What is a Qualified Mortgage (QM)?

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

Explore the biggest causes of real estate agent burnout, from unpredictable income and demanding clients to high-stakes transactions and constant availability.

Another real estate agent once asked: What would you prefer discipline or motivation? In any world where you work off commission and not hourly pay, it's very important to understand this: motivation is a great thing to have but what surpasses motivation is discipline. Motivation brings ambition, eagerness and energy. But discipline is what keeps you moving even when you don't feel like it. When you're disciplined, you understand that no matter how you feel, the work still gets done because you know what it takes to grow your business. It's no longer about whether you want to do it it's about knowing that you have to do it. Motivation is a simple spark. It gets you started. But once that spark fades, progress often slows down or comes to a complete stop. Discipline on the other hand carries you forward even when motivation is gone. That being said, when you're disciplined and motivated with discipline leading you should always remember to reward yourself for your accomplishments, even if you didn't fully reach your original goal. Rome wasn't built in a day, and consistent small steps forward will eventually take you exactly where you want to be. Growth doesn't happen overnight. Something I'd love to leave you with is this: Everything around you that you're touching or seeing was once just a thought in someone's mind. The cup in front of you. The shirt on your back. The door, the hinges, the desk. All of it started as an idea until someone took action and made it real. If you ever feel discouraged thinking, "There are already 100 people doing this" take a walk down the bread aisle at the grocery store. Look at how many bread companies exist and yet another one still decided to make bread. Finally, surround yourself with people who encourage you and believe in your goals. You are far more likely to succeed when you're around people who support your vision, rather than those who downplay it and say, "I don't think you can make that happen." Stay positive. Stay strong. Stay disciplined. It will happen. The seeds will come to fruition.

Explore how social media use can impact REALTORS®, their firms, colleagues, and careers and why real estate professionals should think before they post.

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.

As busy real estate professionals, we juggle multiple memberships, each packed with benefits that can easily slip under our radar. It’s time to take a fresh look at what’s included in your membership—you might discover the perfect tool you need, right at your fingertips! We rely on BrightMLS daily for listing data, searches, client portals, and launching new listings. But did you know your subscription includes powerful tools beyond the basics? Marketing & Listing Tools CubiCasa – Free Floor Plans Quickly generate accurate floor plans using your mobile device. Upload your scan, and within 24 hours , you’ll receive a detailed floor plan at no extra cost. (An enhanced version is available for an additional fee.) For Listing Agents: Enhance your listings with professional floor plans. For Buyer Agents: Create floor plans for buyers when listings don’t include them. Get Started: Download the CubiCasa app today. RentSpree – Rental Management Simplified An award-winning rental software that streamlines the entire rental process. Included Features: Online rental applications & screening (applicant pays a fee) Rental Client Manager Rental Listing Page & Agent Profile Page Optional Upgrades (Monthly Fee): Rent estimator & rent collection Stay Informed RISMedia Subscription – Access real estate industry news, upcoming events, and reports directly from your BrightMLS homepage . Monthly Marketing Kit – Found under the "News" tab , this includes: Infographics for social media Central PA Monthly Market Report Education & Training Customer Success Coach Get personalized training and technical support. Lancaster County’s assigned coach: Jena Burley | 610-205-3317 Schedule an appointment at BrightMLS.com/officehours LCAR Streaming Training (via BrightMLS Collaboration) On-Demand Webinars Access ongoing training at your own pace, covering everything from beginner to advanced topics: Getting Started: Let us take you on a tour of your Workspace! Prospecting in Public Records New Feature: Nestfully App BrightMLS now includes access to the Nestfully App, a free tool to share listings and communicate directly with buyers. Pros: Convenient for buyer communication and listing sharing. Cons: Does not include listing documents or agent remarks—so if that’s essential, stick with the MLS-Touch App. Maximize Your Membership If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, enhance your client services, or manage rental properties more efficiently, take some time to explore everything included in your BrightMLS subscription. You might be surprised at the valuable tools already at your disposal!  Copyright © It's Included: Bright MLS - More Than Just Listings. Lisa Naples, Berkshire Hathaway HomeSale Homeservice 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.

Chances are you have had at some point in your career, a client who was interested in buying a property to use as a Short-Term Rental (STR). In recent years the popularity of these types of properties has grown due to a culmination of factors. Landlords realized profit margins are often greater than a standard yearly rental. Or they can help offshoot the cost of a vacation home, with income and tax status, but still leave availability for the owner to use. Travelers have taken a shine to them over hotels, due to the ability to stay with larger groups, affordability, and more comforts like real kitchens and gathering spaces. A problem arose when municipalities realized a significant amount of housing stock was being taken over by such rentals, thereby limiting standard rental housing, which obviously drives up prices. Residents began being priced out of areas due to lack of supply. In response, local governments began cracking down with ordinances and zoning laws. You may have even read about lawsuits in large cities such as New York and Los Angeles. (In NYC new STR regulations went into effect and now the number of legal STRs has gone from 10,800 to just over 800 licensed units at the beginning of December 2023.) A detailed list of each of Lancaster County’s municipalities’ STR rules and regulations would be fairly cumbersome and could easily become outdated. It’s best to either have your client look into the areas they are interested in and do their own research or help guide them along. I would also make the recommendation when buying an existing STR, to caution your client that nothing is written in stone and zoning rules can change. Even people’s travel preferences can change. My clients bought the second longest existing air bnb property in Lancaster City, and were running it as the same, when the city decided to change its STR boundaries. The odd thing was they were still allowed to do short-term over 30-day rentals, so the new law didn’t even seem to address the housing shortage in the first place! They were happily surprised by the demand for over 30-day (it often ends up being a few months rental) housing, many travel nurses and businesspeople booked stays. If your client does their budget on proposed short-term income and then has trouble paying the mortgage when the rules change, no one wins. -Copyright © Short-Term Rental Guidelines, Wendy Jo 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.

Ever wondered what happens when a fence, shed, or even a tree crosses into a neighbor’s yard? This short but insightful article breaks down real estate encroachments—what they are, why they matter, and how they can affect property value, legal rights, and even mortgage approvals. In this 2-minute read by Victoria Medvedeva, you'll learn the difference between minor and major encroachments, how to resolve disputes, and why a simple land survey can prevent major headaches down the road.