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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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Someone to Count On: PSA’s Laura Walls Losco

Meet Laura Walls Losco, Accounting Manager at our corporate headquarters located in the Hockessin office! She has grown with PSA, having started in 2010 as an assistant agent in the Hockessin and Greenville offices before joining our Financial Services department in 2016. We sat down with Laura to learn a little more about her, what she does at Patterson-Schwartz, and when she discovered her love of real estate.

Laura Walls Losco (right) posing with Patterson-Schwartz President & CEO, Joe Pluscht, Jr.

How did you choose your career in real estate?

Since I can remember, I’ve had an inherent interest in real estate and interior design. When I was about ten years old, I recall asking my parents if we could buy the newspaper on Sunday. I would spend hours combing through every real estate listing I could find in the paper, circling the ones I thought my parents might be interested in purchasing. My dad actually drove me to open houses a few times to meet with the agents on duty so they could tell me about their job!

I got my real estate license at 18 years old and worked under an experienced agent for five years, learning invaluable knowledge about the market and this business. During this time, I also got my degrees in Finance and Economics from University of Delaware. Working in the Financial Services department here at Patterson-Schwartz has been a great way to combine my love of real estate with my love of mathematics!

Tell us a little about what you do.

Arguably the most important task I perform every day is processing commission checks. I always try to exceed expectations by having a fast turnaround time while retaining accuracy.

In the words of Charlie Schwartz, I am always “ticking and flicking” while reconciling our accounts

There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes on in the Financial Services department and I learn something new every day! Joe Pluscht has been a wealth of knowledge in my transition to Accounting Manager! I love working with and learning from the best in the business!

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

Growing up, my tennis coach imparted a lot of wisdom to me for both on and off the court. To this day, I live by two things he taught me:

“No problem is too big or too complicated that I can’t overcome.”

and

“Press the reset button.”

This is a great reminder that I can do anything I put my mind to, whether it be on the tennis court, at work, or in life.

How do you like to spend a relaxing day?

In our spare time, my husband Matt and I love playing and watching tennis, doing yoga, and cooking up specialty gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free meals in the kitchen!

I’m an avid animal lover and can usually be found walking with our dog, Charlotte, around Carousel Park or Lewes Beach!

Ready to grow with us?

As you can tell, Laura believes in the power of partnerships within our PSA family and the benefits our long service legacy bring to the organization. If you’re intrigued by how easy access to experienced mentors and leadership can move your business forward, we’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz!

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We Speak Your Language at Patterson-Schwartz

At Patterson-Schwartz we are proud to have a diverse team of real estate agents who help buyers and sellers of all backgrounds and cultures. By speaking the same language, our agents’ approach to assisting their clients comes from a place of compassion, understanding, and connection.

National Foreign Language Week (March 5 – 11) serves to highlight and honor all languages across the globe. To celebrate and recognize this week, we invited our agents to share how speaking another language has shaped their life or career.

Language Connects Us

“Because my family is from Mexico, I grew up speaking Spanish. My parents wanted me to continue to embrace our culture and traditions. Growing up multilingual has given me empathy for others who learned English as second language.

“My language skills have given me patience and understanding of cultural differences and the ability to read expressions. I have somehow managed to hold conversations with Brazilians and Italians, even though neither of us knew exactly what was being said.

“Language connects us, even when we don’t speak the same language.”

Diana Vieyra, PSA Hockessin sales team, Spanish speaker

Language Teaches Us How To Listen

“Languages shaped not only my career but also my life in full. I was born in Latvia, which was a bilingual country at the time. From a very young age I learned that not everyone speaks the same language and it is okay… I have to learn how to communicate.

“By the time I moved to the United States, I knew three languages and could ask simple questions in two more. I’ve met people from all backgrounds and ethnicities — Arabs, Israelis, Ukrainians, Romanians — and, so far, I have never had a problem communicating with any of them. And it is not because I know their language. It is because my exposure to foreign languages taught me how to listen, hear different accents, and relay that information to my knowledge. That is why I think it is vital to recognize foreign languages: it will help us to become closer with someone from another part of the world.

“This is truly a priceless experience!”

Karina Pippin, Rehoboth Beach sales team, speaks Latvian and Russian

Language Helps Us Appreciate Different Backgrounds

“I grew up speaking Hungarian in my grandmother’s home. She had come to America in 1956 as a refugee from Hungary. She didn’t pick up English easily so, from a young age, I always made her phone calls and accompanied her on appointments — always happy to be her translator.”

