Real estate is all about location, location, location.
But it’s also about timing. And delivering for your clients hinges on your ability to communicate quickly and efficiently, especially when the market is red hot.
That’s why savvy agents and brokers leverage SMS, or real estate text messaging, to connect with buyers and sellers. It’s faster and gets more engagement than email. The average consumer opens and responds to 95% of their messages within three minutes of delivery, versus a 20% open rate for emails.
This guide includes more than 30 real estate texting templates you can use to develop relationships and close sales. We also explain why you should incorporate text messaging using a dedicated business phone number and best practices for texting in real estate.
Let’s get started.
5 real estate text message scripts for lead qualification and initial greetings
Below are some real estate text message templates you can use as a springboard for interacting with leads and clients.
Keep in mind, you must follow compliance rules for texting and include an opt-out message the first time you text potential and existing clients. This message could say, “To opt out of text messages, reply STOP.” We also recommend including similar opt-out language if you reach out to a contact you haven’t texted in a while.
1. Lead qualification
As a realtor, you likely receive texts out of the blue from people you don’t know. You need to find out who’s contacting you and whether they’re a qualified lead or an agent. You can quickly determine where to focus your efforts by reaching out with an introduction text.
Example: Hi [name]. Thanks for reaching out. I’d be happy to help you buy or sell a home. But first, are you a realtor or do you already have one? If you prefer to no longer receive messages, reply STOP.
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2. Past client follow-up
Repeat business and referrals are critical in virtually every industry. So, it’s important to nurture relationships with past clients who may provide repeat business and referrals. Text is a friendly, casual way to keep in touch, whether it’s to invite them to events you sponsor or to grab a cup of coffee.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. Enjoyed catching up the other day. I hope to see you at my customer appreciation event at [time and place]. To opt out of messages, reply STOP.
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3. Testimonial request
Savvy, experienced real estate professionals like John Ladky of Compass leverage their reputation for generating business:
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years, so lead generation is the last thing I want to spend time on. Luckily, I have great clients, and their referrals and testimonials fuel my business. My clients always follow through with a response when I ask for them via text.”
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. It was great working with you and helping you find the right home. Would you write a review I can share with prospective buyers and sellers? To opt out of text messages, reply STOP.
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4. Scheduling time to chat over the phone
As a busy real estate professional, you need to set clear expectations about available times to chat on the phone. You can use texts to propose specific dates and times and to send a calendar invite text.
Example: Hi [name], if you haven’t made any plans for [date/time] yet, I’d be happy to schedule a phone call where we can talk about your goals. Let me know if that works for you, or reply STOP to opt out of future messages.
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5. Text from a lead magnet
If you offer free resources in exchange for personal information like a phone number, you may want to send a follow-up message thanking your lead for their time. You can also foster a deeper relationship by asking about their needs, which leaves the door open for beneficial conversations in the future.
Example: Hey [name], this is [your name] from [company]. I wanted to say thanks for downloading our [lead magnet]. Do you have any questions about what you’ve read so far? I’d be happy to book a 15-minute chat to discuss things further. If you don’t want any more messages from me, just reply STOP.
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💡Pro tip: Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, frame open-ended questions to encourage interaction and build trust. For example, ‘How soon are you planning to move?’ Or, ‘If you got the right offer for your house today, what would that number be?’
10 real estate text message templates for buyer’s agents
If you’re looking to work with more active buyers, text messaging can help you connect with clients faster and show them you’re a capable professional in your field.
Here are 10 text message templates for buyer’s agents that you can start using immediately.
1. Welcome text
Greeting visitors who submit information through a web form or an SMS opt-in helps ensure you reach out before they move on to another agent.
Example: Hi [name]. I saw you were looking for homes in [area] on my agency’s website. Do you have some availability to talk more about what you’re looking for? To opt out of messages, reply STOP.
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If you use Quo for your real estate phone system and HubSpot for your web form, you can use the Zap below using the OpenPhone Zapier integration to automatically text a new lead that completes your HubSpot form.
2. Inactive buyer follow-up
The homebuyer’s journey can be full of stops and starts. Some clients can get discouraged or exhausted by the process and need a breather before resuming showings. In these situations, a text might be more likely to elicit a response.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. Just checking in to see if you’re still hoping to buy a home this year. Wherever you’re at, I’m happy to share property listings that match your requirements. Just let me know. To opt out of messages, reply STOP.
