Episode 74: New Year, New You – It’s Time to Get Your Real Estate Act Together
Welcome to Hustle Humbly with Alyssa and Katy—two top-producing realtors in Baton Rouge who’ve chosen community over competition. In this episode, we’re here to help you kick off the year strong and get your real estate act together. Whether you’re feeling behind or need a fresh start, it’s never too late to clean up your systems, reconnect with your people, and take charge of your business.
Start Fresh: Clean Out and Declutter Your Database
You enter a new season the way you left the last one. So, let’s make sure you didn’t roll into the new year with a mess. Didn’t send that holiday card? No problem—send a New Year’s or Valentine’s card instead. The real goal is to connect and clean up. Update addresses, remove contacts who don’t bring you joy, and make sure your database is full of the people you actually want to work with.
Not Sure Where to Start? Use What You Already Have
If your database feels too big and out of control, start with your phone. Who do you talk to regularly that isn’t another agent? Who would be excited to hear from you? Focus on quality, not quantity. Start with 100–150 strong contacts, and build from there.
Now’s also a great time to reach back out to prospects from the past year. Follow up on those conversations. January is the perfect moment to ask, “Do you still want me to follow up?” Use your notes, remind them of what they said, and clarify if they’re still in the market.
Declutter More Than Just Your Database
Your digital spaces need attention too. Clear out your desktop, organize your email inbox, and tidy up that notes app you’ve been hoarding ideas in. This is your time to clear the chaos and start fresh.
And hey, we get it—we’re guilty of digital hoarding too. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is progress. Just keep moving forward and focus on the things that simplify your workflow and make you feel in control.
Be Seen: Let People Know You’re Still in the Game
Whether you’re sending cards, handwritten notes, or social posts, make it clear: you’re here, your head is in the game, and you’re still working. One simple way? Email your past clients and let them know you’re updating your files for 2021. Offer a market report, ask if they’ve refinanced, or check if they’re still happy in their home. You’ll be amazed what these small touches can spark.
Adapt to the Market (Even If It’s Weird)
Real estate in 2021 has already felt unusual. Some areas are wildly competitive. Others, like ours, are more balanced. No matter your market, January often brings a slower start. That means now is your chance to get your real estate act together before things ramp up.
And if you’re in a slower market, use this breathing room to implement systems, follow up, and prep for busy months ahead.
Why Systems Will Save You
This is the year to simplify and systemize. Have a checklist for every buyer and seller, from the initial call to the closing table. Streamline your communication using email templates. And if you’re still doing it all from scratch every time, it’s time to stop.
No system? Start now. Create templates from emails you’ve already sent. Save your process. Repeat what works.
Set Boundaries—With Clients and Other Agents
2020 showed us that boundaries matter more than ever. Clients will wait if you ask them to. Other agents’ late-night texts? Don’t let them interrupt your family time. Just because someone else has no boundaries doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice yours.
Setting expectations early helps your clients trust your process. Whether it’s a buyer driving by listings before a showing or a seller completing a checklist before listing, be clear about your process. That’s how you protect your time and energy.
How 2020 Made Us Better Realtors
2020 taught us efficiency. We both learned how to tighten up our systems, limit unnecessary travel, and rely on communication over chaos. And guess what? We had our best year ever. You can work smarter, not harder, and still grow your business.
It all starts when you get your real estate act together.
Preparing for Personal Seasons (Like Maternity Leave)
Alyssa shares how she managed business after her first baby and how she’s preparing again. You don’t need a team to have a family. With clear communication, trusted agents for backup, and solid systems, you can keep your business running—even during big life changes.
You don’t have to go all or nothing. You can stay in touch with clients, refer out certain tasks, and still feel present in your business. The key? Systems and clarity.
Schedule Your Success: Admin Days Are Non-Negotiable
We often say, “Work on your business, not just in your business.” You must block time weekly to handle admin work. Set an office day every week and protect it. Don’t let appointments or distractions eat it up. That’s when you organize transactions, follow up on leads, prep social content, and clean up your files.
Without admin time, your business won’t feel sustainable. But with it, everything flows better.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Start Somewhere
You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Start small. One process. One checklist. One card in the mail. Done is better than perfect. Your clients don’t care about your logo—they care about your service.
So write this down and stick it on your mirror: “Done is better than perfect.”
And remember: to get your real estate act together, you don’t need fancy tools or big teams. You just need systems, boundaries, and the courage to take consistent action.
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