2021 LCAR President Tom Blefko's Banquet Speech
December 22, 2021
The following is a transcript of 2021 LCAR President Tom Blefko's speech at the Annual Banquet & Volunteer Luncheon on December 16th at the Wyndham Expo Center:
Good morning! This is certainly a little different than last year at this time when I gave my induction speech to a camera that was sitting on top of my desk at work in front of an audience of ZERO. Little did I realize at that time what our Association and industry was about to experience over the next 12 months.
We were forced with making drastic changes in the way we conducted our business. Just think about some of the following things that we've all had to deal with:
- Presenting multiple offers became the new norm when taking a listing. I know in my office that one listing received 32 offers in two days.
- Inventory levels across our country reached historic lows as we struggled to get our buyer clients into properties that fit their needs.
- We scratched our heads when we would receive multiple offers, all substantially over list price; and we questioned the value of the CMA that we spent hours preparing.
- Then there was the entire appraisal industry that was left struggling to make sense of what they were seeing with skyrocketing appreciation rates.
- It was not out-of-the-ordinary for listing agents to receive agreements from buyers who had never stepped foot on a property.
- And our commercial practitioners struggled with office leases as more and more companies sent their employees home to work remotely -- and who knows if that will change.
- Companies started to rethink how they were communicating with their agents, and agents started rethinking how they were communicating with their clients.
- Supply chain issues stood the building industry on its head, only to be followed up by the cost of materials going through the roof.
- Because of the pandemic, our buyer clients are now reevaluating and questioning what is important to them in a property which is causing us to question our own assumptions of what is important in a property.
- The elevated use of Coming Soon and Office Exclusive listings as a marketing strategy continued to gain in acceptance and popularity much to the dismay of some in our industry.
- And how could I leave 'Zoom' off this list. This program and other similar apps have become standards in our industry where just 18 months ago we didn't even know they existed.
- And finally, on the national level, multiple lawsuits have been filed this past year against our industry that may cause us to change how compensation is paid to agents in the future.
Through all of these industry changes, you, the members of LCAR, have adapted, embraced and welcomed the challenges. I tip my hat to you.
On the Association home front, we have accomplished a lot that I am proud of:
- We revised LCAR's Code of Conduct to more accurately reflect changes that have occurred in our industry over the past couple of years. This document serves as a guide for our members when interpreting NAR's Code of Ethics which makes us all more professional.
- If you haven't noticed already, we've undergone a rebranding which is reflected in the new logo that you see here today and our new mobile-friendly website which went LIVE yesterday and you can access at www.LCARonline.com.
- We are in the beginning stages of communicating with you, our members, in ways that we've never done before. Before you leave here today, be sure to friend, follow and connect with our various social media platforms.
- We continue to raise more money for LCAR-PAC so that we can invest in our relationships with political leaders so that real estate issues will always be front and center.
- We also had a record-setting year raising money for Transitional Living Center as we continue to support their fine efforts in working with those within our community struggling with housing issues.
- And after 47 years, our Executive Vice President, Frank Christoffel, retired. Frank was there at the infancy of our Association and helped grow it to what it is today -- a strong Association with over 1,700 members and affiliates. We now have a large void to fill, but I'm confident that our new President and Board will be up to the task of finding that perfect individual to take his place.
Before I finish, I do have some people that I would like to thank.
- I want to thank the staff at LCAR for doing a phenomenal job during this year of transition. They have handled it like true professionals.
- It has also been a privilege to work with the many men and women who make up our Board of Directors, Association Operations and all our Committees. You are truly the backbone of our organization.
- I would like to thank the LCAR membership. Many members during the year reached out to me with comments, advice and suggestions that helped me mold and shape LCAR into a better organization.
- And finally, I would like to thank my HomeSale family for allowing me the time to devote to our Association. Without your support, I couldn't have done this.
It has been my honor to have had the opportunity to serve LCAR; and I know, as I take a step back, we are in good hands as we continue to blaze a path into the future. Thank you.
