Happy Holidays, EMTAR! Christmastime is near, happiness and cheer, but mirth isn’t the only thing on the minds of dedicated real estate professionals as December unfolds.

Along with the fun, frivolity, and thoughts of sugarplums dancing in our heads, we also have a sleigh full of thoughts about how to cap off—or kerchief off—this year in strong fashion and set the tone for (or at least think about) starting 2025 with as much momentum as a fast-moving reindeer team bearing gifts.

Yes, this is an important season to put a bow on your 2024 accomplishments while also establishing some SMART goals that you’ll be ready to start aiming for when the calendar turns.

To help you do just that, below is a roundup of year-end tips, ideas, and strategies, some specifically designed for REALTORS®, others more general but equally worth a look. We hope these will help you make this a December to remember in many ways while also calibrating the launchpad as you look toward January 1^st and all the ho-ho-hopes, dreams, plans, and objectives awaiting you in 2025.

(And we promise: no more cheesy holiday puns await as you read on.)

1.  Real Estate Agent Training: 5 Tips to Finish the Year Strong (Brian Buffini). “Are you close to reaching your goals for the year? The best real estate agent training programs are the ones that offer tips and tricks to keep your momentum going all year long. While many agents wind down this time of year, the most successful ones keep their eyes on the prize. To end your year on a high note, use these tips from the top Buffini & Company real estate agent training programs . . .” >> Read more

2. Finish Your Year Strong (NAR’s Realtor® magazine). “For some, the holiday season means a break from busy daily life. But for real estate pros, this time of year is often busier than ever. Structure your time to both enjoy the season and keep building your business . . .” >> Read more

3. Ending the Year Strong in Real Estate: Strategies for Success (Shannon Watkins). “As the year draws to a close, real estate professionals often find themselves reflecting on their achievements and setting new goals for the future. Ending the year strong in real estate can set the stage for a successful start in the coming year . . .” >> Read more

4.  Brokers and Agents: The Secret to Finishing the Year Strong (Real Trends Verified). “How can you finish the year strong and carry momentum into next year? We have found there is One Thing that most quickly produces transactions. If every sales associate in your company is doing it, revenue, market share, and profits soar. What is the One Thing? It’s Real Estate Reviews . . .” >> Read more

5. Five Must-Dos to Prepare for a Successful New Year in Real Estate (myRealPage). “The start of a new year often brings on a flurry of real estate activity. Buyers and sellers alike are motivated to make their real estate dreams come true and ready to prioritize their homeownership goals. If they’re properly prepared, real estate agents can take advantage of the surge and start the year off strong with new clients and closed deals. The time to prepare is now . . .” >> Read more

6. 5 Ways to Start [2024] Strong (Realtors® Property Resource, RPR®). “Welcome to the New Year! Where fresh starts, clean slates, resets and resolutions are top of mind and can set the tone for success. We’re here to help you elevate every aspect of your business by giving you access to data, reports, tools and inspiration that you can utilize to ‘wow’ clients and close more deals. These five pointers will help you increase your productivity and expertise. Try one or all five to be more prepared and more successful in the coming year . . .” >> Read more

7. 3 Tips for Finishing the Year Strong (EDI Staffing). “It’s that time of the year again…the closing of one door and the opening of a better one—the perfect time to reflect and start fresh! Even if you feel stressed right now, there is a lot to be grateful for. There’s also plenty that can be done to finish the year on a high note and carry you flawlessly into the new year. . .” >> Read more

8. Finish Strong: 5 Mistakes to Avoid as You’re Wrapping Up the Year (Forbes). “As you near the end of the year, chances are you’re clearing the decks and preparing for some much-needed time off. But as you’re following through and finishing up, there are some mistakes which can rob you of effectiveness and happiness in the short term and in the new year. It’s important to know that one of the best ways to get ahead is to get away. When you’re fresh you can be more innovative, more engaged and better prepared to make a great contribution—finishing strong so you can detach is an important effort. Here’s what to watch out for as you’re wrapping up, so you can set yourself up for success when you return in the new year. Your future self will thank you . . .” >> Read more

Of course, these are just a few of many resources out there focused on wrapping up this year well and preparing to roll into 2025 with a full head of steam and a ready store of energy, focus, enthusiasm, and freshly curated goals.

We know you will crush the remainder of 2024 and get set to crush 2025, and we also know that you will enjoy some of the holiday festivities with your loved ones and colleagues that make this time of the year so special and memorable.

From all of us at EMTAR, we wish a very merry Christmas and holiday season to you, your fellow REALTORS®, and your families!

About EMTAR: Chartered in 1969, our Association’s 1,300+ REALTORS® are a proud part of the 36,000+ members of Tennessee REALTORS® and of the 1.5 million+ members of NAR, all working to serve the public and protect the rights of America’s property owners. EMTAR members are known not only for their unmatched real estate excellence and high ethical standards, but also for being generous, hospitable, others-focused, loyal, hardworking, and eager to help wherever and whenever help is needed.