Profile

Name: Cindy Holland

Company: Long & Foster Real Estate

Address: 20 Chevy Chase Circle NW, Washington, DC 20015

Phone: 202/895-7382

Fax: 240/465-1196

E-Mail: cindysellshouses@longandfoster.com

Web site: www.cindysellshouses.com

Year started: 2003

How did you get started in real estate? My father, uncle and sister have been in the business for many, many years. I had worked in Fortune 500 companies for the past 20 years in different parts of the country. When I hit my 40s, I decided it was time to come back to the town where I grew up and spend more time with my family. A change to a real estate career was the perfect fit.

How long with the current company? Almost two years

Licenses and designations: Real estate sales in the District, Maryland and Virginia; graduate, Realtors Institute; Senior Housing Specialist

Associations: Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors

Greatest accomplishment in the past 12 months: Starting a new career

What is your area of specialty? First-time home buyers in Montgomery County, Northern Virginia or Northwest Washington.

Highest-priced home sold: $1,025,000

Most memorable house: It has been memorable in my first two years of real estate to see how little effort some sellers are willing to put into their homes. I have seen a number of homes for which the seller is asking top dollar, and yet their home is in appalling shape. It has been a tough market to be a buyer and a buyer’s agent in these past few years.

Worst experience: I had a great client as a buyer who was willing to proceed in purchasing a condo even though everyone warned us the seller was extremely paranoid. Nothing quite prepared us for a settlement in which the seller refused to vacate the property until she had the money from settlement. At settlement, she refused to sign any paperwork unless the attorney signed something first stating that she would get her money when she signed. It was an amazing experience where everything we take for granted at the settlement table was agonized over and questioned. Luckily, my buyer was patient and kind, so we finally got through the settlement after many hours.

Age: 45

Family: Single

Pet: a West Highland terrier

Education: Attended University of Maryland

Community affiliations/ community service/outside interests: McLean Bible Church; Meals on Wheels; reading, walking the dog

Last book read: “Ten Big Ones,” by Janet Evanovich

Last movie seen: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return ofthe King”

What kind of car do you drive? BMW X5 sport utility vehicle

What is your personal dream house? My home I just purchased in March in Kensington is close to my dream house. It is an expanded Cape Cod with loads of charm, three bedrooms and a great office space. It has lots of sun, a cozy fireplace and a great yard with a view.