Why Real Estate Agents Should Be Using Text Messaging (Like, Yesterday)

Let’s be honest - most real estate follow-up is either too slow or too easy to ignore.

Texting fixes both.

If you're still relying on emails that get buried or voicemails that never get returned, it's time to rethink your follow-up game. Text messaging is fast, personal, and 10x more likely to get a response. And when used the right way, it can help you convert more leads, book more appointments, and close more deals.

This guide breaks down why texting works, how to do it right, and how to use it alongside your CRM, marketing, and automation tools for max impact.

📲 Why Texting Works So Well in Real Estate

• 💬 98% open rate
  (Compare that to email’s ~20%. It’s not even close.)

• ⚡ Fast, frictionless response
  Most people read a text within 3 minutes. That means you’re in the conversation faster - before they’ve moved on or signed up with someone else.

• 👋 Preferred by younger buyers
  Millennials and Gen Z aren’t answering unknown calls. But they’ll text you back - if you’re helpful and human.

• 🎯 Personal but scalable
  Texts feel 1-to-1, even when they’re automated (if written right). It’s the perfect blend of high-tech and high-touch.

💡 When to Use Texting in Your Follow-Up

• Lead Registration Follow-Up
  “Hey Sam, just saw you checked out a few homes in Temecula - anything specific you're looking for?”

• Appointment Confirmation or Reminder
  “Looking forward to seeing you at 3pm today! I’ll text when I’m 5 min out.”

• Nurture Check-Ins
  “Still on the hunt, or have plans changed? No pressure - just checking in.”

• Listing Alerts & Custom Searches
  “Just listed: 4-bed with a pool in Summerlin under $750K - want me to send you the link?”

📈 Best Practices for Real Estate Text Messaging

✔ Get Permission
Only text people who’ve opted in (registration, open house, etc.). Otherwise, you risk fines and burning trust.

✔ Keep It Casual + Clear
Think “conversational, not corporate.” And don’t overthink every word. A good follow-up text is like a nudge, not a novel.

✔ Use Their Name
“Hey Sarah” always hits better than “Hello homeowner.”

✔ Mind Your Timing
Don’t text at 6AM or 11PM. Think daytime, business hours, or based on behavior (e.g. after someone returns to your site).

✔ Offer Value
Your message should always answer: “Why should they care?” New listing, price drop, tip, or next step - make it worth their time.

✔ Don’t Over-Automate
Automation is a great tool, but keep it human. Auto-texts should sound like you, not a robot.

⚙️ Automating Smartly: What to Automate (and What Not To)

✅ Great to Automate:

• Instant “thanks for registering” text

• Drip text sequences over 30–90 days

• Appointment reminders

• Follow-up when someone revisits a listing or saves a home

❌ Skip Automation For:

• Sensitive replies (bad news, tough buyers, price changes)

• In-depth responses that require nuance

• Final stages of a deal or major decision points

Use automation to start the convo - but always be ready to jump in when it turns real.

🔄 Text + Email + CRM = Power Trio

Texting works best when it's part of a full follow-up system. Here’s how it fits in:

• Email → great for property alerts, longer content, and market updates

• Text → best for fast responses, nudges, check-ins

• CRM → the brain that runs it all, tracks behavior, and assigns follow-up tasks

The combo of smart automation + personal texting = major leverage for agents who want to scale without losing touch.

🧪 Real World: Agents Using Text to Win More Deals

Agent A – Luxury Market

Used smart text follow-ups after showing requests. Short, personalized check-ins led to a 28% bump in appointments booked - and multiple $1M+ closings.

Agent B – First-Time Buyers

Built a 90-day nurture plan mixing auto-texts and personal replies. Most leads didn’t convert in week 1 - but came back around after weeks 3–4. Patience + the right cadence = big payoff.

🔧 Tools to Help You Text Like a Pro

• CRM-based tools
  Platforms like Follow Up Boss, Lofty, and Sierra Interactive all support SMS directly inside your lead workflows.

• HighLevel (for power users)
  Want more automation and custom logic? HighLevel gives you full control over triggers, delays, and reply routing.

• Basic SMS platforms
  For newer agents or small teams, tools like Twilio, SimpleTexting, or Podium offer good starting points.

🚀 Final Word

Text messaging isn’t the future - it’s now.
If you’re not using it in your follow-up strategy, you're leaving leads (and closings) on the table.

Build it into your system. Write like a human. Follow up consistently.
The agents who win are the ones who show up - quickly, helpfully, and personally.

✅ Need Help?

Bludoor builds smart lead follow-up systems with text, email, and automation baked in. Whether you're using Sierra, Follow Up Boss, or Lofty - we’ll build it right.

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