I’ve put together a variety of scripts to cover you from initial contact to closing day. Plus, I’ve included a six-day text campaign for new leads below that you can start using right away.

Initial Contact Scripts for Buyer Leads

• Objective: Introduce yourself to potential buyers using texting scripts for real estate and encourage them to engage with you.
• What to keep in mind:

• Keep it short and to the point.
• Introduce yourself and your brokerage.
• Personalize the message and include an action item.

Script 1

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“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Realty]. I noticed you’re interested in [property type/location]. I’d love to provide more details or schedule a time for you to see it. When’s a good time to chat?”

Script 2

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“Hello [Name], I’m [Your Name] from [Your Realty]. I saw your inquiry about [property address]. Are you available for a quick call or text to discuss what you’re looking for in a home?”

Script 3

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“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Realty]. I’d love to help you find your next home. Do you have any specific properties in mind or a general idea of what you’re looking for?”

Send one of these real estate text message scripts as soon as the lead comes in to get the highest response rate. For a more automated system, try adding real estate text scripts to your CRM. Most CRM platforms allow you to store text message scripts and track everything you send.

If you’re looking to boost your lead conversion by using real estate SMS scripts, LionDesk CRM has you covered. Its Text Manager feature lets you easily manage and automate text messages, helping you stay connected with your leads and respond faster. Whether it’s follow-ups or reminders, LionDesk makes it simple to keep your pipeline moving. You can try LionDesk free for two weeks and see if it improves your productivity. 

Initial Contact Scripts for Seller Leads

• Objective: Use texting scripts for real estate to engage with leads looking to sell their homes.
• What to keep in mind:

• Be prepared with market knowledge and a comparative market analysis (CMA).
• Converting FSBO leads can be the most challenging because they are most likely trying to save money.
• Ask questions. Show your value.

Script 4

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“Hello [Name], I’m [Your Name] from [Your Realty]. I saw your inquiry about selling your home at [property address]. Are you available for a quick call or text to discuss next steps?”

Script 5

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Agent: “Hi! Is this the owner of {home address}?”

Lead: “Yes.”

Agent: “Great! This is {your name} with {your brokerage}. I was checking the market and noticed that your home is no longer available. Are you still interested in selling?

Script 6

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Agent: “Hi! My name is {your first name}. I’m a Realtor with {your brokerage}. Is your home at {home’s address} still for sale?”

Lead: “Yes.”

Agent: Awesome! Are you working with buyer’s agents? I’d love to come by and preview the home in person. It shouldn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes. That way, I can see it in person, take some notes, ask any questions about it, and see if it matches any of my buyers.

Text scripts for real estate agents are helpful when approaching a seller of an expired listing. When a listing first expires, sellers are flooded with calls from agents. Instead of joining the rush, smart agents wait at least two months to reach out to expired listings—or even up to 12 months. By then, the sellers’ objections are usually limited, they are often still interested in selling, and competition is minimal.

Follow-up Scripts for Unresponsive Leads

• Objective: Reengage unresponsive leads with persistence—without being pushy.
• What to keep in mind:

• Be patient—convey understanding that they may be busy.
• Offer new information to renew their interest.
• Be aware of your tone—you’re there to help, not pressure them.

Script 7

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“Hi [Name], I just wanted to follow up and see if you’re still interested in [property type/location]. I’m here to help whenever you’re ready. Feel free to reach out with any questions!”

Script 8

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“Hello [Name], it’s [Your Name] from [Your Realty]. Just checking in to see if you’re still considering a move to [location]. I’d be happy to assist with any next steps.”

Script 9

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“Hi [Name], I know you’re busy, so I wanted to quickly check if you’re still interested in [property address]. I’m available to answer any questions or arrange a viewing at your convenience.”

These text messaging scripts are simple and clearly outline the next steps for your lead. They work because they’re not salesy—they’re simple and easy to understand. If you need a powerful system to manage your leads with built-in text messages you can send right from the platform, try Zurple.

Their campaigns include both text and email scripts designed to keep your leads engaged, ensuring no opportunity slips through the cracks. Content is tailored to each individual lead and includes valuable information specific to their location and price range.

Appointment Reminder Scripts for Leads

• Objective: Ensure your leads remember their scheduled appointment and know where to meet you.
• What to keep in mind:

• Send a reminder the day before the appointment.
• Include all necessary details like time, date, and location.
• Offer directions or to meet them at a public place—whatever is easier for them.

Script 10

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“Hi [Name], this is a quick reminder about our appointment tomorrow at [time] to view [property address]. Looking forward to seeing you there!”

Script 11

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“Hello [Name], just a friendly reminder of our showing at [property address] on [date] at [time]. Please let me know if you need to reschedule.”

Script 12

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“Hi [Name], excited to meet with you tomorrow at [time] to tour [property address]. Let me know if anything comes up or if you need directions!”

The main goal of the text conversation is to get in the door. Set the appointment, and then make your move once you’re face-to-face with the lead.

Property Update Scripts for Interested Leads

• Objective: Keep leads informed of new listings, price changes, or other relevant information to maintain interest.
• What to keep in mind:

• Make sure the update pertains to what the lead needs.
• Highlight the significance of the update.
• Encourage immediate action.

Script 13

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“Hi [Name], I wanted to let you know that a new property just came on the market in [location] that fits your criteria. Would you like more details?”

Script 14

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“Hello [Name], I have some exciting news—[property address] just had a price reduction. It’s a great opportunity if you’re still interested. Let me know if you’d like to see it again.”

Script 15

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“Hi [Name], a new listing in [location] just became available. It’s similar to the one you liked at [previous property]. Want to schedule a viewing?”

Event Invitation Scripts for Engaging Leads

• Objective: Build relationships by inviting leads to events where they can view properties and engage with you personally.
• What to keep in mind:

• Emphasize why they should attend your event.
• Be specific—provide the date, time, and location.
• Follow-up after the event.

Script 16

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“Hi [Name], we’re hosting an open house at [property address] this Saturday from [time]. It’s a great opportunity to see the property in person. Can I count on seeing you there?”

Script 17

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“Hello [Name], I wanted to personally invite you to an exclusive open house this weekend at [property address]. Let me know if you’re interested in attending!”

Script 18

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“Hi [Name], we have a special event at [property address] this weekend—a first look before it hits the market. Would you like to stop by?”

Thank-you Scripts to Nurture Leads

• Objective: Express appreciation to leads after meeting in person and keep lines of communication open.
• What to keep in mind:

• Keep your tone warm and genuine.
• Personalize your message.
• Encourage them to reach out with questions or take action.

Script 19

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“Hi [Name], thank you for meeting with me today to view [property address]. I’m here to answer any follow-up questions you might have. Let’s stay in touch!”

Script 20

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“Hello [Name], thanks for taking the time to explore [property address] with me. If you have further thoughts or questions, I’m just a text away.”

Script 21

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“Hi [Name], it was great meeting with you today. I’ll be in touch with more information, but feel free to reach out if anything comes to mind before then.”

If you’re still struggling to convert leads, try using the LPMAMA framework—location, price, motivation, agent, mortgage, and appointment. It helps you quickly qualify leads by focusing on what matters most, making guiding them toward a decision easier. This simple approach can boost your conversion rate and streamline your conversations.

Referral Request Scripts from Satisfied Leads

• Objective: Ask for referrals from satisfied clients to expand your network.
• What to keep in mind:

• Don’t wait—clients are more likely to refer you right after a positive interaction.
• Make it easy by providing a digital contact card.
• Show your appreciation.

Script 22

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“Hi [Name], I’m glad we connected about [property address]. If you know anyone else looking for a new home, I’d appreciate it if you could share my contact info!”

Script 23

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“Hello [Name], I hope our meeting was helpful. If you have friends or family considering buying or selling, I’d love to assist them as well. Referrals are always appreciated!”

Script 24

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“Hi [Name], it was great working with you. If you know anyone else who could benefit from my services, please feel free to pass along my information.”

Lead Nurturing Scripts for Long-term Prospects

• Objective: Maintain regular contact with leads who aren’t ready to buy or sell immediately.
• What to keep in mind:

• Check in periodically.
• Share relevant market updates.
• Be patient and offer support.

Script 25

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“Hi [Name], just touching base to see how your home search is going. No rush, but I’m here when you’re ready to explore more options.”

Script 26

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“Hello [Name], it’s been a little while since we last spoke. If your plans have changed or you’re ready to start looking again, I’m here to help!”

Script 27

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“Hi [first name], this is [your first name] with [your brokerage]. A bunch of homes just sold in your area. Want me to send a report that tells you what’s going on in your neighborhood?”

When reconnecting with cold leads, make it personal and instill a sense of urgency without being pushy. Mention something specific from your last chat or a property they liked. It helps jog their memory and shows you’re genuinely interested in helping them.

Top Producer’s text messaging feature gives users a first-class experience. It allows you to send personalized messages directly from the platform, making it easy to reengage leads and keep the conversation going. Turn cold leads into warm opportunities with Top Producer.

Holiday Greeting Scripts to Stay Top of Mind

• Objective: Show leads that you think of them even when no immediate business is at hand.
• What to keep in mind:

• Keep it festive.
• Be mindful of religious holidays—not everyone will celebrate every holiday.
• Consider using pop-by gifts for a personal touch.

Script 28

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“Happy holidays, [Name]! Wishing you all the best this season. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the new year, I’d love to assist.”

Script 29

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“Hello [Name], wishing you a joyful holiday season! When you’re ready to resume your home search, I’m here to help.”

Script 30

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“Hi [Name], I hope you have a wonderful holiday! If you need any real estate advice or are planning a move soon, I’m just a text away.”

Closing Day Follow-up Scripts for Building Long-term Relationships

• Objective: Congratulate leads on closing to build long-term relationships so they use you in the future.
• What to keep in mind:

• Celebrate their success.
• Offer to help with post-closing needs like movers or contractors.
• Stay in touch—your relationship doesn’t end when the transaction closes.

Scrip 31

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“Hi [Name], congratulations on closing! I’m so happy for you. If you need anything as you settle in, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here for you beyond just this sale.”

Script 32

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“Hello [Name], congrats on your new home! I’m thrilled we could work together. If you ever need any advice or know someone else looking to buy or sell, I’m here to help.”

Script 33

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“Hi [Name], it’s official—congratulations on your new home! Remember, I’m here for you not just today but for any future real estate needs you might have.”

Effectiveness of Text Messaging in Real Estate

Text messaging is a powerful tool for real estate agents. 40% of prospects would rather communicate with you via text messaging resulting in a 45% response rate, far surpassing email and direct mail. 82% of text messages are read within five minutes of being received—making text messaging an essential part of any real estate communication strategy. 

These high engagement rates allow agents to connect quickly and personally with leads, keeping them engaged throughout the sales process​. To maximize effectiveness, agents can create a “swipe file” of go-to messages in your phone’s notes app for easy access. Integrating these scripts into your CRM streamlines the process, enabling consistent follow-up with minimal effort. 

Pros & Cons

Although real estate text message scripts are an incredibly effective tool for agents, there are some potential downsides. Here’s a quick overview to help you weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of incorporating text messaging into your real estate lead generation strategy.

Like anything, text messaging works best when used wisely and balanced with other communication methods. Knowing when and how to use texting can help you get the most out of it, build stronger relationships, and see better results, all while avoiding any potential downsides.

Best Practices for Crafting & Sending Effective Text Messages

Incorporating text messaging into your real estate script strategy can really enhance your connection with leads. Still, it takes a bit of strategy to get it right. Whether you’re reaching out to new prospects, following up, or trying to reengage cold leads, how you word your real estate text message scripts can make a huge difference. Remember to be careful when using cold texting real estate scripts; you don’t want to come off as impersonal or aggressive.

Let’s look at some simple best practices that will help you craft new messages, connect with your audience, and get the results you aim for in your real estate business.

• Keep it short and sweet: Text messages should be concise and to the point. Aim for clarity and brevity to ensure your message is easily understood and quick to read.

• Personalize your messages: Use the lead’s name and reference specific details like properties they’ve shown interest in. Personalization increases engagement and shows that you’re attentive to their needs.

• Timing is everything: Send messages during appropriate hours, typically between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Avoid early morning or late-night texts to respect your leads’ time.

• Be clear about next steps: Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) in your message, such as scheduling a call, viewing a property, or responding with a simple “yes” or “no.”

• Use a warm and friendly tone: Maintain an approachable and professional tone. Avoid overly formal language, but stay respectful and courteous.

• Respond promptly: If a lead replies to your text, respond quickly. Prompt replies show that you’re attentive and serious about helping them.

• Avoid overloading leads with information: Don’t cram too much into one text. If more details are needed, offer to follow up with a call or email.

• Leverage automation and technology: Use CRM tools to automate and schedule texts, but make sure they still feel personal. Automated messages should be relevant and timely.

• Test and refine your messages: Regularly review your text messaging campaigns. Test different messages, track response rates, and refine your approach based on what works best.

• Respect the “NO”: Always provide an easy way for leads to opt out of receiving texts, and immediately respect their request if they choose to do so.

Bringing It All Together

Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your strategy, using well-crafted scripts makes a difference in connecting with leads, keeping them engaged, and ultimately closing more deals. Remember, the key is to be authentic, timely, and thoughtful in your communication. As you get more comfortable, you’ll find your rhythm and style, and those scripts will become second nature.

Do you have some great real estate text message scripts that you’re using in your business? Do you use text messaging scripts in a different way than I mentioned? Drop me a comment and share what you’re doing differently so we can keep this conversation going.

The post The 33 Best Real Estate Text Message Scripts for Agents appeared first on The Close.

• ClickUp: Best for task management and productivity features
• HubSpot: Best for comprehensive email marketing capabilities
• Agile CRM: Best for cloud-based device integration 
• Bitrix24: Best for team collaboration tools
• Freshsales CRM: Best for free deal management features 
• Zoho CRM: Best for customizable workflows
• Insightly: Best for project management features

Featured Partner

Top Producer has paid for this placement. However, our team of experts approved Top Producer as an appropriate product and our content remains editorially independent.

Top Producer CRM: Streamline your business & close more deals. Get a 30-day free trial now.

