Real Estate Text Message Scripts

In this article:

Why use SMS for real estate marketing?
Real estate text messaging etiquette
Text messaging scripts for real estate agents
Automated responses for real estate messages to clients

Real estate text message marketing or SMS (short message service) marketing is a reliable and quick communication strategy that provides clients with immediate answers to their real estate questions via text messaging. According to Zillow's 2025 Consumer Housing Trends Report for Agents, 53% of buyers prefer to text with agents.

Text messaging is a great way to:

• Introduce yourself.
• Let shoppers know how to get in touch with you.
• Ask when they’re available to speak over the phone.
• Provide property information.
• Send properties they may be interested in (with a shortened URL.)
  

As a Zillow Premier Agent, you can use the client relationship management (CRM) tool or mobile agent app to send and reply to text messages. Whether you use your phone or computer to respond, your conversations will be threaded for easy reading and synced across devices.

Why use SMS for real estate marketing?

While text marketing for real estate is relatively new, many buyers and sellers prefer text messaging as their everyday communication tool. A study by InsideSales.com revealed that 47% of all buyer leads were never responded to, and that the average response time for agents to call online leads is more than two days (61 hours). A real estate text is likely to get a quick response and can be used to prompt further conversation in person or over the phone. 

Using SMS for real estate marketing gives you a competitive advantage as an agent. Each time you exchange messages, you’ll extend your My Agent relationship for another 30 days. It’s important to make a good first impression by responding quickly and with the appropriate information.

Real estate text messaging etiquette

It’s OK to be more conversational when text messaging, but remember to always present yourself as professional and courteous. Keep these simple tips in mind before sending off a real estate text message:

Include your name. Clients may not have your number saved, so remind them who you are and what agency you’re with.

Keep texts short. If you have a lot to say, ask if you can give them a call or send an email.

Attach photos and videos when appropriate. Sending visuals in text messages can move a buyer or seller forward in the process more quickly than direct mail or email.

Correct typos before sending. Spend a minute and proofread your text message, even when using one of your real estate text message templates.

Avoid using too many abbreviations. Be professional and spell out most words. Real estate text message scripts are a great way to spell out longer industry terms while saving time.

Maintain a positive tone. Any bad news, such as a sale falling through, should be delivered in person or over the phone.

Leave out confidential or private information. Don’t transmit any confidential, private, proprietary or potentially embarrassing information to a client through text message.

Use caution when replying to group messages. Don’t assume that it’s OK to reply to a group conversation or to add anyone to your reply.

Text messaging scripts for real estate agents

Having the right words and responses at your fingertips is crucial, but a quickly written sentence can sometimes be misinterpreted. The following text message scripts will eliminate any confusion and ensure you convey a professional tone and informative message.

Real estate text messaging scripts for courteous responses

Maybe you’re with another client or running late to a meeting. Sending a quick text to notify your client is often the best option — and preparing them ahead of time is key. Use these real estate text message templates to help craft your responses.

Real estate text messaging scripts for effective replies

Your clients use text messaging every day, so it’s natural that they will communicate with you that way. Be prepared for questions from buyers and sellers with these pre-written real estate messages.

Texts from buyers

Use these real estate text messaging scripts to respond to a buyer’s inquiries about a home they’re interested in, an appointment or a pricing request.

Texts from sellers

Sellers may request updates, offers and counteroffers via text. Use these text message scripts to prompt a call and discuss the topics further.

Texts from buyers or sellers

When you first receive a lead or are about to meet in person for the first time, these text scripts for real estate agents are the perfect way to communicate in a comfortable and easygoing way.

Automated responses for real estate messages to clients

When you’re unable to reply in person, an automated response will let the sender know that you’re unavailable but will reconnect shortly. Since you don’t have to type them on the fly, you can make the response a little longer to ensure the client knows when you’ll be in touch. You can set up auto-response texts in the CRM. Here are our suggested automated text scripts: