7 Tips for Texting Every Real Estate Agent Should Know

Texting can be a great way to build rapport with clients and partners, as well as speed up the entire real estate funnel from start to finish. Need feedback on an offer? Send a text. Want to tell your buyer about a brand new listing that just went out? Shoot over an SMS. Want to update your meeting time? A text will do the trick.

More important than all this, though? Most clients want to text you. They’re used to doing it with friends and family members, and they’re not big fans of phone calls, voicemails, and all the constant back-and-forth that comes with them.

Texting offers a quick, easy and immediate way to stay in touch no matter where you both are.

Want to use text messaging to your best advantage as an agent? These handy tips can help:

1. Know who you’re talking to.

Just because you’re texting doesn’t mean you should use all abbreviations, emojis, and shorthand — especially if you’re working with an older client or a professional partner. As with any marketing or communication method, you should know your audience. Speak on their level, be as detailed as their expertise requires, and answer their questions thoroughly and politely.

2. Respond quickly.

Most people use texting because it’s fast and super efficient. You can get an answer or say hi in just a matter of seconds — no lengthy phone calls or in-person meetings necessary. For these reasons, responding quickly is absolutely crucial when you text with clients and partners. It’s fine to leave your response until morning if the text is late at night, but always try to respond within an hour if at all possible — it’s just expected.

3. Offer other reach-out methods, too.

Texting is a great way to communicate with clients and partners, but it shouldn’t be the only method you use. Some people shy away from texting or prefer more direct ways of communicating — phone calls, emails, or even face-to-face meetings. Make sure you offer a wide variety of options to suit every style and need.

4. Remember, texting is a two-way street.

Don’t use texting messaging for blatant sales or marketing blasts. Texting is meant to be a conversational tool. Ask questions. Get feedback. Let the other party respond and weigh in before sending another series of messages unsolicited. Think of it like texting your friends and family — you wouldn’t just shout messages into the void hoping one day they’d respond, would you? You’d say hi, ask them how they’re doing, talk about their concerns and struggles and have a real, two-way conversation via the medium. Do the same with your clients, and you’ll be golden.

5. Have the right tools.

If you don’t have the resources to answer quickly yourself (that’s the expectation with text messaging), then make sure you have the tools and team to do it on your behalf. There are apps and programs that can automate text messaging responses, as well as chatbots that can function like virtual assistants. Paid assistants (virtual or in-office) can also help support you here.

6. Don’t treat it like email.

Many agents fall into the trap of dual messaging — sending out the same copy across both text and email. Sure, it’s easier to cut and paste the text than craft an entirely new message, but remember: the two are vastly different platforms. Text messages aren’t meant for long, lengthy or detailed conversations, and they’re not great for sending contracts or attachments that the client would want to save or look at the fine print of. Texts are best reserved for short and sweet conversations. Quick check-ins, simple questions or reminders here and there. You can also use texts to support your emails. Did you just send over an offer? Text the seller and ask them to review it. Did you just email over the final contract? Ping them and put it on their radar.

7. Time your messages right.

Just like you wouldn’t call a client at 10 p.m. at night, you shouldn’t text them then either. Sure, texting is slightly less intrusive, but if they’re currently asleep, their child is using that phone for YouTube, or they’re streaming a movie on the couch, it could be incredibly annoying and invasive. Keep your texts to daytime hours when you’re confident they’ll be awake and available. You also may want to avoid times you know they’ll be commuting or in the middle of cooking dinner, as they might forget to respond for some time.

Improve Client Connections Even More

Another great way to foster strong relationships with clients? Send them to reputable vendors like Embrace Home Loans to take care of their needs. Contact your local loan officer today to learn about what we can offer your clients. We’re here to help!