access” machine was a forerunner to our computer system.) The first fax machine came our way with thermal paper you loaded into it! We went digital in the early 90s and never looked back!

Tell us what you love about your job and why.

I love the excitement that comes with real estate. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, something new pops up.

Onboarding our new hires is a top favorite. I get to meet new people and help them continue the process to becoming agents. It is so gratifying when a new agent comes to me with their first listing or sale knowing I helped them reach that goal and can continue to watch them grow.

The people I work with are the best — my office family as well as my entire PSA family. I still look forward to walking into the office daily.

What sets PSA apart as a company? How would you describe the culture?

I have been fortunate to have been with PSA while changes were taking place. My opinion was asked and valued and I grew with the changes that came along. The culture at PSA is one of family — everyone looks out for each other and, if you need help, it is only a phone call away. I feel supported, valued, and, I believe, when asked, my opinions matter. I’ve never thought of being anywhere else but PSA!

What do you do when you’re not at the office?

Outside of work, gardening is huge as are volunteering for animal shelters and reading.

Ready to grow with us?

Jennifer Jamieson exemplifies the heart and soul of Patterson-Schwartz, embodying the spirit of growth, camaraderie, and unwavering dedication to her profession. With a supportive and family-like culture at Patterson-Schwartz, Jennifer has thrived, feeling valued and appreciated every step of the way. If this sounds like a place you’d like to call home, then we’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz!

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From Rookie to Mentor & Manager: PSA’s Dave Watlington

Get ready to meet one of the most passionate and dedicated real estate agents out there! Dave Watlington is not just any ordinary manager of the Middletown office at Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate; he is a leader who takes the time to coach new agents and ensure they have the knowledge and resources to thrive. We were fortunate enough to sit down with Dave and pick his brain about his experiences at Patterson-Schwartz and what keeps him going.

How long have you been at Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate? How did you grow with the company?

I started my real estate career with Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate in 2003 and this month marks 20 years with the company. I have been growing with PSA since the day I started. For the first five years I learned as much as I could from the agents and leaders of our company, participated in numerous networking events, and took countless number of hours of continuing education classes. In 2008, I was provided with an opportunity to support my broker/manager with the training and development of agents in the office. Little did I know I would spend the next eight years under the tutelage of Chris Cashman learning how to be an effective managing broker! In 2015, I became the managing broker for our Middletown sales center and also obtained my instructor’s license which allows me to teach continuing education and pre-licensing classes.

What keeps you here?

That’s easy, the people. I have truly enjoyed working with the agents, leadership team, and various other valuable contributors from our administrative departments. I have always felt appreciated and valued here — which is why I have never considered being anywhere else.

What does Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate mean to you?

Professionally, Patterson-Schwartz means the world to me. They provided me with the platform to be successful in the real estate industry. I have also created many relationships through my work with Patterson-Schwartz, many of whom are now some of my closest friends.

What opportunities has working for PSA given you?

Working for Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate has provided me with a wide range of opportunities, such as establishing a career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance; meeting, helping, and teaching people; volunteering; and contributing to the future success of a local company that has been providing exceptional services since 1961. I’m currently in the running for the LLS Visionary of the Year. It’s all about raising money for the fight against blood cancer. A group of Patterson-Schwartz leadership and employees, including myself, raised over $5,000 as guest bartenders at BBC Tavern as part of this campaign. I love how everyone at PSA supports each other.

How do you like to spend a relaxing day?

Finding time to relax can be a challenge, but I do really enjoy going to the beach with family and friends, playing golf, or watching sports.

Ready to grow with us?

Dave’s experiences at Patterson-Schwartz have shaped him into the leader he is today, and he is grateful for all the opportunities he’s found here. If you’re looking for friendly, dedicated management with experience and passion for real estate that will ignite your career, then look no further than Patterson-Schwartz!

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Building Your Real Estate Career Starts Here

Are you a new agent looking to break into the world of real estate? Or maybe you’re an experienced agent looking to take your real estate career to the next level? Look no further than Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate, where our Successful Start program provides incredible support and training tools to help you succeed!

We understand the importance of a strong foundation for all of our agents, which is why our comprehensive in-person training program features informative classes with our experienced office managers, Q&A panels with experienced agents, and hands-on marketing and technology training from our dedicated and knowledgeable team of experts.

Don’t just take our word for it — hear from our new agents themselves!

Amanda Sabin, with our Hockessin office, believes the Successful Start program is a great way to get started in the industry. “As a new agent, I didn’t know what to expect or the questions to ask. When I was given the opportunity to learn more through the Successful Start program, I jumped on it, and I’m so glad I did. The class was so informative and a jumpstart into the real estate world. Justin was an awesome instructor along with everyone involved.”

