Click, Update, Protect: The Simple Habit to Keep REALTORS® Safe
Don't Let Outdated Software Cost You a Sale
Don't Let Outdated Software Cost You a Sale
Ever get a pop-up on your computer or phone telling you it's time to update? It's easy just to hit "Remind me later" and get back to what you're doing. After all, you have listings to manage, clients to call, and open houses to prepare for. But that little pop-up is more critical to your business than you might think. Ignoring it could put you and your clients at serious risk.
Think of software updates like a home inspection. You'd never tell a client to skip the inspection, right? It's all about finding and fixing potential problems before they become a disaster. Software updates do the same thing for your digital tools.
The Top 3 Reasons to Always Update
- Security
Your computer, phone, and the apps you use are like digital homes. Hackers are always looking for open windows or weak doors to get inside. Software developers are constantly building new locks and alarms to protect you. An update is often a security patch, a quick fix for a newly discovered vulnerability. If you don't install the update, you're leaving that weak spot wide open.
For a real estate agent, this is a huge deal. You handle sensitive information daily, including client personal data, financial details, and confidential contracts. A data breach could not only damage your reputation but also put your clients at risk of fraud or identity theft. Don't let a missed update be the reason you lose a client's trust.
2. Performance and Reliability
Have you ever had an app freeze on you, or a document suddenly disappear? Bugs, or glitches, are frustrating and can slow you down. Software updates often include bug fixes that make your programs run smoother, faster, and more reliably.
Imagine you're preparing a critical contract, and your software crashes, losing hours of work. Or you're trying to share a listing with a client, but your app is slow and glitchy. Timely updates ensure your tools work as they should, so you can focus on what you do best: selling property.
3. New Features and Compatibility
Software updates aren't just about fixing problems; they often bring new features that can make your job easier. This could be a new tool for managing leads, a more streamlined way to create virtual tours, or an improved chat feature for client communication.
Updates also ensure that your software works well with other programs. For example, if your multiple listing service (MLS) system updates, your customer relationship management (CRM) software might need an update to stay compatible. Using outdated software can create a domino effect of problems, making it harder for your different digital tools to "talk" to each other.
A Simple Action for Safer Business
Staying on top of your software updates is a small habit that provides a considerable return. It protects your business, keeps your clients' information safe, and ensures your tools are always working at their best.
Make it a simple part of your weekly routine. You can often set your devices to update automatically, so you don't even have to think about it. It’s one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re not just ready for your subsequent closing but also ready for whatever the digital world throws your way.
OneKey® MLS Reports April 2025 Residential Market Data: Region Remains Strong, Though Activity Slows
