Andy Alderdice at Long & Foster Real Estate in Baltimore: Residential Sales and Buyer Representation
Andy Alderdice is a residential real estate agent with Long & Foster, one of the largest independent brokerages operating in the Mid-Atlantic, and works primarily with buyers and sellers in the Baltimore metro area. His practice focuses on the city's neighborhoods and surrounding counties, handling transactions across the typical price range for the region.
What Andy Alderdice and Long & Foster actually do
Long & Foster operates as a full-service residential brokerage with agents handling sales, purchases, and lease placements. Alderdice functions as either a buyer's agent (representing purchasers) or a listing agent (representing sellers), depending on the transaction. In Maryland, agents work under a broker's license and must be registered with the Maryland Real Estate Commission; Long & Foster maintains that licensing and oversight. The brokerage handles escrow accounts, transaction coordination, and compliance with state real estate laws. Alderdice's role includes property showings, offer negotiation, contract management, and coordination with inspectors, appraisers, and lenders through closing.
How agents are paid and what to expect from representation
Real estate agents in Maryland are paid via commission, which is typically split between the listing agent and buyer's agent, with each taking a percentage of the sale price. That percentage varies by property and market conditions, but 5 to 6 percent of the final sale price is a common combined rate. If the listing side is 3 percent and buyer's side is 2.5 percent, for example, each agent's brokerage receives that amount and shares it with the individual agent; the exact split depends on the agent's agreement with Long & Foster. The buyer pays nothing directly; the seller's proceeds fund all commissions through the sale.
A buyer's agent like Alderdice typically scouts properties, arranges viewings, educates the buyer on neighborhoods and market conditions, explains offer strategy, and handles negotiation and contract details. A listing agent prices the property, markets it (photos, MLS listing, showings), negotiates with buyer's agents, and manages the seller's side of closing. An agent working with both roles in the same transaction is called a dual agent and may face conflicts of interest; Maryland law permits it but requires disclosure.
Alderdice and Long & Foster compared to other Baltimore-area options
Long & Foster competes with national franchises like RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker, and Keller Williams, as well as smaller independent brokerages and discount brokers that charge flat fees instead of commission. Choosing between them depends on priorities.
Long & Foster and similar regional or national brokerages offer broader agent networks (useful for referrals), established transaction support systems, and institutional backing. Agents at these firms typically have access to brokerage-funded marketing tools and transaction coordinators who handle paperwork, which can reduce delays. The tradeoff is that larger firms may carry higher overhead, which is reflected in how they split commissions with agents. A smaller independent brokerage might negotiate a different split but may lack some support infrastructure. Discount brokers or flat-fee models appeal to sellers comfortable with less handholding or to tech-savvy buyers who want to reduce costs.
For someone buying in Baltimore, a buyer's agent with a major brokerage like Alderdice at Long & Foster costs nothing out of pocket and typically offers experience navigating neighborhoods, school districts, and permit histories. For someone selling, the choice between a large brokerage and a smaller firm or discount model hinges on whether the seller values marketing reach and agent support enough to accept standard commission rates.
Who this approach suits and who it does not
Alderdice's buyer representation works well for first-time homebuyers in the Baltimore area who need education on neighborhoods, schools, and the offer process, and for those relocating to the region. It suits sellers who want professional marketing and listing management and are comfortable with standard commission splits. It does not suit sellers who already have a buyer lined up and want to minimize costs; they might consider FSBO (for sale by owner) or a flat-fee service. It is not ideal for buyers who have already identified a specific property and are mainly looking for paperwork help rather than search and negotiation.
What a first meeting involves
A buyer typically meets with an agent like Alderdice to discuss budget, timeline, neighborhood preferences, and what features matter (lot size, school zone, walkability, commute). The agent will explain pre-approval (confirmation from a lender that the buyer qualifies for a mortgage), the MLS system (where properties are listed), and how offers work in the Baltimore market. The agent then sends property matches and arranges showings. For a seller, the first conversation covers recent renovations, property condition, comparable sales (comps), an estimated listing price, and marketing strategy. The seller signs a listing agreement that outlines the agent's commission and responsibilities.
Hours, contact, and logistics
Long & Foster operates during standard business hours, typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with many agents available for evening and weekend showings by appointment. Verify current hours and Alderdice's availability by contacting Long & Foster's Baltimore office directly or checking his profile on the firm's website. Showings and meetings are coordinated by appointment and often occur at the property itself. There is no physical storefront; business is conducted via phone, email, and at properties or title company offices at closing.
Alderdice's presence on the Long & Foster platform in Baltimore reflects the scale and professionalism expected in a competitive regional market where most residential transactions involve agent representation.
