The real estate industry is inherently fast-paced. Properties are constantly coming on and off the market, prices fluctuate, and buyer demand shifts. As a real estate professional, effectively marketing your listings and staying top-of-mind with prospective buyers is critical for success. And in today’s digital world, SMS messaging presents a convenient and direct channel to connect with clients.
The Power of SMS for Real Estate Marketing
It’s no secret that the ways people search for and buy homes have modernized dramatically in recent years. Whereas print ads, open houses, and yard signs used to be the staples for generating buyer leads, digital tactics now dominate.
Additionally, with more than 19.9 million Australians using mobile phones in 2017 with an expected jump to 23.6 million by 2026 SMS messaging allows you to literally reach people in the palm of their hand. Real estate agents can capitalize on these trends and use bulk SMS campaigns to:
- Promote new listings: Send prospects alerts on fresh inventory matching their search criteria. Include enticing details and photos to generate excitement.
- Announce open houses: Drive more foot traffic by text blasting upcoming open house dates and times.
- Share video tours: Virtual tours have become extremely popular, especially during COVID. Share links to 3D walkthroughs, drone flyovers and more via SMS.
- Follow up after showings: Quickly follow up with buyer feedback requests after they preview listings.
- Notify waiting buyers if prices drop: If you have to reduce prices on listings, SMS is the fastest way to notify waiting prospects.
The benefits don’t stop there. SMS messages have astoundingly high open (98%) and response rates (36%) compared to email, mobile push, and other digital channels. When crafted effectively, your real estate SMS campaigns can deliver phenomenal ROI.
Examples of SMS Messages for Real Estate
So what should your real estate SMS messages actually say? While you’ll want to customize content based on the campaign goals, below are some example message templates to inspire your marketing:
Responding to a Buyer Lead
Thank you, [Buyer’s name], for your interest in 123 Main St, listed for $350K! Please visit [link] anytime to view photos, book a showing or make an offer. Text me at [phone number] with any questions! – [Your name]
This warm, personalized message thanks new prospects for their interest. It provides helpful next steps to move them further into the sales funnel.
Promoting an Open House
Hurry! 123 Pleasant View Ct OPEN HOUSE, Sun Mar 5th, 1-3 PM. Stunning 5BR/3BA ranch backing to woods. Listed at $425K. I’ll be on-site to tour in person but virtual tours at [link]. Text me to RSVP! [phone number]
SMS is perfect for driving attendance at your open houses. Include teasers of the most desirable home features and amenities to entice visits.
Price Drop Alerts
Good news, Claire! The owners just reduced the price for 456 Ocean View Lane. Now asking $1.15 million – lowered from $1.25 million. Oceanfront living could be yours! More at [link] or call [phone number] to tour.
Waiting buyers will appreciate personalized alerts when listings they previously viewed have price reductions. Strike while the iron is hot to re-engage them.
Home Buyer Seminar Invites
You’re invited! Join me for my First-Time Home Buyer seminar on Sat April 15th at 10 AM. I’ll cover financing, low downpayment programs, negotiating tips & more. Seating limited – RSVP [phone number]. Can’t wait to see you there!
Promotional text blasts are extremely versatile for promoting your real estate events, seminars, networking functions and more.
Crafting Effective Real Estate SMS Campaigns
To garner success with your real estate SMS initiatives, ensure you’re adhering to bulk text best practices.
Keep messages short and scannable – Given character limitations and tiny mobile screens, be brief and consolidate information.
Personalize content – Merge fields like first names drastically boost open rates because messages feel custom-tailored.
Include clear calls-to-action – Tell recipients what you want them to do – call, text back, visit a link, etc. Reduce friction surrounding next steps.
Provide value – Whether insider info or special incentives, share something enticing that compels responses.
Focus each text blast on one core topic – Don’t overwhelm people with too much info. Guide them through one desired action per message.
Follow up quickly – Capitalize on fresh buyer momentum by responding to inquiries ASAP. Slow responses result lost prospects.
Verify opted-in contacts – Always attain upfront permission before sending unsolicited texts. Comply with anti-spam regulations like the TCP Code in Australia.
Work with a reputable text message company – Platforms like SMSPapa offer fast delivery, excellent deliverability and helpful compliance features.
Accelerate Your Real Estate Business with SMS
In our technology-driven era, SMS messaging delivers an unrivalled channel for real estate professionals to engage buyers, generate leads, promote listings and build client centricity.
Take the first step by signing up with SMS Papa to establish your real estate SMS campaigns. Their team would be happy to guide you on best practices, content ideas and results tracking. Text messaging could become your next secret sales and marketing weapon!