“This gave me respect for the courage and bravery of immigrants coming to this country to start a life here in our land of the free.

“Fast forward to having children of my own: they attend an amazing local public school with people from all backgrounds. After meeting a new classmate-turned-friend who only speaks Spanish, my 8-year old daughter was inspired to learn the language. Our family of four now takes daily Spanish lessons over Duolingo. We’re hoping to learn enough to be helpful to someone, someday. “

Monica Bush, Greenville sales team, speaks Hungarian

Did you know?

Nearly 11% of our agents are bi- or multilingual representing 22 languages and a large number international communities. Find a Patterson-Schwartz sales associate who speaks your language from the list below:

Spanish	Hindi	Polish
Arabic	Hungarian	Portuguese
Chinese	Igbo	Punjabi
Farsi	Korean	Turkish
French	Latvian	Ukrainian
German	Mandarin	Urdu
Greek	Mandarin Chinese
Gujarati	Norwegian

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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A little office, a lot of heart: a visit with PSA Brandywine

“I have an important update, friends,” says Tim Carter as he greets the late October Lunch & Learn crowd at the North Wilmington office of Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate. “Before we start our meeting, I want to share photos from the local mom we helped back in April… a lot of them featuring outfits you so generously gifted. She wants you all to know baby Skylar is doing well and how grateful she continues to be for all of your help.”

As sales manager of PSA Brandywine, Tim Carter’s strength is bringing people together, whether it’s for a training session, a celebration, or, as is often the case, a charitable cause. The office roster is small compared to others in the organization yet the agents are a mighty force when sharing their ideas, time, and resources.

Tim Carter, PSA Brandywine Sales Manager outside the North Wilmington office

Before April 2022, the mother they helped was just a stranger, struggling with a disability and with limited access to support or resources. Her story reached a member of the PSA Brandywine office and Tim dropped a call-to-action in his weekly communication. In less than two weeks, the office had amassed enough donations of diapers, clothes, and baby supplies to fill four car loads and to keep the little girl outfitted for at least two years.

“We saw a need, spread the word, and came together,” says Tim about the donation effort. “It’s just what we do.”

Where good things happen

The Brandywine office of Patterson-Schwartz is tucked in a quiet corner of a bustling commercial plaza off Silverside Road and is home to about 40 full-time sales associates. The two-story brick building is well-equipped for real estate business with the usual desks, conference areas, and a glassed-in board room. But upstairs, the cubicle walls give way to a bright, open space with three large farmhouse tables scattered with chairs.

“It’s a collaborative space,” says Tim when asked about the break with tradition. “Previously, we didn’t have a place for our agents to gather that didn’t feel cramped or formal. One day something came over me and I walked upstairs and just started tearing down a cluster of unused cubicles. Then I went to IKEA.”

The re-imagined space works — and not just for sales meetings or holiday parties. Earlier in the month, agents and partners from Fairway Mortgage used the space to put together over 250 bagged lunches for Ministry of Caring. In September, it was used to sort toiletry donations for Ronald McDonald House. And months before that, it was filled with baby shower gifts for someone they had never met.

It’s a comfortable space where conversation and laughter flows, and good things happen.

A generous spirit

“We have a great family here. We’re supportive of each other professionally and personally, and at the heart of everything is this spirit of generosity,” says Tim. “It’s no wonder we often find ways to get together that also give back.”

And give back they do. The office has a monthly commitment going back 20+ years with Meals on Wheels Delaware and members regularly volunteer for the Delaware Food Bank, but a lot of outreach happens organically as needs develop in the community.

It’s these “pop-up” needs that brought their attention to organizations like Urban Promise of Wilmington who needed water bottles for their summer camp program; and the Friendship House Clothing bank who put out an urgent call for winter coats.

It’s also what brought them to a stranger’s doorstep with baby gifts.

#CountingOurBlessings

After the October Lunch & Learn in the collaborative space, Tim walks back to his office to add the baby photos he received to his window of collages. It’s a big collection of happy faces and moments from gatherings and charitable events his office has been a part of.

He has a special memory and story to go with each photo, like a social media feed come to life.

Tim’s collage display on his office window

“If you ask, my group isn’t really fond of getting their pictures taken. They don’t do any of this for recognition, but I’ve never seen a group of people so generous with their time and resources. I document it to remind us just how truly blessed we are.”

