Being a realtor means juggling a million things, right?
You’re showing properties, negotiating deals, handling paperwork, and constantly searching for that next lead. Staying connected with everyone – potential clients, current clients, past clients – feels like a full-time job in itself.
You know communication is key, but emails get buried, and voicemails often go unheard. How many times have you sent an important email, only to wonder if it was even opened? It can be frustrating. What if there was a way to cut through the noise and connect almost instantly?
That’s where text messaging steps in.
Why Texting is Your Secret Weapon
Think about your own phone for a second. When a text message notification pops up, you probably glance at it almost immediately. That’s the power you can tap into.
- Near-Perfect Open Rates: Unlike emails’ maybe-20% open rate, SMS messages boast open rates often exceeding 95%, usually within minutes of being sent. Your message will be seen.
- Instant Connection: Texting feels personal and immediate. It’s perfect for quick updates, timely reminders, or fast follow-ups when speed matters most.
- Cut Through the Clutter: Your clients’ email inboxes are likely overflowing. A text message is shorter, direct, and much harder to ignore. It shows you value their time.
- Save Your Precious Time: Instead of crafting lengthy emails or playing phone tag, a quick, templated text gets the job done efficiently. Imagine getting back hours each week!
Using SMS helps you avoid the black hole of unread emails and the frustration of missed calls. It lets you build stronger relationships through quick, convenient check-ins. Your clients will feel more informed and connected, leading to smoother transactions and more referrals down the line.
Quick Stat: People check their phones dozens, sometimes hundreds, of times a day. A text message puts your update right where their attention already is.
Now, let’s get practical.
Grab Leads Faster with Quick Follow-Ups
Speed is everything when a new lead comes in. Texting is the fastest way to make contact and show you’re responsive.
1. Open House Visitor Follow-Up:
Hi [Lead Name]! Great meeting you at [Property Address] today. Let me know if you have any questions or want to see it again. Happy to help! – [Your Name], [Your Brokerage]
2. Website Inquiry Response:
Hi [Lead Name], thanks for reaching out about [Property Address or Topic] on my website! Are you free for a quick chat sometime this week? – [Your Name]
3. Quick Online Lead Check-In:
Hey [Lead Name], saw you were looking at properties on my site. Found anything interesting? Let me know if I can send you some personalized listings! – [Your Name]
These templates are short, friendly, and open the door for conversation.
Nurture Leads Without Being Annoying
Not every lead is ready to buy or sell right now. Use SMS to stay top-of-mind with helpful, brief updates.
4. New Listing Alert (Specific Area):
Hi [Lead Name], a new home just hit the market in [Neighborhood] that fits your criteria! Check it out: [Link to Listing]. Want to schedule a look? – [Your Name]
5. Local Market Update:
Hey [Lead Name], just wanted share a quick update on the [Their Area] market. Prices are [Trend – e.g., holding steady/slightly up]. Let me know if you’d like more details! – [Your Name]
6. Simple Check-In (Longer-Term Lead):
Hi [Lead Name], hope you’re doing well! Just checking in. Let me know if your real estate plans have changed or if you have any questions. – [Your Name]
This shows you’re thinking of them without demanding a huge time commitment.
Keep Current Clients Happy and Informed
Clear communication is vital during a transaction. Texting is perfect for quick updates and reminders.
7. Showing Reminder:
Quick reminder: We have a showing scheduled for [Property Address] tomorrow at [Time]. See you there! – [Your Name]
8. Appointment Confirmation:
Confirmed! Our meeting is set for [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. Looking forward to it! – [Your Name]
9. Document Status Update:
Hi [Client Name], just letting you know the [Document Name – e.g., appraisal report] came in. I’ll email it over shortly. Let me know if you have questions! – [Your Name]
10. Offer Submitted/Received:
Good news, [Client Name]! We’ve officially submitted your offer on [Property Address]. I’ll update you as soon as I hear back. / Good news! We received an offer on your home at [Property Address]. I’ll call you soon to discuss. – [Your Name]
These short messages keep everyone in the loop and reduce anxiety.
Tip: Always ask clients upfront if they prefer communication via text for certain updates. Respect their preferences!
Build Relationships After the Sale
Your job isn’t over once the keys are handed over. SMS is great for maintaining long-term relationships.
11. Happy Home Anniversary:
Happy 1 Year Home Anniversary, [Client Name]! Hope you’re loving your place at [Property Address]. Thinking of you! – [Your Name]
12. Asking for a Review/Referral (Post-Closing):
Hi [Client Name], I hope you’re settling in well! If you were happy with my service, would you mind leaving a quick review here: [Link to Review Site]? It helps others find me! Thanks! – [Your Name]
OR
Hey [Client Name], hope all is well! Just wondering if you know anyone looking to buy or sell soon? I’d love to help them out like I helped you. – [Your Name]
13. Holiday Greeting:
Happy Holidays, [Client Name]! Wishing you all the best this season. – [Your Name]
These messages show you care beyond the transaction. This is how you build clients for life.
