As usual, last year flew by at lightning speeds. I remember pinning my brand new 2009 calendar on the wall as if it were yesterday, only to toss it in the trash to make room for 2010. Time continues to fly, reminding us to make the most of each year; or rather, each day.

I know a lot of people that would like to forget 2009. I have a number of friends who lost their jobs, and I know a few others who had their salaries cut. However, things are already looking up this year. I have about four weddings to attend this summer, I have two friends with brand new jobs and I know two more who recently bought condos. What does this tell you? That life goes on despite the hardships we may face in this current economy. Sure, there is an adjustment, but that’s the way life goes.

I’m not big into resolutions, and I never have been. When I want to make a change, I go ahead and do it regardless of whether it is January or October. However, I do believe in looking back at the past year and taking note of what worked and what didn’t. There is certainly something to be said for starting over at the beginning of each year and moving past the mistakes that were made in the year before.

When 2009 began, the real estate market was heading for a tailspin. We went down the spiral, and now experts believe that we are pushing through the surface and heading toward a recovery. Instead of facing doom, we are looking forward to a renewal in the market and enjoying frequent positive signs. There will be some hiccups now and then, but on the whole Realtors and affiliates in the area are feeling great about what 2010 has to bring, or they’ve moved on to other careers, leaving room for those who stuck through the tough times to find success.

There is no guarantee that 2010 will be the year that everything turns around, but most are confident this is the direction we are going. Either way, now is the time to start fresh and new. Reorganize your desk, get in touch with old clients and get down to business. The holidays are over and vacation time has come and gone. There are piles of snow outside and frigid temperatures, but I saw an amazing number of snow-covered open house signs last weekend. Those are the agents that are getting a jump on 2010, and you should follow their lead.

Let’s work together to make things happen in 2010!