• Automated lead follow-up: Text & email drip campaigns educate & engage leads
• All-in-one system: Manage contacts & transactions in a centralized, intuitive dashboard
• Powerful integrations: MLS data, 150+ lead providers, plus Gmail, Outlook, iCloud and more

Visit Top Producer

The Close’s Top Picks for Best Free Real Estate CRM

Online Rent Payment Software	Best for	Number of Users	Learn More Below
	Free subscription and accounting tools	Free for 1 user	ClickUp ↓
	All-in-one solution and intuitive interface	Free for up to 5 users	HubSpot ↓
	Secured rent collection	Free for up to 10 users	Agile CRM ↓
	Mobile app	Unlimited	Bitrix24 ↓
	Next-day rent payment	Free for up to 3 users	Freshsales ↓
	Next-day rent payment	Free for up to 3 users	Zoho CRM ↓
	Next-day rent payment	Free for up to 2 users	Insightly ↓

Online Rent Payment Software	Best for	Number of Users	Learn More Below
	Free subscription and accounting tools	Free for 1 user	ClickUp ↓
	All-in-one solution and intuitive interface	Free for up to 5 users	HubSpot ↓
	Secured rent collection	Free for up to 10 users	Agile CRM ↓
	Mobile app	Unlimited	Bitrix24 ↓
	Next-day rent payment	Free for up to 3 users	Freshsales ↓
	Next-day rent payment	Free for up to 3 users	Zoho CRM ↓
	Next-day rent payment	Free for up to 2 users	Insightly ↓

ClickUp: Best for Task Management & Productivity Features

Pros

• Has highly customizable dashboards
• Integrates with numerous third-party apps
• Has user-friendly interface with robust productivity tools
• Has social media integrations

Cons

• Provides access to mobile application for a fee
• Requires some technical capability to set up
• Does not offer phone support
• Lacks free SMS texting included

The Close Score

4.9

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

4.5

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help and Support:

4.0

Customer Rating:

4.4

Expert Score:

4.6

out
of

5

Why I Chose ClickUp

I chose ClickUp because of its unrivaled task management and productivity features. This platform is tailor-made for real estate agents who really get a kick out of being organized and productive. Custom dashboards and integration with a huge variety of third-party apps make this tool quite versatile when it comes to daily task management. While not CRM-specific, strong productivity tools like team whiteboard and chat capabilities coupled with a great user interface make it easy for an agent to track work and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Additional Features

• Wikis: ClickUp’s wikis allow agents to create and store important information in a centralized, easily accessible location.
• Gantt charts: Gantt charts in ClickUp provide a visual timeline for projects, helping agents track progress, manage deadlines, and ensure all tasks are on schedule.

HubSpot: Best for Comprehensive Email Marketing Capabilities

Pros

• Has free texting capabilities
• Provides mobile application
• Has social media integrations
• Includes team collaboration tools

Cons

• Requires technical skills to set up
• Only has customer service during business hours
• Can be expensive if you need premium features.
• Has limited customization options in the free plan

The Close Score

4.6

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

3.0

Help and Support:

4.5

Customer Rating:

4.6

Expert Score:

5.0

out
of

5

Why I Chose HubSpot

What sets HubSpot apart from the other free CRMs is the fact that it offers email marketing capabilities in its free plan. If you’re a real estate agent looking to save hours of your time sending emails and collecting data via forms, this is the way to go. The ease of use and integration with other tools built by HubSpot make the user experience seamless. Although the free version is quite limited, there is still so much here to offer real estate agents in terms of building a marketing foundation.

Additional Features

• Meeting scheduler: HubSpot’s meeting scheduler allows agents to book appointments directly through their calendar, syncs with their availability, and eliminates the back-and-forth of scheduling.
• AI email writer: The AI email writer helps agents craft personalized emails to improve communication with clients and save valuable time on drafting messages.

Agile CRM: Best for Cloud-based Device Integration

Pros

• Has 50,000 contacts in a free account
• Provides unlimited deals, tasks, and documents
• Includes email tracking in the free plan
• Does not require credit card for sign-up

Cons

• Has the lowest customer review rating
• Does not offer customer service 24/7
• Does not include call recording in the free plan
• Requires technical skills to set up

The Close Score

4.8

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

5.0

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

3.0

Help and Support:

4.7

Customer Rating:

3.9

Expert Score:

4.1

out
of

5

Why I Chose Agile CRM

Agile CRM is cloud-based and easily accessed from any device, which provides flexibility and mobility in your real estate operation. It integrates CRM and marketing automation into one seamless solution to manage client relations and full-scale marketing campaigns on a single platform. The free CRM for realtors allows for 1,000 contacts, custom data fields, and appointment scheduling that can be accessed through the mobile application or via desktop. One benefit of the Agile CRM is that agents can switch between pricing plans at any time to scale the business up or down as needed.

Additional Features

• Email tracking: The email tracking feature allows agents to monitor when and how often clients open their emails, providing valuable insights into engagement and helping to tailor follow-up strategies effectively.
• Custom deal milestones: It enables agents to set and track specific stages in their sales process, offering a clear view of deal progress and ensuring that each transaction moves smoothly.

Bitrix24: Best for Team Collaboration Tools

Pros

• Has a website builder
• Provides 5GB of online storage
• Has 15-day free trial
• Includes automatic dialer

Cons

• Does not offer customer support in the free plan
• Needs additional fee for marketing tools
• Only provides CRM access permissions on paid plans
• Lacks listing management capabilities

The Close Score

4.8

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

4.6

Advanced Features:

4.2

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help and Support:

3.5

Customer Rating:

4.0

Expert Score:

4.5

out
of

5

Why I Chose Bitrix24

I chose Bitrix24 as one of the best free CRMs for realtors because it excelled in team collaboration tools, which are critical to a growing real estate business. It offers an all-inclusive free plan with many helpful features like a calendar, company social network, and project kanban. Although customer support is limited to free users, the setup process doesn’t require any technical skills, and it provides a lot of free real estate database storage space in the free account. Bitrix24’s available collaboration tools make it perfect for teams looking to enhance communication and productivity.

Additional Features

• Bitrix24 sign: It allows agents to send and receive legally binding electronic signatures on documents.
• Online store: This enables agents to create a storefront to market and sell real estate-related products.

Freshsales CRM: Best for Free Deal Management Features

Pros

• Has 21-day free trial
• Includes kanban views
• Provides live chat features
• Has built-in phone dialer

Cons

• Does not provide 24/7 support
• Only offers activity dashboard in paid plans
• Does not provide workflows
• Has limited customization for free plan

The Close Score

4.7

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

3.0

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help and Support:

4.7

Customer Rating:

4.6

Expert Score:

5.0

out
of

5

Why I Chose Freshsales CRM

What drew my attention to Freshsales CRM is that, even in the free plan, it offers deal management capabilities. It gives an agent the ability to see how deals are efficiently tracked, managed, and closed without any extra cost. This results in agents being able to stay in control of the sales process and keep the business running at all times. While more advanced features like sales pipelines, dashboards, and detailed analytics are saved for paid plans, the best real estate CRM free version still offers excellent features like data importing, email templates, inbound caller ID, etc.

Additional Features

• Contact lifecycle stages: It allows agents to categorize and track contacts through different stages of the sales funnel, from prospecting to closing, providing a clear view of where each client stands. 
• Unique fields: It helps differentiate records and prevents duplicate records.

Zoho CRM: Best for Customizable Workflows

Pros

• Is free forever and has no trial period
• Has Cloud-based data and file storage
• Includes email marketing workflows
• Provides lead capturing web form

Cons

• Needs to improve its user interface
• Has email parsing only in paid plans
• Has limited analytics reporting in the free plan
• Has overwhelming free plan to new CRM users

The Close Score

4.7

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

2.7

Advanced Features:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help and Support:

5.0

Customer Rating:

4.5

Expert Score:

5.0

out
of

5

Why I Chose Zoho CRM

For real estate agents looking for a more customizable CRM experience, Zoho CRM is one of the best free CRMs because of its very customized workflows and integration options. In addition to the pocket-friendly pricing plans, the email notification tools and mobile application access give agents the flexibility to manage their businesses on the go. While the free version is missing more robust features like AI tools, the included features still make Zoho CRM a very powerful tool for agents who want a customizable solution for free.

Additional Features

• Multiple pipelines: Agents can manage multiple sales processes by using different pipelines. 
• Scoring rules: Lead scoring helps agents prioritize those most likely to close.

Insightly: Best for Project Management Features

Pros

• Includes up to 2,500 records in free plan
• Has 14-day free trial
• Has customizable page layouts
• Provides multiple integration options

Cons

• Limits users to 10 emails per day on free plan
• Has limited email templates without upgrading
• Only has customer support during business hours
• Has expensive paid plans per user

The Close Score

4.5

Pricing:

5.0

General Features:

2.7

Advanced Features:

4.6

Ease of Use:

5.0

Help and Support:

4.5

Customer Rating:

4.0

Expert Score:

4.5

out
of

5

Why I Chose Insightly

Of the many available free CRM options, Insightly may be one of the better choices for real estate agents dealing with numerous complex transactions and projects because it has very good project management features. Even in the free plan, agents get access to integrations with applications like QuickBooks Online, PandaDoc, and Xero, along with the ability to customize page layouts that can benefit your business operations. The platform’s ability to help agents scale their businesses through project management and lead management tools makes it ideal for agents looking to streamline their transaction processes.

Additional Features

• Custom data entry fields: Agents can create business-specific data fields unique to them.
• Online help center: It provides 24/7 access to help articles and videos in the free plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What features should I look for in a free real estate CRM?

Can a free CRM handle a large database of clients and leads?

Can a free real estate CRM integrate with other tools and platforms I use?

Methodology: How I Chose the Best Free Real Estate CRM 

While choosing the best free real estate agent CRM options, we at The Close took a very meticulous and thorough review to make sure that we delivered the ones that were most reliable and effective. Our methodology took into account a detailed analysis of the various CRMs regarding a wide range of factors relative to the real estate professional. Our team of experts went through an accurate review and testing of these platforms for their suitability and to make sure they performed well in a real estate context.  

Below are the key criteria we evaluated for the best free CRM for realtors:

• Pricing (30%):
  • We prioritized CRMs that offer robust features in their free plans, providing excellent value without hidden costs.
• Features (20%):
  • We assessed the essential features available, such as contact management, mobile application, and website integration, to ensure they meet the core needs of real estate agents.
• Additional Features (20%): 
  • We looked at extra functionalities like customizable reports, AI capabilities, and team collaboration that add significant value to the CRM.
• Ease of Use (10%):
  • Technical skills required to set up and operate the platform were taken into consideration 
• Help and Support (5%):
  • The availability and format of customer support were reviewed to ensure agents can get assistance when needed.
• Customer Rating (5%):
  • We considered user feedback and ratings to gauge overall satisfaction and real-world performance.
• Expert Score (10%):
  • Our team of experts provided an additional layer of evaluation, rating each CRM based on the overall features, value for money, and ease of use.  

Your Take

Cheap real estate CRMs could be a huge help for real estate agents in contact and deal management, but they could also automate marketing efforts, starting with zero cost. If you can effectively use a free CRM for your business, it would greatly help in enhancing your productivity levels and better management of your clientele. 

But that is not worth being shortsighted in your growth strategy. Though the free plans include useful features, many are limited in ways that will hinder your business as it expands. Upgrading to the paid plans as you grow will unlock advanced capabilities, provide scalability, and more, allowing you to take on new opportunities and secure long-term success.

The post The 7 Best Free Real Estate CRMs for 2024 appeared first on The Close.

• CINC: Best for AI lead generation and nurturing
• Saleswise: Best for AI real estate marketing text creation
• Style to Design: Best for AI virtual staging
• VEED.IO: Best for AI video creation
• Lofty: Best for AI-enhanced CRM system
• ChatGPT: Best for AI real estate content creation tools

The Close’s Picks for Top AI Tools for Real Estate Agents

AI Tool	Best for	Starting Monthly Price	Learn More
	Lead generation and nurturing	$899	Visit CINC
	Marketing text creation	$39	Visit Saleswise
	Virtual staging	$149	Visit Style to Design
	Video creation	$25	Visit VEED.IO
	AI-powered CRM	$39	Visit Lofty
	Content creation	Free	Visit Chat GPT

AI Tool	Best for	Starting Monthly Price	Learn More
	Lead generation and nurturing	Contact for pricing	Visit CINC
	Marketing text creation	$39	Visit Saleswise
	Virtual staging	$149	Visit Style to Design
	Video creation	$25	Visit VEED.IO
	AI-powered CRM	$39	Visit Lofty
	Content creation	Free	Visit Chat GPT

1. CINC: Best for AI Lead Generation & Nurturing

Pros	Cons
Lead nurturing is available 24/7. It has real estate-related conversation scripts. It has AI-powered workflows. Nurturing via text message is available.	Pricing is expensive compared to other options. It must be used in conjunction with CINC’s CRM. It has no ability to turn off middle-of-the-night chat inquiries. It has no AI capabilities via email.

• Pricing: $899, custom pricing available

Why I Picked CINC

CINC AI is dedicated to turning potential leads into clients with Alex, its AI lead expert. I appreciate that Alex engages in conversations with new leads, categorizing them into three categories: new, active, and old leads. Agents will then receive notifications about these leads, including the latest message from Alex, so they know where to pick up the conversation. The AI at CINC was created through a partnership with Structurely and is designed to make these interactions with clients more human-like, relevant, and with improved scripting.

Use Cases for CINC:

• Priorite leads based on scoring algorithms to know which ones to focus on. 
• Send automated follow-up emails and texts so no leads are missed. 
• Track lead interactions and engagement to reduce the need to remember where you left off.
• Generate scripts for cold calling and prospecting for new listings.

2. Saleswise: Best for AI Real Estate Marketing Text Creation

Pros	Cons
It provides access to millions of property records. It has flat-rate pricing. It has website content creation. Free seven-day trial is available.	It cannot create content for business operations like handbooks, onboarding, and job advertisements. It does not incorporate video editing for listings. It has no CRM integration. It has no automatic workflows.

• Pricing: $39 per month

Why I Picked Saleswise

From a marketing and creative perspective, Saleswise has all the tools available to help you market yourself and your listings. I like that this is one of the AI real estate tools offering a flat-rate pricing and no long-term contracts for all the tools, so you’re not constantly being upsold on additional services. The tools provided to you by Saleswise can collectively replace a marketing coordinator, a virtual renderer, a copywriter, and more. I also appreciate that Saleswise considers property and listing data along with market insights to create less generic real estate marketing content.

Use Cases for Saleswise:

• Write new listing descriptions for third-party lead-generation websites. 
• Transform images to show clients a space’s potential after a remodel. 
• Schedule and post on social media automatically.
• Send personalized email campaigns to clients.

3. Style to Design: Best for AI Virtual Staging 

Pros	Cons
It has customizable design templates. Staging and design courses are available. Design team is available for simulations. It has an extensive furniture and decor library	It requires a minimum commitment for pricing plans. It cannot edit images other than property photos. Pricing is high if you don't have a lot of listings. Coaching is only offered in enterprise plans.

• Pricing*:
  • Individual Membership: $149 per month
  • Team:  $299 per month
  • Enterprise: Contact for pricing

*Minimum three-month commitment for all plans

Why I Picked Style to Design

Style to Design is not limited to real estate agents and brokerages. Anyone who wants to be an expert on listing marketing and image rendering can utilize this software. The memberships are affordable and cost less than outsourcing the work to other creative professionals. The seamless virtual staging experience allows agents to transform empty spaces effortlessly into beautifully staged homes. Agents can leverage the tool to promote that they have a marketing team when pitching for new business without the added overhead costs of having multiple employees.

Use Cases for Style to Design:

• Launch a virtual staging company to produce staged images for the real estate industry. 
• Obtain new real estate listings for agents through add-on service offerings. 
• Quickly prepare virtual renderings for listing meetings. 
• Create visually appealing property images for social media posts and advertising. 

4. VEED.IO: Best for AI Video Creation

Pros	Cons
It has an easy-to-use video editing interface. It has AI-driven video editing. Easily create AI avatars. Create AI-generated art and images from text.	The technology required to record videos is not offered. It cannot offload editing work to the VEED.IO team. Video export length is dependent on the price plan. It has no mobile app for basic or free plans.

