5 Tasks Every Real Estate Agent Should Complete Before Month's End

January is in full-swing, so it's time to jumpstart your success for the year ahead. Check these five items off your to-do list this month to get back on track and prepare yourself for a productive 2015.

Set goals for 2015

January is an opportune time to assess the previous year. Do a deep dive into your finances, marketing plan and 2014 goals to see what worked for your business and what didn't. With this new insight, create your professional goals for 2015.

For example, if your administrative workload dramatically increased last year, a new goal could be to hire an assistant. Or if you received more online business in 2014, consider dedicating more marketing spend to online lead generation.

Market to your niche

From multigenerational housing to urban living, focusing on your niche audience is a proven way to stand out in your market. Small updates to your logo, slogan or website can make a huge difference in the eyes of potential clients in your niche. If you're not a design pro, don't worry — here are some tips to help you master the creative basics.

Share your real estate forecast with clients

Now that the holidays are over, reach out to past clients so you're top of mind for referrals, as well as their 2015 real estate needs. Engage them by sharing the real estate trends you foresee for your local market in 2015. Unsure of what lies ahead for your real estate market? See how the national market may impact your business and check out our seven real estate trends to watch for in 2015 here.

Take inventory of your tech tools

Is your not-so-smart phone slowing you down? January is a great time to reassess your tech arsenal. For on-the-go real estate agents, a tablet is a wise investment that lets you manage your business from your car. It will also come in handy for lead management during open house season. Some of our favorite tablet apps are:

• Canva: Create beautiful listing presentations, posters, and social media images with Canva's easy-to-use touchscreen iPad interface. (Free, iOS)
• Tempo: Tempo is an intuitive calendar app that manages meetings, syncs contact information and schedules social media posts from one app. (Free, iOS)
• Open Home Pro™: The Open Home Pro™ app helps you collect and convert qualified leads at your open house. (Free, iOS/Android)

Take your car in for a tune-up

A car is a necessary tool for real estate agents and can also make an impression on potential clients. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter showings by having it serviced this month. Have your local service shop check:

• Your car's battery
• The brakes
• Tire pressure and tread
• Oil and filter
• Defrosters, wipers and heaters
• Antifreeze levels

Is getting organized one of your resolutions for the new year? Check out our tips on how to detox your business and set yourself up for success in 2015. Download our January to-do list here.

To view the original article, visit the HomeFinder.com blog.