Text messaging has become the most effective way to reach real estate leads. The numbers make it clear: SMS messages have a 98% open rate compared to just 21% for email. The average text gets read within 3 minutes of delivery. And leads who receive a text response within 5 minutes are 21 times more likely to convert than those who wait 30 minutes.
Yet most agents still default to phone calls and emails, both of which get ignored at alarming rates. The agents who have embraced text messaging as their primary lead communication channel are seeing dramatically higher response rates and conversion numbers.
The key to effective real estate texting isn’t just speed. It’s having the right message for each situation. Below are 35 proven text scripts organized by scenario, from initial lead response to referral requests. Copy, paste, personalize, and send.
We'll build you automated text sequences that respond to leads in under 5 minutes and nurture them until they're ready to buy or sell. Free consultation.
Speed matters most on the first contact. These scripts are designed to be sent within 5 minutes of receiving a new buyer inquiry.
Script 1: Portal Inquiry (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.)
Hi [Name]! I saw you were looking at [address] on [portal name]. Great choice, that [beds]/[baths] has [standout feature]. Are you available this week for a showing? I can also send you similar homes in the area.
Script 2: Website Lead Capture
Hey [Name], thanks for checking out [address] on my site! Quick question: Are you looking to buy in the next 1-3 months, or just starting to explore? Either way, I’m happy to help.
Script 3: First-Time Buyer
Hi [Name]! Congrats on starting your home search. Buying your first home is exciting. I’m [Your Name] with [Brokerage]. What’s the most important thing you’re looking for in your first place?
Script 4: Pre-Approved Buyer
Hey [Name], I see you’re pre-approved and ready to go. That puts you in a strong position. What areas are you most interested in? I have a few off-market listings that might be perfect.
Script 5: Showing Request
Hi [Name]! Got your request to see [address]. I’m available [Day] at [Time] or [Day] at [Time]. Which works better for you? I’ll also pull 2-3 similar homes nearby so we can compare.
Seller leads often take longer to convert but are worth significantly more in commission. These scripts open the conversation without being pushy.
Script 6: Home Valuation Request
Hi [Name], I just received your home valuation request for [address]. I can put together a detailed market analysis showing what comparable homes have sold for recently. When’s a good time for a quick 10-minute call to discuss?
Script 7: “Thinking About Selling” Lead
Hey [Name]! I saw you might be considering selling your home on [street name]. What’s driving the decision to move? If you’re curious about your home’s current value, I can send over a no-obligation market analysis.
Script 8: FSBO Outreach
Hi [Name], I noticed your home at [address] is for sale by owner. I have a few buyers looking in your area. Would you be open to a quick conversation about how we might work together?
Script 9: Expired Listing
Expired listings convert at 44% to listing agreements, making them the highest-ROI lead source. Here’s the opening text:
Hey [Name], I saw your home at [address] came off the market. That can be frustrating. I’d love to share what I’ve seen work in your neighborhood lately. Open to a quick chat?
Script 10: Investor/Rental Property
Hi [Name], quick question: Are you still holding onto [address] as a rental, or would you consider selling if the price was right? The market for investor properties in [area] has been strong.
Our proven text sequences have helped agents increase their response rates by 3x. Let's build one customized for your market.
Most leads go cold not because they’re uninterested, but because life gets busy. These scripts re-engage without being annoying.
Script 11: 24-Hour Follow-Up (No Response)
Hey [Name], just checking in. I sent you info about [address] yesterday. Still interested in taking a look? No pressure either way.
Script 12: 3-Day Follow-Up
Hi [Name], hope your week is going well! Still thinking about homes in [area]? I’ve got a few new listings that just hit the market. Want me to send them over?
Script 13: 7-Day Re-Engagement
Hey [Name], circling back on your home search. Are you still looking in [area], or has your timeline shifted? Just want to make sure I’m sending you the right stuff.
Script 14: 30-Day Warm-Up
Hi [Name]! It’s been a few weeks since we connected. Just wanted to check in. If you’re still interested in [buying/selling], I’m here whenever you’re ready. No rush.
Script 15: “Breakup” Text (Last Attempt)
Hey [Name], I haven’t heard back from you in a while. I don’t want to keep bugging you. Should I take you off my list, or are you still thinking about [buying/selling] in the future?
This last script often gets the highest response rate. People feel compelled to respond when they think they might lose access to something.
Confirming appointments and coordinating showings via text reduces no-shows and keeps everyone on the same page.
Script 16: Showing Confirmation
Hi [Name]! Just confirming our showing tomorrow at [Time] for [address]. I’ll meet you there. Text me if anything changes.
Script 17: Day-Of Reminder
Hey [Name], looking forward to seeing you at [address] today at [Time]. Quick reminder: street parking on the right side. See you soon!