• Pricing (per user, per month):
  • Basic: $25
  • Pro: $38
  • Business: $70
  • Enterprise: Contact for pricing

Why I Picked VEED.IO

VEED.IO makes it easy to produce high-quality videos that can help agents engage potential buyers. Agents can leverage the platform to edit their videos as much or as little depending on their needs. For example, this AI for real estate agents is helpful in cropping, trimming, and adding text to a video, or agents can create their avatars to star in the video themselves. I like that there are affordable tiered plan options, making it accessible for agents at all budget levels and team sizes.

Use Cases for VEED.IO:

• Use their AI eye contact tool to edit videos where you don’t look like you’re reading off a prompter or screen. 
• Add voice-overs to videos by cloning your voice and reduce the need to record yourself for virtual tours.
• Create professional videos by using their text-to-video tool that uses just a text description. 
• Use the technology to create training and onboarding videos to replace an HR team. 

5. Lofty: Best for AI-enhanced CRM System

Pros	Cons
It has long-term campaigns to turn warm-up cold leads. Customized workflows are provided. It has an AI-powered website chatbot. It has lead qualifying and appointment-setting.	It requires an initial learning curve. You need to purchase the CRM packages in addition to the AI cost. The Core package for CRM is quite expensive. It does not offer AI-produced conversation scripts.

Why I Picked Lofty

Lofty is an exceptional CRM system that leverages AI for real estate to provide deep client insights and automate routine tasks. Its AI assistant can analyze client interactions to predict their needs and preferences. In addition, it can schedule and send automated follow-up reminders while creating personalized communication templates. I picked Lofty because, unlike many CRMs that demand significant daily effort, Lofty’s AI assistant automatically handles these routine tasks for agents. This feature gives agents peace of mind, knowing that essential but time-consuming activities are efficiently managed.

Use Cases for Lofty:

• Add a chatbot to your website to generate organic AI for real estate leads. 
• Segment clients based on behavior and preferences for targeted email campaigns.
• Analyze client data to predict potential property interests and personalize listings.
• Have the AI assistance help with deal closure communication to ensure all necessary paperwork is requested. 

6. ChatGPT: Best for AI Real Estate Content Creation Tools

Pros	Cons
Team collaboration workspaces are available. It has real-time content suggestions. It can create content across multiple industries. It provides natural language processing.	You must know how to prompt the AI to produce the correct responses. Information produced can be false. It is unable to review spreadsheets or images.

• Pricing (per month):
  • Free: $0
  • Plus: $20
  • Team: $30 per user
  • Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing

Why I Picked ChatGPT

ChatGPT offers a simple user interface, allowing you to draft prompts that generate high-quality, engaging content quickly. There is a mobile app that allows you to generate content on the go. Its natural language processing capabilities ensure the generated content is coherent and relevant. I picked ChatGPT as the most innovative AI real estate content creator because it can provide you with copy, plans, forms, and suggestions across all aspects of your real estate business. This versatility ensures that you have high-quality content that can enhance your business and productivity.

Use Cases for ChatGPT:

• Help generate content for your website blog or open house flyers. 
• Create listing descriptions for advertisements or listing websites. 
• Assist with creating a business plan for growing your real estate team. 
• Help with creating materials for new hire job descriptions for your growing team.

How We Selected the Best Real Estate AI Tools for Agents

Our methodology at The Close ensures that our team of professionals, writers, and editors thoroughly analyzes each platform. We meticulously evaluate the features, usability, integration capabilities, performance, and affordability of the AI tools available for real estate. 

We selected the most effective and reliable real estate AI tools for agents to support business growth and success. This rigorous process ensures that our recommendations help agents streamline operations, enhance client interactions, and achieve business goals.

Detailed criteria included the following to determine the best AI in real estate tools: 

• Feature set and functionality: We evaluated the range of features each tool offers and focused on how impactful this feature is to the real estate operations. 
• Usability and user experience: We looked for tools with intuitive interfaces, straightforward navigation, and comprehensive support resources such as tutorials, FAQs, and customer service. We want to ensure a platform can be launched easily and integrated into an agent’s workflow. 
• Integration capabilities: Because so many tools are needed in the real estate industry, we want to ensure that an agent’s technology stack can communicate with other tools necessary for business. 
• Effectiveness and performance: We considered the effectiveness of each tool to make sure that it increased productivity and would achieve the desired outcomes that it promises. 
• Affordability and value for money: Cost was an important consideration. We looked for tools that provide a good balance of features and affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much technical skill is required to use a real estate AI tool?

How does AI improve real estate lead generation and nurturing?

Can real estate AI tools integrate with an existing CRM system?

Bringing It All Together

Leveraging AI for real estate is not as daunting as it may initially seem. AI tools can automate routine tasks, provide data-driven insights, and enhance client interactions. Yes, technically, you’re having a robot help you with your business. However, the time saved allows you to focus on higher-value activities like building client relationships and closing deals. This increased efficiency will improve your productivity and enhance the overall client experience to ensure you keep filling up your sales funnel.

The post The 6 Essential Real Estate AI Tools for Agents in 2024 appeared first on The Close.

Finding unique and meaningful ways to express your appreciation for their loyalty strengthens these relationships by reinforcing your commitment to going above and beyond for their continued support. I’ll share some unique and memorable client appreciation event ideas for realtors that will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your clients.

1. Social Events

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Uniqueness Factor: Moderate
• Estimated Cost: $50–$100 per person

• Trivia night with real prizes
• Wine or craft beer tasting
• Cocktail class & tasting with a local mixologist

Social butterflies love a good time. Picture an evening where clients can sample a variety of craft beers or fine wines, throw in some delicious appetizers, and you have yourself a party. Mingle with your guests at a cocktail hour or have an expert share insights about the beverages being served. Liven up the party with a trivia night or music bingo while enjoying the delicious food and drinks. Social event ideas for real estate are the perfect way to make clients feel appreciated in a fun and casual atmosphere.

Remember that not everyone drinks alcohol. So if you are throwing an event that involves alcohol, have nonalcoholic options available to be inclusive to all clients.

2. Family Affair

• Difficulty: Easy
• Uniqueness Factor: Low
• Estimated Cost: $25–$100 per person

• Winter wonderland experience
• Outdoor movie night
• Good old-fashioned barbecue

Family-friendly events are a great way to include the entire family in the festivities. No matter the season, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Host an outdoor movie under the stars, a barbeque in the park, or family fun at the ice rink. Want to do something bigger? Give your clients the VIP treatment by hosting the event at a local theme park with exclusive perks the entire family will enjoy. These real estate client appreciation events help build connections and strengthen your relationship by including the entire family. 

3. Sports & Recreation

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Uniqueness Factor: High
• Estimated Cost: $100–$500 per person

• VIP sports tickets
• Horse racing
• Golf tournament

Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Well, maybe not everyone, but if your clients are ready for some action, consider hosting an outing to a sporting event. Have you ever been to a ballpark and wondered who gets those lucky box seats? Treat your clients to a once-in-a-lifetime experience by renting a suite at a major sporting event with great views, food, drinks, and fun. Another fun idea I have personally used is hosting a client appreciation event at a horse track. We reserved a tailgating spot, made a seafood boil, and invited our clients for a day at the stables.

If you’re on a budget, you can skip the box seats or tailgating and inquire about group rates for general admission seating. Sporting events are the perfect mix of excitement and will make your real estate clients feel appreciated.

4. Unique Dining Experiences

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Uniqueness Factor: High
• Estimated Cost: $100–$500 per person

• Rent the chef’s table at a local restaurant
• Farm-to-table dinner
• Progressive dinner tour

Leave a lasting impression on your clients by creating a unique dinner experience they will never forget. Rent a chef’s table at a local restaurant for a more intimate experience, or try a farm-to-table dinner with a menu packed with freshly harvested ingredients. Either way, this client appreciation event idea for realtors will really make an impression. For a more dynamic experience, try a progressive dinner tour where each course is served at a different restaurant. 

Hint: These dinners work best in urban areas where there are a wide variety of restaurants on the same street. These dinners are an excellent way to engage with your clients while enjoying amazing food.

5. Charity & Giving Back

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Uniqueness Factor: High
• Estimated Cost: Varies

• Charity auction
• Volunteer day
• Adopt-a-family initiative

If social responsibility and volunteering are your niche, consider hosting client events that support a local cause. Organize a volunteer day cleaning up a local park or host a charity auction to support families in need. Since charity events can span multiple days with many layers, consider hosting a gathering where clients can wrap gifts together, enjoy refreshments, and share stories about the families they are helping. No matter the cause, these experiences can be fun and rewarding while building your reputation as someone who gives back to the community. 

6. Creative & Artistic Activities

• Difficulty: Easy
• Uniqueness Factor: Moderate
• Estimated Cost: $25–$100 per person

• Glamping trip
• Private vineyard tour
• Zip-lining adventure

Tap into your creative side and your clients’ by hosting an artistic client appreciation event. Host a photography workshop or a paint-and-sip class, or create your own artwork while enjoying a glass of wine. If you are looking for a unique alternative, try to partner with a local artist to create a larger piece of art that can be displayed in your community. Choose a theme, select a location, and create a lasting piece of art that symbolizes unity and collaboration. These types of activities let everyone tap into their creative side and maybe even have a keepsake to take home with them.

7. Outdoor Adventures

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Uniqueness Factor: High
• Estimated Cost: $100–$300 per person

• Glamping trip
• Private vineyard tour
• Zip-lining adventure

Taking your ideas for client appreciation events outdoors adds a refreshing twist to your events. Glamping is at the top of the budget but is sure to create a natural escape with all the comforts of home. Add activities like hiking, fishing, zip-lining, or river tubing. These activities can also be used as stand-alone events for more budget-friendly options. Private vineyard tours are another affordable option that allows clients to enjoy a scenic day out while sampling local wines. These adventures will surely create lasting memories with your clients for years to come.

8. Wellness & Relaxation

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Uniqueness Factor: Moderate
• Estimated Cost: $100–$500 per person

• Spa for the day
• Yoga retreat
• Guided nature walk

Now, this one is my favorite client appreciation event idea for realtors. Probably because I’m not the adventurous type, but I do enjoy relaxing in the sun—or any type of relaxation for that matter. Pamper your clients with a spa day or treat them to a yoga retreat. Some spas have various options, including a day pass that includes food and drink with multiple amenities, including massage, salt caves, pools, and saunas. If you prefer yoga or meditation experiences, try unique classes like goat yoga (Yes, I said goat yoga—see below). Relaxation and rejuvenation can be a lasting experience for some, particularly those who focus on promoting their health.

9. Cultural Experiences

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Uniqueness Factor: High
• Estimated Cost: $50–$200 per person

• Guided tours of galleries or museums
• Theater night
• Private film screening and talk

If you’re looking for that black-tie experience, cultural experiences can add a sophisticated touch to your real estate client appreciation events. Consider hosting an art gallery tour, hosting a night at the theater, or arranging a private film screening. Interact with your clients during guided tours, preshow dinners, or post-event cocktail hours. Sharing cultural experiences can create deeper relationships with your clients and allow them to connect with you on a more personal and insightful level. These real estate event ideas are unique and moderately affordable compared to other options. 

10. Interactive Workshops

• Difficulty: Easy
• Uniqueness Factor: Low
• Estimated Cost: $50–$200 per person

• Home improvement workshop
• Financial planning seminar
• Motivational speaker

Invest in your clients by hosting interactive workshops that help them learn something new or grow in other areas. Workshops can vary from do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement classes to financial planning seminars. Each workshop will give your clients valuable knowledge and experience they can take into their everyday lives. Not sure what kind of workshop would appeal to most of your clients? Consider hiring a motivational speaker to invest in their overall personal development. These workshops are a great way to show your clients you value their personal and professional development.

11. Exclusive Virtual Experiences

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Uniqueness Factor: Moderate
• Estimated Cost: $25–$100 per person

• Online cooking class
• Digital mixology session
• Virtual escape room

Remote events are more common than ever and can appeal to a broader range of people. They allow your clients to be a part of the experience from the comfort of their own homes or wherever they may be at the moment. Virtual escape rooms are fun and also help build relationships, while online classes like cooking or mixology allow clients to learn something new while interacting with well-known chefs or professional mixologists. Virtual events are unique and interactive experiences that will leave a lasting impression on your clients.

Steps & Tips for Hosting a Successful Client Event

Planning and hosting client appreciation events is a fantastic way to show your clients how much you value their business and their loyalty. By carefully considering the interests and preferences of your clients, setting a budget, and planning every detail, you can ensure that you create an event that will not soon be forgotten. 

I’ll walk you through the steps and tips you will need to pull off a successful client appreciation event for real estate clients. 

Steps for Hosting Client Appreciation Events

1. Know your why: Determine the purpose of your event. Are you looking to strengthen your relationships or simply show appreciation?
2. Set a budget: Be realistic about the cost of an event. Decide how much you can afford, including the venue, food and beverages, entertainment, marketing, and any additional costs. 
3. Choose the right event type: The key to hosting the right event is knowing your clients’ interests. What kind of activities will resonate with them?
4. Select a date and venue: Pick a convenient date and time for your event and book the venue. The other details can be sorted out later.
5. Plan the agenda: Create a detailed agenda, including times for each activity if there is more than one. Be sure to leave some free time for networking.
6. Invite guests: Send out invites well in advance. Personalize the invitations to the theme of the event while also including your branding.
7. Prepare materials: Organize any materials you need, like name tags, signage, or promotional items. If the event space allows, be sure to decorate the venue to create a welcoming atmosphere.
8. Coordinate staff and volunteers: Larger events will require some support from others. Be sure you assign roles to staff or volunteers helping you. 
9. Execute and engage: On the day of the event, go over your checklist one last time. Welcome your clients, make them feel welcome, and encourage them to interact with you and other clients.

Tips for Hosting Client Appreciation Events

• Make it personal: Don’t just throw an event to throw one; make sure it’s personal to you and your attendees by including activities they like and will appreciate. The goal is to continue building strong relationships with your clients and giving them a special experience to remember and tell their friends about. 
• Quality matters: While it may be tempting to save a few bucks on cheaper items for your client events, remember that providing a quality, well-organized experience will leave a more lasting impression. If money is tight, opt for fewer people and more quality. 
• Brand it: These events are meant to be fun, but they are also meant to expand your real estate business. Include subtle marketing elements like a branded promotional item to go along with your event that clients can take home with them, like a goodie bag or picture frame. Not only will they remember the event, but they will also have a keepsake with your name on it to remember you. 
• Back-up plan: You always want to have a Plan B in any event planning situation. This is especially true if you are planning an outdoor event where weather can be a factor. Have a backup plan, like a tent for an outdoor event or a rain date, if there’s a possibility you’ll have to cancel. 
• Take Pics: Documentation of your event is great to have for marketing purposes. Capture your attendees having a blast and share it on social media, in newsletters to promote your next event, or save it for a personal card to send to your guests in the future. 
• Get feedback: Check in with your attendees and ask how they enjoyed the event and what you could do next time to improve it. Maybe they have ideas for the next event you can throw! 
• Follow-up: Reach out to the attendees after the event to inquire about their real estate needs and the needs of their friends, family, and colleagues. The point, after all, is to grow your business, so a gentle push to get real estate referrals is the best way to continue your relationship. 

FAQs: Client Appreciation Event Ideas for Realtors

How often should I throw an event?

What’s the benefit of throwing an event?

Should I be aware of RESPA rules for events?

