With a 98% open rate and 6x higher response rate than cold calls, SMS is the highest-engagement channel in real estate. Here are the exact scripts for first contact, 30–90 day nurture, under-contract updates, and post-close referrals — organized by situation and conversion goal.
Consumers in 2025 are over-saturated with email marketing, ignore cold calls from unknown numbers, and skim social media ads. Text messages are different. With a 98% open rate and an average read time of 90 seconds, SMS is the highest-engagement communication channel available to real estate agents.
Yet most agents either avoid texting (fearing it's too informal) or send generic mass texts that feel like spam. The agents converting leads at the highest rates use personalized, conversational, contextually relevant text messages — not blasts. Done right, a text message feels like a direct line between agent and client. Done wrong, it feels like an intrusion. This guide gives you the specific scripts that work, organized by situation, so every message you send has a purpose and a conversion goal.
These are the highest-leverage texts you'll ever send. Effectiveness drops dramatically after 5 minutes — research consistently shows an 80% drop in response rate beyond that window.
Buyer lead from listing inquiry:"Hi [Name], this is [Agent] from [Brokerage]. I saw you were looking at [Property Address] — great choice. Are you pre-approved or would you like to connect with a lender? Happy to answer any questions about the property."
Seller lead from home value request:"Hi [Name], [Agent] here. I received your request for a home value estimate on [Address]. I'm pulling comps now — would a quick 10-minute call tomorrow morning work to go over the numbers?"
Open house sign-in:"Hi [Name], great meeting you at [Address] today. Do you have any questions about the property, or would you like to see similar homes in the area?"
Each script is under 160 characters, references something specific, and ends with a low-friction question. Specificity is what separates a personal text from a blast — use the property address, the neighborhood, the exact request they made.
Most leads aren't ready to buy or sell today — but they will be. These scripts maintain the relationship without pressure.
Week 2 check-in:"Hi [Name], [Agent] here. Just checking in — are you still thinking about [buying/selling] in [timeframe]? Happy to answer questions whenever you're ready."
Month 1 value-add:"Hi [Name], quick update — inventory in [Neighborhood] just dropped 12% this month. Great time to move if you're planning to [buy/sell]. Let me know if you'd like to chat."
Month 2 re-engagement:"Hi [Name], haven't heard from you in a bit — no pressure at all. Just wanted to make sure you have my number when you're ready to make a move. [Agent] at [Brokerage]."
Month 3 final check-in:"Hi [Name], this is my last check-in for a while — I don't want to bother you. If things change and you're thinking about [buying/selling], reach out anytime. Best, [Agent]."
The Month 3 "last message" often generates the highest response rate because it removes pressure. Counterintuitively, signaling that you're stepping back prompts leads to re-engage on their own terms.
Once a client is under contract, communication expectations skyrocket. Proactive texts reduce anxiety and prevent the "what's happening?" call that interrupts your day.
Weekly status update:"Hi [Name], quick update on [Address]: inspection is scheduled for Thursday at 10am, lender has ordered the appraisal, and we're tracking for a [Date] close. Any questions?"
Inspection results:"Hi [Name], inspection report came in. A few items to discuss — can we connect tonight or tomorrow morning? I have a plan ready."
Appraisal update:"Great news — appraisal came in at [value]. You're clear to move forward. Next step is the loan commitment letter — the lender has until [date]."
Closing reminder:"Hi [Name], closing is confirmed for [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. Bring your photo ID and [cashier's check / wire confirmation]. Can't wait to hand you the keys!"
These proactive updates reduce client anxiety and generate referrals — clients who feel informed and cared for throughout the process are dramatically more likely to recommend you.
The 30 days after closing are the most powerful referral generation window — clients are euphoric, grateful, and surrounded by friends asking about their move.
Day 7 post-close:"Hi [Name], how's the new home feeling? Hope the move went smoothly. If you ever need anything — referrals for contractors, questions about your neighborhood — I'm your person."
Day 30:"Hi [Name], quick check-in! If you know anyone thinking about buying or selling, I'd love to help. Referrals are the foundation of my business and I always take great care of the people my clients send my way."
6-month home anniversary:"Hi [Name], hard to believe it's been 6 months since you moved into [Address]! Just wanted to reach out — your home's value has likely changed. Want a quick update on what similar homes are selling for?"
Each of these texts is a referral plant disguised as a caring check-in — and they work because they're genuine. The 6-month market update in particular often generates listing appointments from clients who hadn't thought about selling until you reminded them what their equity looks like.
LeadLocker AI sends personalized text messages to every lead automatically — in under 60 seconds.
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