Script 18: Rescheduling Request
Hi [Name], something came up on my end for our [Day] appointment. Can we reschedule to [Alternative Day] at [Time]? I apologize for the shuffle.
Script 19: Post-Showing Follow-Up
Hey [Name], thanks for checking out [address] today! What did you think? Was it close to what you’re looking for, or should we keep searching?
Script 20: Multiple Showing Coordination
Hi [Name], I’ve got 4 homes lined up for us on [Day]. Here’s the order: 1) [Address 1] 2) [Address 2] 3) [Address 3] 4) [Address 4]. Does that work for you?
Open house visitors are warm leads who’ve already shown physical interest. Follow up within 2 hours of the event ending.
Script 21: Same-Day Open House Follow-Up
Hey [Name], thanks for stopping by [address] today! What did you think? I’d love to hear your honest feedback. If you want to see it again or have any questions, just let me know.
Script 22: Neighbor at Open House
Hi [Name], great meeting you at the open house today! If you’re ever curious about what your home might be worth in this market, I’m happy to run a quick analysis. No strings attached.
Script 23: Buyer Who Didn’t Love the Property
Hey [Name], I got the sense [address] wasn’t quite right for you. What would the perfect home look like? I have a few other options that might be a better fit.
Script 24: Hot Lead From Open House
Hi [Name], you seemed really interested in [address]. Just so you know, there’s already been some activity on it. Would you like to schedule a second showing or discuss next steps?
Not every lead is ready to transact today. These scripts keep you top-of-mind over 6 to 12 months without being annoying.
Script 25: Quarterly Check-In
Hey [Name], hope you’re doing well! Just checking in. Has anything changed with your [buying/selling] plans? I’m here whenever you’re ready.
Script 26: Market Update
Hi [Name]! Quick market update: Homes in [area] are averaging [X days] on market and selling for [X% above/below] asking. Thought you’d want to know since you were looking there.
Script 27: New Listing Alert
Hey [Name], a home just hit the market in [area] that fits what you were looking for. [beds]/[baths], [price]. Want me to send details?
Script 28: Holiday Check-In
Happy [Holiday], [Name]! Hope you’re enjoying the season. If real estate comes up in 2026 conversations, I’m just a text away.
Script 29: Anniversary of First Contact
Hi [Name], can you believe it’s been a year since we first connected? Just wanted to check in and see where you’re at with your [buying/selling] plans.
We help agents build complete lead nurturing systems that work on autopilot. From first contact to closing, we've got you covered.
Past clients are your best source of future business. These scripts make asking for referrals and reviews feel natural.
Script 30: Post-Closing Referral Ask
Hey [Name], congrats again on [buying/selling] your home! If you know anyone else thinking about making a move, I’d love to help them too. Referrals are how I grow my business.
Script 31: 30-Day Post-Closing Check-In
Hi [Name]! How’s the new place treating you? Everything settling in okay? Let me know if you need any contractor recommendations or anything else.
Script 32: Review Request
Hey [Name], I hope you’re loving your new home! Would you mind leaving a quick review about your experience working with me? It really helps other buyers find me. Here’s the link: [link]
Script 33: Referral Reminder (6 Months Post-Closing)
Hi [Name], hope you’re enjoying [address]! Quick reminder: if anyone in your circle mentions buying or selling, I’d love an intro. I’ll take great care of them, just like I did with you.
Keep buyers, sellers, lenders, and title companies in sync with clear, professional text communication.
Script 34: Offer Submitted
Hi [Name], just submitted your offer on [address]! I’ll let you know as soon as I hear back. Fingers crossed!
Script 35: Offer Accepted Celebration
[Name], great news: YOUR OFFER WAS ACCEPTED! Congrats on [address]. Next steps: inspection scheduling and appraisal. I’ll be in touch with details.
Having the right scripts is only half the equation. How and when you send them matters just as much.
Response Time Standards:
Text Length Guidelines:
Personalization Requirements:
Compliance Notes:
Timing Best Practices:
Text messaging converts more leads than phone calls or email. Period. The agents who treat SMS as their primary communication channel, and who have ready-to-send scripts for every scenario, are the ones closing more deals.
Start with the scripts above. Save them in your CRM or phone for quick access. Customize them with your name, brokerage, and personality. And most importantly, respond fast. The first agent to text wins.
Discover the 5 critical lead generation mistakes that keep agents stuck—and the proven system to become #1 in your market without expensive ads or endless cold calls.
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Richard Kastl has been working with real estate professionals to help them generate high-quality leads. He is an entrepreneur with expertise as a web developer, digital marketer, copywriter, conversion optimizer, AI enthusiast, and overall talent stacker. He combines his technical skills with real estate industry knowledge to provide valuable insights and help companies connect with potential clients ready to buy or sell a home.
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