Bringing It All Together

Hosting a client appreciation event for your real estate clients is a great way to secure lasting relationships. Whether it’s an elegant wine tasting or a lively sporting event, they are a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships and create memorable experiences for everyone. Remember to personalize the event, provide high-quality service, take lots of pictures, and follow up with your guests. The effort you put into these events can go a long way to building lasting connections that result in repeat business. 

Have you thrown any client appreciation events? Or, do you have client event ideas? If so, tell us about them!

The post The Top 11 Client Appreciation Event Ideas for Realtors appeared first on The Close.

I’ll cover the fundamentals of real estate lead conversion, share my proven strategies for converting leads, provide tips for scaling your business, and include links to additional resources to support your growth. Let’s dive in.

What Are Leads in Real Estate?

Leads can come from various sources, such as online inquiries, paid lead generation companies, open houses, or referrals. When determining what is a lead in real estate, it’s crucial to distinguish between leads, prospects, and your sphere of influence to target your lead conversion efforts effectively.

• Leads: Potential clients who have expressed interest in your services or properties by providing their contact information or responding to your marketing efforts but have yet to be qualified based on their readiness to buy or sell.
• Prospects: Qualified leads who have engaged in meaningful conversations with you and are actively considering working with you based on their level of interest, financial readiness, and urgency to buy or sell.
• Sphere of Influence (SOI): People who know, like, and trust you, such as past clients, family, friends, and acquaintances. They may refer leads to you or become clients, even if they are not actively looking to buy or sell.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to tailor your approach and allocate resources effectively, from initial contact and lead qualification to nurturing prospects and consistently engaging your sphere of influence for referrals and repeat business.

What Is Lead Conversion?

Lead conversion is turning a potential client (lead) into a closed deal. As real estate agents, we invest significant time and effort into generating leads, but the true reward comes when we convert those leads into sales or listings. 

Converting a lead involves building trust, demonstrating expertise, and providing value that differentiates you from your competitors. By understanding and optimizing each stage of the conversion real estate journey, from initial contact to closing the deal, you can create a systematic approach to guide more leads toward successful transactions.

I researched several statistics to give you a big picture view of how vital lead conversion is versus how much you can improve in lead management. Check them out to see how much lead conversion in real estate and other industries can be essential to your overall success.

• The average reported conversion rate for online real estate leads is 2% to 3%. (Source: Inman)
• National Association of Realtors® estimates the actual conversion rate is between 0.4% and 1.2%. (Source: NAR)
• The average lead response time is 47 hours. (Source: ServiceBell 2023)
• Only 27% of leads get contacted at all. (Source: ServiceBell 2023)
• On average, only 1.3 call attempts are made before giving up and moving on. (Source: Forbes)
• It typically takes eight or more touches to convert a lead. (Source: RAIN Group)
• According to the NAR, 41% of homesellers find their agent through a referral from a friend. (Source: NAR)
• Sales conversions are 391% higher in the first minute. (Source: ServiceBell 2023)
• 82% of consumers expect responses within 10 minutes. (Source: ServiceBell 2023)
• Thursday is the best day to respond. (Source: HubSpot)
• Over 30% of leads are never contacted at all. (Source: HubSpot)

When people talk about converting leads, they typically mention conversion rate, which is simply how many leads out of the total you generate usually turn into sales. For example, if you generate 100 leads and five become clients, that’s a 5% conversion rate. 

Stages of Lead Conversion: Understanding the Buyer’s Journey

When asking how to convert leads in real estate effectively, it’s critical to understand how buyers and sellers think when making a purchasing decision. By recognizing the psychological process that every person goes through, you can better understand your role in guiding them through their decision-making journey.

The buyer’s journey, also known as the sales funnel or pipeline, is a key concept in lead conversion. The infographic below illustrates the typical stages a buyer goes through when making a purchasing decision.

When you first encounter a lead, whether they’ve come through a lead generation source or organically, they may not be actively seeking your services, so they enter at the top of the funnel, the widest part, and begin working their way through the process. Here are the steps they will follow as they find their way through the funnel.

• Awareness: In the awareness stage, your lead learns about you and the services you provide but may not be in the market for them just yet.
• Consideration: As you continue building a relationship with that lead, they will eventually enter the consideration phase, where they weigh whether or not they need your services.
• Decision: Once your lead has considered all their options, they will enter the decision phase to determine if your services are right for them. 
• Loyalty: In this stage, satisfied past clients share their experience with their sphere of influence. They become your evangelists, telling everyone they know how amazing you are. These people are a significant source of referrals that can sustain your business for years. You must pay attention to this phase if you want your business to thrive.

It’s essential to recognize that every person who makes a purchase, from choosing a tube of lipstick to investing in real estate, goes through the buyer’s journey. While the length of time may vary, the mental process remains the same. 

The time it takes to convert a real estate lead can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the lead’s readiness to buy or sell, their specific needs and preferences, and market conditions.

Some leads may be ready to take action immediately, while others may require weeks or months of nurturing before they’re prepared to move. The lead conversion process can take anywhere from a few days to several months.

By understanding and catering to each stage of the buyer’s journey, you can effectively guide your leads through the funnel and ultimately convert them into loyal clients who will support your business for years.

8 Real Estate Lead Conversion Strategies

Now that we’ve covered what lead conversion is, let’s get into my best strategies for converting those leads into sales. These strategies generally apply to all leads, regardless of type.

1. Respond Quickly to Inquiries

You may not want to hear this, but stats show the agent who contacts a lead first is often the one who gets the gig. In fact, 78% of leads work with the first person who responds. Whether an agent receives a call from a paid ad, responds quickly to an inquiry from Zillow, or reaches out to a FSBO, chances are the agent who makes the first contact is the only agent that the lead will interview. 

Ideally, you should follow up with a new lead within five minutes of receiving their inquiry. Studies have shown that following up within five minutes can increase your chances of converting a lead by as much as 21 times compared to waiting just 30 minutes. If you can’t respond immediately, aim to make contact within the first hour or at least within 24 hours.

After the initial contact, follow up every three to five days with a mix of phone calls, emails, and text messages. This plan keeps you top of mind without being overbearing. Adjust your follow-up frequency based on the lead’s responsiveness and level of engagement. Be prompt and persistent, and provide value to convert leads into clients.

2. Qualify Your Leads

Qualifying a real estate lead is vital for improving your overall lead conversion rate. Determine their readiness to buy or sell to ensure you invest your time and effort in the right prospects. To effectively qualify a lead, ask targeted questions that uncover their motivations, timeline, and financial readiness.

Some key qualifying questions to ask include:

• What prompted you to start considering buying/selling a property?
• What is your ideal timeline for making a move?
• Have you been pre-approved for a mortgage (for buyers), or do you clearly understand your home’s value (for sellers)?
• What are your top priorities in a new home or in the selling process?
• Are there any specific circumstances or challenges I should be aware of?

By asking these qualifying questions and actively listening to the lead’s responses, you can gauge their level of motivation, identify potential obstacles, and determine how best to assist them in their real estate journey. You won’t convert every lead, but understanding where each lead is in the journey can improve your ability to close them in the future. When questioning these leads, the goal is to uncover their needs and assess their readiness to take action, not to pressure them into deciding before they’re ready.

3. Personalize Your Communication

Personalizing your communications with your leads is essential for building trust. By tailoring your approach to each lead’s specific needs, preferences, and interests, you demonstrate you value them as individuals and are committed to helping them achieve their real estate goals. 

Here are a few ways to personalize your communications with your leads:

• Gather and use lead data to craft targeted marketing messages.
• Address your leads by name in all of your communications.
• Segment your list of leads based on shared characteristics, such as first-time homebuyers, investors, and luxury buyers.
• Adapt your communication style to match your lead’s preferences (text, email, phone call, etc.).
• Use a customer relationship manager (CRM) or marketing automation platform to personalize your marketing emails at scale.
• Show empathy and acknowledge your leads’ concerns and aspirations in all of your communications.

Personalizing your communication will differentiate you from your competitors, build stronger relationships with your leads and prospects, and increase your likelihood of converting them into clients. Authenticity is your best friend—your leads will appreciate your sincerity, showing you care about their personal needs and goals.

4. Provide Valuable Content & Resources

Building trust with your audience is essential in converting your real estate leads. Creating content helps validate your expertise to those leads who have just entered your funnel. Use your social media, website, blog, and YouTube channel to create value-driven content your audience wants. Deliver entertaining and engaging posts that will encourage your followers to come back again and again.

Here are a few types of content you can create to nurture your fresh leads:

• Educational blog posts:
  • “10 Essential Steps to Buying Your First Home”
  • “The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Home for Sale”
  • “Understanding Real Estate Market Trends in [Your Area]”
• Informative email newsletters:
  • Monthly market updates and analysis
  • Upcoming local events and community happenings
  • Showcasing recently sold properties and success stories
• Engaging social media posts:
  • Quick tips for homebuyers and sellers
  • Polls and questions to encourage interaction
  • Live Q&A sessions or virtual open houses
• Helpful lead magnets:
  • “The First-time Homebuyer’s Checklist”
  • “10 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home”
  • “The Ultimate Moving Checklist and Planner”
• Personalized property recommendations:
  • Curated lists of homes that match the lead’s specific criteria
  • Neighborhood guides and local market insights
  • Virtual tours and property walk-through videos
• Customer testimonials and case studies:
  • Showcasing successful transactions and satisfied clients
  • Highlighting unique challenges and how you overcame them
  • Demonstrating your expertise and dedication to client success
• Educational webinars or workshops:
  • “First-time Homebuyer Seminar: What You Need to Know”
  • “Maximizing Your Home’s Value: Expert Staging Tips“
  • “Navigating the Mortgage Process: A Step-by-Step Guide”
• Seasonal and holiday-themed content:
  • “10 Festive Home Decor Ideas for the Holidays”
  • “Summer Home Maintenance Checklist”
  • “Preparing Your Home for Cooler Weather”
• Local market reports and analysis:
  • Quarterly market updates and trends
  • Neighborhood-specific market insights
  • Comparing local market performance to national trends
• Interactive quizzes and assessments:
  • “What’s Your Homebuying Budget?”
  • “Is Now the Right Time to Sell Your Home?”
  • “Discover Your Dream Neighborhood”
• Video content:
  • “Neighborhood Spotlight” video series showcasing local areas
  • “Homebuying 101” video course for first-time buyers
  • “Ask the Agent” Q&A video series addressing common questions
  • “Before and After” home transformation videos
  • “Meet the Team” videos introducing yourself and your colleagues
  • “Client Success Story” videos featuring past clients’ experiences
  • “Home Staging Tips” video tutorials
  • “Live Market Update” videos sharing the latest trends and insights
  • “Virtual Open House” videos for featured listings
  • “Homeowner Hacks” video series with DIY tips and tricks

You can repurpose your content on multiple channels to maximize the reach and use of each piece of content you create. By focusing on topics your leads need or want to know about, you elevate yourself to the top of the market as the neighborhood expert, building trust and becoming a valuable resource. 

Video converts 1.6% higher than any other form of content. I started my YouTube channel by creating videos weekly to generate leads. I continued to make videos every week, and my lead generation exploded. The best part is that my videos helped give me credibility, so when my leads were ready, I didn’t have to do much to convert them.

5. Nurture Leads Through Targeted Campaigns

Targeted email campaigns are essential for guiding your newly acquired leads through the buyer’s journey and increasing your conversion real estate rates. Email allows you to share valuable content, personal stories, and insights that resonate with your leads.

Set up targeted drip email campaigns for each lead type, utilizing customizable, ready-made campaigns offered by many CRMs to save time and effort. Consider incorporating the following types of emails in your nurturing campaigns:

• Welcome emails: Introduce yourself, set expectations, and provide an overview of what your leads can expect from your emails.
• Educational emails: Share helpful information about the buying or selling process, such as tips for preparing a home for sale or understanding mortgage options.
• Market update emails: Keep your leads informed about the latest trends and statistics in your local real estate market.
• Personalized emails: Use your leads’ data to send targeted emails that address their specific interests, needs, or concerns.
• Video emails: Personalize your emails by incorporating videos that showcase your expertise, share success stories, or provide virtual property tours.
• Newsletter emails: Start a monthly email newsletter featuring fun and educational content that drives subscribers back to your website.
• Lead magnet emails: Offer useful resources, such as guides, checklists, or e-books, tailored to leads in the decision-making process.

Remember, consistency is key when nurturing leads. Invest time creating a comprehensive nurturing campaign that keeps your leads engaged and moving through the funnel.

Use a CRM like Wise Agent to streamline your lead management and email marketing efforts. With a CRM, you can easily manage your leads, capture them with landing pages, and automate a significant portion of your email campaigns.

6. Engage Leads Through Multiple Channels

Your leads and prospects will be in multiple places. You’ll need to diversify your strategy to increase your chances of reaching them all. You can reach your leads through various channels to stay top of mind and maintain an omnichannel presence. 

Here are some ideas for a multi-channel plan of action:

• Email: Send targeted, personalized emails that provide value, educate, and nurture your leads through their journey.
• Phone calls: I know it seems dated, but I recommend following up with leads via phone to establish a more personal connection, answer questions, and gauge their readiness to buy or sell.
• Text messages: Use text messaging for property updates, appointment reminders, or quick check-ins.
• Social media: Engage with leads on social media platforms by sharing relevant content, responding to comments and messages, and showcasing your expertise.
• Video: Incorporate video into your communication strategy, such as property tours, market updates, or personalized messages, to add a human touch and build trust.
• In-person events: Host or attend events, such as open houses, seminars, or community gatherings, to meet leads face-to-face and build relationships.

Make sure your messaging is consistent and on brand. Use a good CRM to track your interactions across channels and provide a seamless experience for your leads and clients. Using a multi-channel approach allows you to meet your leads where they are and provide valuable information where they’re already looking. You’ll be able to build stronger relationships more effectively, increase your chances of converting your leads easier, and grow your real estate business faster.

Need some help getting your social media on track? Coffee & Contracts offers easy-to-use templates, stylish design, and a content calendar to keep your social posts consistent to build that know, like, and trust factor with all your prospects and leads.

7. Leverage Social Proof & Testimonials

One thing that can skyrocket your conversion rate is social proof. Think about how often you are on the fence about purchasing and pop over to Amazon to find product reviews. We need affirmation, and glowing testimonials are the 5-star rating for real estate professionals.

When you’re working with leads, both buyers and sellers, they need to be reassured that you can get the job done for them. Your testimonials will help them feel at ease enough to finally say “yes” and sign on your buyer’s or listing agreement’s bottom line.

I have discovered a secret that removes some obstacles to getting testimonials: Use your smartphone camera to take a video testimonial with your clients at closing. Catch them when they are most willing to share positive thoughts on how awesome you are to work with. Get permission to post those video testimonials on your website.

The best part about video testimonials is their authenticity. They make a much more significant impact on people who are deciding whether or not to work with you. Just like you prefer to see videos of people using products on Amazon, your leads will love seeing people genuinely, in their own words, talk about how fun and professional you are.

Want to see some examples of video testimonials? Check out this article for inspiration: 14 Real Estate Testimonial Examples to Inspire Your Referral Marketing.

8. Continuously Refine Your Lead Conversion Process

If you want to crush it in the real estate game, you can’t just set it and forget it. You must keep your finger on the pulse of your lead conversion process and ensure it’s always running like a well-oiled machine.

