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Thursday, November 21, 2024

    As the year draws to a close, real estate agents must start organizing their finances to maximize tax savings and ensure a smooth filing process.

    Here are five tax tips to help you prepare and reduce potential liabilities:

    1. Track Your Deductions: Account for all deductible expenses throughout the year. This includes marketing costs, office supplies, vehicle expenses, client gifts, and continuing education fees.

    Use an expense-tracking app to keep all receipts and records in one place, making it easier to file when the time comes.

    2. Maximize Retirement Contributions: Contributing to a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA or other self-employed retirement plans can help lower your taxable income while boosting your retirement savings.

    Before the year’s end, ensure you’ve made the maximum allowable contributions to take full advantage of this deduction.

    The Holiday Scheduled Campaign is shown above. To learn more, Click Here.

    3. Review Your Home Office Deduction: You may be eligible for a home office deduction if you work from home.

    This includes a portion of your rent or mortgage, utilities, and insurance. Ensure that your home office meets IRS criteria—it must be used exclusively and regularly for your business.

    4. Prepay Business Expenses: Consider paying for next year’s expenses now.

    This could include office supplies, marketing materials, or even professional memberships. By paying these expenses in advance, you can reduce your taxable income for the current year.

    5. Consult with a Tax Professional: Tax laws are complex and frequently change. Consulting with a tax professional who works with independent contractors or real estate professionals can help identify deductions and credits you may otherwise miss.

    By proactively managing your tax strategy, you can confidently close out the year and set yourself up for financial success in the new year.

    PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

    1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

    Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

     

    2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

    The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

    3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

    The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

      As the year winds down, real estate agents often find themselves uniquely positioned to reflect on the past months. Evaluating your wins and lessons learned is not just beneficial—it’s essential for growth and future success. Taking the time to assess your achievements and areas for improvement helps refine your strategy, set more precise goals, and build a more sustainable business.

      Celebrate Your Wins

      The Tri-fold Market Dominator is shown above. To learn more, Click Here.

      Start by recognizing your successes. Whether you closed a record number of transactions, expanded your network, or mastered a new marketing tool, every win counts. Reflect on what you did well and identify the factors contributing to your success. Did a specific marketing campaign resonate particularly well? Were you more active in community events? Pinpoint these positive drivers and plan to replicate or scale them next year.

      Identify Lessons Learned

      The real estate market is dynamic and full of challenges. Reflect on the tough deals that didn’t close, marketing tactics that fell flat, or client relationships that could have been stronger. Be honest with yourself: what could you have done differently? Identifying these areas will help you make informed changes, such as investing in new skills or technology or adjusting your communication approach with clients.

      Adjust Your Strategy

      Use your reflections to recalibrate. Note what you’ve learned and how it can shape your approach for the upcoming year. Set specific, actionable goals that build on your wins and address your growth areas. This strategic planning ensures that you’re not just reacting to market changes but proactively positioning yourself for success.

      Reflecting on your year as a real estate agent enables you to grow, improve, and thrive. Celebrate your wins, learn from your challenges, and enter the following year with a refreshed outlook and clear strategy.

      PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

      1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

      Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

       

      2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

      The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

      3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

      The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

        David sent out a Holiday Scheduled Campaign (shown above). To see more information about this campaign, Click Here.

        Congratulations, David Brown, on winning this week’s contest!

        “I love the materials ProspectsPLUS! provides- they allow me to set this part of my business on autopilot while remaining top of my mind with my clients.” – David Brown

         

        Don’t Forget to Enter For Your Chance to Win a $125 ProspectsPLUS! Gift Card! (see how below)*

        HOW TO ENTER: Just leave feedback regarding how using marketing from ProspectsPLUS! has impacted your business, and you’re automatically entered into our next contest.

        Leave feedback on Google HERE.

        *If you’ve already entered our drawing in the past and haven’t won, you don’t need to enter again. Your entry remains valid, and you still have a chance to win.

        Don’t forget to watch for next Friday’s email announcing the weekly winner!

        PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

        1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

        Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

         

        2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

        The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

        3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

        The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

          Homeowners constantly seek insights into their property’s value and market trends. By sending postcards featuring local market statistics, you establish yourself as the go-to expert in your community.

          This positions you as a knowledgeable resource, making it more likely that homeowners will turn to you for real estate services.

          Build Trust and Engage Your Audience

          Providing local market data builds trust. Homeowners appreciate receiving valuable, relevant information rather than promotional material.

          When they see accurate statistics from an agent, it reinforces your credibility and showcases your commitment to transparency.

          The Local Real Estate Stats Series is shown above. To learn more, Click Here.

          Over time, this trust grows, and you become the agent they think of first when they need professional advice or services.

          Generate Leads and Stay Top-of-Mind

          Consistently sending out postcards with market insights keeps you on the radar of potential clients. Even if homeowners aren’t ready to sell now, your consistent engagement means they’ll remember you when the time comes to list.

          Including a clear call-to-action on these postcards, such as a free consultation offer or a link to sign up for a detailed market report, can stimulate new leads and inquiries.

