3 Things Real Estate Agents Should Do Before December 31st

The end of the year isn’t about slowing down. It’s about creating clarity.

Before January 1st arrives, taking a moment to reset, reflect, and realign can make a meaningful difference in how the year ahead feels. For real estate agents, whose income and schedules often fluctuate, small planning steps now can lead to more confidence, flexibility, and control in the months ahead.

Here are three simple but powerful things every agent should do before December 31st to start the new year with intention.

1. Review Your Pipeline With Fresh Eyes

As the year comes to a close, it’s helpful to get clear on what’s actually in motion.

Take time to look at:

• Which deals are likely to close soon
• Which transactions may roll into the new year
• Where there may be delays or uncertainty

Understanding what income is expected, and when, helps reduce guesswork and allows you to plan more intentionally. Clarity around your pipeline creates a sense of calm and helps you make better decisions, both professionally and personally.

This kind of visibility is often the first step toward stronger financial confidence going into the new year.

2. Plan How Your Commissions Are Distributed

Commission income can be unpredictable, which makes structure even more important. Before the year ends, consider how each commission check will be allocated:

• Day-to-day spending
• Taxes
• Savings and longer-term goals

Having a clear system in place removes stress and helps you avoid scrambling when a check hits your account. Many agents find that automating this process brings consistency to otherwise irregular income.

The Tongo Financial Benefits Platform is designed to support this kind of planning by allowing agents to configure how commissions are distributed across connected accounts, from checking to tax savings and investment accounts, so each payout works toward your bigger financial picture.

When your income has structure, the year ahead feels easier to manage.

3. Make Sure You Have Options Between Closings

Even with strong planning, timing doesn’t always line up perfectly in real estate.

Deals can be delayed, closings can shift, and expenses don’t pause while you wait. Having flexibility in place helps you move through these moments with confidence rather than urgency.

This is where Tongo’s commission advance can play a role. It’s not about rushing or overextending. It’s about having access to earned commissions when timing matters most, so you can maintain stability and focus on your clients.

The goal isn’t pressure. It’s comfort, control, and peace of mind between closings.

A Fresh Year Starts With a Clear Plan

Taking these steps before December 31st doesn’t require a complete overhaul. It simply requires intention.

When you know what’s coming, how your income is structured, and what options are available to you, you set yourself up for a smoother, more confident start to the new year.

At Tongo, we’re here to support agents with tools that make planning easier, income more predictable, and flexibility accessible, so you can focus on doing your best work.

The new year doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Sometimes, it starts with a clear plan.

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