Here’s how you can stay on top of your game:

• Track your metrics: Monitor key numbers, such as response times and conversion rates, to determine what’s working and what’s not.
• Analyze and adjust: Regularly examine your data to spot trends and opportunities. If something’s not working, don’t be afraid to change things.
• Test, test, test: Try different strategies and see what resonates with your leads. A/B testing is your friend.
• Listen to your people: Ask your leads and clients for feedback on their experience. 
• Stay in the know: Keep up with the latest and greatest in real estate lead conversion. Never stop learning and growing.
• Automate and optimize: Use tools like CRMs to streamline your process and save time. But don’t let them gather dust—keep tweaking and improving!

By constantly refining your lead conversion process, you’ll stay ahead of the curve, turn more leads into raving fans, and watch your business soar. So, don’t be complacent—keep pushing, improving, and crushing it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I improve my email open rates when nurturing leads?

What are some common mistakes to avoid in real estate lead conversion?

Lead conversion vs lead nurturing: What’s the difference?

What is a good lead conversion rate in real estate?

Bringing It All Together

Real estate lead conversion is a real, attainable skill. Anyone can learn to be good at converting. But it takes practice and confidence. Implement some of these strategies to scale faster and more efficiently in your real estate business. Work on improving your conversion rates to improve your return on investment (ROI). 

Did I miss anything? Have a few real estate conversion tips you want to share? I would love to hear them! Share them in the comment section below.

The post Real Estate Lead Conversion Guide: 8 Steps to Close More Deals appeared first on The Close.

65 Real Estate Infographics to Inspire

This collection of favorite infographics is all about inspiration. But if you want to jump right in and create your own, check out our Canva templates, which are ready for your customizations and perfect for sharing with clients and leads in email, on your blog, or across your social media.

23 Infographics for Buyers

11 Infographics for Sellers

25 Infographics for Prospects & Leads

6 Infographics for Industry Pros

Why You Should be Using Real Estate Infographics

If your email is a book and your video content is a movie, infographics are comic books. They’re handy instructions with useful diagrams: easy to follow and remember, and useful enough to save for later.

• A colorful, well-executed real estate infographic can explain and simplify many of the complex steps of the homebuying or selling process.
• They grab a reader’s attention and convey lots of information in a compact way.
• Sharing helpful infographics positions you as a subject matter expert (especially if you use graphics customized for your market).
• Infographics provide ways to help build your brand and potentially even go viral.
• They are surprisingly easy to create (we have a great out-of-the-box template) and are easy to post on social media or include in an email drip campaign.

How to Create Real Estate Infographics Quickly & Easily

While these real estate infographics are pretty amazing inspiration, it’s time to create your own.

Here is our quick rundown for creating eye-catching infographics that you can brand as your own in about 20 minutes. You’ll need:

• A good topic. What common questions do you get that would make a compelling infographic? Think about what pain points your buyer and seller leads have and create something to help them. Outline the big ideas you want to share and the background information you think your audience needs to know.
• A free account or subscription―around $10 per month―to an online design service like Canva. A subscription allows you to access more templates, images, fonts, and more. It’s a small price to pay for professional-looking infographics.

In terms of software, I think Canva is the easiest to use and has the best design options, but there are plenty of other companies that offer templates you can customize.

Keep images and colors bright and eye-catching. You want your audience to read your infographic, but also save it and send it on to their friends. Remember to keep your text small but still legible for those using smaller monitors and phones.

Once you have a design you’re happy with that is in keeping with your branding (font, colors, etc.), add your logo and contact information to the bottom and export your infographic as a PNG file.

Remember to save a copy in Canva or whatever application you use so you can edit and update it later if your information changes.

Expert Tips for Making Great Infographics

While it’s relatively easy to use the applications you need to make real estate infographics, making an infographic that will go viral and capture the world’s attention isn’t. Here are a few tips to make sure your designs not only look great but actually do their job.

1. Don’t Crowd Too Much Text in a Small Space

One of the biggest mistakes people make when creating infographics is to jam tons of information into too small an area. Unless you think your audience will have magnifying glasses handy, don’t use too much text.

2. Learn the Basics of Color Theory

Some colors just look terrible with other colors, so take the time to learn about complementary colors and the basics of color theory before you start designing.

3. Use Illustrations Instead of Photos

Illustrations generally work better than photos. First, because photos are often rectangular and hard to place, and second, because illustrations are easier to “read” at a glance.

4. Understand Sizing for Social Media Posts

Infographics will shrink to fit your social media feed, which means they may not be legible when downsized, especially on mobile phones. There’s not much you can do about it, so just try to make them look sharp from a distance so people will want to click to make them bigger.

5. Make Sure They Flow

The best real estate infographics explain complex processes in a simple, visual way. Step-by-step instructions, for example, flow from one to the next and work well as infographics.

Infographic Templates for The Close Readers

Get started right now with our customizable Canva templates:

List With Me
Five Keys to Property Investment Success
Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist
Staging Advice
Information on Your Brokerage 

Where to Find More Real Estate Infographics

Maybe you don’t have time to make your own infographics. Here are a few sources that offer impactful real estate infographics to share. Remember, don’t put your logo on them—they are copyrighted content.

• NAR.realtor
• Keeping Current Matters
• Florida Realtors
• California Association of Realtors

Where to Share Your Infographics for Maximum Impact

Ready to share the infographics you’ve created on your own? Here are a few places to share them where you’ll get maximum engagement.

Social Media

Pinterest may not be your primary social network, but it is a massive social media site and “visual discovery engine” with more than 480 million active monthly users (and counting!). It’s also 100% visual, so your infographics will be shared like hotcakes. Even better, Pinterest has a search function, which means other users will find your infographics if you add the right description and title.

Your infographics will also do well on Facebook and Instagram, but don’t forget LinkedIn, especially for infographics that would speak to your professional network.

Your Email List

Include infographics in your emails, and to increase your open rates, signal to your recipient list what they’re getting if they open your email. For example, if you want to share info about closing costs, a good email subject line would be: 15 Things Every Buyer Needs to Know About Closing Costs (Infographic).

Your Blog

Using bold, colorful real estate infographics in your posts will greatly increase the chance your audience will read them. Even better, it gives them an excuse to download a useful tool from your website that also has your URL and branding on it. Now, instead of being in the back of their mind, your branding will be in their download folder.

Bringing It All Together

If you have questions about real estate infographics, we have answers. So, go ahead and ask us in the comment section below.

The post 65 Real Estate Infographics + How to Make Your Own & Go Viral appeared first on The Close.

Don’t believe me? I became a listing machine when I used one of my very first listings in a neighborhood as a catalyst for a massive print marketing campaign. I was able to generate several additional listings from the postcards I continued to send to this same neighborhood. 

I sent out a mixtape of the postcards you see in this article over the course of a year. The homeowners in this neighborhood had no choice but to see my face more than 12 times that year, and it became one of my most lucrative marketing campaigns ever. That’s the power of a strong postcard campaign.

I’m also including a guide to help you with your own postcard design so you’ll be able to hit the ground running with your campaign when you’re ready to get started.

Download Your Real Estate Postcard Design Guide

Not sure exactly what to send and when? In this article, I’ll show you the types of postcards I sent out in that print marketing blast that kick-started my business (plus about a dozen others I’ve used in my career) and explain why they work, when to send them, and where to find the best templates. When you’re ready to deploy your stellar mailing campaign, you’ll want to check out my top eight real estate postcard providers for 2023. 

So let’s look at 23 different kinds of postcards to understand better how they create conversations, generate leads, and, ultimately, get you to the closing table more often.

Real Estate Postcards That Generate Seller Leads

Listings are the heart of any real estate business. Generating a steady stream of them is crucial to building a solid business, and using postcards as part of your marketing mix will help—not to mention postcards are a pretty cost-effective way to show off your neighborhood prowess. Here are some great postcard template ideas to generate those coveted listings.

1. Just-listed Real Estate Postcards

Find this just-listed postcard template at LCA Marketing Center

Find this just-listed postcard template at LCA Marketing Center

Find this just-listed postcard template at LCA Marketing Center

• Best for: Generating seller leads (along with buyer leads for your subject property)
• When to send: Every time you set a new listing live

The just-listed postcard is a favorite for two reasons: It alerts buyers that there is a new property on the market and it lets the neighbors know that you, the local area real estate rock star, are great at promoting your clients’ homes. This postcard is a key component of any listing agent’s print strategy. 

Trust me when I tell you just-listed postcards definitely help establish your dominance in a territory. When I got my first listing, I made sure to send out a slew of just-listed postcards to establish the neighborhood as part of my farming community. That one postcard started my takeover of the neighborhood! Using other postcards in this section in conjunction with that first just-listed postcard helped establish me as the neighborhood expert.

2. Just-sold Real Estate Postcards

Find this just-sold postcard template at Canva

Find this just-sold postcard template at Canva

Find this just-sold postcard template at Canva

• Best for: Generating new seller leads from the surrounding area
• When to send: Every time you close on a property

Every time you close on a property, get the word out with a postcard that shares your impressive track record of success with the whole neighborhood. Everyone’s already seen your sign in the yard and should have seen your just-listed postcard—let them know you’ve hit it out of the park and can do the same for them. Again, consistency is vital. The more you advertise your accomplishments, the better your return on your postcard investment.

I always try to get as much mileage out of my listings and closed deals as possible. I send out just-sold postcards to my farm areas, past clients, and new potential farm areas.

3. Expired Listing Real Estate Postcards

Find this expired listing postcard on Wise Pelican

Find this expired listing postcard template on Etsy, via IQ Realty Resources

Find this expired listing postcard template on PostcardMania

Find this expired listing postcard template on PostcardMania

Find this expired listing postcard template on Etsy via AgentsAssemble

• Best for: Generating new seller leads from expired listings
• When to send: Immediately, every time a listing in your farming area expires

Expired listings are valuable leads if you know how to convert them. It’s crucial to have both the right message and timing. There are a few different strategies you can choose. For example, you can address the seller’s pain points with empathy and gently offer professional assistance. Or you can pose a guarantee to sell in 60 days. Choose the strategy that fits you best. But get those cards out as soon as a listing expires, and you’ll be top of mind when sellers are deciding next steps.

4. FSBO Real Estate Postcards

Find this FSBO postcard template at ProspectsPLUS!

Find this FSBO postcard template at ProspectsPLUS!

• Best for: Turning FSBOs into clients
• When to send: Whenever you see a listing that’s being sold by its owner

A homeowner in your target area has held up their hand and announced to the world that they want to sell their house, but they’ve chosen to venture forward without the assistance of an agent. It’s up to you to show them that you’re the perfect person to help. A postcard is an ideal way to get your foot in the door.

Your postcard should focus on what you can do to eliminate the challenges of selling a home. Identify some common obstacles, but don’t dwell on them. Instead, focus on your solutions, and then follow your postcard up with a solid phone conversation or drop by to close the deal.

I won’t lie and tell you that converting a for sale by owner (FSBO) is easy. It takes skill and patience. But if you take the time to learn some strategies and offer value, FSBOs can become a rich source of listings. 

Most FSBOs opt to DIY their home sale in order to save money by not paying your commission. I offered tips and advice on how to sell their home, invariably showing them the amount of work involved. It didn’t work every time, but I succeeded often enough for FSBOs to become one of my main streams of leads.

5. Free Home Valuation Real Estate Postcards

Find this home valuation postcard template on Etsy, via RealEstateTemplateCo

Find this home valuation postcard template on Etsy, via RealEstateStately

This home valuation postcard template can be found on Etsy, via IQ Realty Resources

Find this home valuation postcard template on Corefact

• Best for: Generating new seller leads
• When to send: Once before the busy selling season, and then again as it wraps up

Most property owners are curious about exactly how much their home is worth. As an expert real estate professional, you can tell them. Creating a postcard that details your offer of a free, no-obligation market analysis is a strategy that’s almost guaranteed to get responses, particularly in a rapidly changing market.

6. Stalled Funnel Real Estate Postcards

Find this stalled-funnel postcard template at ProspectsPLUS!

Find this stalled-funnel postcard template at ProspectsPLUS!

Find this stalled-funnel postcard template at Etsy via REdigitalassist

• Best for: Generating new seller leads
• When to send: Up to once a quarter

We’ve all had prospects who hang out in our lead funnel for months—people who just can’t seem to pull the trigger. Delivering a postcard message of encouragement to soon-to-be sellers can be very effective. If you want to maximize your return on investment, be sure your message reflects your market and lead category. Make your postcard recipients feel like the market isn’t just good—it’s good for them. It never hurts to instill a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) in your potential sellers.

7. Homeowner Tip Postcards

Find these homeowner tip postcard templates on Etsy via RealEstateExpress

This homeowner tip postcard template can be found on Etsy, via RealEstateMade

This homeowner tip postcard template can be found on Corefact

Find this homeowner tip postcard template on Etsy, via RealEstateMade

• Best for: Establishing yourself as the homeownership expert
• When to send: Once a quarter or monthly

You helped them buy the house—why not help them get the most out of owning it? There are plenty of first-time homeowners (and even seasoned ones) who will appreciate advice and seasonal maintenance reminders. This format also underscores your specialized knowledge of the local housing inventory. Just be sure you keep your tone light and professional, rather than preachy. And make sure the tips you include are tailored for the types of homes and climate of your local area, especially if you’re using a template.

Real Estate Postcards That Generate Buyer Leads

A lot of seasoned agents shy away from working with buyers, but that’s a huge mistake. Most listings come from your own past clients, i.e., buyers. And house hunters are great to work with. You’ll spend time educating them on the homebuying process, showing them homes, and building solid relationships that you’ll be able to nurture for years to come. These types of real estate postcards will help you find and convert buyer leads.

8. Open House Real Estate Postcards

Find this open house postcard template at LCA Marketing Center

Find this open house postcard template at Canva

Find this open house postcard template at Canva

• Best for: Inviting the neighbors and prospective buyers to your events
• When to send: A week before every open house

Boosting attendance at your open house with direct mail pays tons of dividends. You’ll collect a treasure trove of buyer leads from the attendees, and you get to show the neighborhood and your sphere of influence that you’re active in the market. Sending an invitation to attend an open house via postcard is a great way to broadcast your professionalism and bring more people in the door.

Open houses are an effective and cost-efficient way of generating seller leads too. And honestly, many of your seller clients will want to host one. Plus, your sellers will see your commitment to exposing their property to as many people as possible, making you look like the rock star you are. 

When I used open house postcards alongside the just-listed and just-sold postcards, my farm areas received a lot of communication. This made me look like a rock star agent in the area (which, of course, I was) and continuously reinforced the idea that I was the neighborhood expert, keeping me top of mind. I got tons of calls from my farm when I practiced this consistently.

9. Meet Your Agent Real Estate Postcards

Find this new-agent postcard template at Corefact

Find this new agent postcard template at Canva

Find this new agent postcard template at Etsy via RealtyTemplateCo

• Best for: Letting the area know about your services
• When to send: Within your first year at a new office

If you’re new to an area or company, getting the word out about your business is critical, and postcards can help. Be cheerful and optimistic in the copy. Make sure to mention what sets you apart from the competition and why that’s important to your community.

It may be tempting to pepper the entire city with new-agent postcards, but for this type of campaign, a bigger mailing list isn’t always better. The most receptive audience will be people who already know who you are. This is a great first point of contact in your new real estate farm campaign. I sent these postcards out to my personal contacts and my neighborhood. I ended up getting a few listings that were on my street. Talk about convenient!

