Text Message Follow-Up for Real Estate Agents: Best Practices
Text is the most-read communication channel. Here is how to use it for real estate follow-up without being intrusive.
Text messages have a 98% open rate compared to 20% for email. For real estate agents, text is the most reliable way to reach clients and contacts. But the intimacy of texting means the line between helpful and intrusive is thin.
When to Text
- Appointment confirmations — "Looking forward to our showing tomorrow at 2pm. See you at 123 Main St."
- Quick updates — "Just heard back from the seller — they accepted your offer. Calling you in 5 min with details."
- Personal check-ins — "Happy anniversary in your new home! Hope you are loving the neighborhood." Brief, warm, genuine.
- Time-sensitive information — New listing that matches their criteria, price reduction they need to know about.
When Not to Text
- Cold outreach — Texting someone who has not given you permission feels like spam, regardless of your intentions.
- Long messages — Anything longer than 3-4 sentences belongs in an email or a phone call.
- Bad news — Rejected offers, inspection issues, and other negative updates deserve a phone call, not a text.
- Late hours — No texts before 8am or after 8pm unless the client has established that preference.
Tracking Text Communication
Text messages are the most likely communication to fall outside your CRM. Make it a habit to log significant text interactions — either manually or through a CRM that integrates with your messaging apps. The conversation you had via text six months ago might be exactly the context you need for your next interaction.
Related Reading
Ready to manage your relationships?
Relatable helps professionals stay connected with the people who matter most to their business.
Start free trial