          Easy and Effective Marketing

          Unlike digital marketing, postcards are tangible, eye-catching, and don’t get lost in an inbox.

          Recipients are likely to glance at or even read a well-designed postcard, especially when it contains compelling, relevant information about their neighborhood. This means your message is more likely to be seen and remembered.

          Sending postcards with local market statistics is an effective way to position yourself as a knowledgeable expert, foster trust, and generate leads.

          This simple strategy ensures you remain top-of-mind with homeowners and builds the foundation for future business.

          PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

          1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

          Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

           

          2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

          The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

          3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

          The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

            Building trust and recognition within your community is essential for long-term success as a real estate professional.

            One simple yet powerful way to establish and reinforce your presence is to send 100 holiday postcards to homes within a 10-mile radius of where you live.

            Here are four ways this strategic outreach can stimulate new leads and listings:

            1. Personal Touch Builds Trust Holiday postcards are more than just marketing materials; they are a genuine way to connect with your community.

            Wishing your neighbors warm holiday greetings positions you as a friendly, relatable figure rather than just another agent. This approach fosters goodwill, reminding them that a knowledgeable and approachable real estate expert is nearby.

            2. Introduce Yourself as the Local Expert Many homeowners may not know that a real estate professional lives just down the street. By sending a holiday card, you introduce yourself and share that you’re not just a neighbor but an expert ready to assist with real estate needs.

            This subtle introduction plants the seed for future interactions and encourages neighbors to reach out when they need guidance on buying or selling.

            The Holiday Scheduled Campaign is shown above. To learn more, Click Here.

            3. Stand Out from the Competition In the digital age, physical mail still holds an exceptional value.

            A well-designed holiday postcard with a friendly photo and a personalized note helps you stand out from the flood of online advertisements.

            When homeowners see your face and read your greeting, it’s a memorable touch that makes you their top-of-mind contact for real estate needs.

            4. A Soft Way to Market Services Including a simple line, such as “Your neighborhood real estate expert wishing you a wonderful holiday season!” ensures that recipients know what you do without feeling like they’re being marketed to.

            This non-intrusive approach invites curiosity and opens the door for conversations about their future real estate plans.

            Sending 100-holiday postcards to your surrounding neighborhood is a practical, personable, and strategic way to build connections, establish credibility, and stimulate leads.

            This simple investment in seasonal outreach could yield long-term relationships, referrals, and new listings, making it a win-win for your business.

            PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

            1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

            Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

             

            2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

            The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

            3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

            The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

              Jamese sent out a Shifting Marketing Scheduled Campaign (shown above). To see more information about this series, Click Here.  

              Congratulations, Jamese Harte, on winning this week’s contest!

              “I love the materials ProspectsPLUS! provides- they allow me to set this part of my business on autopilot while remaining top of my mind with my clients.” – Jamese Harte

               

              Don’t Forget to Enter For Your Chance to Win a $125 ProspectsPLUS! Gift Card! (see how below)*

              HOW TO ENTER: Just leave feedback regarding how using marketing from ProspectsPLUS! has impacted your business, and you’re automatically entered into our next contest.

              Leave feedback on Google HERE.

              *If you’ve already entered our drawing in the past and haven’t won, you don’t need to enter again. Your entry remains valid, and you still have a chance to win.

              Don’t forget to watch for next Friday’s email announcing the weekly winner!

              PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

              1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

              Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

               

              2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

              The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

              3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

              The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

                With each election cycle, speculation around its impact on the real estate market intensifies. From predictions of skyrocketing interest rates to fears of housing crashes, it’s easy to get caught up in the myths. Here’s a closer look at what’s true and just noise.

                Myth: Elections Cause Housing Markets to Stall

                One common belief is that homebuyers and sellers “wait and see” during election years, leading to stalled markets. While some potential buyers might hold back, data tells a different story. According to historical trends, home sales often continue steadily during election years.

                Interest in real estate remains strong as factors like inventory, interest rates, and seasonality play a more significant role in the market than elections.

                Reality: Policies May Influence Long-Term Trends

                The election itself does not affect real estate but the policies following it. For instance, tax laws, mortgage interest rates, and economic policy changes can influence the market.

                The Avoidable Seller Pitfall Series is shown above. To learn more, Click Here.

                While election outcomes can set the tone for future policies, implementing those policies can drive fundamental changes in housing affordability and market dynamics. For example, changes in capital gains taxes or mortgage interest deductions might impact buying and selling decisions.

                Myth: The Party in Power Directly Determines Home Values

                Many believe that home prices are directly tied to which political party is in office. However, real estate values are driven by a complex blend of supply and demand, local job growth, and economic factors—not just politics.

                Although party platforms may influence policy directions, real estate markets respond more to economic health than political party lines.

                While elections add a layer of uncertainty, the real estate market is driven by much more than political outcomes. Informed buyers and sellers can make sound decisions by focusing on market fundamentals rather than election-year myths.

                PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

                1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

                Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

                 

                2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

                The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

                3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

                The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

                  Shannon recently sent out a postcard from the Get More Listings II Series (shown above). To see more information about this series, Click Here.

