Professional VS Personal Social Media

Althea Ramsay Carrigan, High Associates LTD. • December 19, 2025

Many of us enjoy social media in varied and assorted ways. As I write this we (as a nation) are commemorating the 24th anniversary of September 11 and are also inundated with terrible news about the murder of a young conservative activist, war in the middle east and another school shooting.


Across my newsfeed came “Breaking News” which was an article about a School District of Lancaster teacher who posted some very specific political views on her chosen platform of “X” and/or Facebook which had gone viral and blown back on SDOL.


It made me think of the ways that we as Realtors specifically use social media and the possible implications for our firms, colleagues and livelihoods.


I asked Chat GPT about the early days of social media to see if it matched my understanding as an older person who lived through the it from the beginning. I recall polarized political groups, domestic topics like food/kittens-puppies/family sharing, hobby sites like technology/music/gaming, religion dedicated interaction and of course dating.


Chat GPT says:

  • The early emphasis for social media in America was on enabling digital communication and connection from a distance. The initial intent was to help people interact with friends, family, and like-minded individuals online. Key aspects of early social media in America:
  • Accessible communication: The first websites and software programs were designed to make communication easy and accessible from afar. In the 1970s and 1980s, bulletin board systems (BBSs) allowed users to exchange information in a social setting.
  • Networking and community building: The foundational social media platforms focused on creating online communities and building social networks. Platforms like Classmates.com (1995) helped people connect with school affiliates, while Six Degrees (1997) was the first true social network to allow users to create profiles and list friends.
  • User-driven interaction: Early platforms were built to facilitate genuine, reciprocal relationships. Blogging sites like LiveJournal (1999) and forums allowed users to share personal information and ideas, with features like comments that encouraged community engagement.
  • Interest-based connection: Early platforms created spaces for people with shared interests to gather online. BBS networks developed to serve specific groups and interests, from hobbies to social and political commitments.
  • User-centric experience: The design of early sites like My Space (2003) centered on the user experience by allowing extensive profile customization with music and videos.


Today of course, we see the evolved result of those early platforms that are as different from the origins of interacting as comparing dial-up modems on a computer the size of your desk to our handheld/ear worn/watch face devices with the magically invisible connections. Yesterday my friend warned me about the camera on my desktop watching me and I already knew my phone was listening… but I digress.


Today as professionals we must be cognizant of what we put out there. It can never be taken back. Even more extreme than the happy birthday card that you doodle on and send to your friend today that may be saved in a book and brought out as evidence of that friendship-which you may want to deny in 20 years… We craft the image ourselves today that will exist in cyberspace forever.


Unless you are a master disguiser (and there is no guarantee that your anonymity will last) your clients, prospects and employers can all see the content that you post and use to define yourself. To a great many, you will be and are that person as you appear on-line and that is all (and the best) that they will ever know of you.


As has often been attributed to Will Rogers, the quote “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” may ring truest when it comes to someone looking you up on-line before meeting you in person. As freedom of speech is a sacred institution in our country, the right to do (or post) something is different from the wisdom of doing it.


I see Realtors and affiliates in our industry posting and sharing very opinionated content and I often think to myself “Wow, they potentially lost a few clients right there with that one” but of course they have every right to their opinion AND every right to be ok with offending people that they obviously don’t want to associate or collaborate with or to do business with. I also cringe sometimes at angry comments and polarizing views shared from behind a keyboard about people in public service and about our communities. You may disagree with the philosophy, but I believe Realtors should support and help to grow all neighborhoods.


Social media has helped to build careers, launch businesses and start new industries.

It can be harnessed to promote, lift, encourage and attract.


As we continue to evolve with the changing times we must remember to care for the image and the projection of ourselves, our brokerages and the industry we serve. Can we do that while remaining true to ourselves and our beliefs? It was said, as far back as the Bible “Intelligent people think before they speak” and it is as worthwhile today as it was back before there was any way for anyone else to hear what you said except the people with you in your thrush-roofed hut.

Lancaster County Housing Market Remains Strong in August 2026

September 9, 2026
September 2026
Enhanced Title Insurance: More Protection for Your Home

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.

Lancaster County Housing Market Sees More Inventory, Continued Price Growth in July

August 10, 2026
August 2026
Top 10 Things People Don’t Understand About Property Insurance

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

Understanding Reverse Mortgages: A Valuable Tool for Homebuyers 55+

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.

Lancaster County Housing Market Remains Strong as Home Sales and Prices Rise

July 22, 2026
July 2026
Mid Year Check In Realtor Calendar

Mid-Year Check Up

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

Lancaster County Association of Realtors Met in Washington, D.C. to Advocate for Housing Supply and Opportunity, Stronger Communities, and the Real Estate Profession

July 1, 2026
July 2026

Lancaster County Housing Market Sees Strong Buyer Demand in May

June 24, 2026
June 2026
Home inspection guidance for REALTORS® helping buyers navigate inspection results, set expectations

The Inspection Bridge: Guiding Buyers from Contract to Closing

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.