About Us

The Patterson-Schwartz Brandywine sales center is located at 2211 Silverside Road. As proud members of the North Wilmington community, the PSA Brandywine staff, sales associates, and mortgage professionals are area experts who care about the people and communities they serve. You’re invited to reach out to Tim, his team, or any of our local offices when you need assistance with your real estate goals.

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It’s all About the People: PSA’s Jason Giles

Meet Jason Giles, Executive Vice-President of Brokerage Operations at Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate. This year officially marks his 27th year with PSA, although he has been part of the organization much longer. We sat down with Jason to learn a little more about him, his early exposure to real estate, and what Patterson-Schwartz means to him.

How have your years at PSA impacted you?

I have been with Patterson-Schwartz for 27 years and have been blessed to have had numerous mentors throughout my career, including one of our founders, Charlie Schwartz Sr., also known as “The Bear.” I would like to think that I have taken a little piece of each mentor and created my own sense of style while having the foundation and integrity of all of the wonderful people that I have worked with during this 27-year journey.

How did you grow with the company?

My journey began in the early 80s at 913 Delaware Ave in the sign room. My father, Jack, who was the managing broker, would buy my lunch and let me sit in on meetings and talk to agents like Fred Connell, Elmond Stausbach, Jane Garnett, and Ruthie Tingle. I would wander the office and cross paths with the heavy-hitters of the industry like Bill Patterson, a young Charlie Schwartz, and Dick Christopher. This could only happen once my cleaning and organizing of the sign room was thoroughly complete. Looking back, this is where my father’s real estate mentoring of me truly began.

In 1995, I was hired as one of the first employees of the Patterson-Schwartz Appointment Center. I set appointments for agents and brushed up with numerous agents in the industry and I began to take aim at obtaining my license. Yes, this was my intended path all along. PSA was more than just a company to me from the very beginning.

Listing and selling real estate in the Limestone office came natural to me, especially under the tutelage of Gerry Dougherty and his son, Neil, who have truly been like family to me. Life-long relationships with the Bachmans, Iliffs, Felicettis, Moffetts, and, of course, Sal Sedita and a plethora of families and individuals only reinforced why I was here and part of this real estate family.

In the year 2000, I became a broker at the age of 28. Thanks to Joe Pluscht, I began training and educating agents in our Hockessin office and I later became his assistant manager. Little did I know I would work arm-and-arm with a true friend and mentor for the next 22 years.

I have worked as a manager/broker at our Delaware Avenue, Greenville, Hockessin, Rehoboth Beach, and Ocean View offices. I have the pleasure to work with our current leadership team that includes property management, financial services, and relocation.

What does Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate mean to you?

I firmly believe that Patterson-Schwartz is not about the offices or titles we have. It is about the people, the relationships, and the overall compassion that we have for each other and our customers.

These beliefs have been instilled in me by many people, many of which are no longer with us. My father/mentor is certainly the one I miss most. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have had him as a father and mentor. I am sure he and many others are looking down proud of what we have accomplished, but even more proud that we have followed through on what their vision was for a local real estate company.

Jason celebrated his 25yr PSA Anniversary w/his father, Jack Giles

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

The mantra I follow in my day-to-day business is, “There is no limit to what someone can do or where he or she can go when they are not driven by who gets the credit.”

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

I am a firm believer that the money one makes is a by-product of taking care of people. Care for people like family and they will not only buy or sell from you but will refer you to everyone they know. You will become family to them. I’m proud of the culture that Patterson-Schwartz fosters. I’m proud that we truly are a local brand that gives back and supports the local community through its agents and employees. It is certainly unique in today’s world. As you can see, family means the world to me both in work and at home.

Where do you find inspiration and support?

I am blessed to have a loving wife, Debbie, and two sons, Jack and Joe (19 and 17), that support me in everything I do. I am extremely fortunate to have my mother, Gail, who is the real foundation of our entire family at 87-years-old. When I look at the company I work for, the friends I work with, and the family that surrounds me, “blessed” is an understatement. Thanks to all who make Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate home for so many.

Ready to grow with us?

As you can tell, Jason believes truly caring for people like family — whether they’re a client or a co-worker — is how you build a strong community. If you’re intrigued by how you’ll be supported and cherished like family, we’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz!

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Fresh on the scene: Mid-Month Mixers hit networking circuit

Live music and laughter fill the air as a friendly game of cornhole gets underway in the parking lot of a seemingly quiet Hockessin office park. It’s late-afternoon on a crisp fall day and there’s not a starched suit in sight.

