Why SMS is the most underrated seller follow-up tool
This article teaches how to use SMS effectively for seller outreach, including psychology, examples, sequences, and best practices.
Zach Fitch
Tennessee
, Goliath Teammate
Reaching out via SMS is one of the most effective ways to follow up with homeowners.
Unlike cold calls, texts are less intrusive, more casual, and often get higher response rates.
The goal of this approach is to check in without pressure, to remind the homeowner of your conversation or connection, and to see if selling has crossed their mind.
This article teaches how to use SMS effectively for seller outreach, including psychology, examples, sequences, and best practices.
Why SMS Works for Seller Outreach
High open rates: Over 90% of texts are read within minutes.
Low pressure: Sellers can respond when convenient.
Scalable: Easy to automate and personalize at volume.
Personal: A short, friendly message feels more genuine than a mailer.
But the key is tone: respectful, casual, and non-salesy.
The Psychology Behind SMS Check-Ins
Homeowners are often in “wait-and-see” mode. They may not be ready when you first contact them but start leaning toward selling weeks or months later. A gentle check-in:
Keeps you top of mind.
Shows consistency.
Signals that you respect their timeline.
SMS works because it mimics a friend checking in, not a salesperson chasing.
Core Principles of a Friendly Check-In SMS
Personalization: Use their name and property address.
Brevity: Keep it short, 2–3 sentences max.
Neutral tone: No hype, no urgency, no pressure.
Soft close: Give them an easy out (“no worries if not”).
Value-first mindset: Frame yourself as a resource, not a buyer chasing a deal.
Examples of Friendly Check-In SMS Scripts
Script 1: Simple Reminder
“Hi [First Name], just checking in to see if you’ve thought more about selling your property at [Address]. Totally fine if the timing isn’t right, I just wanted to follow up.”
Script 2: Helpful Tone
“Hey [First Name], hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check in and see if selling [Address] has crossed your mind lately. Even if you’re not ready, I’m here if you’d like to chat about options.”
Script 3: Light Touch
“Hi [First Name], hope all is good! I was just wondering if you’ve given more thought to selling your place at [Address]. No rush at all, just wanted to check in.”
Script 4: Market Angle
“Hey [First Name], just a quick check-in, some homes near [Address] have sold recently, which made me think of you. Have you thought more about selling? If not, no worries, I’ll stay in touch.”
When to Send Friendly Check-Ins
1 week after initial contact: Light reminder.
2–3 weeks later: Casual follow-up.
Monthly thereafter: Keep the relationship alive.
Consistency without pressure is the formula.
Building an SMS Follow-Up Sequence
Instead of a one-off message, create a sequence:
Day 7 (Reminder):
“Hi [Name], just checking in to see if selling [Address] is still something you’re considering. Happy to chat when the timing is right.”
Day 21 (Soft Nudge):
“Hey [Name], hope you’re doing well. Curious if you’ve thought any more about selling [Address]. If not, no problem, I’ll check back later.”
Day 45 (Market Insight):
“Hi [Name], wanted to let you know a few homes in your area have sold quickly recently. Just checking if you’ve had any more thoughts about [Address].”
Day 90 (Friendly Long-Term Touch):
“Hey [Name], it’s [Your Name]. Just reaching out to see how things are going with [Address]. I’d still be happy to chat if you’re ever considering selling.”
Best Practices for SMS Outreach
Always include opt-out: (“Text STOP to opt out”).
Stay compliant: Follow TCPA and local regulations.
Avoid spammy language: Don’t use ALL CAPS or too many exclamation points.
Personalize: Mention the property, not just “your house.”
Respect hours: Send during business hours (10am–7pm local time).
Case Study: SMS That Converted
An investor in Dallas used a 4-message follow-up sequence after cold calling tired landlords. On the first SMS, response rates were under 10%. But by the third check-in (“Some homes nearby have sold…”), responses doubled. Within 3 months, they closed 2 deals directly from follow-up texts, proving that gentle persistence works.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too aggressive: “Are you ready to sell NOW?”
Too long: Long texts get ignored.
Too frequent: Daily texts = spam.
Too generic: Messages that feel copy-pasted without personalization.
Checklist for SMS Check-Ins
Keep messages under 160 characters.
Use the seller’s name + property address.
Send 1–2 times per month max.
Rotate between reminder, helpful, and market-based angles.
End every message with a soft close.
Track responses and adjust frequency based on engagement.
Conclusion
The key to SMS check-ins is tone. Sellers don’t want to feel pressured, but they appreciate consistency.
By combining personalization, empathy, and a respectful cadence, you position yourself as the first person they call when they’re finally ready to sell.
If done right, a single SMS check-in could be the touchpoint that turns a cold lead into your next closed deal.
