Christmas will be over this week before we can blink an eye!  Next week we ring in the New Year and then it will be time to wipe the slate clean!!  There are a multitude of items you need to take care of and here are just a few:

Delete old emails.  Defrag your computer.

Get a paper shredder (crosscut kind not straight strips) and have at it!  Shred 2008 ATM receipts, utility bills, paycheck stubs more than one year old, quarterly statements from retirement accounts (after getting year end summary) and small purchase receipts that are not deductible.  As Realtors we need to keep files for 7 years. I have my boxes arranged according to the year closed and go thru files in each box.  For those clients still in their home I sold them I keep their files.  For those who have moved again (usually out of town) I shred their files.

Start gathering all files to compile tax information for your tax accountant. 

Set up new files for 2009 tax related papers.  Include files for your medical receipts, gifts and charitable donations, investments, car expenses & mileage, dues & professional fees, advertising expenses, etc.  Separate business and personal receipts.

 Send a thank you letter to all the buyers you sold a home to in 2008 and include a copy of their settlement statement from closing to help them prepare for their income tax return.  If you live in Texas include an application for their Homestead Exemption (they can file after January 1,2009 if they closed in 2008).

Use gift cards you got for Christmas!  Many have expiration dates or maintenance fees and some companies may be filing for bankruptcy and may not honor gift cards.

Getting ready for the New Year can help you become organized and with business plan in hand you can start the year off with renewed optimism.

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Post is included in group: ABC's of Real Estate Marketing
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3 Comments on OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW

DEC
23
2008
339,532 Points 5 Featured Posts

Dorie- Great idea about deleting old emails. Even with my Gmail account that has nearly unlimited storage, I want to clean out some of the old stuff before the new year!
1:50pm • #1

Ilyce,

Thanks. Gene is always harping to delete old emails! I guess it is finally sinking in! Merry Christmas!  Dorie
3:41pm • #2
JAN
04
2009

I liked the part about sending a copy of the closing statement to help them with their taxes. Great customer service!

Best wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity.
12:02am • #3


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Dorie Dillard Realtor® Canyon Creek NW Austin TX homes for sale

Austin, TX

More about me…

Coldwell Banker United Realtors

Address: 9442 N. Capital TX Highway, Plaza Two Suite 150, Austin, TX, 78759

Office Phone: (512) 346-1799

Email Me

Author Bio: I was once a school teacher and still like the learning process. Only now I enjoy learning what dreams my clients have and what I can do to help them. I am a firm believer in asking the right questions. It is the only way to get answers that have helped me build an impressive business over the past 21 years and leave a trail of happy clients

Welcome to my ActiveRain real estate blog and profile. I'm a Realtor with Coldwell Banker United and specialize in NW Austin. Once a school teacher I still like the learning process. Only now I enjoy learning what dreams my clients have and what I can do to help them. Dorie Dillard, Real Estate Professional in Austin, TX

Dorie Dillard

Dorie Dillard on Zillow

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