Business networking never looked so relaxed and fun.

October’s Mid-Month Mixer event at Patterson-Schwartz of Hockessin

The right event for right now

“We’ve been deprived of so much socialization over the past couple of years,” says Juan Fuentes, Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate agent, assistant sales manager of PSA Greenville, and networking event committee co-chair. “Without a doubt, we are loving the return to office gatherings and in-person celebrations within the organization. The time seemed right to create opportunities to connect with the local real estate community at large. Our Mid-Month Mixer is meant to feel like a fun night out and not a straight-laced business meeting.”

Patterson-Schwartz hosted its first Mid-Month Mixer in September 2022 at Timothy’s Pub in Newark with great success. Over 100 attendees came out to enjoy drinks and mingle with colleagues and peers from the local real estate industry and its affiliates.

Fairway Independent Mortgage Company of Delaware partnered with Patterson-Schwartz to sponsor the event and played a big role in the launch by promoting the mixer, providing refreshments, and donating a generous raffle basket. Held in the late afternoon on a Wednesday, the bar was busy and the space was abuzz with lively conversation and the exchange of business cards.

A network of support

October’s Mid-Month Mixer was a more casual outdoor affair that put the spotlight on the company’s largest office and its hospitable spirit.

The back parking lot was transformed into a picnic area with tables, lawn games, and a makeshift bandstand. Friendly smiles welcomed everyone from new and experienced agents, to local lenders and home service providers. There were raffle and cornhole tournament prizes for a few lucky winners and special branded can koozies available to all attendees. But for many, the real reward was something not so tangible.

“These Mid-Month Mixers have been awesome!” Says first-year Patterson-Schwartz Greenville agent Kathryn Matic, who has attended both events.

“I’ve been introduced to and formed relationships with several agents in and outside the organization… and I think these connections and having that support from each other are crucial when doing business. All different types of agents coming together in a cool setting has resulted in some great conversations. Hearing about events like these, even my non-industry friends want to get their license and be a part of the real estate scene.”

Save the date

Future Mid-Month Mixer events for Patterson-Schwartz are in the works, including one in November on the Wilmington Riverfront.

“We love what we have started here,” says Angela Allen, Patterson-Schwartz agent, Assistant Sales Manager of PSA Hockessin, and Mid-Month Mixer co-chair. “It’s been great to see people interacting, forming new relationships, and sharing ideas.

“We look forward to continuing this effort with many creative variations and more partners in the upcoming months… Stay tuned!”

In the local real estate industry as an agent or affiliate? Follow Patterson-Schwartz on Facebook, Instagra m, or LinkedIn to learn about our Mid-Month Mixer events or send an email to midmonthmixer@psre.com to be added to our distribution list.

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Real Local, Real People: PSA’s Angela Allen

Meet Angela Allen, the assistant manager of the Hockessin office and team lead for The Angela Allen Group! From assisting clients across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to patiently coaching new agents with business planning and education sessions, Angela knows the ingredients for success and applies it to everything she does. We sat down with Angela to learn a little more about her, what she does at Patterson-Schwartz, and why she loves her job.

How did you choose your career in real estate?

I have always had a love of real estate. When I was little, I would always take the paper flyer for the homes on the market in my neighborhood. I would study every fact about the home. Neighbors would see a “for sale” sign and they would call me to ask the price and details about the home — I was their go-to for real estate information! My husband is in the home building and land development side of real estate. He was the one that pushed me off the fence to get my license.

How long have you been at PSA?

I have happily been with PSA my entire career. I will be celebrating my 11th year in real estate in the fall! As a new agent, I was drawn to PSA for education as well as further career development training. The entire organization welcomed me with open arms and I felt like I was at home… at work!

What keeps you here?

The family-friendly atmosphere. Everyone is cheering for everyone else to succeed. The management and office support are second to none.

Tell us what you love about your job.

I love helping buyers find their first home or maybe their dream home. I enjoy assisting sellers close one chapter and move on to the next one. As an assistant manager, I thoroughly enjoy the interaction I have with our amazing family of agents. Watching them succeed and celebrating the big and little victories makes me love my job!

How do you like to spend a relaxing day?

My ideal relaxing day is spent on my boat on the river with my husband and son. With our phones attached to our hip, we are on call 24/7. Being on the water is my way of decompressing.

