Stefon White, your dedicated Southern Maryland real estate partner. Specialized in military relocation and committed to the needs of every client.
Meet Stefon White, a Southern Maryland REALTOR® who brings three decades of local history, community leadership, and a neighbor’s heart to everything he does. Having called Solomons home for 30 years, Stefon’s approach to real estate is deeply rooted in the people and the community he serves. Whether he’s serving on local boards, supporting community causes, or helping families navigate their next move, Stefon’s perspective is informed by a lifetime of living the Chesapeake lifestyle. We sat down with Stefon to learn more about his real estate career and what he loves most about the community he calls home. Read his responses below!
Bubbles, bright smiles, and a whole lot of heart. ❤️ Ronald found a new friend at the 2024 Shuffle!
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
People may not know that I participate in a 5K run & walk annually for the Red Shoe Shuffle, benefitting the Ronald McDonald House. It’s a cause that’s personal to me. I started running in honor of my niece and her family, who received incredible support there during her time of need. It’s a privilege to give back to an organization that provides a “home-away-from-home” for families in need.
If you want to know where the best oysters in Solomons are hidden, just ask Stefon.
What’s your favorite part of living in Southern Maryland?
I was born and raised here, and I have been calling Southern Maryland my home for over 30 years. So I would say that my favorite part would be the scenery and great local food dishes, i.e., crab cakes, rockfish, and oysters.
There’s no better place to prep for a day of showings than a morning at Anglers Seafood Bar & Grill, especially when they’re serving up grits with eggs and sausage.
What is the one hidden gem restaurant in Southern Maryland that you secretly hope stays a secret?
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Southern Maryland, Anglers Seafood Bar & Grill in Solomons is the perfect spot. It’s an awesome place for breakfast. One of my favorites is their grits with eggs and sausage, and it’s the perfect way to start a morning by the water.
Dedicated staff and volunteers at the East John Youth Center. For Stefon, building a stronger Southern Maryland starts with supporting the next generation.
What local community events or causes are you passionate about?
I have always believed in giving back to the community I have called home for over three decades. I am a member of the East John Youth Center, and I participate in the mission here on Solomons Island, preparing food for the less fortunate. In addition, I participate in other local causes like the More Tasty Blessings Community Kitchen and the Christmas Angels.
Having lived in Solomons for the last 30 years, what is one thing about the ‘Chesapeake lifestyle’ that you hope never changes?
The warmth of the local community. I believe the people here on the “Island,”as we locals like to say, are real people. I especially love when the rockfish season starts. I am able to go out on a friend’s boat for a day on the water with friends and family, whether we’re actually fishing or just enjoying a day on the water.
For Stefon, nothing beats the feeling of standing with a new homeowner on closing day.
What do you love most about being a REALTOR® in Southern Maryland?
What I love most about being a REALTOR® here in Southern Maryland is being able to help my friends and neighbors who I have grown up with throughout my life. Working with their kids through their first-time home buying experience, also the folks that I know who are coming back home and transitioning from the military with their VA loans.
How has the Southern Maryland real estate market changed since you first started your career?
Since becoming a REALTOR® in Southern Maryland, I have watched the market evolve the kind of place everyone wants to call home. I’ve witnessed the growth right here in Solomons, especially with the addition of the newer residential communities on Dowell Road, right where I grew up. This growth, along with the steady rise of new developments in the Prince Frederick market, shows just how much demand there is for our unique Chesapeake lifestyle.
How do you help military families transitioning to or from NAS Patuxent River or Andrews AFB?
Growing up in Southern Maryland surrounded by military bases, including my first job on base, has given me a strong sense and appreciation of military life. I became a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) to help our military men and women maximize their VA benefits when they are transitioning from one duty station to their Permanent Change of Station (PCS). I understand the high-pressure timelines and the unique challenges of purchasing a home sight unseen.
Stefon White is having a blast at the Maryland Osprey Nature Festival on the North Beach Boardwalk. It’s events like these that make Northern Calvert county such a desireable area.
If someone wants a ‘small-town feel’ but needs to commute to D.C. or Annapolis, which Southern Maryland town do you recommend?
I would definitely recommend the northern end of Calvert County in the Chesapeake/North Beach area. Although it has grown somewhat over the last few years, it still has that small-town home feeling that I enjoy in Solomons.
Stefon White and Tommy McKay deep in discussion at a McNelis & Associates team event
What makes McNelis & Associates different from other real estate teams in Southern Maryland?
I believe that McNelis & Associates is different from other real estate teams in Southern Maryland because of our collective knowledge. Not only have the majority of our team members grown up here, but many have been in real estate for years, some for decades. When you utilize one of the members of our team, you’re utilizing an entire team that knows the market inside and out.
Stefon White preparing a new listing to go live at the Solomons office with his signature Dunkin’ cup.
What does your day-to-day look like as a Southern Maryland REALTOR®?
My day usually starts with grabbing a cup of coffee with a potential client who just might want to catch up on what’s happening in the market. It’s not always about them wanting to sell or buy today, but they just want to know what’s going on. Then I go over to the office located on Solomons Island (did I mention the great view we have here looking out over the Chesapeake Bay?). Once I’m there, I look over emails and make some phone calls to potential clients. If I have listings or buyers I follow up with them as to where we are with the process, i.e., home inspections and appraisals. Basically, I’m focused on what the next step is to get us to closing on time.
Stefon White celebrating another successful closing with two very happy new homeowners!
How does your background in the restaurant industry influence the way you serve your real estate clients today?
Having come from the restaurant industry, it gives me that inside niche of personal hospitality; I mean, it’s all about service. I am responsible for preparing a meal or delivering its service. Taking care of that guest one person at a time, just like taking care of each real estate client one at a time.
If you could give a homeowner one weekend DIY project to increase their home’s value, what would it be?
I would say to declutter. One of the top items on any home-buyer’s wish list is storage. If your closets are bursting at the seams, you are sending a loud, clear signal: “This house doesn’t have enough room for my things, so it won’t have enough room for yours, either.”
What’s the most rewarding feedback you’ve received from a client?
It’s rewarding when they feel so comfortable with me that they would like to remain friends after the deal is over. I meet regularly with past clients for coffee, lunch, and dinner. I think if you have clients that want to hang out with you, then they believe that you did a great job for them.
Stefon White is a Military Relocation Professional by trade, and a blue crab steamer by heart.
How do you celebrate closing a deal with your real estate clients?
Sometimes, after a deal is closed, I will offer to come over and grill or cook some of my favorite dishes (crab cakes, crabs, or wings on the barbie). It’s always about finding some way of sharing and reminding them at the end of the day and transaction. It’s just one person helping another person get something done. In our situation it happens to be a home, and a very rewarding feeling is knowing you helped someone find that home.