What Top Agents Are Doing To Prepare for 2026

By John Salkowski

John Salkowski believes that anything worthwhile in life and business starts with being “Inspired By The Grind.”

Success doesn’t come from waiting; it comes from taking action when others are resting. That’s why I call this time of year “separation season.” While most agents slow down during the holidays, this is exactly when you can separate yourself from the competition and set yourself up for a strong start in 2026. Here’s how.

1. Run an end-of-year audit. The first step is reviewing your business. Look at where your leads came from and how you converted them. Are you paying for leads, or are you generating them organically? Understanding this will help you see what worked in 2025 and what adjustments you need to make for 2026.

2. Organize and clean your database. As I’ve always said, if you don’t have a database, you don’t really have a business. Now is the time to clean and segment the contacts you used in 2025. Separate the people who were most loyal to you from the ones who referred others. These are the relationships that matter most, and nurturing them will help ensure consistent business in the new year.

3. Plan and set goals. Hard work alone isn’t enough; it must be paired with a plan. Start thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2026. How many transactions do you want to complete? How many people do you want to touch each day? How many thank-you cards will you write each week? These small, consistent actions build momentum and help you maintain steady business.

I’m currently creating my 2026 business plan, and I encourage you to start planning ahead now.

Take action during separation season. Use this time to audit your business, organize your database, and plan strategically. Acting now gives you a head start before the new year begins.

If you have any questions or want guidance, just reach out anytime. You can text or call me at (610) 709-5147 or email john@jrsrealtygroup.com. I’m available to guide you, with no cost or obligation. Look out for my 2026 business plan, and let’s make a difference together.