In just over a week, the calendar will turn over and we’ll enter a new year. Last week we talked about things you could do to generate business in the final 2 weeks of 2020.
Now let’s think about how to get off to a good start in 2021…
First, to ensure that your 2020 clients remember you fondly, go through your files and print closing statements for all of your clients. Send them along with a hand-written note saying something like “Thought I’d save you a little time. Your tax preparer will want this.” You can, of course, add wishes for a happy and healthy new year.
Next, if you haven’t already set this up, create a file where you will store all the closing statements from 2021 real estate, along with the buyers’ and sellers’ new mailing addresses. Next year at this time you won’t have to look for them.
What about your own tax information?
Now is a good time to make sure you’ve recorded every deductible expense and balanced every bank and credit card statement. Go through your billfold, purse, briefcase, and desk to ferret out any cash receipts that might be hanging around, unrecorded.
If you’ve been thinking about ordering more real estate prospecting letters or arranging for a real estate bio, community page, or other web copy, do it by next Thursday night, so you can deduct it this year.
If you’ve put off recording your deductible mileage (as I always seem to do) get it done now.
Update your databases…
You may be a super-organized person. If so, you have my congratulations. If not, now is a good time to go through your address book and databases to update information. I don’t love needing to mention it, but do take time to remove the names of anyone who is now deceased.
Years ago I got a phone call from a lady who asked me kindly to stop mailing to her husband. This is a small town. I should have known that he had passed away, but… Anyway, I was embarrassed.
Set up your bookkeeping files for 2021
Did last year’s organization work well? If not, make some changes now, before you start using the old system. It’s a lot easier than moving things around later.
De-clutter your life by cleaning your desk.
Just as cleaning your closets feels good, so does cleaning and re-organizing your desk. Most desks have clutter that is no longer useful or necessary – so toss it! If you carry a briefcase, give it the same treatment.
Starting the year with good organization will set you up for success…
Take the time to do it now, so you can be off to a fast start in 2021.
Meanwhile…
Merry Christmas!
Taxes Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Hi Marte… it’s cleaning of that desk that’s always difficult. Seems to grow paperwork on its own. The rest of the items are down pat. Happy Holidays!
With respect to data base… I send a recap of sales to each of my clients for their community for the past year in January.
Merry Christmas Marty
Thank you for all the support
Merry Christmas Marte! Stay safe, healthy, and happy. Continued success in 2021!
Merry Christmas Marte!!!! Hope you have a good one.
This is a great list. I would add two things, One, a list of short term and long term goals… Then, put in at least 2 vacation breaks on the calendar now. You can always change a date if you need to but having it there gives you something to look forward to.
Thanks for reading my messages and for your comments – I appreciate you!
I hope we’re all looking forward to a new year that is less dramatic and less stressful than the one we’re leaving behind. No new illnesses, riots, or any of the rest.
Be happy, healthy, and prosperous!