Ready-to-Use SMS Templates for Real Estate Lead Follow-Up

Texting is now the top communication method for real estate professionals, with a 98% open rate and a 45% response rate, far surpassing email and cold calls. Quick engagement is crucial in real estate, as 90% of texts are read within three minutes. This article provides SMS templates for real estate agents to streamline lead follow-ups, covering:

• Initial Outreach: Personalize messages for new leads to boost engagement.
• Post-Showing Follow-Ups: Gather feedback and maintain interest after property tours.
• Lead Nurturing: Stay connected with potential clients through helpful updates.
• Re-Engagement: Rekindle interest with leads who’ve gone silent.
• Referrals and Past Clients: Strengthen relationships with past clients for repeat business and referrals.

Pairing these templates with AI-powered tools like Follow Up Boss allows agents to automate and personalize communication, saving time and improving efficiency. Whether you're reaching out to new leads, following up after a showing, or staying in touch with past clients, these templates help you connect effectively and close more deals.

1. Initial Outreach Templates

The Welcome Text for New Leads

First impressions matter, and when it comes to reaching out to new leads, timing can make all the difference. Studies show the best times for SMS engagement are weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m..

Timing aside, personalization is the secret ingredient to successful outreach. Tools like Follow Up Boss let agents craft automated responses tailored to each lead's source or type, making messages feel personal instead of robotic. For example, when a lead fills out a form, your CRM can instantly send a customized welcome text.

Here’s a tried-and-true template that incorporates AI-driven personalization:

"Hi [First Name]! Thanks for your interest in [Property Address/Area]. I'm [Your Name], your local real estate expert. I noticed you're looking for [specific criteria from their search]. I have 3 properties that might be perfect for you. When's a good time for a quick 10-minute call today or tomorrow?"

This message uses AI to seamlessly insert the lead’s name, their property interest, and search details. Follow Up Boss can even analyze lead behavior, like browsing history, to suggest the best times to follow up, increasing the chances of a reply.

But it doesn’t stop there. AI can also track lead activity - such as clicking links or revisiting your website - and trigger follow-up sequences accordingly. Keep in mind, texts should only be sent between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and always adjust for time zones. With 73% of real estate businesses already texting their clients, standing out means using AI to deliver thoughtful, timely, and personalized messages that truly engage.

2. Post-Showing Follow-Up Templates

The Immediate Feedback Request

After a showing, following up promptly is crucial to keep the property fresh in your client’s mind and show that you’re attentive to their needs. A well-timed message can encourage honest feedback and help move the conversation forward without feeling pushy. The trick is to make it feel personal and relevant by referencing details from the showing.

Here’s a template designed to gather feedback and keep the dialogue open:

"Hi [Client's Name]! Thanks for touring [Property Address] today at [Time]. What were your first impressions of the [specific feature discussed, like the kitchen layout or master suite]? Let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything you’d like to revisit."

What makes this approach effective? It incorporates details from the showing, making the message feel tailored rather than generic. Tools like your CRM can automatically fill in key details, while platforms like Follow Up Ace help you track and reference the features that caught your client’s attention.

For clients who seem particularly interested, a direct follow-up can help move things along:

"Hey [Client's Name]! After our chat about [specific need they mentioned], I think this property is a great match for you. Should we set up a second showing so you can bring [spouse/family member] to see it too?"

With AI tools like Follow Up Boss, your follow-ups can be even more precise. These platforms track which properties your clients have viewed and suggest the best next steps, whether that’s scheduling another showing, sharing comparable property data, or addressing specific concerns. It’s like having a smart assistant that helps you nurture leads at the perfect moment.

3. Lead Nurturing Templates

The Value-First Check-In

Lead nurturing is all about maintaining meaningful, ongoing communication with potential clients who aren't quite ready to make a move. These templates serve as a way to stay connected, offering value without being pushy, and keeping your business top-of-mind for when they're ready to act.

Unlike the initial outreach or follow-ups after events, nurturing messages are designed to build trust over time. They acknowledge that your lead might still be exploring options, and that's perfectly fine. The key is to provide helpful information while respecting their timeline.

The best nurturing messages feel genuine and supportive, not like a sales pitch. For example:

"Hi [Name]! Just checking in on your home search. I've found some new [Neighborhood] listings that might match your preferences - whether you're looking for a three-bedroom or something with a modern, open layout. Let me know if you'd like to discuss market trends or have any questions!"

This message works because it shows you're paying attention to their needs and preferences while keeping the tone casual and pressure-free.

For leads who have been quiet for a while, a quick market update can spark interest:

"Hey [Name], just wanted to share a quick market update for [Area]: homes are selling fast this month! If you're still thinking about that move we discussed, I'm here whenever you're ready. Hope all is well with you!"

These templates can be easily automated using tools like Follow Up Ace, ensuring that your follow-ups remain personal and relevant without requiring extra effort. With AI-powered automation, you can tailor each message to align with your lead's specific interests, maintaining the seamless communication foundation set by Follow Up Boss. Up next, we'll dive into SMS templates designed to re-engage contacts who’ve gone quiet.

4. Re-Engagement Templates

The "No Pressure" Comeback Message

When leads go silent, it’s easy to feel stuck between giving up or sounding overly eager. Neither option is ideal. A better way? Acknowledge that life gets busy, and gently reopen the conversation. Here are some tailored messages for reconnecting with both buyer and seller leads.

Re-engagement templates are perfect for leads who haven’t responded in weeks - or even months. The goal? To check if they’re still interested without making them feel pressured.