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3. New listing notification
Relying on email or the phone to tell clients about a new property can lead to missed opportunities. Instead, use text to link directly to new listings or to tell them to check their inbox to review strong contenders as soon as possible.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. A few new homes just hit the market that I think you’ll love. Would you like me to send the info? To opt out of texts from us at any time, reply STOP.
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4. Price change notification
Sometimes, even a modest price adjustment can put a client’s dream home within reach. That’s why you should let them know about price changes immediately.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. The owners of [home address] just reduced their asking price by [dollar amount]. Let me know if you want to make an offer. To opt out of messages, reply STOP.
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5. Scheduling a showing
Texting allows you to quickly schedule appointments to help book more showings.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. I’m making my schedule for next week. Would you like to see [property address]? If you prefer to no longer receive messages, text STOP.
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6. Appointment reminder
No-shows are incredibly frustrating. Make them less likely by sending an appointment reminder text the day before or the day of scheduled showings.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. Looking forward to showing you [property address] at [date and time]. If you wish to no longer receive texts from us, reply STOP.
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7. Scheduling time to view a property
Your clients are ready to schedule a viewing of a property of their choice. Rather than wasting precious minutes on back-and-forth emails, you can use text messages to quickly confirm a date and time. You may also want to provide a window of availability so clients have a better idea about when you’re able to host a showing.
Example: Hey [name], I’m so glad you liked the property! Do you have a preferred day or time to visit the home? I can schedule a showing anytime between [day/time] and [day/time]. To opt out of future messages, text STOP.
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8. Following up on scheduling a time to view a home
Research shows most people respond to text messages within 90 seconds, but some clients take a bit longer to respond or require gentle nudging. You can use this template to follow up on your previous messages and remind customers you’re willing to schedule a showing as soon as they’re available.
Example: Hey [name], hope you’re well! I just wanted to check back and see if you still wanted to view [property address]. If so, what days and times work best for you? To opt out of future messages, text STOP.
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9. Following up after a showing
In case at the end of a showing your client says “I need to think about it,” you can schedule a follow-up message to see how clients are feeling after the fact. You can also use this time to send over important documents, including the seller’s disclosures, boundary markers, and even appliance warranties.
Example: Hey [name], great to see you at the showing earlier! I just wanted to check in and see how you felt about the home. I’ve attached the seller’s disclosure you asked for at the bottom of this message. To opt out of future messages, just type STOP.
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10. Congratulating a client after closing
Your successful clients are ready to celebrate the next chapter in their lives, and as their agent, it’s only natural to get in on the fun. You can send a congratulatory message, joining your clients’ celebration while letting them know you’re available to help them find a home in the future.
Example: Hello [name], congratulations on closing on your new home! I hope you have a ton of great memories there. Thank you again for letting me represent your family throughout this process, and I look forward to working with you again someday. Let me know if there’s anything I can help you with in the meantime.
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💡Pro tip: Mute notifications during off hours. Most professions carry the risk of burnout — real estate is no different. And if you’ve been busier these last few years, sleep and downtime are even harder to come by. While sending and responding to texts from bed or the couch is easy, silencing notifications and setting auto-replies can help support a better work-life balance.
13 real estate text message templates for seller’s agents
As a seller’s agent, you need to find ways to manage client expectations quickly and effectively. Using text messages can help you do both without endless email chains or spending hours on the phone.
Let’s look at 13 text message templates for seller’s agents that you can use in different situations.
1. Welcome text for new inbound leads
Maybe a new lead found your number through word of mouth, or maybe they just subscribed to your newsletter. Either way, you can use this text message template to welcome them to your network and touch base about how you can help.
Example: Hey [name], I’m [your name] from [business]. It’s so good to meet you! Whether you’re looking to sell your house immediately or within the next 12 months, I’d be happy to chat through some options with you. Do you have some time to talk in the next few days? To stop receiving messages, reply STOP.
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2. Following up text with new lead
Not sure what to send after an initial text? You can use this text messaging template to reach out to new leads and see how you can help them with the home-selling process.
Example: Hello [name], this is [your name] from [business]. I got your message through our website. Are you still interested in chatting about putting your house at [address] on the market? Text STOP to opt out of future messages.
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3. Warm lead from a referred client
As you know, following up with a new lead is different from following up with a warm referral. If you’re reaching out to someone who you heard about through the grapevine, you can use this template to let them know you’re happy to help them sell their home.
