McNelis & Associates—Your Real Estate Experts for Residential and Commercial Properties in Southern Maryland
At McNelis & Associates of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, we bring over 30 years of unmatched experience in both residential and commercial real estate across Maryland. Founded and led by Chris McNelis, our team has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and results.
We work with buyers, sellers, and investors across a wide range of property types throughout Southern Maryland, from primary residences and second homes to commercial and investment properties, while maintaining expertise in luxury waterfront real estate.
From the quiet charm of Chesapeake Beach to the dynamic energy of the DC metropolitan area, our deep roots enable us to serve clients with a clear understanding of the market and local lifestyle. Our mission is simple: deliver concierge-level service backed by industry knowledge, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to your goals.
Why Choose McNelis & Associates?
Expertise That Sets Us Apart
McNelis & Associates was founded by Chris McNelis, a real estate veteran with decades of experience as an owner, manager, and now the leader of one of the finest Southern Maryland real estate teams. This depth of knowledge brings confidence and clarity to every transaction—whether it involves a primary residence, a second home, a land or acreage purchase, or a commercial or investment opportunity.
We understand that every property comes with its own considerations, including pricing strategy, negotiation, inspections, financing, and a sense of timing. When your goals involve the Chesapeake Bay, our team also brings informed guidance on the nuances of waterfront ownership, including local regulations and insurance factors.
With extensive experience in both residential and commercial real estate, we offer a 360-degree view of the market—helping buyers, sellers, and investors make confident, informed decisions.
Unmatched Local Knowledge & Chesapeake Lifestyle Expertise
As locals, we understand why people love the Chesapeake Bay.
We don’t just work here—we live and breathe the Southern Maryland lifestyle. Our team brings hyperlocal insight into the communities we serve, including Calvert County and St. Mary’s County. From boating and marinas to fishing, equestrian activities, and walkable waterfront dining, we understand how lifestyle influences location.
If you’re looking for homes for sale in Southern Maryland or to invest in commercial real estate for sale in MD, McNelis & Associates offers the kind of guidance only locals can provide. We help you find more than just a property—we help you find your place.
Our Core Services
At McNelis & Associates, we deliver a full spectrum of real estate services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client—from first-time buyers to seasoned investors. With decades of experience across multiple property types, we’re proud to serve as a comprehensive resource for Southern Maryland real estate.
Residential Real Estate
Our residential services are built around lifestyle—whether you’re looking for a peaceful waterfront retreat or a family home with room to grow.
- Luxury Waterfront Homes – Exclusive properties with stunning views and direct access to the water
- Vacation & Secondary Homes – Perfect for weekend escapes or seasonal living
- Single-Family Homes & Townhouses – Thoughtfully selected homes for every stage of life
- Farm & Equestrian Properties – Expansive acreage, ideal for horses, agriculture, or a rural retreat
- Housing for Military Personnel – Serving those stationed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River with care and efficiency
Commercial & Investment Properties
We also provide expert guidance in the purchase, sale, and lease of commercial real estate. Our insight and experience in this space make us a reliable partner for investors and business owners.
- Warehouse, Office, Retail & Flex Space
- Industrial Properties & Pad Sites
- Mixed-Use Developments
- Investment Properties
- Land Acquisition & Development Opportunities
If you’re exploring Maryland commercial properties for sale, our team offers the strategic expertise and market insight to help you maximize value and reduce risk.
Our Commitment to Clients
At McNelis & Associates, we believe that real estate is never just about property—it’s about people. That’s why our approach is always client-first, offering personalized attention, unmatched professionalism, and around-the-clock availability.
Boutique Service with a Global Reach
As part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, we combine the power of a global brand with the hands-on service of a boutique agency. Our clients benefit from national-level exposure paired with local market expertise.
When buying homes for sale in Southern Maryland or investing in Maryland commercial properties for sale, our team walks you through every step—from initial search or listing to closing day—with transparency and ease.
End-to-End Support You Can Trust
Our team includes experienced professionals with backgrounds in business, development, property management, and design. We also maintain strong partnerships with a trusted network of lenders, attorneys, inspectors, and contractors—so you’re never navigating the process alone. We take pride in delivering seamless buying and selling experiences while prioritizing long-term success, not just short-term wins.
What Our Clients Say
Client satisfaction is the foundation of our business. Many of our clients are repeat customers or referrals—a testament to the relationships we build and the trust we earn.
McNelis & Associates was simply extraordinary. We would give them six out of five stars if we could and recommend them without reservation to anyone looking for property in Southern Maryland.
McNelis & Associates was simply extraordinary. We would give them six out of five stars if we could and recommend them without reservation to anyone looking for property in Southern Maryland.
James M.
Frequently Asked Questions
While we help clients throughout Southern Maryland — particularly across Calvert and St. Mary’s County — much of our day-to-day work is centered in and around Solomons and Lusby, as well as communities like Wildewood, California, Hollywood, and Leonardtown. We know the market nuances here, from waterfront considerations to neighborhood-by-neighborhood pricing patterns, and we use that local insight to guide smart decisions.
We do. Waterfront and water-access properties come with extra considerations, from views and shoreline features to insurance, maintenance, and resale factors. We help clients evaluate those details clearly so there are no unwanted surprises after closing.
Yes. McNelis & Associates is a recognized leader in the Southern Maryland commercial real estate market. We offer expert guidance for investors, business owners, and developers. We specialize in navigating the unique local nuances of the region, ensuring that our clients have the deep market knowledge and negotiation strength necessary to secure high-value opportunities.
Absolutely. We walk you through the differences that matter most: lifestyle, neighborhood feel, waterfront access, commute patterns, and what you can expect at different price points, so you can choose the location that fits how you actually want to live.
To get a personalized breakdown of the areas that best match your lifestyle and budget, you can fill out our Help Me Relocate form, and our team will provide a tailored comparison to jumpstart your search.
We use a comprehensive approach tailored to the Southern Maryland market, including professional photography, virtual tours, Bright MLS exposure, social media campaigns, email blasts to our network, and targeted advertising to attract qualified buyers quickly.
What sets McNelis & Associates apart is our strategy-first approach, which replaces the typical "one-size-fits-all" transaction with a custom roadmap designed for your specific goals.
As a boutique team backed by the global authority of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, we offer a rare combination of hyper-local Southern Maryland expertise and international marketing reach. We don’t just list properties; we utilize advanced digital marketing ingenuity and market intelligence to bring a global audience to the Chesapeake Bay region.
The best first step is to schedule a conversation so we can understand your goals and outline the right strategy for your timeline, property type, and location. Reach out to us at info@lovechesapeake.com or call one of our agents to schedule a time that works best for you.
Meet McNelis & Associates
McNelis & Associates, your real estate team
Chris McNelis brings unparalleled local knowledge, leadership, and real estate expertise. Add to this her passion for the Chesapeake lifestyle and commitment to client success, and it’s easy to see why McNelis & Associates is a respected and trusted name in Southern Maryland real estate.
As the driving force behind McNelis & Associates, Chris has cultivated a dedicated team of real estate professionals who share her values and vision. Each team member is handpicked for their deep understanding of the market, client-first mindset, and specialized knowledge across both residential and Maryland commercial properties for sale.
We pride ourselves on local insight, industry professionalism, and the ability to deliver exceptional results with a personal touch. At McNelis & Associates, our strength lies in our team—and our unwavering dedication to the people we serve.
Get in touch with us to explore your real estate options in Southern Maryland. Call 410.474.6074 or leave us a message here.