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