For buyer leads, try this:

"Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Brokerage]. Just checking in to see if you’re still interested in a home in [Area]. No rush - I’m here whenever you’re ready! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to see the latest listings."

This message works because it’s casual and guilt-free. By saying "no rush", you’re showing understanding while keeping yourself on their radar.

For seller leads, referencing current market activity can spark their interest:

"Hey [Name]! It’s been a while since we discussed selling your home on [Street Name]. Just wanted to share that your neighborhood has been busy - three homes sold last month. Are you still considering making a move? I’d be happy to provide an updated market analysis."

Both messages strike the right balance: they’re friendly, helpful, and low-pressure. Tools like Follow Up Ace make it easy to send these messages at the right time, using data from your CRM to personalize each outreach.

Here’s why this matters: industry stats reveal that 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups, but 44% of agents stop after just one. Re-engagement templates like these can breathe new life into up to 25% of cold leads.

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5. Referral and Past Client Follow-Up Templates

The "Stay-in-Touch" System

Once you've reconnected with silent leads, it's time to shift your focus to past clients. These relationships are goldmines for referrals, repeat business, and building a lasting network - if you keep the connection alive. The trick? Staying in touch without coming across as pushy or overly sales-driven.

A great way to do this is by sending personalized, occasion-specific messages rather than generic check-ins. Let’s look at a few examples:

Home anniversary messages are a thoughtful way to celebrate milestones:

"Hi [First Name], happy home anniversary! Can you believe it’s been a year since closing on [Address]?"

This kind of message feels warm and celebratory, not transactional. It acknowledges a meaningful moment while keeping you on their radar for future referrals.

Market update texts are another effective way to provide value while staying visible:

"Hi [First Name], just a heads-up: the market in [Neighborhood] has been active lately. Want a quick update on your home's value?"

By offering helpful, relevant information, you position yourself as a trusted resource. When your clients see you as someone who provides real value, they’re more likely to think of you when someone they know needs real estate advice.

For a straightforward referral request, keep it simple and appreciative:

"Hi [First Name], I’ve loved working with you! If you know anyone looking to buy or sell, I’d be grateful for a referral."

Seasonal greetings are another easy way to stay in touch throughout the year:

"Hi [First Name], Happy holidays! Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful season."

The most successful agents don’t rely solely on these SMS templates. They mix them with other communication methods like phone calls and emails. Tools like Follow Up Ace can help you automate these messages while keeping them personal, ensuring no past client slips through the cracks.

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Conclusion

SMS templates are a game-changer for real estate agents, helping streamline lead follow-up and improve efficiency. When paired with AI-powered CRMs like Follow Up Boss and Follow Up Ace, these tools not only enhance lead engagement but also simplify template management by centralizing everything in one place.

But here's the key: customization is what truly makes these templates effective. A generic message won’t always connect with leads in different markets or at various points in their buying journey. For example, an agent in Dallas might mention specific neighborhood trends or highlight upcoming open houses, while someone in a slower market might focus on sending educational content tailored to potential buyers.

The beauty of SMS templates lies in their flexibility and scalability. Whether you're a solo agent juggling dozens of leads or part of a team managing hundreds, you can adapt templates to fit your needs. As market dynamics shift and new CRM features roll out, updating and fine-tuning your library of templates becomes a seamless process. Start with reliable templates and tweak the tone, content, and timing based on the feedback you get from your leads.

FAQs

How can real estate agents use AI tools like Follow Up Boss to create personalized SMS follow-ups for their leads?

Real estate agents can use AI-powered tools like Follow Up Boss to create personalized SMS follow-ups by analyzing a lead's behavior, engagement patterns, and preferences. The platform's AI features offer tailored message suggestions for various stages of the lead journey, whether you're reaching out for the first time, nurturing an ongoing relationship, or reconnecting with past leads.

By integrating these AI insights with detailed lead profiles, agents can automate messages that feel natural and personal. This not only saves valuable time but also improves response rates, making it easier for agents to maintain strong connections with their leads.

What’s the best time to send SMS messages for real estate lead follow-ups to get the best response rates?

To get the best results and keep people engaged, timing plays a huge role. If you can respond to an inquiry within just 1 minute, your chances of turning that lead into a customer skyrocket. And while that might not always be doable, even replying within 5 minutes can make a big difference in keeping the lead interested.

When it comes to follow-up messages, the sweet spot is typically late afternoon, between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. This is when most folks are winding down their day and are more likely to glance at their phones.

Being quick and thoughtful about when you reach out not only reflects professionalism but also boosts your chances of forming a meaningful connection with your leads.

How can I use SMS templates effectively for different stages of the real estate lead journey, like first contact, follow-ups after showings, and reconnecting with past leads?

To get the best results from SMS templates during various stages of the real estate lead journey, focus on crafting messages that match the specific purpose and context of each stage.

For initial outreach, keep things brief, approachable, and professional. Introduce yourself, explain how you got their contact information, and offer something of value - like details about a property or a quick question about their housing preferences.

In post-showing follow-ups, take a moment to thank them for their time and ask for feedback. Make it personal by referencing the property they toured and let them know you're available to answer questions or discuss the next steps.

When aiming to reconnect with past leads, your goal is to reignite their interest. Share something new and relevant, like a recently listed property, a market update, or a limited-time offer. Tailor the message to align with their preferences and make it feel timely.

Customizing your SMS templates based on previous interactions and client preferences can go a long way in boosting response rates and fostering stronger connections.