Technology touches nearly every part of a REALTOR®’s day—from managing listings and contracts to staying in touch with clients and colleagues. So, as we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time for a tech reset! 

These six simple tasks can save time, improve security, streamline your workflow, and help you maintain a polished, professional image in 2026.

REALTORS® handle sensitive contracts, financial details, and personal client information every day, which makes strong security essential. If you’ve been using the same passwords for a long time, the new year is a great opportunity to change things up. Update your passwords across all digital tools (email, CRM, MLS, etc.), and make sure each one is unique. 

McAfee, which creates and maintains antivirus software, suggests several password safety tips on its website, including using long passwords instead of short, “complex” passwords, never using personal information, turning on multi-factor authentication where possible, and using a reputable password manager, among others.   

An overloaded, unorganized email inbox can really impact your response time and add unnecessary stress to busy days. Take some time now to unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read and promotions you don’t need. Archive old emails that are no longer relevant and create folders so you can easily locate information when needed.

Moving forward, set up filters to automatically sort incoming emails. For example, you can mark messages from specific clients as high priority, ensuring they stand out in your inbox. And, once everything is clean and organized, be mindful of where you share your email address in the future. Limiting exposure to unnecessary newsletters and contacts will help prevent clutter and reduce spam.

Over time, our mobile devices collect many apps that take up precious space and resources. Remember those restaurant apps you downloaded for potential rewards or that shopping app you installed for a one-time discount? While you may not think much of it, removing outdated or unused apps can actually improve device performance, extend battery life, cut down on visual clutter, and reduce security risks. 

While cleaning things up, also take some time to review app permissions to ensure only necessary apps have access to your contacts, photos, location, etc. 

Technology doesn’t need to be brand new to be effective, but it does need to be reliable. Check for software updates on your phone, tablet, and computer to improve security and performance. If a device is constantly slow, crashes often, or no longer holds a charge, it may be time to replace it. 

In addition to updates, be sure to regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, including screens, keyboards, and other device components. If your phone screen is cracked, get it repaired and consider adding a screen protector to prevent future damage. These small steps not only help your devices run more reliably but also add to a polished and professional look when meeting with clients.  

From listing photos and virtual tours to inspection reports and signed contracts, digital files are a critical part of a REALTOR’s business. But when was the last time you backed everything up? Protect your data by setting up automated backups using cloud-based storage or an external hard drive and periodically test restoring files to ensure everything is working correctly.

Keep in mind that a true tech reset isn’t just about devices, passwords, and inboxes; it’s also about how you use them! In a profession that rarely shuts off, setting digital boundaries can truly improve your mood, reduce stress, and ultimately help you run a more successful business. 

One simple reset is committing to a phone-free start to your morning. This could be as easy as silencing notifications until after your first cup of coffee or your morning walk. If you’re not expecting anything urgent, this short pause can help you start the day with more energy and a clearer mind, making it easier to tackle the day ahead. 

As you can see, taking some time for a January tech reset can go a long way in helping you stay organized, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and focus on what matters most—growing your business, serving clients, and achieving your goals in 2026!