SMS for Real Estate Agents - Close More Deals

Why Real Estate Needs SMS

In real estate, speed wins. The first agent to respond to a lead has the highest chance of converting. SMS gets you there first.

Lead Response Time

The Data

78% of buyers choose the first agent who responds

Average lead response time by email: 48 hours

Average lead response time by SMS: 3 minutes

The Advantage

While other agents wait to check email, you've already texted and started a conversation.

Types of SMS for Real Estate

Immediate Lead Response

"Hi [Name], this is [Agent] from [Agency]. I saw you're interested in [Property/Area]. Would you like to schedule a showing? I have availability this week."

Send within 5 minutes of lead submission.

Showing Confirmations

"Confirmed! Showing at [Address] tomorrow at 2pm. I'll meet you in the driveway. Questions? Reply here."

Showing Reminders

"Reminder: We're seeing [Address] today at 2pm. Running late? Just text me. See you soon! -[Agent]"

Post-Showing Follow-Up

"Thanks for seeing [Address] today! What did you think? I'd love to hear your honest feedback."

New Listing Alerts

"[Agent] Alert: New listing matching your criteria! [Beds]/[Baths] in [Neighborhood], $[Price]. Photos: [link]. Want to see it?"

Price Reduction

"Price drop! [Address] just reduced to $[New Price]. That's $[Amount] off. Still interested? I can show it this week."

Market Updates

"Quick market update: [Neighborhood] homes are selling [faster/for more] this month. Thinking of selling? Let's chat."

Anniversary Messages

"Happy 1-year home anniversary! Hope you're loving [Address]. Need anything? Referrals appreciated!"

Building Your Contact List

From Leads

Website inquiries

Open house sign-ins

Referral contacts

Social media messages

From Clients

Past buyers (for referrals, anniversaries)

Past sellers (for market updates)

Sphere of influence

Permission Matters

Always ask: "Can I text you updates about properties/the market?"

Best Practices

Be Personal

Real estate is relationship-driven. Write like a friend, not a corporation.Good: "Hey John, saw a place I think you'd love. Coffee tomorrow to discuss?"Bad: "Dear Valued Client, A property matching your search criteria has been listed..."

Respect Boundaries

Don't text late evenings or early mornings

Weekends are OK for real estate (people are looking)

If someone asks to stop, stop immediately

Be Available

When you text, be ready to respond. Nothing kills a relationship faster than:

Buyer: "Yes! Can I see it today?"

Agent: [silence for 6 hours]

Keep Records

Note all SMS conversations in your CRM

Track response rates

Document consent

Scripts for Common Situations

Cold Lead (Web Inquiry)

"Hi [Name]! [Agent] here from [Agency]. Saw your inquiry about homes in [Area]. What's driving your search? Looking to buy soon?"

Open House Follow-Up

"Great meeting you at [Address] today! Thoughts on the home? I have 2 similar listings I'd love to show you."

Buyer Not Ready Yet

"No rush! I'll keep an eye out for [their criteria] and let you know when something special hits the market. In the meantime, questions anytime!"

Seller Hesitant to List

"Totally understand wanting to wait. Quick FYI: [relevant market data]. Happy to do a no-obligation market analysis whenever you're ready."

After Closing

"Congratulations again on [Address]! If you need contractor recommendations or anything else, just text. Enjoy your new home!"

Asking for Referrals

"Happy 6 months in your new home! If you know anyone thinking of buying or selling, I'd love an introduction. Referrals are the best compliment!"

Combining SMS with Other Channels

SMS + Email

SMS for quick updates and time-sensitive info

Email for detailed property info and documents

SMS + Calls

SMS to schedule calls

Call for detailed conversations

SMS to follow up and confirm

SMS + Direct Mail

SMS to alert: "Look for my postcard about [neighborhood] market trends!"

Postcard for detailed market data

Automation Ideas

Drip Campaigns

Set up automated texts:

1. Day 1: Lead response

2. Day 2: Follow-up if no response

3. Day 7: Value add (market info)

4. Day 14: Check-in

5. Monthly: Market updates

Trigger-Based

New listing in saved search → auto alert

Price reduction → auto notification

Anniversary date → auto greeting

Measuring Success

Key Metrics

Lead response time

Response rate from leads

Showings scheduled via SMS

Deals closed (SMS-originated leads)

Track and Improve

Which message templates get best responses?

What time of day works best?

Which lead sources respond best to SMS?

Compliance Notes

TCPA Regulations

Get written consent before texting

Honor opt-out requests immediately

Keep records of consent

NAR Guidelines

Include your name and brokerage

Be truthful in all communications

Respect Do Not Call lists

Conclusion

Real estate moves fast. SMS keeps you ahead. From the moment a lead comes in to years after closing, text messaging helps you stay connected and top of mind.

Start with immediate lead response. Add showing reminders. Build from there. Your clients will appreciate the personal touch, and you'll close more deals.