Pennsylvania’s Act 52, effective January 4, has brought significant changes to real estate wholesaling, requiring practitioners to be licensed, disclose their role to both buyers and sellers, and follow standard compensation rules. In this article, Richard Boas III explains what wholesaling is, how the new law reshapes the process, and what it means for industry professionals.
Under the law, buyers’ agents have a general ethical responsibility to advise their buyers that sellers have a legal obligation to provide a “completed property disclosure statement.” Pa. Code §35.284a(b)(1). They are also obligated to assure that a completed property disclosure statement was delivered to the buyers. Pa. Code §35.284a(b)(2). These requirements are set forth in the rules and regulations that were formally adopted by legislature, meaning this is “THE LAW.” There are some important components in these two sentences that I want to unpack for you.
Imagine showing your clients a beautiful home overlooking a serene landscape of neatly plowed fields and contented cows grazing in the distance. As you walk out on the stone patio, you tell them confidently, because you read in the agent remarks notes that the farm was enrolled in the Clean and Green Program, “this land and the amazing view will never be compromised with a housing development or anything else!” Your clients love the expansive openness, and the house, and settle on the property in short order. Then imagine getting a very angry call in three years’ time from these same clients, stating that the farm was sold and ugly mcmansions are about to be littering their landscape and how could you have lied and how could you be so ill informed and we are never going to recommend you to any of our friends, ever again! It feels like the making of a terrible stress dream, but it could easily happen if you don’t do your research into land preservation. There are different agricultural programs in place in Lancaster County and are not all created equal. This fictional farm above was part of the “ Clean and Green ” Program, which was enacted in 1974 as a tool to encourage protection of Pennsylvania’s valuable farmland, forestland, and open spaces. It applies to property ten acres or more and helps the landowner in that it bases property taxes on use values rather than fair market values, which ordinarily results in a substantial tax savings for the landowner. More than 9.3 million acres are enrolled statewide. However, it is not a guarantee that land enrolled in the program will never be changed from its origin. When a landowner, for example, decides to sell his farm to a developer, the party is subject to seven years of rollback taxes at 6% interest per year. The rollback tax is the difference between what was paid under Clean and Green versus what would have been paid, if the property had not been enrolled, plus 6% simple interest per year. So while seemingly substantial, may actually amount to small potatoes in the event the farm is being sold to a developer. A much more serious dedication to preserving land is “ The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program ”. It was developed to strengthen Pennsylvania's agricultural economy and protect prime farmland. It enables state and county governments to purchase conservation easements from farmers. The program was approved in 1988, and the first easement was purchased in December of 1989. To date, 6,400+ farms have been approved for easement purchases totaling 645,000+ acres. You undoubtedly have heard of the Lancaster Farmland Trust , which is a non-profit acting in the same manner but by using private funds to preserve farms. To date they have “saved” over 600 farms and they also add value by working with farmers to help implement conservation practices, etc. While it is tempting to assure a client that preserved farmland will never be altered from its present form, I would hesitate to make such a declarative statement that could someday find its way of being undone. In the current climate, it seems long held rules were made to be broken, and nothing is guaranteed. -Copyright © Clean & Green, Wendy Hess, Puffer Morris Real Estate. 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.
Chickens are becoming a hot topic…whether it’s the increase in egg prices, or the continuing interest in homesteading, more clients are expressing interest in raising chickens. Spring is approaching fast and adorable fuzzy, chicks will be looking for homes. Even in Lancaster County, it’s not as easy as throwing a coop in the backyard and joyfully collecting eggs.
