As we head into the new year, it's time to take stock of your business and chart a course for the 2010.

Some things to take a look at:

1. Marketing. Are you current in your marketing? For example, do you have a plan for your marketing once the federal tax credit goes away? Plan now to re-adjust your direct mail, website and social media to reflect what's current in the market. In addition, this year will be different than others in that the federal tax credit will go away right when the traditional selling season is heating up. Focus your marketing to reflect on that and highlight the positives of homeownership--regardless of a tax credit.

2. Social media. Are you connecting all of your social media to make for a consistent message? Now is the time to plan your blog for the year. Rather than suffer each week trying to figure out a topic, make a list of possible evergreen topics and use it to organize your blog month by month. Rich Rogala of Consistent Clients has a ready-made list right here. Of course, you'll first want to write about any current news or trends, but the list will help you fill in when there's nothing time sensitive to write about.

3. Website/Internet. Consumers want hyper local information. A key trend we're seeing is to offer lifestyle property searches.  Update your website to reflect this trend. Rather than talk about how a listed home has a big backyard, describe in detail how prospective owners can hold lovely summer parties in that yard. Be sure to highlight why that yard is perfect for entertaining.

The REAL Trends/LORE blog will be taking a break over the next week to enjoy the holidays with our families.

When we come back, look for some detailed articles about the new consumer and how to reach that consumer. As always, if you have any ideas for a blog post or would have a topic you'd like to know more about, please email me at tracey@traceyvelt.com.