Julianna Lee, who has seen great success in her first eight months at Patterson-Schwartz, credits the training and her instructors for her achievements. “You will get everything you need to become a successful agent through Successful Start. It’s been eight months since I joined Patterson-Schwartz. I have two listings and six buyers under contract. I could not have done this without Successful Start!!! Thanks to Sal, Angela, Justin, and Emma!!! The best teachers and friends, EVER!”

Armando Gomez, of the Brandywine office, emphasizes the depth and breadth of content covered in the program. “When I heard Successful Start would be five weeks of additional education following the 99 hours of my pre-licensing course, my first thought was that it would be duplicate information. However, the Successful Start Program is completely different than the pre-licensing course. It provides the tools you need to put your knowledge in practice and our PSA instructors make it fun and experiential. I can’t think of new agents succeeding without it.”

Matt Harkins, with our Rehoboth Beach office, praises the support and encouragement he received from the PSA team. “As a new agent, I truly believe there aren’t any other brokerages out there that compare to Patterson-Schwartz when it comes to support and training. Since my first day, everyone I’ve come across has been so pleasant and helpful while I inundate them with my seemingly never-ending questions!”

Beth Barry, a member of the Schwartz & Barry Associates team, adds, “Joining Patterson-Schwartz to begin my real estate career has been a perfect fit. The Successful Start program provided pertinent information, data and tools to help me start as well as advance my business. Everyone has been open and available. We continue to be introduced to new tools and opportunities. I am happy to be part of this caring and progressive team.”

What you need to succeed

As you can tell, our agents believe the training and support they receive through our Successful Start program has been essential to establishing their career in real estate. And with opportunities to learn and grow that extend well past this outstanding program for new hires, our agents further benefit from a robust culture of on-going support that continues to move their business forward. If you’re looking for a brokerage with excellent support and training wherever you are in your career, we’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz!

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A Strong Foundation: Giving Back at Patterson-Schwartz

What does it mean to partner with a company that shares your values on charitable giving? We spoke to members across the PSA family about how where they work is helping them make a difference where they live.

“Always there, always supporting!”

“From winter dances and bowling to golf and summer bocce ball, it is the highlight each month to get together with our Cecil County Special Olympic athletes. Thank you to Patterson-Schwartz for being supportive of this great organization and caring about our community of athletes.” – Linda McKinnon, PSA Elkton sales team

“As a real estate agent, I like to be involved in the community that I serve — especially with Cecil County Special Olympics. The support and donations from Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate have directly contributed to the success of the annual “Ice Splash” fundraiser for our athletes. And in 2022, my PSA family supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Women of the Year and helped my fundraising campaign in a huge way. Always there, always supporting!” – Danielle Ward, PSA Elkton sales team

In addition to being colleagues, Danielle Ward and Linda McKinnon are friends who partner up to support the Cecil County Special Olympics as well as the local real estate community through their work with CCBOR®. Our Elkton office is a small but mighty force when it comes to caring about the people and area it serves.

“So giving, so caring — that’s PSA!”

“There was a wonderful opportunity to help Faithful Friends Animal Society, which I hold so close to my heart. I asked for a donation, and, of course, the Patterson-Schwartz Foundation came through! So easy, so giving, so caring within the community we live and work in — that’s Patterson-Schwartz!” – Jennifer Jamieson, PSA Greenville & Coastal Offices admin team

Jennifer’s cat, Augustus, was adopted from Faithful Friends Animal Society in April 2022. Located in Wilmington, Faithful Friends Animal Society is a private, nonprofit animal welfare organization with a No Kill shelter and community veterinary clinic. Learn more about their adoption, foster, volunteer, and donation opportunities on their website.

“Values philanthropy as much as I do“

“For nearly 17 years, I have worked with Meals on Wheels, DE, to help home-bound seniors as well as raise funds and awareness for the cause. When I joined [PSA] it became immediately apparent to me that the company has been supporting [MOWD] and the greater community for far longer! It’s so great knowing I work for a company values philanthropy as much as I do.” – Mike Clement, The Crifasi Group of PSA Greenville

Patterson-Schwartz was a proud returning sponsor of the 2023 Meals on Wheels Delaware Cellar Master’s Wine Auction — their largest grossing event of the year. From fundraising to volunteer efforts, PSA remains a committed community partner of MOWD year after year.

At Patterson-Schwartz, we embrace the philosophy that being a good neighbor is more than just giving money to a worthy cause – it’s about developing and investing in the community in which we live and do business. That’s why our sales associates and employees give countless hours of their time to charitable causes.

In support of this culture of giving back, Patterson-Schwartz donates a portion of the proceeds from every real estate transaction to the PSA Foundation. Since its inception in 2001, the PSA Foundation has donated nearly 1.4 Million to local charities and organizations that are close to the hearts of the PSA family of sales associates and employees.