Promote Events Effectively
Got an open house or a community event? Texting gets the word out fast.
14. Open House Invitation:
You’re invited! Open House this Saturday [Date] from [Start Time] – [End Time] at [Property Address]. Come see this beautiful home! More details: [Link] – [Your Name]
15. Community Event Sharing:
Hey [Client Name], thought you might be interested in the [Event Name] happening in [Neighborhood] on [Date]. Looks like fun! More info: [Link] – [Your Name]
It’s a simple way to provide value and invite engagement.
Okay, let’s transition to making these templates shine.
Make Your Texts Feel Personal, Not Robotic
Templates are a starting point, not the final word.
- Use Their Name: Always start with
Hi [Client Name]. It makes a huge difference. - Add Specific Details: Mention the property address, neighborhood, or a previous conversation point. Personalization is crucial.
- Keep it Brief: Respect their time. Get straight to the point. No one wants to read a novel via text.
- Clear Call to Action (If Needed): What do you want them to do? (“Reply yes,” “Click the link,” “Let me know a good time”).
- Mind Your Timing: Send texts during reasonable business hours unless it’s urgent or expected. Avoid late nights or very early mornings.
Think of it like leaving a helpful sticky note, not blasting a billboard advertisement.
Sidestep These Common Texting Mistakes
Texting is powerful, but easy to misuse. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Not Getting Permission: You absolutely must get consent before adding someone to any kind of SMS list or sending marketing texts. This is often legally required (check local regulations!) and essential for maintaining trust. Ask clients upfront or have a clear opt-in on your website.
- Being Too Generic: If your text sounds like it could be for anyone, it loses impact. Personalize!
- Texting Too Often: Bombarding contacts with messages is a quick way to get blocked. Use texting for timely, valuable updates, not constant chatter. Check out common bulk messaging mistakes to avoid for more tips.
- No Easy Way Out: Always include a way to opt-out, like replying STOP. It’s required in many places and shows respect.
- Forgetting Who You Are: Always sign off with your name and brokerage so they know who’s texting.
Avoiding these helps ensure your texts are welcomed, not viewed as spam.
Texting Works Even Better with Other Tools
SMS isn’t meant to replace everything else. It shines when used alongside your other marketing efforts.
Think about how SMS and email can work together. Maybe you send a detailed market report via email, then follow up with a quick text: “Hey [Client Name], just sent over the latest market report for [Neighborhood]. Let me know your thoughts!” This increases the chance they’ll see and engage with your email content. Learn more about combining email marketing and SMS marketing.
Use texts to drive traffic to your website listings, confirm appointments made via phone calls, or remind people about an event you posted on social media. It’s about creating a seamless communication experience.
Choosing the Right SMS Platform
Okay, so you’re seeing the potential here. How do you actually send these texts efficiently, especially if you want to reach multiple contacts? Using your personal phone gets messy fast and lacks features like scheduling or tracking.
That’s where a dedicated SMS platform comes in. You’ll want something that is:
- Easy to Use: You’re busy – you don’t have time for complicated software.
- Reliable: Your messages need to get delivered, every time.
- Allows Personalization: Look for features that let you easily insert names or custom details (like merge tags).
- Supports Bulk Messaging (Safely): For sending updates or invites to groups, but ensure it facilitates compliance and personalization.
- Offers Features You Need: Think about scheduling messages, seeing delivery reports, or maybe even two-way messaging capabilities.
Platforms like 160.com.au offer these kinds of tools, designed specifically for business communication. Based in Australia, they provide services like Online SMS, easy personalization, scheduling, and reliable delivery – essentials for running effective SMS campaigns. They even offer features like Email to SMS, converting important emails into texts so you never miss a critical alert. Having a solid platform makes managing your realtor SMS marketing much simpler and more professional.
Ready to Connect?
Think about it – what could you do with an extra hour or two back each week, saved from playing phone tag or wondering if your emails were read? How much stronger could your client relationships be with quick, personal check-ins?
Using strategic SMS templates isn’t about being lazy; it’s about being smart and effective. It’s about meeting your clients where they are – on their phones – with timely, relevant information.
Start small. Pick one or two template types that solve your biggest communication headache right now. Get permission, personalize your messages, and see the difference it makes. You might be surprised how much easier communication becomes.