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25 Real Estate Text Message Templates That Get Replies
March 2026 · 12 min read · Copy-paste ready
98%
of text messages are opened (vs 20% for email). Text is the fastest way to reach leads—if you do it right.
Most agents send generic texts that get ignored. These templates are different—they're based on what actually gets responses in 2026.
Copy-paste these. Customize the [bracketed parts]. Save hours.
🔥 New Lead Response (Speed to Lead)
Responding within 5 minutes increases conversion by 21x. These templates get you there.
1. Zillow/Realtor.com Lead
Hey [Name]! I saw you were checking out [address/neighborhood]. I'm [Your name], the listing agent. Quick Q - are you working with an agent yet, or would you like me to set up a showing? 🏠
2. Website Inquiry
Hi [Name], this is [Your name] from [brokerage]. Thanks for reaching out about homes in [area]! What's your ideal move-in timeline - pretty flexible or is there a specific date you're aiming for?
3. Open House Follow-Up (Same Day)
Hey [Name]! Great meeting you at [address] today. What did you think of the place? If it's not quite right, I have a few others in mind that might work better.
4. Referral Lead
Hi [Name], [Referrer] mentioned you're looking for a home in [area] - she speaks very highly of you! I'd love to help. Are you free for a quick call this week to chat about what you're looking for?
5. Facebook/IG Ad Lead
Hey [Name]! I saw you clicked on that [property type/area] ad. Perfect timing - there's actually a really nice one that just hit the market. Want me to send you the details?
📱 Follow-Up Messages
When they haven't responded to your first text. Avoid "just checking in"—provide value or ask easy questions.
6. After No Response (Day 2)
Hey [Name], not sure if my text went through yesterday 😅 Still happy to help with your [city] home search if you're interested. No pressure either way!
7. Market Update Hook
Hey [Name], heads up - [neighborhood] just got 3 new listings under $[price]. Want me to send them over, or have you found something already?
8. The Direct Ask
[Name], quick check-in: still looking in [area]? If plans changed, no worries at all - just want to make sure I'm not bugging you!
9. The Pattern Interrupt
Hey [Name] - random question. Are you still thinking about [city], or has your search taken you somewhere else? Either way, just curious how things are going.
10. The Soft Close
Hi [Name], I'll keep this short - I'm clearing out my list this week. Should I keep you on for [area] updates, or should I take you off? Totally up to you 👍
💡 Pro tip: After 3-4 unreturned texts, switch to email or a phone call. Different people prefer different channels.
🏡 Showing Coordination
Showing confirmations and follow-ups that reduce no-shows and gather feedback.
11. Showing Confirmation
Hi [Name]! Just confirming our showing tomorrow at [time] for [address]. I'll meet you there. Text me if anything changes. See you then! 🔑
12. Day-Of Reminder
Hey [Name], quick reminder - we're on for [address] today at [time]. Parking is [street/driveway]. I'll be in a [color] car. See you soon!
13. Post-Showing (Same Day)
Hey [Name], thanks for coming out today! What did you think of [address]? I'd love to hear your honest take - good, bad, or "meh" 😊
14. Multiple Showing Schedule
Hey [Name], I lined up 4 showings for Saturday:
• 10am - [address 1]
• 11am - [address 2]
• 12:30pm - [address 3]
• 2pm - [address 4]
Does this work? I can adjust times if needed!
📊 Listing Updates & Hot Properties
Alert them to new listings, price changes, and properties they need to see.
15. New Listing Alert
🚨 [Name], this just hit the market and made me think of you: [beds]/[baths] in [neighborhood] for $[price]. It matches what you were looking for. Want to see it before it goes under contract?
16. Price Drop Alert
Hey [Name], remember [address] we looked at? Just dropped from $[old] to $[new]. Might be worth another look if the price was the issue. Want me to set something up?
17. Back on Market
Hey [Name], interesting one - [address] just came back on the market (buyer financing fell through). It's priced at $[price] now. Interested in making a move?
18. Off-Market Opportunity
Hey [Name], I just heard about a property coming to market next week in [neighborhood] - [beds]/[baths], $[price range]. Owner wants a quiet sale. Want first look before it hits MLS?
⏰ Long-Term Nurture
For leads not ready now but might be in 6-12 months. Stay top of mind without being annoying.
19. Quarterly Check-In
Hey [Name], hope things are going well! Just wanted to check in - any changes on the home search front, or still waiting for the right time?
20. Market Milestone
Hi [Name], quick FYI - [city] home prices just hit their lowest point in [X] months. If you're still thinking about buying, the timing is getting interesting. Let me know if you want to chat!
21. Anniversary Text
Hey [Name], I realized it's been about a year since we first connected about your home search. Things still on hold, or has something changed? Would love to catch up!
22. Holiday/Seasonal
Hey [Name], hope you're having a great [holiday]! If you're still thinking about [city] for 2026, I'm around and happy to help whenever you're ready. No rush at all 🙌
🏷️ Seller Communication
For your listing clients—showing notifications, feedback, and updates.
23. Showing Request
Hi [Name], we have a showing request for [address] tomorrow at [time]. Are you able to have the house ready? Let me know and I'll confirm with the buyer's agent.
24. Showing Feedback
Hey [Name], just finished the showing. Buyers really liked [positive]. They mentioned [feedback]. I'll send you a full update tonight. Overall, good showing! 👍
25. Weekly Listing Report
Hi [Name], quick weekly update on [address]:
• Online views: [X]
• Showing requests: [X]
• Days on market: [X]
Want to chat about strategy, or all good? Happy to adjust if needed.
Texting Rules to Follow
⚠️ Compliance matters: Always get consent before texting (inquiry = consent for related follow-up). Never text before 8am or after 9pm local time. Include opt-out instructions if sending automated texts.
Do:
- Respond to new leads within 5 minutes when possible
- Keep texts under 160 characters when you can (single SMS)
- Use the lead's name
- Ask one question per text (easier to respond)
- Use emojis sparingly (1-2 max) to seem human
- Send during business hours unless they text you first
Don't:
- Send paragraphs—save that for email
- Text "just checking in" with nothing else
- Be pushy or create fake urgency
- Text multiple times a day
- Use ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation!!!
- Send automated texts without disclosure
Save These Templates in Your CRM
Manually typing these every time is slow. A good CRM lets you save templates and send with one click.
Esgrow includes 15+ pre-built text templates for real estate, plus drip campaigns that send automatically when leads go cold.
Try Esgrow Free →
Related guides: 15 Email Templates · Follow-Up Scripts · Cold Lead Reactivation · All articles