Example: Hello [name], it’s [your name] from [company. [Client] mentioned you may be interested in putting your house on the market soon. It’s a beautiful place. Let me know when we can find time to meet up. To stop receiving messages, text STOP.
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4. Scheduling time to do an initial walkthrough of property
What do sellers want most after showing interest in working with you as their listing agent? A prompt and speedy response to find time to meet in person. This template helps you build a foundation of trust while setting expectations about when and where you’re available for a review.
Example: Hi [name], this is [your name] from [company]. I just got your inquiry about [address] and would love to schedule an initial review of your property. Do you have any time on [day] around [time]?
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5. Respond to a lead that changes their mind on selling
Not all leads convert into customers. That said, not every lead that changes their mind is lost revenue. It’s a good idea to stay engaged with lost leads to see if there’s anything you can do to ensure a sale in the future.
Example: Hey [name], I’m sorry to hear your plans have changed. Do you think you may still want to sell within the year? If so, I’d be happy to send you some market data to help you make an informed decision. If you don’t want to get messages from me anymore, reply STOP.
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6. Showing confirmation example to send to the seller
Showings take time, effort, and coordination — especially when the seller is still living in the home. Sending texts to confirm the details ensures you and your clients are on the same page.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. I’ve scheduled a showing for [property address] at [time and date]. Please confirm. To opt out of messages, reply STOP.
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7. Lead nurturing
Staying in touch with people who have expressed an interest in listing their home can pay off. In addition to direct mail, social media, and email, consider using text to reach out in a relevant way like Wade Perry of the Perry Properties Group:
“I have a list of contacts who will be selling and/or buying — maybe not now, but at some point. For some, a change in market conditions will motivate them to take action sooner. We like to incorporate video into these texts, so they know we are only reaching out about their specific situation. This way, they know the message was not a “blast” sent to others too.”
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. A few homes just sold above asking price in your area, and it’s likely changed the value of your home. Can I send you an updated estimate of its value? To opt out of messages, reply STOP.
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8. Open house scheduling
Texting allows you to eliminate unnecessary back and forth around scheduling key milestones like an open house.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. I wanted to get your open house scheduled. Choose a time that works for you: [Calendly link]. To opt out of texts from us, reply STOP.
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💡Pro tip: Establish real estate text messaging standards. Most consumers want to communicate with businesses via text. But be careful not to overdo it. Establish a team or personal standard for how often you reach out to past and current clients and other agents and brokers in your network.
9. Offer notification
Of course, you’ll want to share good news like an offer as quickly as possible. Your client will see a text before they see an email or check a voicemail.
Example: Hi [name], good news — we have an offer on your home! Give me a call to discuss. To opt out of messages, reply STOP.
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10. Request for a decision
Many aspects of homebuying are time-sensitive, and phone and email can stall, even doom, the entire process. Texting is the most efficient way to keep things on track.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. You mentioned that you wanted to submit an offer for [property address]. Offers are due by [date and time]. If you’re still interested, call me ASAP. To opt out of texts from us at any time, reply STOP.
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11. Network outreach
Some clients make it clear they’ll pay top dollar to get what they want. For example, a home with a three-car garage, large yard, updated kitchen and baths in a premier school district. But, unfortunately, homes that meet their requirements can be in short supply.
Reaching out to your network of fellow realtors or friends who live in target neighborhoods can uncover potential opportunities.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. I’m working with a homebuyer interested in homes in [area] with [buyer’s requirements]. Do you know of any homes coming on the market or anyone who would entertain an unsolicited offer? If you no longer wish to receive messages, reply STOP.
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12. Realtor preview invite
As you can bet, other realtors are as busy as you are, so texting is an easy, effective way to communicate with them too.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. I will be listing [property address] soon. I’d love to get your feedback on the home and the listing price during an agent showing on [time and date]. Let me know if you can attend. To opt out of messages, reply STOP.
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13. Away on vacation
Of course, your clients’ search for the perfect home doesn’t pause while you’re on vacation. So use text to let them know ahead of time that you’ll be away.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. I will be on vacation from [date range]. My partner, [name], can be reached at [phone number] and will arrange showings and answer your questions while I’m away. To opt out of messages, reply STOP.
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💡 Need to update your voicemail when you’re out? Check out our realtor voicemail scripts for examples you can use.
Real estate holiday scripts to stay relevant
Many customers may take a break from selling or looking for a house during the holidays. But you can still reach out to stay top of mind and maintain those important relationships.
1. General warm wishes
You can use this holiday greeting text template for Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and other holidays throughout the year.
