It's Included! - Your LCAR Membership Benefits

Lisa Naples, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty • February 20, 2025

As real estate professionals, we know the value of connections, resources, and staying informed. Your Lancaster County Association of Realtors® (LCAR) membership comes packed with benefits designed to help you grow your business, network with colleagues, and access valuable industry resources. But are you taking full advantage of what’s included?


Networking Events – No Additional Fee


LCAR hosts three complimentary mixers each year, providing excellent opportunities to connect with fellow Realtors, affiliates, and industry professionals:


•  Spring Mixer – March 27, 2025, at Bent Creek Country Club (5:00-7:00 PM)

•  Member Appreciation Picnic – June 26, 2025, at Manheim Township Community Park (11:30 AM-1:30 PM)

•  Fall Mixer & Cornhole Tournament – September 17, 2025, at Marion Court Room (4:00-7:00 PM) (Cornhole participation requires a fee.)

 

There are additional events and fundraisers that require a fee.



Shred Event – Free for Members


Protecting sensitive client information is a priority, and LCAR makes it easy for you to safely dispose of old documents. Join us for a free shred event:


📅 May 13, 2025 – LCAR Lower Level Parking Lot (10:00 AM-12:00 PM)


Supra Lockbox Access – Now with Single-Use Code Option


LCAR manages Supra Lockbox access for members, and members pay for their Supra subscription separately. We recently introduced a single-use code option, allowing agents who do not have a Supra subscription to access listings with a one-time-use code.


The showing agent pays the fee for a single-use code.

•  Instructions are easy and available from LCAR.

•  Add these details to your listing documents so that showing agents can easily obtain access to your listings.

 

This enhancement expands showing opportunities while maintaining secure access to properties. Contact LCAR for more details!



Lancaster County Market Report – Branded for You


Each month, LCAR issues a Lancaster County Market Report packed with valuable data to help you stay informed and provide insights to your clients. Customize the report with your logo before sharing it with your sphere via email, social media, or printed materials.



Monthly LCAR Newsletter, Weekly Blog and NEW Podcast


Stay up to date with industry news, upcoming events, and key market insights through the LCAR Monthly Newsletter and weekly blog. Make sure you’re reading it to take full advantage of your membership! Check out the new Podcast. The first episode was just dropped and can be found where you listen to podcasts.


LCAR Real Estate School


Looking to expand your knowledge and skill set? LCAR runs a Real Estate School, offering a variety of continuing education, licensing, and professional development classes. While most courses require a fee, LCAR also provides free seminars throughout the year on important industry topics. Be sure to check the schedule regularly for upcoming opportunities!


Tech Helpline – Free Support for Members


Connecting to your tech support team just got easier! LCAR has partnered with Tech Helpline to provide all members with FREE, U.S.-based, technical support for both work-related and personal devices. This exclusive member benefit includes assistance with:


✔️ Computers, phones, and tablets
✔️ Printers and other hardware
✔️ Email setup and troubleshooting
✔️ Network and Wi-Fi issues
✔️ Virtual meeting support
✔️ Virus and malware removal
✔️ And much more—at no cost to you!


Access Your Tech Helpline Benefit Today!


📞  Call: (866) 829-1441
💬 
Online Chat: chat.techhelpline.com
📧 
Email: support@techhelpline.com


🕘 Hours of Operation:

•  Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

•  Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EST)


📱 Download the Tech Helpline App in the App Store or Google Play for on-the-go support!


Advocacy & Government Affairs


Realtors play a vital role in shaping policies that affect housing, homeownership, and real estate investment. LCAR has a very active Government Affairs Committee and Political Action Committee (PAC), ensuring that members stay informed and engaged in local government.


🏛 Why It Matters:

•   Legislation impacts your business and your clients.

•   Building relationships with government officials allows Realtors to serve as trusted advisors.

•   Ensuring decision-makers understand the Realtor perspective helps protect property rights and promote fair housing policies.

 

This advocacy work is included with your membership, but you are also invited to support it through a contribution to LCAR-PAC.


Follow, Like & Share – Stay Connected on Social Media!


Stay informed, get event updates, and engage with the LCAR community by following us on social media! We encourage all members to like, follow, and share our pages to stay in the loop and help promote our industry.


