Real Estate Text Message Scripts That Actually Get Replies

We’ve already covered Real Estate Phone & Text Scripts to Book More Appointments, but if you want our very BEST scripts that get replies, read on. 

We’ll also dive into legalities, when to use text messages, and how to measure your results so you can tweak and improve your approach. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a text-based outreach blueprint that gets attention and drives conversations.

Real Estate Text Message Scripts to Use This Week

$100M Text

This message positions you as a resource rather than a salesperson. It's perfect for reaching out to homeowners who might not yet realize they're sellers.

Script:
“Hey Tom— I don’t send a message like this often but I’ve been talking to a lot of clients who are trying to get a better picture of their finances. I’m setting aside a couple hours this week to help by preparing updated home equity reports. Can I prepare one for you?”

Why it works: It creates value and urgency around personal financial insight, not sales pressure.

Off-Market Buyer Prospecting Script

Use texts like this when you want to approach potential buyers without pressure or a hard sell. It's perfect for sparking curiosity and positioning you as the Realtor with insider access.

Script:
“Hi Tom, I'm connecting with some off-market opportunities today in [Area]. If I spot something interesting, want me to keep you updated?”

Why it works: This approach is casual and low-pressure. You’re not selling; you’re simply offering value and exclusive access. When the prospect says yes, you’ve instantly warmed up a cold lead—and earned permission for future follow-ups when the right property comes along.

Silver Tsunami Prospecting Text

This text resonates strongly with downsizing clients or those nearing retirement who value cost efficiency.

Script:
“Hi Linda, I know you’re not expecting this but I thought you’d find it interesting. I just helped a client buy and sell, and their housing costs dropped by $2,300/month (42%). Out of curiosity, if you were to make a move, what would you want your monthly costs to stay under?”

Why it works: It frames the conversation around affordability and lifestyle, encouraging reflection rather than immediate decisions.

Magic Number Text

This works well when you have legitimate buyer demand in a specific area. It's not pushy—it invites homeowners to name their terms.

Script:
“Hi Tom, I know this is out of the blue, but I’m working with a couple serious buyers hoping to move before summer. Wondering if there’s a number that would make the conversation worth having—even if selling wasn’t your plan for this year.”

Why it works: It subtly shifts control to the homeowner, creating openness rather than defensiveness.

Unsolicited CMA Text Series

A three-text series to gently engage prospects about their home's value. This works best with real estate leads who previously showed mild interest.

Text 1:
“Hi Tom, I’m preparing an updated home value report for you today. Just one quick question… Have you made any improvements to the property recently?”

Text 2:
“BTW: I just completed one for a client and they gained $36,500 in the last 12 months 🤯”

Text 3:
“Ok great. One more thing… Are there any real estate plans you think I should know about?”

Why it works: Each message progressively engages the lead more deeply, feeling conversational rather than transactional.

Open House Follow-Up Text

Most follow ups fail because they sound like a sales pitch. This text succeeds by doing the exact opposite—giving your lead control of the conversation.

Script:
“Hi Tom, it's [Your Name] with [Your Brokerage]. Really appreciate you stopping by our Open House last weekend. Should I contact you if other homes pop up in the same neighborhood?”

Why it works:
The phrase "Should I contact you if..." is powerful because it shifts control back to the recipient, making the conversation feel voluntary rather than forced. To make it even stronger, reference a specific neighborhood or property they visited. This local touch positions you as a helpful resource rather than a salesperson, increasing the likelihood they'll engage and respond positively.

Bonus: FSBO Scripts

If you’ve considered adding FSBO as a channel (if not, you should) then check out our Best FSBO Scripts. 

Best Practices Before Texting

Before you hit send, it’s crucial to plan your approach. Texting might be easier than a phone call, but that doesn’t mean you should wing it. Here are a few essentials to consider:

Keep It Short and Valuable
No one likes a three-paragraph text. Aim for two or three short text lines. Your message should prompt a reply, not overwhelm someone with information. If you need to share more details, provide a link or offer a phone call.

Use Their Name
We’re all more likely to answer a text that’s personally addressed to us. It also shows you respect your lead or client as an individual, not a data point on a spreadsheet.