Example: Hi [name], it’s [your name]. I hope you have a joyous, beautiful holiday season filled with laughter, good cheer, and lots of love. Warmest thoughts from your friends at [real estate firm name]. Respond STOP to opt out of texts.
”Copy
2. Thanksgiving greeting
If you’re in the United States, Thanksgiving can be a great neutral holiday to reach out and show you appreciate your customers.
Example: Hi [name], as the year wraps up, we want to send our heartfelt thanks for being part of our community. Wishing you the happiest Thanksgiving! [Company name]. Reply STOP to opt out.
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💡Pro tip: Send personalized messages instead of mass texts. There’s a time and a place for SMS marketing or sending text blasts. For example, your team may integrate its CRM with a business texting service to share information about the real estate market. But most interactions with your existing and potential clients call for a personalized approach through two-way texts.
Referral campaign scripts to generate leads
Asking for referrals is one of the easiest ways to generate social proof for your business. Here are a few ways to do it through text messaging.
1. General referral request
Here’s a general example you can use after helping a buyer close on their new home:
Example: Hey [name], this is [your name]. It was awesome working with you and helping you find your dream home. Could you do me a favor and write a review for me to show to others looking to buy or sell? If you don’t want to receive any more texts, just reply with STOP. Thanks!
”Copy
2. Incentive-based referral request
Here’s an example with an incentive you can use after helping a seller close on their property:
Example: Hey [name], it’s [your name]. It was great working with you and helping you find the right buyer for your home. Could you write a review I can share with prospective buyers and sellers? Once you do, I’ll send you over a [$X] Visa gift card. To opt out of text messages, reply STOP.
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💡Pro tip: Assign action items to teammates. Texting allows you to assign action items or collaborate with team members, and it’s especially useful when facing time constraints. For example, it’s much faster to @mention your assistant to prepare an offer after you get off the phone with a client.
Why use text messaging from a business number
Consumers have made it clear that they aren’t big on emails from companies — 9 out of 10 want to hear from businesses through text.
Buying and selling real estate can be fast-paced, requiring constant communication with clients. Waiting for an email response or playing phone tag can result in missed opportunities. Real estate text messaging can help ensure you deliver for your clients.
However, incorporating text can quickly overwhelm a busy real estate professional. Luckily, if you have a dedicated business number, you can text from that number using your preferred device such as your personal phone or computer. Here’s why that’s important.
Ensures your privacy and minimizes disruption
Some clients assume you’re always available if you schedule showings on weekends. You can avoid evening calls and messages by keeping your personal number private. Using a business number shows that you’re a professional with established hours and availability. This helps you set clear expectations with prospective and current clients. For example, you can have an away voicemail greeting to inform any callers you’re off for the day.
Others can take over a business number if you or a teammate moves on, minimizing disruption for the client.
Improves service levels
Texting allows you to interact in real-time and answer questions quickly without spending time exchanging pleasantries over a phone call or email. In addition, conversation history is at your fingertips, allowing you to get up to speed in no time.
Supports teamwork and makes delegation a breeze
According to Jessica Hubbard of Hubbard Realty Group, “There is an idea in real estate that you are on 24/7. Our brokerage doesn’t operate that way. For instance, if I need to take my mom to a doctor’s appointment, I can mute my line.”
With Quo’s shared business phone number feature, one of her team members can take responsibility for incoming messages until she returns. Learn more about how Hubbard Realty Group gives their agents more work-life balance.
TCPA compliance best practices for real estate SMS
While you can be almost certain the recipient will open your text, whether your message is effective is another story. However, by adhering to TCPA best practices and proper SMS texting etiquette, texting can transform your real estate business.
1. Get consent to send texts
Before sending texts, ensure potential recipients opt in either through a digital or physical form. This is a major part of SMS consent, which helps you build trust with customers and avoid fines.
Regardless of whether they’ve indicated a preference for SMS messages, include an opt out clause with every message. Otherwise, your recipient’s carrier could flag your business phone number as spam.
If you’re using a virtual phone solution like Quo, you can also help ensure your messages aren’t being flagged by your recipient’s carrier by mistake. The large US cell carriers now require businesses with virtual phone numbers to get verified with The Campaign Registry, a third-party organization handpicked by the major carriers.
This helps prevent their customers from receiving spam. To get your Quo workspace registered, you can complete the US carrier registration form.