10. Real Estate Postcards for Rental Communities

(Sadly, this template is not longer for sale on Etsy, but I still love it!)

Find this rental community postcard template at PostcardMania

Find this rental community postcard at Coffee & Contracts

• Best for: Turning renters into buyer leads
• When to send: Up to once a quarter

Many agents overlook renters in their farm areas, but they shouldn’t. Rental communities are full of potential first-time homebuyers, so targeted marketing can offer a serious return on investment.

I like to send these out while also scheduling a homebuyer’s workshop. They help advertise the workshop and lay out why homeownership may save money over renting. It serves up a one-two punch on the power of equity.

Looking for more info on how to crush rental community prospecting? Check out our video below on how to effectively convert these leads.

11. Fence-sitting Buyer Real Estate Postcards

Find this fence-sitter postcard at ProspectsPLUS!

Find this fence-sitter postcard at Vistaprint

• Best for: Moving buyer leads down the funnel
• When to send: Up to once a quarter

When a homebuyer doesn’t feel any urgency in their decision-making process, it’s easy for them to fall out of your lead funnel. Obviously, you never want clients to feel rushed into a decision they aren’t ready for, but sometimes a message that creates a sense of urgency reminds them of what they really want.

How do you know if you’ve got a fence-sitter on your list? These postcards are perfect for any prospect who is getting slower at returning calls and texts, who decided not to stop by that open house, or who is considering signing another year-long lease.

Postcards for Farming

Staying in touch with your geographic farm keeps you on the minds of prospects in your area. Keep contacting everyone in your locale so they know you’re the agent who knows the area best. It takes an average of eight touches before a buyer or seller decides to hire you. 

Farming is one of the many ways agents can stand out as the go-to pro in their designated territory. Using multiple touchpoints can drive potential clients to that decision-making point. Consistency and relevance are the keys to winning at farming. Postcards will help you do that as an integral part of a targeted, multi-channel marketing strategy.

12. Farming Real Estate Postcards

Find this farming postcard template at Corefact

Find this farming postcard template at Etsy, via RealEstateTemplateCo

• Best for: Establishing yourself as the go-to agent for a particular area
• When to send: Every 45 to 60 days

Part of working a real estate farm area is showing that you’re active in the community and care about its long-term growth. You should limit this type of mailing to a small area because the point is to remind your neighbors that you’re a local with a vested interest in the value and potential of the community. 

Farming postcards can also prompt potential clients to consider what their home is worth—a sure-fire way to generate conversations with potential sellers.

13. Holiday Real Estate Postcards

Find this holiday postcard template at Wise Pelican

Find this holiday postcard template at Coffee & Contracts

Find this holiday postcard template at ProspectsPLUS!

• Best for: Generating new buyer and seller leads
• When to send: Special occasions, up to once a quarter

Special occasions are excellent opportunities to connect with your entire sphere. Major holidays are ideal, but don’t forget important but overlooked milestones like back-to-school week, Independence Day, and birthdays. 

Do your best to time the delivery of mail for maximum effectiveness. A daylight savings reminder won’t do much good if it arrives two weeks early and certainly won’t work if it arrives late. Make your message positive and concise, and maybe even include an invitation to connect over coffee.

14. Special Event Real Estate Postcards

• Best for: Snagging a spot on prospects’ bulletin boards
• When to send: Once or twice a year

Take advantage of major local events and create a calendar of can’t-miss happenings. Sports team schedules, concerts, local festivals, and even school calendars can become permanent fridge additions. Just be sure your name, contact information, and a call to action are prominently displayed.

Special event postcards are effective because consistency breeds effectiveness. If someone gets the football schedule from you every year, they’ll look forward to it and make it a fixture in their kitchen. Just make sure you pick a theme that is timely, reflects your personal brand, and appeals to your local audience.

15. Recipe Postcards

This recipe postcard template can be found on Etsy, via TheCreativePageCo

This recipe postcard template can be found on ProspectsPLUS!

This recipe postcard template can be found on Etsy, via REMarketingPRO

This recipe postcard template can be found on Etsy via PinkpopsDesign

This recipe postcard template can be found on Etsy, via AgentsAssemble

• Best for: Keeping you top of mind in your farm
• When to send: Once a quarter or monthly

Sending out favorite recipes is a tried-and-true way of staying top of mind and providing a thoughtful service. Select a recipe that’s personal to you and appropriate for the season, and we bet this will be a mailer that your audience looks forward to receiving. 

I spent three years living in Germany, where I learned about glühwein, a hot mulled wine drink served during the holidays. I sent out postcards with the recipe to my sphere, farm, and all my past clients who told me they saved that postcard long after the holidays were over. I still get comments from people several years later.

16. Market Update Postcards

Find this market update postcard at Coffee & Contracts

Find this market update postcard at Coffee & Contracts

Find this market update postcard at Etsy via HelloMarketingStudio

Find this farming postcard template at Etsy, via ItIsWellCollective

• Best for: Finding seller leads and generating new listings in your farm area
• When to send: As often as monthly, but no less than quarterly

With the real estate market rollercoaster of 2023, many people in your farm area will appreciate a regular market update. Send out one of these elegant and insightful postcards as often as once per month to stay top of mind as well as establish your expertise in your geographic farm area. You’ll be the first agent homeowners will think of when they decide to list their home for sale.

Postcards That Generate Referrals

The heart of every real estate business is referrals. The 2023 National Association of Realtors’ annual report says the typical Realtor earned 24% of their business from referrals. That’s a huge chunk. So, once you begin to build those relationships, it’s crucial that you continue to cultivate them to generate new referrals. It takes a while to establish your referral-based business, so the time to start is today. 

Postcards are a cost-effective and powerful way to stay in touch with your sphere of influence, your past clients, and your family of favorite vendors to keep those referrals coming and keep yourself top of mind.

17. Personal Sphere Real Estate Postcards

Find this personal-sphere postcard template at ProspectsPLUS!

Find this personal-sphere postcard template at ProspectsPLUS!

• Best for: Generating buyer and seller leads
• When to send: Twice a year

When you’re an active agent, your sphere knows that they’re going to hear from you. Whether it’s text messages, phone calls, email, or lively conversation at the local watering hole, the longer you do this job, the more your social circle comes to expect it from you.

Do the unexpected and include them in your postcard mailing. Your messaging can be a little lighter and more familiar, but make sure it’s designed to keep you top of mind for referrals.

18. Referral Appreciation Real Estate Postcards

Find this referral thank-you postcard template on Etsy, via HelloMarketingStudio

Find this referral generation postcard template on Etsy, via BlueandPoppy

Find this referral generation postcard template on Etsy, via RealEstateTemplateCo

• Best for: Generating new leads
• When to send: Once or twice a year

The buyers and sellers you’ve worked with can be your greatest marketing asset. Leverage those relationships with a postcard that actively solicits referrals. Then follow up with a phone call 24 hours after the postcard has been received. Keep your messaging gracious and thoughtful, and your past clients are sure to step up and refer others to you when it counts.

19. Home Purchase Anniversary Real Estate Postcards

Find this purchase-anniversary postcard at ProspectsPLUS!

Find these purchase anniversary postcard templates at Etsy via REdigtialassist

• Best for: Reminding your former clients how great you were to work with!
• When to send: Once a year, on the closing day anniversary

Keeping in touch with happy clients is the best way to stay top of mind when they, or people they know, are in need of a real estate pro. Create a calendar or set up your customer relationship manager to track every closing you’ve participated in so you can use the anniversaries as a chance to send a postcard with a short, handwritten note. You can do this for the next five years to keep generating referrals from each transaction you helped close.

Other Real Estate Postcards to Consider

20. Investor Postcards

Find this investment postcard at Etsy via ElevatedAgent

Find this investor postcard at ProspectsPLUS!

Find this investor postcard at ProspectsPLUS!

• Best for: Finding new investor clients you can add to your database
• When to send: Every 45 to 60 days

Today’s market is much different than it was 20 to 30 years ago. More and more people are getting into real estate investing, both long-term and short-term, and they need your help. Send out postcards in your area announcing that you’re ready to help them through the process. Once you help with that first property, they’ll likely keep coming back over and over again.

21. Lifestyle Postcards

Find this lifestyle postcard at ProspectsPLUS!

Find this lifestyle postcard at ProspectsPLUS!

• Best for: Focusing on your lifestyle niche
• When to send: Once per quarter, especially around specific times of the year (New Year’s, end of the school year, in the fall, etc.)

Big changes happen at specific points in prospects’ lives, like when the last child moves out of the house or they reach retirement age. That’s when they re-evaluate their homeownership status and options for change. Hit these potential movers with some lifestyle options they may have yet to consider. If you specialize in working with empty nesters or certain lifestyles, target them with postcards highlighting specific benefits to encourage them to finally make the move.

22. Recruiting Postcards

Find this recruiting postcard at 99designs

Find this recruiting postcard at ProspectsPLUS!

• Best for: Building a team or expanding your brokerage
• When to send: If you’re ready to scale your brokerage or team, send these as often as once per quarter

To build a successful business that doesn’t rely on you constantly having to do all of the work, building a team or expanding your brokerage ranks is essential. If you’re ready to start scaling your business, it’s time to start recruiting real estate agents. Choose a mix of new and experienced agents to target with postcards tailored to each group.

23. Handwritten Notecards

• Best for: Generating seller leads and referrals
• When to send: Every time you sell a property

While technically not a postcard, there is nothing as meaningful as a handwritten note. They’re incredibly effective at getting attention after a closed sale. I have sent tons of handwritten notes to vendors, other agents after a smooth transaction, and, of course, past clients. 

While I do recommend agents take the time to write personalized notes to clients after closing and during other high-touch opportunities, writing out all those handwritten notes for direct mail campaigns would be exceedingly time-consuming.

Addressable solves this problem with technology that recreates a person’s handwriting using an actual ballpoint pen—and tracks the results. And now they’ve leveraged Open AI’s ChatGPT to make your job even simpler. This new technology, called Smart Copy, allows users to input their target audience, message type, and other important facts to customize the message. Smart Copy creates a unique, personalized message for your specific audience. Then, the writing robots create handwritten messages, allowing agents to scale their business effortlessly. You can use this technology to send handwritten notes to every neighbor as soon as you sell a property to generate interest from other would-be sellers in the same neighborhood. Read our unbiased review of real estate marketing companies, or check out Addressable’s site to see how an elegant, traditional, “handwritten” note can help you build your business fast.

Top 8 Providers of Real Estate Postcard Templates & Services for 2023

Now that you’ve seen some examples of effective and creative real estate postcard marketing, take a look at our eight favorite providers for 2023. Note that some offer customizable templates and others are full service—everything from the design to the actual mailing.

Real Estate Postcards Provider	Best For	Offers Mailing Services
ProspectsPLUS!	Agents seeking a full-service, real estate-specific company with options for just about every postcard type and those looking to create direct mail drip campaigns
Addressable	Campaigns that require a personalized, handwritten touch with a scalable system
LCA Marketing Center	Agents looking to create a comprehensive marketing campaign that includes postcards
PostcardMania	Agents who want to try before they buy with free samples delivered straight to their mailboxes
Canva	Agents who crave absolute creative control to customize postcards and more
Etsy	Those seeking trendy designs in ready-made, customizable templates (often via Canva) created by independent sellers
Corefact	Agents who want a real estate-specific company that provides integrated social media campaigns to complement their postcard marketing
Coffee & Contracts	Trendy designs with ready-made, customizable templates in Canva to match your overall digital and mailer branding

Real Estate Postcard Marketing FAQs

I’ve given you some serious real estate postcard inspo and shared my favorite providers. Now let’s tackle your postcard marketing questions.

Who do I send my postcards to?

What information do I put on my real estate postcard?

What is a CTA on a real estate postcard?

What design elements are important on a real estate postcard?

Should I include a headshot on my postcards?

How much does it cost to send postcards?

What about the NAR disclaimer?

Bringing It All Together 

Real estate postcards are powerful tools for marketing, brand development, lead generation, and even expanding your business. While you won’t rely solely on postcards, they remain an impactful strategy—especially if you’re purposeful in building your database.

Did we miss any postcard examples that have been successful for you? Any providers that you love? Share them with us in the comments!

The post Top 23 Real Estate Postcard Templates That Actually Generate Leads (+ Design Guide) appeared first on The Close.

Homebot isn’t just a win for homeowners, though. It’s a way for agents to nurture their sphere as well as educate them—two birds with one stone. In the age of disinformation, people want to hear from a trusted source. Why can’t that be you? So let’s dive into the top features of Homebot, its pricing, and my full breakdown.

Pros

• Set-and-forget it with automated monthly emails
• Cost-effective
• No contract requirement
• Lender referral opportunities
• Hyperlocal data from Altos Research

Cons

• Email-centric (may not be for all clients)
• Setup fee
• Advanced features only available with lender plans
• Not a replacement for expert advice
• Market competition via Zillow, Remine, etc.

The Close Score

4.7

Pricing:

4.8

Features:

4.5

User Interface:

4.5

Support:

4.8

out
of

5

My Verdict 

As both a real estate agent and coach, I’ve seen my fair share of software and even some cool AI tools designed to help agents stay connected with clients. Homebot stands out for me. It’s not just another tool—it’s a way to offer valuable insights that your clients will actually appreciate. People want to know what the value of their home is—Homebot keeps them off Zillow and engaged with you on a monthly basis. And at $25 a month, it feels like a no-brainer. 

I recommend Homebot to every one of my coaching clients because of the low cost and the added value you’ll bring to your sphere. While I still coach agents to use the FORD method—asking their sphere about their family, occupation, recreation, and dreams—I do think Homebot can help agents who worry about just making small talk a few times per year. While it’s still important to stay up to date with your clients’ lives, Homebot provides you (and your clients) with actionable advice. If you’re looking to up your client engagement game without emptying your wallet, I’d recommend checking out Homebot.

What Is Homebot? 

Homebot is a lead nurturing tool that helps real estate agents educate clients on what their home is worth via a monthly automated email. What’s great about Homebot is that it offers personalized insights, not just a number. This automated valuation model (AVM) is based on market data from more than 20,000 neighborhoods, updated weekly. 

You can also partner with a lender to unlock other cool features like a Chrome extension plugin and browsing on Zillow with a Homebot insights sidebar. You might not be able to keep leads off Zillow, but you can still provide better insights while they browse it. 

Homebot Pricing 

For Real Estate Agents

Homebot offers a straightforward and budget-friendly pricing model for agents. There’s even a way to get a freemium version through your lender partner. The Pro Plan for agents starts at $25 per month with a one-time setup fee of $50. Here’s what you get:

• Personalized home value insights delivered to 500 clients every month
• Customized insights for homeowners 
• Basic integrations  

Note: If you want to add more clients, you can do so in blocks of 500 for an additional $10 per month. 

For Lenders

In most transactions, the lender is essential—and most agents have a few preferred mortgage professionals in their pocket. When your lender partners with you on Homebot, that’s where the magic happens. You’ll unlock these premium features: 

• Homebot Home Search Chrome browser extension
• Video manager and video email 
• Personalized URLs for your listings
• Additional insights for clients when they browse Zillow 

With these extra bells and whistles, pricing is a bit more involved for lenders. There’s a $200 one-time setup fee and a base subscription of $150 per month. The reason for the big jump in pricing when compared to the agent offerings is that the lender pricing unlocks other features specific to mortgage professionals, such as the ability to offer a freemium version to agent partners. 