Featuring Host Mike Berk & Guest Chandra Mast, Red Rose Appraisals Welcome to the fourth episode of The LCAR Corner, the first-ever podcast from the Lancaster County Association of Realtors®. In this episode, LCAR's Executive Director, Mike Berk, chats with prompt specialist Chandra Mast about the cutting-edge trends shaping Artificial Intelligence as we know it. Together, they dive into how AI is transforming the real estate industry—from smarter listings to predictive analytics—and what it means for agents, buyers, and the future of the market. LCAR Members can register for Chandra's upcoming CE course on May 7th , "Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Real Estate Professionals", on their LCAR Portal . Non-LCAR members can register for the course through the LCAR website . Stay tuned every month for more engaging episodes and expert advice from the world of real estate and beyond, right here on The LCAR Corner! Click Here For More Listening & Download Options
As a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR) , you have access to a wide range of resources to support your real estate career. Here’s what’s included with your membership: Legal Support & Resources • Legal Hotline: Have a legal or regulatory question? PAR’s Legal Hotline provides information to support your clients. Submit a form online to verify your membership or call 800-555-3390 to receive the hotline number. Access the Legal Hotline here: https://www.parealtors.org/legal-hotline/ • Legal Help Articles: PAR offers an extensive library of Legal Help Articles for members. Browse the articles here (member login required): https://www.parealtors.org/legal-help-articles/ Market Data & Industry Reports • Pennsylvania Housing Market Report: In addition to LCAR's market reports, this monthly report provides insights into housing trends across the state. (Temporarily suspended as discrepancies in reporting are being corrected.) View the latest reports here: https://www.parealtors.org/housing-report/ Governance & Industry Involvement • Committees, Councils & Feedback Panels: Get involved with PAR leadership and decision-making by joining a committee or council. Apply for an appointment here: https://www.parealtors.org/governance/ Education & Professional Development • Webinars & Events: Stay informed with industry courses, webinars, and events designed to help you grow professionally. Find upcoming events here: https://www.parealtors.org/events/ • Triple Play Convention & Trade Expo: A joint convention for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York Realtors, held annually in Atlantic City, NJ. The 2025 event takes place December 8-11. Advocacy & Political Action • RPAC (Realtors Political Action Committee): RPAC helps influence government decisions that impact the real estate industry, homeowners, and commercial businesses. Learn more about RPAC and advocacy efforts here: https://www.parealtors.org/advocacy/ Standard Forms & Transaction Tools • Standard Forms: PAR provides up-to-date standard forms used daily by real estate professionals. Members receive free access to fillable, electronic forms through Lone Wolf Transactions (zipForm edition). Access forms here: https://www.parealtors.org/resources/electronic-forms/ News & Industry Updates • JustListed Blog: Stay updated with the latest real estate news and trends. Subscribe to JustListed here: https://www.parealtors.org/blog/ Exclusive Discounts & Savings • Member Discounts on Products & Services : Take advantage of preferred partner savings on business and personal products. Explore membership savings here (login required): https://www.parealtors.org/membership-savings/ Your PAR membership is packed with valuable tools and resources to help you stay informed, supported, and successful. Take advantage of everything included and make the most of your membership! -Copyright © It's Included! - Your PAR Membership Benefits, Lisa Naples, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty. 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.
In this episode, LCAR's Executive Director, Mike Berk, sits down with Lititz-based family therapist Stacey Kreitz to discuss mental health, work/life balance, and overall wellness. Stacey shares practical tips for managing stress, preventing burnout, setting boundaries, and creating a work-life balance for those managing a busy lifestyle. Whether you're a Realtor®, business owner, or simply looking to find balance in your day-to-day, this episode is full of helpful tips to improve your well-being and maintain a healthier work-life balance.
Ready to dig? Well hold your shovels! In this quick 2 minute read, LCAR's Victoria Medvedeva goes over the quick Do's and Don'ts when it comes to digging on your property. Don't dig yourself into a hole...discover what you need to do when it comes to digging on home properties.
In this 2-minute video, Mortgage Loan Officer Dan Ranck discusses how recent changes to buyer agency commissions are impacting the homebuying process, especially for first-time buyers. He highlights the importance of communication between agents and lenders to ensure buyers can navigate these new challenges and secure their dream home.
Welcome to the second episode of The LCAR Corner, the first-ever podcast from the Lancaster County Association of Realtors®.
In this episode, LCAR's Executive Director, and your host, Mike Berk meets with Shelby Nauman, Chief Executive Officer at Tenfold, to discuss and learn more about the many programs Tenfold has to offer. From transitional living to first-time homebuyer programs, tune in to learn about the unique connection between LCAR and Tenfold, which has flourished since LCAR members began fundraising efforts back in 1989.