Ready to grow with us?

As you can tell, Angela believes helping and supporting others — whether they’re a client or a co-worker — is how we all succeed. If you’re intrigued by how you’ll be supported beyond your expectations, we’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz!

About Us

Headquartered in the town of Hockessin, Delaware, Patterson-Schwartz has been lighting the way home for over 60 years. We are Delaware’s largest independent real estate brokerage with ten offices and over 550 sales associates and staff. We offer a full range of services including residential home sales and rentals, relocation services, and property management. We invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

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A Homecoming Celebration: PSA Chesapeake City 1 Year Later

On her birthday in 2021, Amber Durand received a call from her former Patterson-Schwartz sales manager, Chris Cashman. As calls with old friends typically go, once the well-wishes were expressed, the two got to chatting. Amber, who then-managed her own boutique brokerage, told Chris she was looking for a change.

Welcome home

Amber launched her real estate career in 2010 and spent ten years with Patterson-Schwartz as a member of the PSA Elkton and Newark offices. During that time, she successfully grew her business and established The Durand Group with a dedicated team of her PSA colleagues. Looking to expand into a different market, she decided to relocate her team to Chesapeake City and set up a shop as a small, independent brand with a different brokerage.

“I was proud of what I had launched in Chesapeake City, but I was ready to take things to another level,” says Amber. When Chris called her, she was already entertaining partnership offers from two well-established real estate companies.

“Talking to Chris, I realized I missed all of the good people and good systems in place at Patterson-Schwartz. He knew my style and history, and it wasn’t long before we were discussing a new opportunity to merge everything I had created on my own with the independent brokerage.” Summer 2022 will mark the one-year anniversary of Amber and the Durand Group’s return to Patterson-Schwartz.

2021 Ribbon cutting with Amber, her team, and members of the PSA family

Patterson-Schwartz Chesapeake City Grand Opening Celebration August 2021 with Amber Durand

A thriving team

Amber Durand and her 15-member (and growing) office have a diverse background and serve Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. They are a close-knit group with core members who have been involved since the beginning. Amber met her colleague, Dale Jackson, in pre-licensing school; the two quickly connected and joined Patterson-Schwartz as new agents together. Alison Adams was a team member with the Durand Group at PSA Elkton, and became Amber’s first independent agent to be hired when she opened her brokerage in 2019. And as often happens in real estate, Jill Lively was a former client who became a friend; she came onboard to assist with marketing & administrative support in 2014 before pursuing her real estate license with Amber’s guidance.

Amber likes to regularly gather the office for fun things like happy hours and community events, but she remains focused on creating career development opportunities for the Chesapeake City agents through sales meetings and “lunch and learn” workshops. She describes her management style as very hands-on and is eager to give her team an edge when it comes to the local market.

“Running my office independently, I find myself invested more than ever in the training and development of my agents,” says Amber. “I truly enjoy teaching and I pull a lot from my own experience. I want new agents to benefit right away from the knowledge I had to gain over years and years in the industry.”

Patterson-Schwartz Chesapeake City decorated for Memorial Day 2022

Love where you live

Located off State Route 213 along the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, Chesapeake City features many historic homes, shops, galleries, fine restaurants, bed & breakfasts, and boating amenities. And while it is within easy driving distance of several large cities, the charming town maintains a “miles-away” feel.

“I was instantly drawn to this little waterfront village and knew it would be an excellent place to grow my brand,” says Amber, who lives within walking distance to her office, serves on the Chamber of Commerce, and recently decided to run for town council. “There’s a lot of exciting development opportunities here along with a strong sense of community. Our office loves participating in local events like the Sip & Stroll, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the car show.”

Originally intended to be Amber’s personal residence, 327 Bohemia Avenue serves as her team’s home-base. The restored historic home, built in 1874, has an inviting front porch, first floor meeting and lounge areas, upstairs office space, and a detached garage that houses an inventory of lawn signage and a curated collection of home staging items.

It’s as special and unique a space as the town itself.

About Patterson-Schwartz

Patterson-Schwartz is proud to have Amber back as a member of the PSA family. We’ve been lighting the way home for over 60 years and are thrilled to expand our services in Cecil County with the help of Amber and her Chesapeake City team. We are Delaware’s largest independent real estate brokerage with ten offices and over 550 sales associates and staff. We offer a full range of services including residential home sales and rentals, relocation services, and property management. We invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.