Key Features 

Automated Home Value Insights

One of the core features of Homebot is its ability to provide automated and personalized home value insights. They use one of the largest real estate databases, Altos Research, to give homeowners an accurate picture of what their home is worth. 

If your clients don’t agree, they have the option to change it (after which you’ll receive a notification). Don’t worry—your clients are only given a realistic adjustment range based on Homebot’s data models and market trends. This number will be saved for your client, but won’t impact Homebot’s data reporting. 

The insights also extend into the “Homebot Home Search Experience.” This is a really cool feature where Homebot integrates directly with Zillow in the user’s browser, so your clients will get added Homebot insights while they browse Zillow. Let’s dive into that feature further. 

Homebot Home Search Experience

The question on your mind at this point is most likely, “Are Homebot’s values more accurate than Zestimates?” The answer is unequivocally yes. I’ve dug into the Zestimate data and Zillow’s nationwide margin of error is 7.7% for homes that are off market. Altos Research, which provides data to Homebot, has roughly 20,000 hyperlocal markets and pulls data on “over 100 million properties every week.” 

Zillow’s model is limited to the data that Zillow has access to—which relies on partnerships with MLSs nationwide. But agents know how fickle those partnerships can be. On the other hand, Altos Research positions itself as “the only company to analyze the entire active market in real time, tracking every property listed for sale or rent in the U.S.”

Looking at the snip above, this is what homeowners will see when they use the Homebot home search function. It’s a much cleaner interface that keeps your clients engaged with you, not the featured Zillow Premier Agent. 

Refinancing Scenarios

With rates at recent highs, a lot of homeowners don’t have any idea of what they could afford if they chose to refinance or buy. Homebot gives your prospects several possible refinancing scenarios based on current mortgage rates. You can help your clients better understand the value of their largest financial asset, especially in uncertain times. 

Personalized Landing Pages (PURLs)

Personalized URLs, or PURLs, are a way Homebot can help you grow your client base. These landing pages capture new leads and put them directly into your Homebot database. When a new visitor lands on your PURL, they’re prompted to enter their home address to receive an instant home valuation (powered by Homebot). 

You can use this in a lot of different ways, like with social media advertising or with an open house on a new listing. We’ve seen the power of landing pages for real estate agents, and the fact that Homebot designs this for you is a boon for your productivity.

These pages have a great user interface and an actual reason for visitors to input their info—they’ll get the value of their home without waiting for a real estate agent to pester them. I also like the fact that you have an easy intro for your follow-up. Just ask your new client about what they thought of their home’s predicted value.

Client Nurturing With Video Manager

Another great feature I love is Homebot’s video manager*. With this, you can upload videos around common client pain points and send them to your sphere every month as an engagement tool. You can import these from YouTube, BombBomb, or other popular video platforms as well. This makes it super easy to email your videos to keep your clients engaged beyond the automated home value email. 

Make a few videos that explain refinancing, provide personalized video market updates, or just simply check in with your sphere to give them that personal touch. When you get a new client in your Homebot database, your “Homeowner Intro” can be sent at the touch of a button. 

*Video Manager is only available to agents cosponsored by a lender or lenders on the Pro plan. Otherwise, you can choose from a few premade videos to engage your clients. 

Integrations

Within the Homebot platform, you can view your open rate, click-through rate and see which of your prospects have engaged with their Homebot email. It’s pretty straightforward so I don’t want you to worry about the fact that Homebot doesn’t have a ton of integrations. 

Homebot does partner with Total Expert CRM, BombBomb, and Mortgage Coach. But more importantly, the company has an open API. So if you’re a tech-savvy agent, you can get in touch with their team to put together a custom integration. This also means you can use a tool like Zapier to connect Homebot to a CRM you’re using with minimal headaches. 

When you partner with a lender, those plans offer a Chrome extension and a Zillow plugin. After all, we know it’s almost impossible to keep your clients off of Zillow. This feature could be the extra nudge you need to nurture a great conversation with your client about a home they saw on Zillow. Based on the buyer’s profile, Homebot provides a “buy score” for a home, letting them know if this is a smart, fair, or a weak purchase price, as well as estimated monthly costs and savings compared to renting.

Homebot Alternatives 

Here’s the thing—in the world of real estate tools, Homebot stands alone. With artificial intelligence (AI) valuations, it’s more important than ever to keep that client relationship alive. Homebot is an innovative tool that has more accurate valuations than a Zestimate and provides real value for your clients. I haven’t been able to find a tool that does what Homebot does, especially for the price. However, if some of these features sound appealing, here are a few other companies you might like to consider.

Wise Agent

Agent Legend

Kiavi

The Bottom Line: Is Homebot Worth the Money?  

Homebot is an amazing addition to any agent’s existing toolkit, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. This isn’t just “touching base” to see how things are going—you’ll be offering personalized financial insights to your clients, which go much further than calling them to ask them the FORD questions for the third time this year. 

Homebot’s focus is on client nurturing—something I preach a lot in my coaching. What I like about the company’s approach to this vital part of the client relationship is that Homebot is designed to complement your current system. If you’re aiming to give your client nurturing strategy a tech-forward edge without overwhelming yourself, Homebot is your go-to.

Methodology

In evaluating Homebot, I used my firsthand experience of the platform as both a real estate agent and a coach. I’ve been a fan of Homebot for years and I’ve recommended it to many of my coaching clients with great success.

Here at The Close, our goal is to offer actionable advice to help our readers succeed. Just to be clear: Homebot has not paid for this review, and my enthusiasm for Homebot has not influenced my evaluation. Our product review methodology emphasizes thoroughness and an unbiased take.

What’s Your Take? 

What do you feel about predictive analytics software and letting AI predict home value in real estate? Do you feel like this product could work for your business? 

We love to hear from our readers. Please share your experience with Homebot or other thoughts in the comment section below.

The post Homebot Review: Pricing, Pros & Cons for Real Estate Agents appeared first on The Close.

Today, leads expect their questions to be answered instantly, and real estate chatbots help you do exactly that. We’re here to demystify chatbots, show you how to use them to boost your business, and reveal which chatbots offer the best combination of pricing and features. Not exactly sure what chatbots are? Let’s start with that! 

What Is a Real Estate Chatbot?

How Much Do Real Estate Chatbots Cost?

How Chatbots Can Help You Close More Real Estate Deals

The Best Real Estate Chatbots of 2023

While there are a ton of chatbot options these days, here are our picks for the best for real estate pros:

Freshchat’s Freddy

Pros

• Customizable
• Responsive chat
• Chat campaigns
• Free version

Cons

• Lack of integrations
• Steep learning curve
• Lack of customer service

The Close Score

4.7

Value:

5.0

Features:

5.0

Integrations:

4.0

Customization:

5.0

Ease of Use:

4.5

out
of

5

Pricing: 

Free – $79 per agent, per month

Freshchat’s Best Features for Agents:

Freshchat lets you interact with your leads using Freddy, an artificial intelligence bot. You can set your chatbot to start chatting with leads based on their website activity. For example, a lead clicking over to a listing page might trigger a chatbot to offer to set up a showing. They also offer chat campaigns, and even let you engage with your leads on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram DMs.

Freshchat’s Drawbacks:

While Freshchat is an affordable option, especially since the free version allows up to ten users, even the upgraded versions (which include sessions, better customer service access, and deeper analytics) lack some of the more sophisticated features as others on our list. The biggest drawback is that Freshchat does not directly integrate with popular real estate CRMs like CINC or LionDesk the way Structurely does.

Tidio

Pros

• Free Version
• Customizable
• Ready-made Templates
• Analytics & Reporting
• Easy to Use

Cons

• Integrations Aren’t Seamless

The Close Score

4.8

Value:

5.0

Features:

3.9

Integrations:

5.0

Customization:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

out
of

5

Pricing

Tidio offers a free version (three users, 50 livechat conversations) and several packages that vary based on the number of users and number of livechat conversations. The most expensive is $29 per month. 

Tidio’s Best Features:

This is a chatbot at its most customizable—so much so that it looks like a natural extension of your branded site and social media. The out-of-the-box templates are helpful for real estate leads (even though Tidio is not specifically designed for the real estate industry) and it’s easy to create your own. I also like the thoughtful analytics and reporting, which make it easy to see what’s working and what’s not. Tidio is easily one of the top options on our list and a strong alternative to Freshchat. 

Tidio’s Drawbacks

Some agents might get tripped up by some of the integrations, but since the customer service is something Tidio prioritizes, they should be able to help troubleshoot.

Structurely

Pros

• Real estate-specific templates
• Lead qualification
• Bot, plus email and text nurturing
• Strong CRM integrations
• Hand-off from bot to person mid-conversation

Cons

• Expensive
• Learning curve

The Close Score

4.6

Value:

3.0

Features:

5.0

Integrations:

5.0

Customization:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

out
of

5

Pricing 

$499 to $1,499 per month, depending on the number of conversations

Structurely’s Best Features for Agents:

Structurely offers an AI chatbot that operates like an inside sales agent to qualify and even nurture leads via text messaging. But it doesn’t stop there. Structurely’s AI assistant also qualifies and nurtures leads via email. If you’re worried that there’s a bot sending out emails and texts that are hard to track, don’t. Structurely seamlessly integrates with popular CRMs like CINC, LionDesk, Follow Up Boss, and Real Geeks so you can monitor and log conversations with your leads right from your CRM.

Structurely’s Drawbacks:

Although Structurely offers agents some pretty high-tech features, they are priced accordingly. Many agents spend less for their entire IDX website than what Structurely charges. For a high-end product without the high-end price tag, consider Tidio.

Customers.ai

Pros

• Free version
• Strong social media engagement
• Customizable
• Deep analytics on site visitors

Cons

• Lack of focus during rebrand
• Customer service is lacking

The Close Score

4.5

Value:

5.0

Features:

3.3

Integrations:

4.3

Customization:

5.0

Ease of Use:

5.0

out
of

5

Pricing

There is a free option, a starter package for $199 per month and the pro package, which is $499 per month. Pricing depends on the number of website visitors and conversations. 

Customers.ai’s Best Features

Agents who interact with their leads on social media are going to really appreciate Customers.ai’s seamless integrations. You’re even able to automate your DMs on Facebook and Instagram. Bonus points to Customers.ai for the deep analytic reporting on website visitors so that you get to know your audience and tailor your content better. 

Customers.ai’s Drawbacks

Previously MobileMonkey, Customers.ai’s new ownership and brand is talking a big, bold, very vague AI game. I’m going to keep an eye on it to make sure that a rebrand isn’t a sign of potential messiness or lack of vision in the future. I’m also hoping to see better native integrations and higher levels of customer service. MobileMonkey had a kind of cult following so we’ll see if Customers.ai can keep loyal customers happy.

Tars

Pros

• Template library
• Instant response rates
• Innovative technology
• Integrations with CRMs

Cons

• Opaque pricing
• Learning curve
• Lacks social media integrations

The Close Score

4.4

Value:

3.0

Features:

5.0

Integrations:

4.5

Customization:

5.0

Ease of Use:

4.5

out
of

5

Pricing

I know pricing starts at $99 per month, but that’s about it. Would love to see more transparency here. 

Tars’ Best Features

Tars serves multiple industries and has developed more than 1,000 templates for customers to deploy. It understands speed to lead and promises the fastest responses of any chatbot provider on the list. As a major chatbot player, they are up to date on the most innovative AI technology and are swift to adopt new and better strategies. Throw in that the integrations are pretty good, especially with CRMs, and Tars is an excellent real estate chatbot choice. 

Tars’ Drawbacks

Tars has limited social media integrations, so if that is where you’re engaging with most of your leads, this probably isn’t the best option. Consider Customers.ai or Tidio instead. I’d also say that the lack of transparency around pricing is frustrating. Finally, starting at $99 per month puts this tool out of reach for a lot of new agents. 

Collect.Chat

Pros

• Free version
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Good mobile experience
• Excellent calendar integrations

Cons

• Not fully-featured
• Lacks some social media integrations
• Lacks customization

The Close Score

4.5

Value:

5.0

Features:

3.1

Integrations:

4.8

Customization:

4.5

Ease of Use:

4.5

out
of

5

Pricing

Collect.Chat has a free version and several packages with the most expensive being $99 per month. Pricing is based on the features and number of responses. 

Collect.Chat’s Best Features

Collect.Chat is the ideal starter chatbot for real estate agents. It’s easy to use, has a drag-and-drop builder, and makes it easy for leads to book appointments and schedule showings. Plus the mobile experience is really top notch. This is as close to ready to go out of the box as you can get. If you’re not ready for some of the turbo-charged chatbot providers on this list but still want to try a quality product, this is the one for you. 

Collect.Chat’s Drawbacks

This is not as full-featured or robust as Freshchat, Tidio, Tars, or Structurely, and it lacks the social media integrations of Customers.ai. It’s also pretty limited in terms of customization at the free level. But all in all, if I was new to chatbots but didn’t want to waste my time (or my leads’ time), I’d give Collect.Chat a go.

RealtyChatbot

Pros

• Real estate specific
• Strong facebook integrations
• Easy to use
• Strong CRM integration

Cons

• No free option
• Expensive setup
• Limited technology innovation

The Close Score

3.8

Value:

3.5

Features:

3.5

Integrations:

3.5

Customization:

3.5

Ease of Use:

5.0

out
of

5

Pricing

If you’re paying once a year, RealtyChatbot will run you $119 a month with a $195 setup fee. Otherwise it’s $149 per month with a $995 setup fee.

RealtyChatbot’s Best Features for Agents

The company’s AI chatbot can modify its responses based on how your lead answers questions. In addition, it offers agents the ability to sync their real estate chatbot to their Facebook page. This feature makes RealtyChatbot a great option for agents who interact with leads from their Facebook page or through Facebook Messenger. It’s also the only chatbot on this list that was designed specifically for the real estate industry. 

RealtyChatbot’s Drawbacks

Like Structurely and Tars, RealtyChatbot is priced a bit out of reach for many newer agents. And while it’s an effective chatbot that many agents like and use, it doesn’t have the robust AI features of a Tidio, Structurely, or Freshchat bot. We’ll be watching to see if it can continue to innovate in an ever-changing AI field.

Methodology for Finding the Best Real Estate Chatbots

When evaluating the many real estate chatbots on the market, we took into account the following:

• Value
• Package options and pricing
• Real estate-specific features
• Templates and scripts
• Mobile app
• Language capabilities
• Branding
• Analytics
• Integrations
• Customization
• Ease of use
• Customer support

Read more about our methodology here.

Bringing It All Together

What do you think about using real estate chatbots? Love them? Hate them? Any tips for chatbot use or have a favorite provider? Let us know in the comment section!

The post The 7 Best Real Estate Chatbots (Pricing, Pros & Cons) appeared first on The Close.

New to the idea of ChatGPT in real estate? Have no fear! As a newly certified Florida Realtors faculty member who’s just passed her audition to teach classes on artificial intelligence, I’m going to break it down for you. I’ll explain what it is and how to use it, teach you all about the prompts, and help you get some of your time back to focus on the tasks that will scale your real estate business.

What Is ChatGPT?