📱 Follow LCAR on Social Media:
🔹
Facebook: @LCAR
🔹
Instagram: @lancasterassociationofrealtors
🔹
LinkedIn: Lancaster County Association of Realtors


Engage with us by liking, commenting, and sharing posts to help grow your professional network and keep the Realtor community strong!


Member Portal: Your One-Stop Resource


The LCAR Member Portal is your central hub for managing your membership and staying engaged with the association. Through the portal, you can:

•             Pay your dues quickly and securely.

•             View upcoming events and classes and easily register online.

•             Make LCAR-PAC contributions to support Realtor advocacy efforts.

•             Review your committee service history and stay involved.


Get Involved! Join an LCAR Committee


Looking to strengthen your network, build relationships, and make an impact? LCAR offers several committees where you can get involved, contribute to the association, and connect with fellow Realtors. Serving on a committee is a great way to expand your influence, give back to the industry, and stay engaged in local real estate initiatives.


Additional LCAR Events


Throughout the year, LCAR hosts other educational sessions, networking events, and professional development opportunities that may require a fee. Stay tuned for details on these valuable programs! Your LCAR membership is more than just access to the MLS—it’s a gateway to networking, education, advocacy, and business growth.


Be sure to take advantage of all that’s included!



 -Copyright © It's Included! - Your LCAR 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.

Enhanced Title Insurance: More Protection for Your Home
By Wayne Angelo, Cross Country Mortgage and Bill Stull, Abstract Associates of Lancaster August 17, 2026
When purchasing a home, buyers often have the option of choosing either a standard or enhanced owner’s title insurance policy. Both policies protect the buyer’s ownership interest in the property, but the enhanced policy provides several valuable protections that go beyond the coverage included in a standard policy. The enhanced policy is available for purchases of one-to-four-family residences and condominiums when the property is being purchased in an individual’s name, rather than in the name of an LLC, corporation, partnership, or other entity. A standard owner’s policy protects against common title problems, including defects, liens or claims against the property, an unmarketable title, and a lack of legal access. The enhanced policy includes those protections while adding coverage for issues that are especially relevant to homeowners, including certain building permit and zoning violations, improper subdivisions, vehicular access problems, and structures that encroach onto the property after the buyer takes ownership. One of the most important added benefits is post-policy forgery protection. A standard policy generally protects against title issues that existed before the buyer purchased the property. The enhanced policy also provides protection if someone later forges the homeowner’s signature or creates a fraudulent deed that clouds the homeowner’s title. With real estate and identity fraud becoming an increasing concern, this protection alone can provide homeowners with valuable peace of mind. The enhanced policy also includes an automatic increase in coverage. The policy amount increases by 10% each year during the first five years of ownership, up to 150% of the original policy amount. This helps the coverage keep pace as the value of the property increases. In Pennsylvania, the enhanced policy is available for a one-time premium that is only 10% higher than the standard owner’s policy premium, with no annual renewal cost. At Abstract Associates, we believe buyers should understand the difference between the two policies before making their decision. For a relatively small additional cost at settlement, the enhanced policy provides broader protection that can continue to benefit the homeowner long after closing.
Top 10 Things People Don’t Understand About Property Insurance
By Raquelle Riti, Bernieri Associates Allstate Insurance August 3, 2026
Top 10 Things People Don’t Understand About Property Insurance
Reverse Mortgage
By Wayne Angelo & Megan Brogna – CrossCountry Mortgage July 31, 2026
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.
Mid Year Check In Realtor Calendar
By Missy Boots – Realty One Group Unlimited July 17, 2026
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
Home inspection guidance for REALTORS® helping buyers navigate inspection results, set expectations
By Ernest Homer, Homer Inspection Services June 19, 2026
Learn how REALTORS® can guide buyers through the home inspection process, manage expectations, address concerns, and keep transactions moving toward closing.
VA loan benefits and financing options for veterans, active-duty service members
By Dan Ranck, Mortgage Loan Officer June 5, 2026
Learn how VA loans work, their benefits for eligible homebuyers, and why REALTORS® and sellers shouldn’t fear offers that use VA financing.