Agents: Get Ready for a Strong 2026

By Greg Smith

Greg Smith has called Colorado home since 1986, when he came to attend the University of Colorado. After selling a successful marketing company and earning a graduate degree in information systems, Greg joined RE/MAX Alliance in 1998, where he quickly became Managing Broker and later co-owner of the Boulder Valley office.

Most agents wait for January to start planning – and that is one of the biggest reasons they fall behind before the new year even begins.

I want to share what I tell my agents as we get closer to 2026, because the ones who start now are always the ones who win early. If you want to be ready, you need to take action before the calendar flips.

Many agents slow down during the holidays, so starting early puts you ahead. The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s feels quiet for many agents. This is when people take a break, stop reaching out, and step back from their business. That slowdown creates an opening for anyone willing to stay active.

Go to holiday dinners. Show up at parties. Reach out to your sphere. Simple conversations during this season can create strong momentum. When most agents wait for January, the ones who start early begin the year with a full pipeline.

A clear audit of 2025 helps you plan better for 2026. Before setting new goals, you need to take a close look at what happened this year. Look at the lead sources that brought results. Look at the activities you avoided. Look at what worked and what did not. This honest review gives you the data you need to improve. When you understand your patterns, you can create a plan that matches your strengths and fixes your gaps.

Goals need systems behind them to work. Many agents say they want to close more deals, but a goal without a system is only a wish. You need to know how many calls you must make each day. You need to know how many conversations lead to a contract. You need a CRM that helps you follow up. And you need daily habits that keep you focused. When you build systems, you give yourself a clear path to hit your goals.

Daily habits and routines support long-term success. Strong habits make your business more consistent. Set aside time each morning to plan your day. Build in time for exercise so your energy stays high. If you have a partner or family, schedule time with them so your life stays balanced. When everything in your life supports your work, you stay steady through busy seasons and market changes.

A strong mindset prepares you for a changing market. Interest rates move. Inventory shifts. Buyer and seller demand changes all the time. You cannot control these factors, but you can control how prepared you are. Know your numbers. Know your local trends. Be the agent who brings clarity to clients. When you have the right mindset, you can guide clients through any type of market.

Skill practice is what separates top agents from everyone else. Other professions practice daily, yet many agents try to work without practicing their skills. You need to rehearse your listing presentation. You need to practice your buyer consultation. You need to review market data until you can explain it with confidence. Practice makes you sharper, more prepared, and more effective with clients.

Preparing for a strong year in real estate doesn’t have to feel hard. With the right plan, clear systems, and steady habits, you can walk into 2026 with confidence and momentum. If you want help reviewing your year, building a plan, or putting the right systems in place, feel free to call or text me at (303) 543-5720 or email me at mclean@boulderhomesource.com. I’m here to talk through your goals and help you set up a strategy that supports your best year yet.