At every real estate conference I’ve attended in the past year, ChatGPT has emerged as the most popular topic on agents’ minds, along with concerns about the future of real estate. In the simplest terms, ChatGPT is an AI assistant. It’s akin to a super-smart chatbot that can understand and generate human-like prose. It’s been trained on text from the internet, making it a conversational tool that you can chat with, ask questions, or give a task to complete. It responds just like a human would. The big difference is the speed at which it can respond and perform tasks. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s knowledgeable about real estate right at your fingertips.

How to Get Started With ChatGPT

Using this tool is the key to understanding and perfecting its performance. So let’s take it for a test run! You’ll need to go to openai.com and set up a free account so you can save a record of your searches. Start your session by telling Chat (that’s what I call it) all about who you are, what you do, and your style of conversation. Chat will deliver responses appropriate for your persona, style, and tone. When you ask for something to use in your business, whether it’s an email, a social media post, or a text message, it will sound more authentically like you. 

It looks like this:

The more ChatGPT gets to know you, your personality, your tone, and your target audience, the better it can assist you with tasks. 

12 Clever Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Real Estate Business

As I just mentioned, leveraging ChatGPT works best once it gets to know who you are. The fewer prompts you need to enter, the faster ChatGPT can deliver on the tasks you need completed. There are so many ways ChatGPT can help you in your real estate business and give you back time you thought you’d never see again. Here are a handful of ways to get started.

1. Property Descriptions

Honestly, you should have already thought of this one. “I love writing property descriptions!” said no agent ever. It takes time, mental energy, and effort that I, for one, don’t want to spend. So, it’s the perfect task to assign to your new AI assistant, ChatGPT. Try copying the prompt below and see what ChatGPT delivers for you!

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Prompt: Hey Chat! Can you craft a property listing description for {#}bedroom/{#}bathroom home in {city or community}, focusing on the unique features, proximity to shopping, attractions, and nearby schools?

Here’s what this one looked like for me:

2. Client Follow-up

When you need to touch base with a client to keep a transaction moving, ChatGPT can jump in and help you knock out this task quickly. Whether it’s a text message or an email, you can have ChatGPT write it for you. Instruct Chat to make it sound like it came from you, include emojis (if that’s your normal style), and snag the attention of your clients. You can ask Chat to draft several emails and text messages that you can have on-the-ready in your customer relationship manager (CRM) for when you need them. Then just copy and paste.

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Prompt: Hey Chat! Can you write a text message to my seller clients to let them know things are still moving forward with the contract? There’s nothing they need to do but be patient. Make it sound a little fun and conversational, but still professional. Please include emojis.

3. Community Insights

This is a fun one! Do you work a specific farm area? Ask Chat to give you some community insights for your farm area that you can then put together in an infographic, newsletter, or social media campaign. Just share the area with Chat and it will dig up info for you. 

Keep in mind that you might have to tweak the results a bit. The information in the free version of ChatGPT cuts off in September 2021. So, anything current won’t be available unless you use the ChatGPT-4 version through Bing. That version can access current internet info. 

Ask Chat to compile a list of the best schools, restaurants, attractions, or large companies for your community. Then, use those to build a community guide for your clients who are new to the area. 

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Prompt: Hey Chat! Can you compile a list of all the best places to eat out or enjoy happy hour in Winter Haven, Florida?

Back when I created a community guide for my military movers, I didn’t have the luxury of ChatGPT to do the legwork, so it took me a while longer to get the information. I would have loved to have had this tool back then.

Play around with some of the alternative platforms like Google Bard, which is also connected to the internet, to see which platform works for you. You can access more current information on the chat platforms that access the internet. Some reports list Bard as being inferior to the original OpenAI version, but that’s a pretty big (and subjective) statement to make. Ultimately, you should choose whichever chat platform works best for you.

4. Text Messages

I mentioned text messages in the follow-up section, but there’s so much you can do outside of that with text. You can create an entire series of nurturing text messages for all of your prospects, clients, past clients, and even your sphere of influence. Just tell Chat what the text messages are for and ask for a certain number of texts that you can copy and paste.

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Prompt: Hi Chat! I would like to create a series of text messages to go out to my seller clients to guide them through the selling process. Make it sound conversational and fun, and include some emojis to keep it lighthearted and playful.

5. Content Creation

Content is a huge driver in your online visibility. And I don’t know about you, but when I’m working as a real estate agent, helping my clients is top priority. Who has time to write blog posts? This is definitely a great task to assign to your AI assistant. 

Ask Chat to help you with outlines and even drafts. Just make sure to double-check your projects before you post them. Chat is good, but it’s not perfect. There may be mistakes, or something sounds a little too formal, and even some fair housing violations can slip through. So, make sure you proofread anything you publish.

One thing ChatGPT is great for is creating a content calendar. It can give you plenty of ideas, a schedule, and even some prompts to help you write. That’s a huge time-saver.

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Prompt: Hey Chat! I would like to create a content calendar for the next six months for my real estate business. Can you help me with that?

6. Email Drip Campaigns

This one is amazing! If you use a CRM in your real estate business, then you may have access to some email drip campaigns through it. But if you don’t (or you’ve already used the prebuilt campaigns in your outreach and want to try something new), ChatGPT can help.

Ask Chat to create a series of emails to send out, not unlike the text message campaigns I already mentioned. You can copy and paste the emails Chat writes and schedule them to go out at different intervals depending on the type of campaign. Chat can even give you ideas on how often to reach out.

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Prompt: Hey Chat! Draft a series of emails to go out to leads coming from Zillow looking to move to my area. My leads tend to be {typical lead demographics} who are not familiar with my area. I would like a series of {#} emails to send out beginning immediately after the lead comes into my CRM. Make the tone fun, conversational, playful, a little snarky, but professional. Please give me some idea as to when to send out each email, as well.

7. Social Media Posts

This is one of the best time-savers I’m going to share with you. Simply ask Chat to create a series of social media posts. Ask for a month’s worth or more. I recently asked it to create 50 posts for me that I can use on social media related to real estate social media marketing. It can be about anything—homebuying tips, selling tips, inspirational quotes, transaction strategies, personal branding—that you want to create consistency around. 

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Prompt: Hey Chat! I would like to create {#} social media posts on seller tips. Please include emojis! Also, make them playful and conversational.

Chat will create a list that you can actually copy and paste into a spreadsheet and export as a CSV file. Once you have your CSV, go into Canva, choose a template you like for your social media of choice (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.), and design your overall look for your posts. Then, use the bulk create feature in Canva to pull your entire CSV into the platform and fill in your posts. Brilliant, right? Check out this video where Lori Ballen shows you how to do it step by step.

8. Hashtags

Simply ask Chat to create a list (or lists) of hashtags for your social media posts. Or even better, you can ask Chat to add them in for you when it creates the posts.

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Prompt: Hey Chat! Can you create a list of hashtags to use in my social media posts that will align with my brand and niche?

When I asked Chat about setting up a list of hashtags, it told me to create a list including branding, industry-specific, local, niche, trending, and engagement hashtags. So I asked for a list of hashtags, and it spit out 40 to choose from. How cool is that?

9. Email Newsletters

You can ask Chat to create an outline of newsletter content that would be interesting to your target audience. It will break down several topics to include, along with some tips on how to make the most of each section. Then, if you need help with individual pieces of content, it can help you there too. Ask Chat to write drafts of sections or the entire newsletter. Just make sure you go back in and customize it so it sounds more authentic and doesn’t contain any errors.

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Prompt: Hey Chat! I’m thinking of starting a newsletter to my database of clients, past clients, and sphere of influence. Can you give me an outline of what would make a great newsletter?

10. Blog Posts

Writing is not everyone’s favorite thing to do, and it takes a lot of time and effort to come up with topics, sit down and think about the writing, and then execute. ChatGPT can write an entire blog post in seconds.

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Prompt: Hey Chat! Write a 500-word blog post addressing the importance of pricing your home properly for sellers. Be sure to include some pitfalls of incorrect pricing.

Or better yet, have Chat write a month’s worth of blog posts that you schedule to go out in advance. Having some help from ChatGPT, even if it’s just a list of ideas to write about or an outline for your blog posts, saves loads of time that could be better spent on other tasks.

11. Lead Magnets

Many real estate professionals use lead magnets to fill their CRMs with prospects’ contact information. But just as many struggle to come up with good lead magnets to attract their ideal clients. Let’s ask Chat for some assistance. It can help formulate ideas around lead magnets and can even write a draft for you. Take the information from Chat and use it to create a stunning PDF download in Canva Pro or Adobe Photoshop.

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Prompt: Hey Chat! Create a PCS checklist as a lead magnet for my target audience, military movers.

12. Video Scripts

Ready to be more present in videos but now sure how to get started? ChatGPT can create a script to help you. Tell Chat about your video topic, and let it draft a script. Be sure to let it know how long you want the script to be. If you tell it that you want to do a TikTok in under one minute, it can accommodate that request. You can also do longer-form videos and it will write to whatever length you want. Once you get your completed script, you can customize it to fit your personality and style.

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Prompt: Hey Chat! Write out a video script no longer than three minutes that talks about my favorite coffee shop in {location}, {name of coffee shop}. This will be a vertical video for Instagram Reels and TikTok.

5 Bonus ChatGPT Prompts for Realtors 

The best way to learn is to start using ChatGPT for yourself. Here are a few prompts to get you started:

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• Hey Chat! Can you write an email drip campaign of 6 emails to send out over the course of 6 months to my past clients around selling their homes, what’s in it for them, why they might want to sell, and what that might mean for them?
• Hey Chat! Can you write 20 social media posts that talk about how to start your day out for success? Use emojis and make the tone friendly and conversational.
• Hey Chat! Can you help me write 5 blog posts about the homebuying experience? Make them educational but light and fun.
• Hey Chat! Please write 5 one-minute scripts for videos about the pitfalls of the homebuying process, and center them on things you should not do while you’re buying a house. Make them funny.
• Hey Chat! Can you help me create a moving checklist for military movers to help them through the process? I will use this to create a useful and informative lead magnet for my target audience.

Feel free to tweak them for your own needs, or just copy and paste them directly into the prompt box. Need more prompt inspo to use in your real estate business? You’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of 117 prompts you can use to get the ball rolling. You can customize them to work for your specific needs.

How to Write a ChatGPT Prompt

The best thing about ChatGPT prompts is that you can write them the way you would ask someone to do something for you. Imagine you’re talking to your personal assistant and asking that person to complete a task. You can write your prompts exactly the same way. 

If you ask ChatGPT for something and it’s not quite what you want, you can use the “Regenerate” button on the right side of the screen. Chat will spit out a whole new version of your request in seconds. But you won’t lose the original set—it stays right on the screen, so you can scroll back up to it. Feel free to mix and match all of the results!

You can always ask Chat to tweak the results afterward too. Type in what you specifically want to change and it will give you a different response. If you don’t know what you don’t like, you can also tap the “Regenerate” button instead to get a different version of your original request. Just because you don’t get exactly what you want initially, don’t give up. It takes a bit for Chat to get to know you, but it will learn how to deliver over time and with continued use.

Caveats & Alternatives to ChatGPT

For all the amazing things ChatGPT can do, it’s not perfect by any means. First of all, in the free version, ChatGPT-3, the information is only as current as September 2021. So, there may be some lapses in the intel. But for evergreen content that doesn’t rely on current trends, data, or events, this shouldn’t be a problem. 

But what about Bing, you ask? I personally found using the ChatGPT integration on Bing cumbersome and not at all user friendly. But take it for a test drive yourself and see what you think. I don’t want to switch everything I have on my Google Chrome to Bing just to have access to ChatGPT when what OpenAI provides is enough for me. However, if you want more current information from ChatGPT, Bing might be worth the extra effort. 

There are additional ways to get more current information from ChatGPT. One way is to pay the monthly subscription fee to get the upgraded ChatGPT-4, which uses the internet to gather current information. You can also use alternatives such as:

• SalesWise
• Google Bard
• Jasper AI
• Chatsonic
• Copy.ai
• YouChat
• Listingcopy.ai
• Saleswise

And there are so many other platforms that have integrated ChatGPT into their platforms, including many CRMs and even Canva. Not all offer free access, but several on this list do (or are less expensive than the ChatGPT-4 subscription, which, as of this writing, is $20 per month). Also, I just wrote a round-up of AI tools for real estate agents, and many of those tools have integrated ChatGPT into their platforms. They’re definitely worth checking out.

I haven’t had much interaction with Google Bard yet, but it looks promising. It’s connected to the internet so the information is current, as opposed to ChatGPT-3. And it’s free to use. They’re currently working on new iterations, but so far it looks more user friendly than my experience with ChatGPT on Bing. I’ll update you with my experiences on Google Bard in upcoming articles. But any way you look at it, it’s great to have so many options with this fun tech tool.

If you want to cut your AI learning curve in half, you might want to check out Saleswise, which was designed specifically for real estate agents. Trained on materials from top-producing agents, it generates content based specifically on your needs. With Saleswise, you get a powerful AI tool with practically zero learning curve.

What ChatGPT Is Not

I’ve talked a lot about what ChatGPT is, but let me be clear: It is not a replacement for you or your authentically human persona. Like many other tech tools that have disrupted the real estate world, ChatGPT is simply a tool to free up time to do more things that we enjoy doing, like chatting with our clients over a cup of coffee or catching up with friends and family. ChatGPT is not here to take your job unless you let it. It’s a tool designed to take some of the tasks that eat up so much of our time off of our plates. 

Another thing that ChatGPT isn’t is boilerplate. ChatGPT delivers unique answers to each person. So, what Chat delivers to you with a specific request will be different from another person with a similar request. Don’t worry about getting the same answers as your coworkers or competitors, because technically, that should not happen. It doesn’t even deliver the same answers to you when you ask the same question another time.

However, this is a great time to point out that you should always check Chat’s work. Check the information for flaws, and don’t just copy and paste. Take the time to customize the copy to make sure it’s in line with what you would actually say. You lose your authenticity when you let Chat do all of the work.  

Evolution Is Constant

Think about it: 20 years ago, few of us were concerned with establishing our online presence, crafting social media posts, creating videos to build up our YouTube channels, or constantly writing content for our blogs. But today, these chores are ubiquitous. And they take up so much of our time that we’re resorting to hiring people to help us get it all done. If you’re trying to do it all yourself, you really don’t have time for much else in your business or your life. 

I recently heard someone compare this new technology to the invention of boxed cake mixes. It used to be if you wanted to bake a cake at home, you had to have all the ingredients—flour, salt, baking powder, eggs, vegetable oil, and yeast—on hand along with the proper equipment to make it. After boxed cake mixes were created, people had the ability to bake their own cakes at home without being top-level chefs or running out for fresh ingredients. ChatGPT is our modern boxed cake mix, making tasks easier for individuals to accomplish.

Embrace the Change & Your Role

But similar to when the internet gave us access to the world outside our ZIP codes, ChatGPT is another tool that will weave its way into our daily lives, assisting us with tasks to give us back our time and freedom. It’s a beautiful thing and I’m here for it. 

So, continue to show up for your clients, your past clients, and your sphere. Your job is not threatened by ChatGPT because it’s not human. It is simply a tool to help you be more human with other humans. Let the bots do the boring, time-consuming tasks that keep us from spending our lives with those we care about most.

Your Take

ChatGPT is such a new technology to permeate the real estate industry that we’re all still learning. Have you tried using it yet? What has your experience been? Share what you’ve learned so far in the comment section!

The post 12 Clever Ways to Use ChatGPT for Real Estate (+ 17 Prompts) appeared first on The Close.