Who would have guessed that I was serious when after 41 years as a teacher and school administrator that I would consider real estate? However, after six months of retirement and volunteering here and there, I decided to continue my education and take a real estate course in 2014. Upon completion of the course, I sat for the exam and the rest is history. 

I will soon celebrate 5 years in real estate, but first things first...

My name is Andrea "Chris" Banks and I am a native of Washington, DC currently residing in Huntingtown, MD. After high school graduation I earned my BA from Emmanuel College in Boston and an MEd from Antioch University. As a teacher, I worked to enhance the learning experiences of my students and staff by writing grants, curriculum as well as presenting workshops. On several occasions my class and I were beneficiaries of special activities because of contests we entered. I taught in Boston, MS, St. Mary's County, MD and finished my stint in education n Calvert County Public Schools as vice principal at Beach Elementary. (Awards have included St. Mary's Teacher of the Year and recently the Harriet Elizabeth Brown Educational Excellence Award from Concerned Black Women of Calvert County.)

Since moving from the field of education to real estate, I have discovered the power of educating clients about buying and selling real estate. AS a REALTOR ® I specialize in working with first time home buyers and sellers in Southern Maryland. Helping buyers and sellers have memorable transactions is my priority. This is a constant whether assisting them in buying or selling townhouses, cottages, detached homes or lots and land. I have had successful transactions in Prince Georges, St. Mary's, Charles, Calvert and Anne Arundel Counties.

Over the years I have had the benefit of being trained by Johnny Lowey, Key Yessaad, and Brian Buffini - all nationally reknown in their respective Real Estate specialties. I participate in webinars, workshops and attend conference to hone my skills. Additionally, I have used these trainings to help my Real Estate Business and as as result was recognized as top producer in July 2015 and again in November 2015.

I consider myself fortunate to be working at EXIT 1 Stop Realty located in Dunkirk, MD. It is a part of the EXIT Mid-Atlantic Region. REALTORS ® from our brokerage are among the best in the region and this includes our Broker.Owner who sees to it REALTORS ® in her office are provided a myriad of training opportunities to enable us to keep abreast of the trends in the market and be well prepared.

When not involved in growing my real estate business, I enjoy activities with my  family, my church and my community. I am affiliated with various groups which give back to the community such as the Calvert County Historical Society, the League of women Voters, the NAACP and the Calvert County Minority Business Alliance. Travel, Chess, theater, reading and word games are my favorite pastimes.

I thoroughly enjoy real estate, the people I meet and those with whom I work. It is hoped that the skills and knowledge I have gained can help my buyers and sellers be well educated consumers about the real estate process.