Offer a Clear Next Step
End your text with a simple question or action step. For example: “Are you free tomorrow at 3 PM for a quick call?” or “Would you like to see other new listings like this?” The key is to show them the logical next move.

Time It Wisely
Leads don’t want to be bombarded at odd hours. If you’re texting a prospect for the first time, consider weekday afternoons or early evening. Once you’ve established a working relationship, it’s easier to gauge the best times to text.

Legal Considerations: Before Real Estate Agents Use SMS Marketing

There are real regulations in place to protect consumers from spam and unwanted communication. You don’t want to violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

• Make sure you have explicit permission to text your leads and clients. This can be verbal, written, or part of your lead capture form.
  
  
• Provide opt-out instructions. A quick line like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” ensures people feel they have control.
  
  
• Keep a record of your opt-in/opt-out documentation. A CRM or texting software with compliance features can automate much of this.

A quick disclaimer never hurts. If you’re going to broadcast or drip texts, always confirm that recipients are okay with receiving them. It builds trust and helps you dodge compliance issues down the road.

When to Send Real Estate Scripts Via Text Messages

Knowing how to text is one thing. Knowing when to text is another. Effective messaging is about timing. You want to send the right real estate text message templates when leads are most likely to say yes or clients are most likely to take action. Below are some strategic points in your workflow to integrate texting.

Initial Lead Response

One of the best times to text is the moment a new lead opts in or shows interest. They could have found you via a Facebook ad, a listing on Zillow, or your open house sign-in sheet.
A quick text that feels human and personal goes a long way. Something like:

“Hey [Name], thanks for checking out the [Listing Address] details. Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like a private tour.”

This opens the door for further conversation and makes them feel valued immediately.

Post-Showing Follow-Up

After someone sees a property, don’t wait days to circle back. A quick follow-up text asking for feedback or offering additional insights can help you stay top of mind. For example:

“Hey [Name], hope you enjoyed seeing [Listing Address] today. Any initial thoughts? I’d love to help you compare it with similar properties.”

This approach keeps the dialogue open. It invites them to share any hesitations or specific needs. You also position yourself as a resource, not a pushy salesperson.

Past Client Check-Ins

Staying top of mind with past clients leads to more referrals. Instead of a generic “Just checking in” phone call, a personal text can feel more genuine. For instance:

“Hi [Name], it’s been a while since we closed on your home. How are you settling in? Let me know if you need anything or if you know anyone looking to buy or sell!”

Clients appreciate that you’re thinking of them. Even if they don’t need help, you’ve reminded them you’re around if a friend or family member starts talking about real estate.

How to Track and Improve Your Text Response Rates

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. That’s why you need a system to track how your real estate text message scripts are performing. If you fire off a bunch of texts without any data, you’ll never know which ones are getting traction.

Here’s your game plan:

Use a Dedicated Platform

Sending texts from your personal phone might be convenient, but you’ll lack automation and analytics. A CRM or texting tool designed for real estate can log sent messages, response rates, and follow-up tasks. This helps you spot patterns and refine your scripts.

A/B Test Your Scripts

Create two versions of the same message with slight variations in wording. Send one version to half your leads and the other version to the rest. Track response rates. Whichever script wins, keep using it. Then tweak again. Rinse and repeat.

Track Timing

Experiment with different days and times to see when your leads respond the most. Some markets might love mid-week texts at lunch, while others respond best on weekend afternoons. Use your platform’s analytics to confirm.

Analyze Conversion

It’s not enough to see who texts you back. You want to see who progresses through your pipeline. Are your texts just generating conversation, or are they leading to more showings, offers, and closings? Keep an eye on how your texting efforts contribute to actual deals.

Ready to Use Scripts for Real Estate?

Texting is one of the fastest ways to build rapport in real estate. People are busier than ever, so why make them jump through extra hoops? A concise text that respects their time will often yield a quick reply and a step forward.

So start experimenting. Don’t just read about these methods—use them this week. Plug these techniques into your CRM, create reminders for follow-ups, and track your data. And if you need Lead Follow Up Strategies Top Agents Use then check this out too.

Adjust as you go, and soon you’ll have a personal arsenal of real estate text message scripts that not only spark responses but also help you close deals.

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