2. Schedule text messages during business hours
You may want to draft a message late in the evening, but don’t want to go back and forth over text with a client. With Quo (formerly OpenPhone), you get a dedicated phone for real estate that you can even use to schedule text messages to go out during business hours.
Scheduling texts during business hours isn’t just convenient — it’s required for compliance. TCPA defines these hours as between 8 AM and 9 PM in the recipient’s time zone.
3. Keep a record of consent
Once you’ve gotten express consent to text customers, you should keep a record of it. These could be copies of physical forms or digital records after a customer opts into an SMS signup form. It could also be a call recording where they verbally agreed to receive text messages.
With Quo (formerly OpenPhone), your data is stored up to 30 days after canceling your service. Other phone providers, however, may have stricter storage limits. It’s a good idea to export data to keep a permanent copy.
4. Always provide an easy way to opt out
In the examples above, each text message template includes opt-out instructions to help you stay compliant. This can be as simple as ‘Reply STOP to cancel.’ Once a customer opts out, you shouldn’t message them again, though CTIA allows you to send one final message to confirm the opt-out.
5. Differentiate between promotional and transactional texts
Different types of text message campaigns have slightly different rules for SMS consent. Here’s what you need to know:
- Promotional: These are marketing campaigns that include discounts, flash sales, promotions, or coupons. You need written SMS consent per regulations to protect consumers from spam. Double opt-in is a good way to cover all your bases.
- Transactional: These are messages that inform rather than persuade, like house-showing updates or appointment confirmations. They’re typically triggered when customers take an action like filling out a contact form. Since they’re not marketing anything to customers, single opt-in works.
What to look for in a real estate text messaging platform
If you’re currently sending real estate texts from a personal number, you may realize it’s not enough to scale. Or, you may be struggling with your current phone provider. In either case, here’s what to look for in a professional platform to send business texts:
Integrations with CRMs and other tools
Your messages shouldn’t live in a silo. When you connect your phone system with other apps, you improve visibility and your ability to personalize. For example, with some providers, you can:
- Sync messages to HubSpot or Salesforce to give your whole team visibility
- Automatically push messages to Slack so team members can reply faster
- Connect booking platforms with apps like Zapier to automate responses
Speaking of automation…
Automation capabilities
The right communication platform will help you do more with less. Make sure customers get the best impression with automated text messages. You can set up automated workflows like:
- Follow-up messages when leads fill out a sales form
- Notifications to customers about upcoming appointments
- Promotional SMS to deliver when you change a customer’s status to VIP in a spreadsheet or your CRM
- Customer experience feedback surveys after a ticket is closed in your help desk software
Shared numbers
Working on individual numbers may work initially, but it’s not sustainable as you scale. Shared business numbers give assistants shared visibility into customer conversations. This helps them answer questions with context to create a better customer experience. Plus, customers won’t know whether it’s you or your assistant replying, which gives the impression they have one dedicated person on their case.
Auto-reply texts
With more than 168,000 real estate agents currently employed in the US and countless agency websites, homebuyers and sellers have many options. So if someone reaches out to you either by calling your number or texting you, you can reply faster and set clear expectations even when you’re away.
All you need to do is enable text auto-replies and you can show you’re responsive and interested in working with them.
Text message templates
Typing the same answers repeatedly to potential buyers and sellers wastes valuable time — the same goes for copying and pasting. Using Quo, you can save your standard texts as snippets to fast-track communication and reduce the time spent qualifying web leads.
Just type “/snippets” into the text box and select the snippet you’d like to use. 🙌
Send real estate text messages with Quo today
There may be times you need to send an email or pick up the phone to reach clients. However, sometimes these channels can cause delays that impact the purchase or sale of a home.
That’s why it’s critical to incorporate text into your real estate agent software stack.
Find out how real estate professionals use Quo to streamline their communication for yourself by trying Quo free for seven days.
FAQs
Yes, SMS marketing is legal in real estate as long as you get consent, which can be verbal or written.
You can send promotional texts about open houses, updates on house showings, referral requests, and more.
Introduce yourself by saying your name and your firm’s name if you have one.
Use a platform with automated messages to send automatic notifications to customers about upcoming appointments. This will reduce no-shows and improve attendance.
The most important thing is to follow SMS consent rules. These rules include registering for A2P 10DLC if you’re using a virtual number to text US customers, getting customers to agree to texts, and giving a way to unsubscribe.
You should also avoid slang, abbreviations, and jargon your recipients may not understand. For example, use pre-qualify instead of pre-qual.
