Lancaster County Association of REALTORS®
Member Focused • Community Driven
Helping REALTORS® Succeed
Since 1917, the Lancaster Association of REALTORS® has been working to support the needs of our members. Our goal is to foster knowledgeable, ethical, and competent agents to support the needs of their buyers and sellers. Through leadership and education, we believe that all Realtors can continue to excel in their careers. We value our members’ expertise, diversity, and pursuit of knowledge.
The LCAR Blog
Most people think of a reverse mortgage as a way for homeowners to access the equity they've built in their current home. While that's certainly true, many Realtors are surprised to learn that a reverse mortgage can also be used to purchase a new home. What Is a Reverse Mortgage? A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), is an FHA-insured loan available to homeowners age 62 and older. Instead of making monthly mortgage payments, eligible borrowers can use a portion of their home's equity to eliminate an existing mortgage, establish a line of credit, receive monthly payments, or simply improve cash flow. Borrowers remain responsible for paying property taxes, homeowners' insurance, maintaining the home, and continuing to occupy it as their primary residence. What Is a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase? A HECM for Purchase allows qualified buyers age 55 and older to purchase a new primary residence using a substantial down payment and a reverse mortgage—without the obligation of monthly principal and interest payments.* This program can be an excellent solution for: Buyers looking to downsize. Retirees relocating closer to family. Homeowners moving into a 55+ community. Clients seeking a home that better fits their retirement lifestyle. Buyers who want to preserve more of their retirement savings or investment assets. Instead of paying all cash for a home, buyers can finance part of the purchase through a reverse mortgage, allowing them to keep more of their liquid assets available for future needs. Why Realtors Should Know About This Program A Reverse Mortgage for Purchase can help clients: Increase purchasing power. Improve monthly cash flow. Preserve retirement savings. Purchase a home that better meets their long-term needs. Age in place more comfortably. For many older buyers, this financing option can make the difference between settling for a home and purchasing the one that truly fits their retirement goals. If you work with clients who are 55 or older, a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase may be worth exploring before they write an offer. *Borrowers must continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintain the property, and occupy the home as their primary residence. The amount available depends on factors including the youngest borrower's age, current interest rates, and the home's value. Facts, opinions and information expressed in the Blog represent the work of the author and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed. The Lancaster County Association of Realtors is not liable for any potential errors, omissions or outdated information. If errors are noted within a post, please notify the Association. Posts represent the author's opinion and are not necessarily the opinion of the Association.
Whew! If you're anything like me, you blinked and somehow July is already halfway over. That also means we've officially crossed the halfway mark of the year. How’s business treating you? Maybe your year is right on track; if so - congrats! If you're holding your breath waiting for your transaction numbers to suddenly align with the goals you set in January, it's time to stop waiting and start resetting. It’s never too late! The beauty of this business is that January doesn't have a monopoly on fresh starts. In real estate, momentum can change surprisingly quickly. One listing can become three referrals. One conversation can lead to a transaction. The second half of the year has the potential to look completely different from the first. The key isn't wishing for a better year. It's changing what you do next. One of the most important mindset shifts an agent can make is to treat their business like a business. Business owners don't simply hope for better results. They create a plan, track meaningful metrics, review what's working, and adjust when needed. Your real estate business deserves the same level of intention. When you start thinking like the CEO of your business instead of just the salesperson in it, your daily decisions begin to change, and so do your results. So where to start? Ask yourself: How many meaningful conversations am I having each week? How consistently am I following up with past clients and leads? Am I asking for referrals? Am I visible in my community and online? Am I blocking time every day for lead generation? Many of us focus on results we can't control: closings, commission checks, or contracts signed. Instead, focus on the activities that create those results. Results lag behind consistent action. If you improve the actions, the numbers usually follow. Choose one or two meaningful goals for the next 3 months. Then identify the handful of weekly actions that move those goals forward. For example: Reach out to 5 people a day. Schedule three coffee meetings with your sphere. Host one open house every weekend. Post valuable content three times a week. Write five handwritten notes every Friday. Consistency beats intensity every time. Your calendar tells the truth. Look back at the last two weeks. How much time was spent on activities that directly grow your business? Admin work is necessary, but revenue producing activities deserve protected time on your calendar. While time blocking is considered a “bad” word to many, being in control of your time allows you to control your business. Schedule lead generation before you schedule anything else. Pick an accountability partner and share your weekly action plan with each other. Commit to checking in regularly and holding one another accountable for following through. Celebrate the wins along the way. When you accomplish the actions you set out to complete, reward yourself, even if it’s just an iced coffee with your accountability partner. Above all, don’t let a negative mind set deter you from forward momentum. Start small. Do the work. Finish big. Here’s to a successful 2026! "Success looks a lot like failure up until the moment you break through the finish line." – Dan Waldschmid “Today is always the most productive day of your week." – Mark Hunter
The excitement of a new home is undeniable. Unpacking, decorating, making it your own – it's a fresh start. But amidst the joy, a crucial question often lingers: what's the real story with the water? Whether you've inherited an existing water treatment system or are starting with a clean slate, understanding your water quality is key to a comfortable and confident transition. Think of it as a comprehensive home inspection, but for the water you and your family interact with every day. Beyond the Tap: Understanding Your Water's Potential It's easy to assume your water is fine. But just like any complex system in your home, water quality can vary significantly. Understanding it allows you to make informed decisions. We often encounter situations where: System Efficiency is Questionable: Older or poorly maintained systems might not be performing as expected, leading to less-than-optimal results. Water Composition Varies: Local water sources can contain unique minerals or contaminants that require specific treatment. System Suitability is Unclear: The existing system might not be perfectly matched to your home's needs or your family's preferences. Proactive Maintenance is Key: Just like regular car maintenance, water systems benefit from routine checks to ensure longevity and peak performance. Investing in knowledge about your water is an investment in your home's overall health and your family's comfort. The Power of Professional Water Analysis: Clarity and Confidence A professional water analysis provides a clear, objective picture of your water's quality and your system's performance. It's about gaining valuable insights, not dwelling on potential problems. A qualified expert will: Conduct Comprehensive Testing: Identify the precise composition of your water, highlighting any areas of concern. Perform a Detailed System Evaluation: Assess the functionality and efficiency of your water treatment system. Provide Informed Recommendations: Offer tailored advice on maintenance, adjustments, or upgrades to optimize your water quality. Empower You with Knowledge: Help you understand your water system and make confident decisions for your home. This proactive approach is about gaining control and ensuring you're providing the best possible environment for your family Building a Foundation for Healthy Living: Empower Your Home with Information Don't leave your water quality to chance. Understand your water and your system to create a healthy and comfortable home. A professional water analysis is a valuable tool for any homeowner, whether you're moving in, renovating, or simply seeking to improve your living environment. Gain the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your water is working for you. -Copyright © Unlocking Your New Home's Water Secrets: Know Before You Settle In. Jordan Evangelista, HQ Water Solutions . 2025. All Rights Reserved. Facts, opinions and information expressed in the Blog represent the work of the author and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed. The Lancaster County Association of Realtors is not liable for any potential errors, omissions or outdated information. If errors are noted within a post, please notify the Association. Posts represent the author's opinion and are not necessarily the opinion of the Association.
