By: Rod Messick, Chief Executive Officer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty

In real estate, most people focus on the agent standing next to the “Sold” sign. But behind every seamless transaction at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty is a dedicated operational engine working alongside our mortgage, title, insurance, and property management teams. Homesale Realty has reimagined the traditional real estate model, creating a collaborative environment where administrative professionals are key to agent success and client satisfaction.

Rethinking the Real Estate Model

For decades, real estate relied on an isolated approach: single agents tied to one office, supported by a single manager and one administrative assistant. Recognizing that modern clients and agents need specialized support, Homesale Realty introduced regional support teams across clustered offices. For example, the company’s Lancaster 5 cluster links offices in North Pointe, Centerville, Elizabethtown, Mt. Joy, and Quarryville, while Ephrata connects with Berks and Schuylkill counties in the Eastern 3 cluster. These teams provide focused backing in office leadership, administration, finance, compliance, marketing, tech support and relocation.

“We’ve always led the way—being the first to embrace a multi-county suburban office model, the first to integrate mortgage, title, insurance, and property management, and the first local company to embrace the web,” noted Paul H. Slaugh, Jr., Homesale chairman. “We like to look around corners, spot the next trend, and be ready for it.”

At the heart of this change is a modernized administrative structure designed to reduce day-to-day friction. By handling complex paperwork and logistics, administrative professionals free agents to do what they do best: guide buyers, sellers, and business owners throughout Lancaster County.

Built for Precision and Teamwork

Central to this model is the updated Sales Transaction Administrator role. Beyond standard data entry, these administrators handle listing reviews, verify compliance, track earnest money deposits, issue settlement notices, coordinate escrow checks, and keep transactions on schedule.

To maintain continuous support and avoid delays, Homesale set up a unified team structure led by a Transaction Administration Manager and regional Team Leaders. Standardized procedures mean that if one office experiences a spike in volume, team members from nearby locations step in seamlessly.

To keep transaction staff focused on contract details, marketing tasks—such as social media graphics and Premiere Listing packages—were assigned to a specialized Agent Services Team, playing to everyone’s strengths and leveraging the power of specialization.

At the same time, administrators foster a welcoming office atmosphere. They greet visitors, field calls, coordinate vendor schedules, assist with meetings, and ensure agents have the resources they need. Operational care is built directly into the client experience.

“We are not only improving efficiency—which is critical—but we are improving the customer experience and career paths for our staff,” said CEO Rod Messick. “With this structure, our top administrative staff can advance into Team Lead or department manager roles.”

Stronger Client Support and Community Connections

For local residents and businesses, strong administrative support brings peace of mind. Buying or selling real estate is often one of life’s biggest financial decisions. Having a dedicated team tracking details, compliance, and deposits minimizes risk and helps ensure smooth, on-time closings.

Recognizing Our Lancaster County Administrative Team:

Homesale Realty’s success across Lancaster County stems from the attention to detail, years of experience and teamwork the dedicated administrative staff, including:

By investing in its people, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and building a supportive workplace culture, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty proves that behind every thriving business is an extraordinary team working together.

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