2012 is looking to be a promising year for housing. Many of the leading analysts and experts predict home prices will stabilize and sales will rebound. Much of this is dependent on economic and jobs recoveries.

Next year may very well be the best year for real estate since the recession of 2009. As jobs return and unemployment decreases (it is already on the decline), there should be a release of pent-up demand in the market. How can you prepare your business for the year to come?

First, work out a yearly budget. Are there office repairs or upgrades that will need made? Has your workload been growing or shrinking? Will you need to hire new assistants? Next, consider what your marketing budget will be.

Marketing is a great way to get your name out into the community. Many agents employ the use of billboards in high traffic areas, ads in local newspapers, and signage in front of each home they have listed for sale.

Still other great ideas are to order new business cards, use monthly newsletters, upgrade your website, start a blog, and create Facebook and Twitter accounts.

What new tools do you want to include in your arsenal for the coming year? Today's technology runs the gamut. You can add new apps to your smartphone, add texting to your ways of contacting clients, set up video chatting for conferencing, buy video newsletters, and so much more.

Next, brainstorm ideas for client gifts. This can range from baskets full of gift certificates and goodies to a simple thank you card. Everyone loves to be thanked for their business. Put some real thought into how you want to show appreciation to your clients.

Once you've decided on your marketing budget, you can figure out what marketing tools will work best for you.

Next, spend some time organizing your office. Start with your contact list. Are there out-of-date emails, phone numbers, and addresses that can be tossed. Do you need to request new information?

The new year is also a great time to organize files. This is true for filing cabinets as well as computer files. Trash old files and unused programs to free of hard drive space. Your computer will thank you by running faster and smoother. Does you computer need upgrades? Is your anti-virus software up-to-date?

Next, set aside tax information you'll need in the coming months, including receipts for deductions and any income information. Saving this time consuming task to the last minute will just cause you stress. Be prepared and consider setting up a filing system for the year to come.

The key is to be prepared for 2012. Use this month to prepare for the new year. Formulate a budget, plan your marketing, and get organized.

Published: December 21, 2011

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