                  Congratulations, Shannon Oberman, on winning this week’s contest!

                  “I’ve told so many of my fellow agents about the lists I’ve bought and cards I’ve ordered – but the flyers on Sundays are amazing! They’ve bolstered my listing and buyer consultation folders to be so professional! I share your website with every agent I mentor as a means to be more professional!!” -Shannon Oberman

                   

                  Don’t Forget to Enter For Your Chance to Win a $125 ProspectsPLUS! Gift Card! (see how below)*

                  HOW TO ENTER: Just leave feedback regarding how using marketing from ProspectsPLUS! has impacted your business, and you’re automatically entered into our next contest.

                  Leave feedback on Google HERE.

                  *If you’ve already entered our drawing in the past and haven’t won, you don’t need to enter again. Your entry remains valid, and you still have a chance to win.

                  Don’t forget to watch for next Friday’s email announcing the weekly winner!

                  PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

                  1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

                  Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

                   

                  2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

                  The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

                  3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

                  The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

                    As real estate agents, we all know that trust and reputation are essential to success. But what if your perception in the community could create success on its own?

                    In the book Ninja Selling, Larry Kendall shares a fascinating example from the advertising firm Hobbs and Herder that reveals the surprising power of perception.

                    The example is about an experiment they conducted that illustrates just how powerful real estate marketing can be. It highlights a crucial takeaway for every real estate agent: perception is reality.

                    Hobbs and Herder developed a full-scale direct mail marketing campaign around a fictional agent. They designed professional ads, distributed print materials, and presented this non-existent agent as a prominent figure in the real estate industry.

                    The Real Estate Times Series is shown above. To learn more, Click Here.

                    The results were astounding. Post-campaign, people in the community were interviewed and asked who the leading agent was in their area. They responded that the fictional agent was the expert.

                    They believed in this agent’s success and even began recommending them to others despite their nonexistent presence in the real world.

                    Consistent, high-quality marketing crafted a powerful perception of success that influenced people’s beliefs and decisions.

                    This experiment underscores a critical truth: effective marketing can elevate your professional image and attract clients, establishing you as a top agent in your area.

                    Every postcard, social media post, and advertisement reinforces your brand, making you visible to potential clients. These clients, in turn, start to associate you with success and trust. By consistently marketing yourself with professional materials, you don’t just advertise homes; you cultivate a reputation.

                    Building a lasting impression doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right strategy and focus, you can become the trusted agent people know and recommend.

                    With strategic marketing, you’re not just selling homes—you’re selling your expertise, trustworthiness, and professionalism.

                    Ready to shift the perception of your business? Our real estate marketing solutions can help make you the agent everyone remembers.

                    Watch our video that portrays the Hobbs and Herder experiment below

                    PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

                    1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

                    Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

                     

                    2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

                    The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

                    3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

                    The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

                      As environmental awareness rises, many buyers prioritize sustainability in home purchases. For real estate agents, understanding and marketing a property’s eco-friendly aspects can be a powerful tool in appealing to this growing audience.

                      Here are five ways to make your listings stand out to eco-conscious buyers.

                      1. Highlight Energy-Efficient Appliances
                      Appliances with ENERGY STAR® certification are a significant selling point for eco-conscious buyers.

                      Pointing out energy savings in monthly bills and reduced carbon footprints helps potential buyers see the added value.

                      2. Emphasize Solar Panels and Renewable Energy
                      Properties with solar panels or other renewable energy sources are desirable to environmentally focused buyers.

                      If a home includes solar panels, mention energy cost savings and reduced reliance on the grid.

                      The Avoidable Buyer Pitfalls Series is shown above. To learn more, Click Here.

                      3. Showcase Eco-Friendly Materials
                      Features like sustainably sourced wood, non-toxic paints, and bamboo flooring appeal to buyers who value green building materials. Mentioning these elements demonstrates the home’s commitment to sustainability.

                      4. Point Out Smart Technology
                      Smart thermostats, energy-efficient lighting, and automated systems save energy and make homes more eco-friendly. Highlighting these features can make your listing more appealing to buyers focused on sustainable living.

                      5. Emphasize Water Conservation
                      Low-flow fixtures, rainwater collection systems, and drought-resistant landscaping can appeal to eco-conscious buyers by reducing water usage and enhancing sustainability.

                      These features demonstrate a commitment to conserving resources, which resonates with environmentally conscious clients.

                      By showcasing these eco-friendly elements, you position yourself as an agent who understands eco-conscious buyers’ values and aligns your listings with today’s environmentally aware consumers.

                      PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.

                      1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine

                      Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine with rich, full-color content and a sharp, professional aesthetic. It includes compelling, direct, response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts and engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you. Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here

                       

                      2. The Free 6-Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

                      The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 6-Month Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do and when. Four key market segments include niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here

                      3. The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review

                      The Free Interactive 6-Month Real Estate Business Review allows you to enter your business goals for the remainder of the year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closings, and so on are needed to reach your goals.   – Click Here

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