Q:  I am just getting back into real estate after taking a “sabbatical” for financial reasons. I am having a tough time picking up where I left off. Any suggestions?

A:  Welcome back! This time around I suggest taking time each and every week to build a strong foundation so you can weather any economic storm. But, there are two things you should do immediately:

1. Get to know your market, inside and out. Make sure you are previewing when new inventory comes on the market. Go on tours. Attend every office meeting. Be as “present” as possible in the market. Immerse yourself. Learn what the market has been doing in terms of appreciation, days on market, etc.    In fact, I have a list of 20 things that every agent should know to become a market expert that I will happily give to anyone for free! All you need to do is send an email to denise@thelonesgroup.com.

The second thing you need to do is get your database of your sphere and past clients together and commit to sending them real estate information every month by mail. Not by email. Not every other month. Send that information monthly and you will be setting yourself up for a very nice referral business.