Peggy Souza at Long and Foster Realtors in Baltimore: Residential Sales and Buyer Representation

Peggy Souza is a residential real estate agent at Long and Foster, one of the largest independent brokerages operating in the Baltimore area, working primarily with buyers and sellers in city neighborhoods and surrounding counties. She focuses on single-family homes and condominiums in price ranges typical to Baltimore's market, and operates within the standard commission structure and buyer-agent framework that shapes how homes change hands in the region.

How real estate agents are paid in Baltimore

Peggy Souza, like all agents at Long and Foster, earns commission only when a transaction closes. The seller's agent and buyer's agent each typically receive 2.5 to 3 percent of the final sale price, though these percentages are negotiable and vary by property and market conditions. When you hire an agent to sell, you list the home in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) at an agreed price and terms, and that listing compensates both sides. If you are a buyer working with Peggy as your agent, her commission comes from the seller's proceeds at closing; you do not pay her directly. This structure means your agent's financial incentive is to close the transaction, which can create tension: the faster or higher the price, the faster commission arrives. Understanding this dynamic helps you evaluate what advice serves your interests versus the agent's.

What distinguishes a listing agent from a buyer's agent

When you sell with Peggy, she represents you and negotiates on your behalf. She lists the property, markets it, shows it to other agents' buyers, and handles the back-and-forth. When you buy with Peggy, she shows you available homes, writes offers, and negotiates terms on your side of the contract. In Baltimore's market, most buyers work with an agent; most sellers also hire one. Buying without an agent is legal but uncommon in the city, as is selling without one (known as FSBO, or for-sale-by-owner). The advantage of using an agent on either side is market knowledge, negotiating experience, and access to the MLS. The trade-off is the commission, which comes out of the sale price.

How to evaluate a real estate agent

Peggy's tenure and transaction volume in Baltimore are factors worth confirming directly with her or Long and Foster. Key questions before hiring any agent include: How many homes have you sold in this neighborhood in the past year? What was the average time on market? What percentage of listings sold above asking, at asking, or below? These figures tell you whether the agent prices competitively and markets effectively. For buyers, ask whether the agent represents both you and the seller (dual agency, which creates a conflict), represents only you (buyer's agent), or works for a brokerage with an in-house buyer's agent program. Long and Foster's standard practice is to clarify representation in writing. Interview at least two agents before listing or buying; their insights on neighborhood trends, school districts, and recent comps will vary.

Comparing Long and Foster to other major Baltimore brokerages

Long and Foster operates more than 200 offices across the Mid-Atlantic; the Baltimore area has multiple locations. Competing large brokerages in the city include Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX, which operate through franchises and independent agents. The difference is organizational: Long and Foster is a single company with salaried support staff, training, and brand consistency; Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX franchises are independent businesses operating under the same banner. In practice, your experience depends on the individual agent, not just the brokerage name. A highly experienced agent at a small independent firm may outperform a newer agent at Long and Foster. What matters is the agent's market knowledge and your rapport with them.

The buying and selling process in Baltimore

If you hire Peggy to sell, expect to sign a listing agreement, typically for 90 days, setting the price, marketing plan, and commission rate. She will order an appraisal (paid by the seller), list the home in the MLS within 24 to 48 hours, and arrange showings. Offers arrive in writing, and negotiations happen over several days. Accepted offers move to inspection, appraisal (ordered by the buyer), underwriting, and closing, usually 30 to 45 days out. If you hire Peggy to buy, she will show you homes, write offers at your instruction, and handle inspections and contingencies on your behalf. Most buyers in Baltimore get preapproved for a mortgage before house hunting; cash offers close faster but are uncommon. Peggy cannot advise on financing, title, or legal matters; a real estate attorney is required at closing in Maryland.

Hours and contact

Long and Foster has multiple Baltimore locations with varying hours; contact Peggy or the nearest office directly for availability and to schedule a consultation. Most agents offer weekend and evening showings by appointment.

Peggy Souza's value in Baltimore's market depends on her track record in the neighborhoods and price range where you are buying or selling. Interview her alongside other agents to compare market knowledge and negotiating style.